Can I add a motorcycle to my car insurance?

Are you looking at purchasing a motorcycle? If so, it's important to know that, like auto insurance, motorcycle insurance is required throughout Canada. Now, if you already have an auto insurance policy, you might be wondering if you can simply add your bike to your existing policy. The short answer is yes, in many cases you can, but it depends on your insurance company.

Some insurance companies will let you add your motorcycle to your car insurance policy, which can not only make things easier, but you can also benefit from multi-policy discounts with auto and motorcycle insurance. However, not all insurance companies offer motorcycle coverage. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to buy a stand‑alone motorcycle policy instead. There are also insurers that specialize exclusively in motorcycle insurance, which can be a great option for riders who want more tailored coverage. Here’s what you need to know about motorcycle insurance and how to keep your costs down.

When can you add a motorcycle to your existing car insurance policy?

So, as we explained, in many cases, you can add a motorcycle to your existing car insurance coverage in Canada, but it depends on who you’re insured with. According to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FRSA) in Ontario, motorcycle insurance is considered a specialty product, and not every insurance company offers it. That means you can’t always add it onto your auto insurance policy, but if your provider does cover motorcycles, you may be able to bundle both under the same account.

By bundling your motorcycle with your car insurance, you could earn a multi-vehicle discount, helping you save on your insurance premiums. It also makes managing your policies a little easier, as it's only one monthly payment and one annual renewal date to keep track of.

What if I can't add it to my auto policy?

But if your current provider doesn’t offer motorcycle insurance, you can always shop around to find an insurance provider that offers coverage for both your vehicle and motorcycle.

You can also go with a stand-alone motorcycle policy through another company, such as one that specializes in motorcycle coverage. Just keep in mind that stand-alone policies are sometimes more expensive than bundled options.

So, before assuming you need a separate insurance policy for your motorcycle, check with your insurance company or broker. If they cover motorcycles, you'll still get the coverage you need to hit the road legally while also saving money on your bundled policies.

Understanding motorcycle insurance requirements in Canada

Mandatory motorcycle insurance coverage isn't just one standard policy for everyone. In fact, motorcycle insurance in Canada varies depending on which province or territory you live in and what types of coverage you want to have. Some types of coverage are required for all Canadians, while others are optional and can give you extra protection based on your needs. The following sections will address these coverages:

Mandatory coverage

Mandatory requirements vary depending on where you live in Canada, so you'll want to check what coverage is actually required by law. Nevertheless, it'll generally include some combination of the following:

• Third-party liability coverage
• Accident benefits coverage
• Uninsured automobile coverage
• Direct compensation-property damage coverage

Optional coverages

Just like car insurance, you’ve also got options when it comes to coverage. So popular add-ons include the following:

• Collision coverage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Loss of use coverage
• Accident forgiveness coverage (varies by province)
• Roadside assistance

Benefits of bundling vehicle insurance policies

Bundling insurance is just a fancy way of saying you’re getting multiple insurance policies, like car and motorcycle coverage, from the same company. It can make managing your policies easier and often saves you money. Bundling auto insurance policies can offer several advantages, such as:

Discounts

So, why should you bundle your car and motorcycle insurance? The biggest reason is the potential for discounts. If you’ve got more than one vehicle, multi-car insurance is a simple way to keep things organized and save money at the same time. It just means insuring all your vehicles, like a car and a motorcycle, under the same policy with one company. By doing so, you’ll usually qualify for a multi-car discount (as much as 20%), helping to lower your overall insurance premiums. The more policies you bundle, the more you can save on your premiums. It’s that simple.

Convenience

Plus, don't forget convenience. Instead of keeping track of multiple policies with different companies, you’ll have one insurer handling everything. Instead of juggling different insurers, you’ll have everything in one place, with one company handling your questions, claims, and payments. That makes it easier to manage payments and get quick answers when you have questions.

Unique coverage

With multi-vehicle insurance, you can keep all your vehicles (cars, motorcycles, RVs, or even boats) under one policy. That means a single renewal date, the same mandatory coverage, and less hassle when managing your insurance.

However, even though all your vehicles are insured under the same policy, each one can still have its own unique coverage. For example, you can choose to add comprehensive or collision coverage to one vehicle but skip it for another. This flexibility is a big plus, especially if you have vehicles with different values, like a new motorcycle but an older used car. Why pay extra for coverage on an older vehicle if you don’t need it?

Other ways to save money on motorcycle insurance

In addition to bundling your motorcycle insurance with car insurance for a multi-vehicle discount, we have some other tips and tricks to help you lower your motorcycle insurance costs:

Take a certified motorcycle training course

If you’re a new rider, taking a certified motorcycle training course is one of the best moves you can make. Not only will it boost your skills and confidence on the road, but it can also score you a discount of 10% to 20% on your insurance.

Consider the type of motorcycle carefully before you buy

When it comes to setting your motorcycle insurance rates, insurers look at the type of bike you ride. They generally group motorcycles into categories like standard, adventure/touring, cruiser, and sportbike. Sportbikes, built for speed and agility, tend to be the most expensive to insure.

Insure your bike all year long

Even though you only ride for part of the year, motorcycle insurance is often a full-year policy. Insurance companies know that motorcycle riding is seasonal, so they adjust your premiums based on the months you can actually ride ride for. While it might seem like a good idea to cancel it in the winter to try and save, we highly recommend you consider the risks of cancelling your motorcycle coverage while it's in storage.

How to get a motorcycle insurance policy in Canada

Buying motorcycle insurance might seem complicated, but when you break it down into simple steps, it’s actually pretty easy. From gathering your personal details to filling out the application, the process is more straightforward than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting motorcycle insurance in Canada:

1. Gather your personal information

Before you start shopping for motorcycle insurance, it’s a good idea to gather the documents and details your provider will ask for. Having everything ready can make the process much smoother and faster. Here’s what you’ll likely need to provide when applying for motorcycle insurance in Canada:

• Current policy number and renewal date (if you already have insurance)
• Years of prior insurance
• Vehicle details (year, make, and model of your motorcycle)
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Driver’s licence number
• Current coverages and deductibles
• Estimated annual mileage
• Details on any traffic tickets or suspensions in the last three years
• Accident history from the last ten years (including dates and types of accidents)

2. Consider your insurance needs

Once you’ve gathered all of your documents, it’s time to think about what kind of coverage you actually need. If you're buying motorcycle insurance for the first time or aren’t happy with your current policy, now’s the perfect time to explore your options.

Start by making sure you meet your province’s minimum coverage requirements. Liability limits vary. For instance, most provinces require at least $200,000, while Quebec requires $50,000 and Nova Scotia requires $500,000. But many riders choose higher limits for extra protection, so it’s worth considering what works best for you.

Beyond the basics, think about whether optional coverages, like collision or comprehensive insurance, might be a good fit. If you’re unsure, contact a BrokerLink insurance advisor to help you figure out what coverage makes the most sense for your needs.

3. Shop for motorcycle insurance with a trusted insurance broker

The next step in getting motorcycle insurance is reaching out to a trusted broker. A brokerage like BrokerLink makes the process simple by doing the heavy lifting for you. Whether you’re still deciding on the right coverage or you’re ready to start comparing quotes, consider working with a broker.

With an insurance expert by your side, you’ll get personalized advice and guidance every step of the way. Plus, if you're thinking about bundling your car and motorcycle insurance policies, our team has the experience and know-how to help you figure out whether a bundled policy or separate coverage is the better fit for you. We’ll walk you through your options so you can make the best choice for your needs and budget!

4. Compare insurance quotes

Now it’s time to compare your motorcycle insurance options and choose the policy that works best for you. Whether you shopped around on your own or worked with a broker, this is the moment to weigh your choices and make sure you’re getting the right coverage at the best price.

If you partner with BrokerLink, your dedicated advisor will present you with a selection of policies tailored to your needs. Since we know where to find the best deals, you can feel confident that you're getting top-notch coverage at a competitive rate, without the hassle of searching on your own.

5. Apply for motorcycle insurance

Once you’ve chosen the policy that fits your needs, it’s time to apply. These days, you can submit your motorcycle insurance application online in as little as ten minutes. If you’ve already gathered all your documents and followed the steps above, the process should be easy. Just fill out the form, hit submit, and you’ll be ready to hit the road with the right coverage in place.

Get affordable motorcycle insurance with BrokerLink

Need motorcycle insurance? BrokerLink has you covered! With years of experience and access to top insurance providers across Canada, we can help you find the right coverage while also saving you money when you bundle your car and motorcycle insurance.

Getting started is easy. You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. We’re here to answer your questions, clear up any motorcycle insurance myths, and walk you through your options. And if you want a quick motorcycle insurance quote, we encourage you to use our free online tool for a free competitive motorcycle insurance quote in just minutes!

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