Motorcycle riding is often a seasonal activity, especially in regions with distinct winters or rainy seasons. If you only ride your bike part of the year, you might wonder how that impacts your insurance premiums—and whether you can save money by adjusting your coverage accordingly.
In this article, we’ll explore how seasonal riding affects motorcycle insurance costs, what options you have for seasonal policies, and tips for managing your insurance smartly throughout the year.
What Is Seasonal Riding?
Seasonal riding means using your motorcycle primarily during specific months of the year, typically spring through fall, and storing it away during the off-season (often winter). This is common in colder climates where snow and ice make riding dangerous or impossible.
How Seasonal Riding Impacts Your Insurance Premiums
1. Lower Mileage Can Reduce Premiums
If you ride only a few months a year, your total annual mileage is usually lower. Insurance companies often offer discounts for low-mileage riders, as less time on the road means lower risk of accidents.
2. Seasonal or “Storage” Policies
Some insurers offer seasonal or laid-up policies that provide limited coverage during the off-season. For example:
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Full coverage during riding season: Collision, comprehensive, liability, and other protections.
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Reduced or suspended coverage during off-season: Liability-only or comprehensive-only coverage to protect against theft or damage while in storage.
This approach can help you save money by not paying for full coverage when your bike isn’t being ridden.
3. Risk During Storage
Even when your motorcycle is not on the road, it’s exposed to risks like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather damage. Comprehensive coverage during storage periods protects against these perils and is usually less expensive than full coverage.
4. Adjusting Your Coverage
By tailoring your insurance policy to match your seasonal riding habits, you can potentially lower your premiums. For example:
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Increase coverage during peak riding months.
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Switch to minimal coverage or suspend coverage when stored.
Things to Consider Before Adjusting Your Policy
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State Laws: Some states require you to maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance year-round, even if your bike is not being ridden.
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Loan or Lease Requirements: If your motorcycle is financed or leased, the lender may require continuous full coverage.
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Proper Storage: Insurers may require proof that your bike is stored securely when coverage is reduced or suspended.
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Policy Terms: Confirm that your insurer allows seasonal adjustments without penalties or gaps in coverage.
Tips for Seasonal Riders to Save on Insurance
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Ask About Seasonal Policies: Check if your insurer offers seasonal or laid-up policies designed for part-year riders.
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Bundle Insurance: Combine motorcycle insurance with your auto or home policies to qualify for discounts.
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Take a Safety Course: Completing an approved rider safety course may lower your rates.
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Maintain a Clean Riding Record: Safe riding during the season helps keep premiums down year-round.
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Compare Quotes: Shop around to find an insurer that offers flexible options for seasonal riders.
If you only ride your motorcycle seasonally, your insurance premiums don’t have to be a year-round burden. By understanding how seasonal riding impacts your coverage and working with your insurer to adjust your policy accordingly, you can protect your bike while keeping costs manageable.