For many motorcycle enthusiasts, the passion goes beyond simply owning a bike—it’s about customizing it to reflect personality, improve performance, or enhance comfort. Whether you’ve added chrome accessories, upgraded your exhaust system, installed custom handlebars, or tricked out your ride with high-end electronics, those modifications carry value—and risk.
Unfortunately, standard motorcycle insurance often doesn’t provide adequate protection for custom parts and equipment (CPE). That’s where custom parts and equipment coverage comes into play.
This article breaks down what CPE coverage is, what it includes, and why it’s essential for any rider who’s invested in personalizing their motorcycle.
What Is Custom Parts & Equipment Coverage?
Custom Parts & Equipment Coverage (CPE) is an add-on or endorsement to a standard motorcycle insurance policy. It provides protection for aftermarket or custom upgrades made to your motorcycle that are not part of the original factory design.
Most standard motorcycle policies offer limited coverage for custom parts, often capping out around $1,000 to $3,000—if they include any protection at all. CPE coverage allows you to increase that limit to match the value of your modifications.
What Counts as a Custom Part or Equipment?
Custom parts and equipment generally include any non-factory components that have been added or modified. This includes, but is not limited to:
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Custom paint jobs and decals
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Chrome accessories
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Aftermarket exhaust systems
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Saddlebags or luggage racks
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Upgraded lighting (LEDs, fog lights)
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Custom seats or handlebars
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Audio systems or GPS units
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Windscreens and fairings
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Performance-enhancing parts
If the part didn’t come with your bike when it was first manufactured—or it was an optional upgrade added later—it likely qualifies as custom equipment.
Why Standard Motorcycle Insurance Isn’t Enough
Standard motorcycle insurance focuses on the value of the motorcycle as manufactured. If your bike is damaged or totaled and you don’t have additional coverage, the payout will likely not include the value of your upgrades.
This can leave you underinsured and out of pocket for hundreds or thousands of dollars in customizations.
Example:
You’ve spent $4,000 upgrading your bike with a custom exhaust, chrome accents, and aftermarket fairings. Your standard policy includes $1,000 in accessory coverage. If your bike is stolen or totaled, you’re potentially losing $3,000 in uncovered upgrades—unless you have CPE coverage.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
The amount of custom parts and equipment coverage you need depends on the value of your modifications. Most insurance companies allow you to purchase additional coverage in increments—typically up to $30,000 or more for highly customized bikes.
Here’s how to estimate what you need:
- Create an itemized list of all aftermarket parts and upgrades.
- Include installation costs where applicable.
- Keep receipts, photos, and documentation to validate their value.
- Speak with your insurance provider to match your coverage to your investment.
Cost of Custom Parts & Equipment Coverage
CPE coverage is generally affordable, especially compared to the cost of replacing your upgrades out of pocket. The premium varies based on:
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The total value of your custom parts
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Your riding history and claims record
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Where and how the bike is stored
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Type of motorcycle
On average, adding $3,000–$5,000 of CPE coverage may cost as little as $30 to $75 annually, depending on your insurer.
What’s Typically Excluded?
While CPE coverage is broad, there are some common exclusions:
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Wear and tear or mechanical breakdown
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Items not permanently attached to the bike
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Racing modifications or use in competition
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Non-approved aftermarket parts
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Unauthorized repairs or modifications
Always read your policy carefully and consult with your insurer to understand exactly what’s covered.
Tips for Protecting Your Custom Bike Investment
- Document everything: Take photos before and after each modification and save all receipts.
- Store your bike securely: Keep it in a locked garage or secured area when not in use.
- Consider a higher deductible: If you’re concerned about premiums, adjusting your deductible may help.
- Bundle with other coverage: Some insurers offer discounts when you combine CPE with full coverage, roadside assistance, or multi-bike policies.
- Review your policy annually: If you’ve added new equipment or removed upgrades, update your coverage to match.
For motorcycle enthusiasts, customizations aren’t just cosmetic—they’re part of the experience. But every upgrade adds value that needs to be protected. Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage ensures that your investment is covered in case of theft, damage, or total loss.
If you’ve put time, money, and passion into making your bike your own, don’t rely on standard insurance alone. Talk to your provider about adding or increasing your CPE coverage so you can ride with confidence—knowing that your one-of-a-kind machine is fully protected.