Motorcycle Insurance in Calgary

Is motorcycle insurance compulsory in Alberta?

Yes. As with Calgary car insurance, motorcycle insurance is also mandatory if you wish to drive a motorcycle anywhere in Alberta. Specifically, there are four types of mandatory motorcycle insurance coverage in the province: third party liability coverage, accident benefits coverage, direct compensation - property damage coverage, and uninsured automobile coverage. We explain each coverage type in detail below:

Third party liability coverage

Liability insurance is the first type of mandatory coverage in Alberta, which means all motorcycle riders must have it in their policies. Specifically, you must have no less than $200,000 worth of third party liability insurance as part of your policy. This type of coverage will protect you if you get into an at-fault accident while driving your motorcycle. If such an incident occurs, liability insurance can help cover the cost of legal fees, like settlement and defense fees, as well as any applicable medical and repair fees.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is designed to protect motorcycle riders against the cost of medical attention if they get into a collision that causes bodily harm to themselves or another. For example, if you got into an accident and hurt your leg, the accident benefits portion of your policy could help pay for any medical expenses not covered by your health insurance policy, like prescription medication or physical therapy. Similarly, accident benefits would also help pay for the cost of medical attention if someone else involved in the collision was injured, like a pedestrian or the other driver.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage will help cover the cost of repairing your motorcycle if it is damaged in an accident. You can claim this type of coverage so long as you were not at fault for the accident.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage is the final type of mandatory motorcycle coverage in Calgary. It can protect any rider that gets into an accident with a driver who does not have car insurance or does not have sufficient car insurance to cover the cost of the collision. It can also protect riders against hit and runs.

What other coverage can I add to my motorcycle insurance policy in Calgary?

While not mandatory like the four coverages listed above, the following four types of coverage are optional and can be added to your Calgary motorcycle insurance policy. Read on to learn more about how each type of optional motorcycle insurance coverage can protect you:

Collision coverage

If you get into an accident with another car, motorcycle, or grounded object on the road, collision coverage can help cover the cost of repairing your vehicle. This type of coverage comes into play whether you were responsible for the accident or not. Although it is usually optional, it might be mandatory if your Calgary motorcycle is leased or financed.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects riders and their motorcycles while they are parked. Also referred to as parked car coverage, comprehensive coverage can help pay for the cost of non-collision-related damages or losses. For example, if your motorcycle is stolen or a tree branch falls on it, it is the comprehensive coverage portion of your policy that would kick in and reimburse you for the cost of replacing or repairing your motorcycle. Please note that for your comprehensive coverage claim to be approved, the damage must have been caused by a named peril in your policy. Named perils may include but are not limited to theft, fire, vandalism, water damage, windstorms, falling objects, and collisions with animals.

Accident forgiveness coverage

Accident forgiveness coverage is another type of motorcycle insurance that many riders choose to include in their policies. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your motorcycle insurance policy as an endorsement, to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. While your policy premiums may not increase due to the accident, it does not mean that they will not increase due to other factors such as rate changes in your area. Note: coverage and eligibility varies by province.

Loss of use coverage

Loss of use coverage will come in handy if your motorcycle is ever damaged in an accident and needs to be repaired. While it is being repaired, loss of use coverage will pay for any alternative modes of transportation you are forced to take. For example, if your motorcycle is going to be in the shop for a week, your loss of use coverage may cover you for a week’s worth of public transit, ride shares, or even the cost of hiring a rental car.

Factors that influence motorcycle insurance rates in Calgary

Motorcycle insurance in Calgary costs different amounts per policyholder. Why? Due to the multitude of factors that insurance companies assess when calculating premiums. From your age and gender to the type of motorcycle you ride and whether or not you have completed a motorcycle safety course, there are all kinds of details that matter when it comes to motorcycle insurance premiums in Calgary. Learn more about how each factor can influence your rates below:

Record

Your driving record is one of the biggest factors in determining your motorcycle insurance premium in Calgary. Riders with good records - meaning those with minimal infractions, tickets, and accidents - are far more likely to benefit from lower rates than those with poor driving records. So if you want to keep insurance costs down in Calgary, always ride your motorcycle responsibly.

Years of experience

How old you are also has the ability to impact your motorcycle insurance premium. Younger drivers have less years of driving experience, which means that they may not be as experienced in adverse weather or road conditions. Comparatively, older riders with more experience under their belts typically enjoy cheaper rates.

Gender

Gender may impact how much you pay for Calgary motorcycle insurance. This is because some studies show that male motorists are more likely to get into accidents than female motorists, and as such, men typically pay more for auto insurance than women.

The make and model of the motorcycle you ride

The type of motorcycle you ride is another factor that insurance companies will consider. With so many types of motorcycles out there, from cruisers and touring motorcycles to mopeds and scooters, it’s no surprise that the specific model of motorcycle you ride has the ability to impact your premium. Generally speaking, the more expensive your motorcycle and the faster it goes, the higher your insurance rates will be. Meanwhile, if you choose a more economical motorcycle or one with a high safety rating, you could save money on motorcycle insurance.

Whether or not you took a motorcycle safety course

Enrolling in a motorcycle safety course can affect how much motorcycle insurance costs you in Calgary, as doing so can bring down your risk level. The lower risk you are deemed by the insurance company, the more affordable your rates are likely to be. The principle behind this is similar to driver’s education discounts. By completing a driver’s ed course, you can save money on car insurance since insurance companies believe that these courses equip drivers with skills that reduce their odds of getting into accidents.

Where you ride and park your motorcycle

Your location matters when it comes to motorcycle insurance. Where you live and work directly translates to risk, because it is in these areas that you are most likely to frequently be riding. An insurance company will consider the traffic and crime rate of your neighbourhood. They will also look into weather or climate-related incidents and how likely they are to occur. The higher the odds that you will get into an accident, have your motorcycle stolen or vandalized, or have it damaged by adverse weather conditions, the more expensive your premium will be. Further, where you park your motorcycle matters too. Riders who park their motorcycles in covered garages may benefit from cheaper rates than those who park their motorcycles on the road or in an uncovered driveway. Given the importance of location in insurance, it is crucial that you notify your insurance provider anytime there is a change in address, even if you are moving within the same city or province. Failure to notify your provider could result in a cancelled policy or rejected insurance claim.

Please note that while insurance brokers can provide all sorts of insight into how Calgary motorcycle insurance premiums are calculated, they do not determine premiums. This means that it is insurance companies that determine rates, not insurance brokers. That said, brokers can still provide free and accurate motorcycle insurance quotes, shop around for coverage on your behalf, and offer all sorts of tips for saving money on insurance. To take advantage of BrokerLink’s free motorcycle insurance quotes, get in touch today.

How to find cheap motorcycle insurance in Calgary

Are you looking for affordable motorcycle insurance in Calgary? BrokerLink can help you find a policy on any budget. We do this by shopping around and comparing policies on your behalf to ensure you get the most competitive price, but also by letting you in on some of the best-kept money-saving secrets in the insurance industry. Keep reading for a list of tips that can help you find cheap motorcycle insurance in Calgary:

Work with a licensed insurance broker at BrokerLink

To find a quality motorcycle insurance policy at the lowest price in Calgary, your best bet is to enlist the help of a licensed insurance broker, like those at BrokerLink. BrokerLink has a whole team of motorcycle insurance specialists who can provide a wide range of services, including explaining how motorcycle insurance coverage works, shopping around to find you a great policy, and recommending the best plans for your needs. Of course, as insurance experts, your BrokerLink insurance advisor can also find motorcycle insurance discounts for you and advise you on the ways that you can save money on your coverage.

Sign up for a motorcycle safety course in Alberta

Similar to how signing up for a driver’s education program will result in a car insurance discount, signing up for a motorcycle safety course can result in a motorcycle insurance discount. By proving that you graduated from such a program, you are showing that you are a safe and responsible rider, and as such, your insurer might give you a discount on your policy.

Take advantage of telematics discounts on motorcycle insurance

If you are a safe rider and demonstrate the habits to back it up, installing a telematics device or downloading a similar application onto your smartphone can be an effective way of saving money on motorcycle insurance. With these types of devices or mobile applications, your motorcycle riding habits will be tracked every time you ride. The better your driving, the less money you will pay for your Calgary motorcycle insurance policy. Check out these safe driving tips before enrolling in a telematics program with your insurance provider.

Take alternative modes of transportation to minimize how much time you spend on the road

Riding less can result in cheaper rates because your odds of getting into an accident go down significantly the less time you spend on the road. If you already spend a below-average amount of time on the road, then you may qualify for cheaper rates as is. However, if you're looking for ways to reduce how much time you ride, consider taking public transit, like a local bus or subway, asking a friend or neighbour about carpooling, cycling, or walking when possible. If you think you might qualify as an occasional driver, be sure to tell your insurance provider. And if your riding habits change, such as if you used to commute to the office every day but now work from home, be sure to inform your insurer and you could see a drop in your premium.

Bundle insurance policies

Bundle your motorcycle insurance policy with another auto insurance policy or another type of insurance entirely and you could save a lot of money on insurance. Bundling insurance policies usually results in a significant insurance discount. Plus, you might be able to receive this discount, whether you want to purchase two motorcycle insurance policies, one motorcycle and one car insurance policy, or even one motorcycle and one home insurance policy. Reach out to a BrokerLink insurance advisor to learn more about the benefits of insurance bundling and which Calgary insurance brokers offer the best bundles

Maintain a good driving record

Riding safely is the key to a low motorcycle insurance premium. The cleaner your record, the less risky you will be to insure, and the cheaper your rates will be. Check out this motorcycle riding safety guide to learn more about the best motorcycle riding tips to keep yourself and others safe.

Purchase a motorcycle with a high safety rating

Just like with car insurance, the type of motorcycle you ride influences how much you pay for insurance. If your motorcycle is known for safety and reliability, the odds are high that you will pay less for insurance than if you ride a motorcycle with a low safety rating. Generally speaking with motorcycle insurance, the higher the speed capabilities of your motorcycle, the more expensive insurance will cost. Keep this in mind before purchasing your next motorcycle, especially if you want to keep insurance rates low.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink strives to give back to every community we operate in, and that includes Calgary. You will find us getting involved in local charitable endeavours and getting to know our customers whenever we get the chance. Give us a call and speak with a BrokerLink insurance advisor directly to learn more about our insurance services and community efforts.

Contact us

At Calgary BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, or pets, let us help you find the best coverage possible.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person by visiting any of our locations across Alberta. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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Motorcycle insurance Calgary FAQs

What types of motorcycles need motorcycle insurance in Calgary?

If you drive a motor vehicle of any kind in Calgary, you need to purchase auto insurance. When it comes to motorcycle insurance specifically, a policy must be purchased, whether you drive a cruiser , touring, sports, or restricted speed motorcycle, including mopeds and motorized scooters.

What can cause motorcycle insurance rates to go up in Calgary?

A bad driving record is one of the main reasons that motorcycle insurance premiums increase. If you get into an at-fault accident or rack up multiple traffic tickets, your motorcycle insurance rates are likely to increase. Insurance rates will also increase if you purchase lots of optional coverages, choose high coverage limits, and select low deductibles.

Where can I get a free motorcycle insurance quote?

You can get a free motorcycle insurance quote by contacting your local insurance agent or broker. To obtain a free quote, be prepared to provide information about yourself, the type of motorcycle you ride, your driving record, your personal claims history, and the types of coverage you are looking for. The more information you give, the more accurate your motorcycle insurance quote will be.

Do I need a valid driver’s licence to buy Calgary motorcycle insurance?

Yes, you will not be able to purchase motorcycle insurance in Calgary if you cannot show proof of a valid Alberta driver’s licence. Thus, make sure to obtain your licence before contacting your local insurance agent or broker about insurance coverage.

How do I renew my Calgary motorcycle insurance policy?

Renewing motorcycle insurance is a lot like renewing car insurance. It can be done quickly and easily online, over the phone, or in person at your local insurance broker’s office. Some motorcycle insurance policies even renew automatically, which means you don’t have to worry about manually renewing your coverage before it expires.