Motorcycle Insurance in Edmonton

Mandatory motorcycle insurance coverage in Edmonton

If you ride a motorcycle in Edmonton, then you need to purchase motorcycle insurance. This is the case no matter what type of motorcycle you ride or where you ride it. It is the law in Alberta. Specifically, Edmonton riders must have policies that meet the province’s minimum coverage requirements. We outline the four types of compulsory motorcycle insurance coverage in Alberta below:

Third party liability coverage

Liability insurance is an integral part of any motorcycle insurance policy in Alberta. It protects riders against any legal claims that may be filed against them as the result of an at-fault accident. For example, if you aren’t paying attention and accidentally rear-end someone, it could lead to a legal claim. With third party liability insurance, your insurance company would help pay for any legal fees, along with any medical expenses incurred if the person you rear-ended suffered an injury or repair bills if you damaged their vehicle in the accident. Please note that all Edmonton motorcycle riders are required to carry no less than $200,000 in liability coverage.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage covers riders if they get into an accident that results in bodily harm or injury, and medical attention is required. For example, if you suffered a concussion in a motorcycle accident, it is the accident benefits portion of your motorcycle insurance policy that would pay for any medical expenses your health insurance did not cover. This could include rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription drugs, and more. Another advantage of accident benefits coverage is that it can compensate the policyholder for medical expenses for others involved in the accident, like the other driver or a passenger.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage is another type of mandatory motorcycle insurance coverage. This type of coverage will compensate you for the cost of repairing your motorcycle if it suffers damage after being involved in an accident. Direct compensation can only be claimed if you were not at fault for the collision.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage safeguards Edmonton motorists against the reality of hit and runs, as well as collisions with other motorists who do not have insurance. With this type of mandatory auto insurance coverage, your insurer will cover the costs if you get into a collision with someone who is uninsured, underinsured with insufficient insurance to cover the cost of the accident, or unidentified in the case of a hit and run.

Optional motorcycle insurance coverage in Edmonton

Now that you know a little bit more about mandatory motorcycle insurance coverage in Edmonton, let’s take a look at optional motorcycle insurance. While not required by law like the four coverages above, the following types of optional coverage are strongly recommended for many riders. Learn more about how each type can protect you by reading the descriptions below:

Collision coverage

Collision coverage will help pay for you to repair your motorcycle if you get into an accident with another vehicle or object on the road. The good thing about collision coverage is that, unlike direct compensation - property damage coverage, it can be claimed regardless of whether you were liable for the accident or not. It is important to note that if you lease or finance your motorcycle, you may be obligated to purchase collision coverage per your lease or financing agreement.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your motorcycle from damage while it is parked. That is why comprehensive coverage is also referred to as parked car insurance. While most other types of motorcycle insurance out there deal with the aftermath of collisions, comprehensive coverage deals with damage and losses that may occur to your motorcycle while it is parked. With this type of optional coverage, you will be protected against the risks that you specifically choose to include in your motorcycle insurance policy. Some of the most popular perils that policyholders choose to include are fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and water damage. Some comprehensive policies may also protect against damage caused by hitting an animal on the road. Like collision coverage, you may be under an obligation to purchase comprehensive coverage if your motorcycle is leased or financed.

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. Note: coverage and eligibility varies by province.

Loss of use coverage

Loss of use coverage is a worthwhile option for many riders, especially if you don’t have a second vehicle. With loss of use coverage, you can be reimbursed for the cost of alternate modes of transportation if your motorcycle is ever temporarily out of use, such as if it is damaged and has to go into the repair shop. In the event that your motorcycle was out of commission, loss of use coverage would reimburse you for the transportation costs incurred during this period, such as public transit fees, ride shares, or the cost of a rental car.

Motorcycle insurance costs in Edmonton, Alberta

Are you curious about how much motorcycle insurance costs in Edmonton? You’re in the right place. The reality is that no two policyholders will pay the same amount for motorcycle insurance in Edmonton. This is due to the fact that insurance companies use a variety of factors to evaluate your individual risk level and then assign a premium based on that. The following is a list of factors that most insurers will consider when determining your motorcycle insurance rates in Edmonton, though it’s worth noting that the weight given to each factor may vary between companies:

• Where you live (and where you regularly commute)

• Age

• Type, model, make, and year of the motorcycle

• Past claims

• Average mileage

• Driving experience

• Driving record

• Insurance history

• Deductible amount

• Regulatory bodies

• How you use your motorcycle

• Gender

Please note that while BrokerLink can help Edmonton customers better understand how motorcycle insurance rates are calculated and even provide them with free quotes, we do not bind coverage. In other words, it is insurance companies, not insurance brokers, that set rates. However, a BrokerLink insurance advisor can help you with a variety of other tasks, like renewing car insurance and motorcycle insurance, providing you with a free motorcycle insurance quote, adding drivers to your policy, and more.

How to save money on Edmonton motorcycle insurance

If you’re on a tight budget, be sure to read through the following tips for saving money on Edmonton motorcycle insurance. BrokerLink’s team of motorcycle insurance specialists has put together this list just for you. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of how you can reduce your motorcycle insurance premium and keep rates low:

Seek help from a licensed motorcycle insurance specialist at BrokerLink

The first strategy we recommend if you want to save money on Edmonton motorcycle insurance is to enlist the help of a licenced motorcycle insurance specialist at BrokerLink. Any of our motorcycle insurance brokers would be pleased to discuss your options and find a policy that meets your needs and budget. The BrokerLink team has experience working with customers with a broad range of budgets, so even if yours is on the lower end, we can help. We will outline the motorcycle insurance discounts that may be available to you and give you tips on other ways that you can save, both in the long and short term.

Enrol in a motorcycle safety course in Edmonton

Before riding your motorcycle, we strongly suggest signing up for a motorcycle safety course near you. These courses are designed to educate riders on the best defensive and safe riding techniques that will reduce their odds of getting into an accident. Beyond the valuable skills you will learn, by completing a motorcycle safety course, you may also become eligible for a discount on your Edmonton motorcycle insurance policy.

Equip your motorcycle with a telematics device

Equipping your motorcycle with a telematics device or downloading a telematics application onto your phone can also make you eligible for a motorcycle insurance discount. These devices and apps monitor riding behaviour. The safer and more responsible your skills, the lower your premium will be. The less hard braking and fast accelerating that you do, the better your rates can be. Ask a BrokerLink insurance advisor about how telematics discounts work and which insurers offer them. You should also read through these safe driving tips to get the most out of your telematics motorcycle insurance discount.

Consider taking public transit to reduce how much time you spend on the road

The less you ride, the more money you can save on insurance. Insurance companies reward motorcycle riders who drive less frequently because in doing so, they minimize the likelihood of getting into an accident. So if you can reduce how much time you spend on the road by taking public transit, walking, cycling, or carpooling more, you might qualify for an insurance discount. In fact, if your usage is extremely low, you might even be labelled as an occasional driver, and occasional drivers pay some of the lowest rates available.

Bundle insurance policies

Did you know that by bundling your motorcycle insurance policy with another insurance product, you could save money? This is through a process known as bundling. Bundling insurance policies allows customers to purchase two or more policies at a discounted rate. The good news is that you usually do not have to purchase two of the same type of policy to qualify. While you could opt to purchase multiple auto insurance policies, you could also choose to buy one motorcycle insurance policy and one home insurance policy, or one motorcycle insurance policy and one car insurance policy. A BrokerLink insurance advisor can give more information on the conditions that must be met to qualify and the amount you might save through bundling.

Maintain a clean record

A clean record is key when it comes to lower motorcycle insurance premiums. Thus, riding safely is important, not just for your well-being but also for your wallet. If you can maintain a clean record that features little to no traffic tickets, accidents, or other driving infractions, you will likely benefit from cheaper rates. Read through BrokerLink’s motorcycle riding safety guide for tips on how to ride safely.

Buy a motorcycle with a high safety rating

Buying a motorcycle with a high safety rating is one final tip if you’re looking to save money on motorcycle insurance in Edmonton. Whether we’re discussing motorcycle insurance or car insurance, safety pays. In other words, if your vehicle is considered safe and reliable, you are likely to pay less for insurance than if it has a low safety rating or a high speed capability. Get a quote from your local broker before you purchase your vehicle to avoid unexpected premium surprises in the future.

Motorcycle riding safety tips

Knowing how to ride your motorcycle responsibly is important for many reasons. Not only can doing so keep yourself and other motorists safe but it can also lead to lower insurance rates. Keep reading for a list of motorcycle riding safety tips:

Sign up for a safety course

Learning how to ride a motorcycle, especially if you’re a new rider, can be a daunting experience. Make it easier on yourself and adopt good riding habits from the start by signing up for a motorcycle safety course. Motorcycle safety courses can teach riders the rules of the road for motorcycles, which are unique from that for cars, and show you how to handle various difficult riding conditions and situations.

Always check the weather forecast before riding

Inclement weather makes driving more dangerous for any kind of motor vehicle, but especially so for motorcycles due to your increased exposure to the elements. Thus, before heading out for the day, make sure to check the weather forecast. Rain, snow, or ice can lead to less traction on the road and reduced visibility, increasing your odds of getting into an accident. If the weather is especially adverse, consider staying in for the day or taking an alternative mode of transportation.

Wear the correct gear

Wearing the right gear when riding your motorcycle can make a big difference when it comes to safety. In fact, certain types of gear, such as a helmet, can even save your life. Gear that motorcycle riders in Canada commonly wear include goggles, helmets, non-slip gloves, over the ankle boots, and leather jackets and pants to avoid road rash.

Inspect your motorcycle before riding

Inspecting your motorcycle before you leave home can also ensure a safe ride as it minimizes the odds that something will go wrong or break down while on the road. Parts of your motorcycle that are worth checking include the brakes, gas level, tire pressure, mirrors, taillights, headlights, oil levels, and turn signals.

Obey the speed limit at all times

Anytime you’re riding, it is important to obey the posted speed limit at all times. If you are driving in adverse weather conditions, like rain, fog, or snow, we recommend driving a little bit below the limit.

Make yourself as visible as possible

Motorcycles are much smaller than cars, which means it is vital that you make yourself as visible as possible while on the road. To remain visible, avoid riding in other drivers’ blind spots, wear bright clothing, always signal when tuning or use hand signals when necessary, and consider riding with your headlights on at all times.

Maintain a safe distance from the vehicles around you

Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles on the road is crucial while riding, especially for motorcycles which may be more vulnerable to accidents. Try to leave at least two car lengths worth of distance in front of you at all times. This will give you enough space to stop if you need to do so suddenly.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink is honoured to be part of the Edmonton community and to provide our local customers with top-notch motorcycle insurance solutions. Learn more about the ways that we support and uplift the local community, as well as the variety of insurance services that are available in Edmonton by contacting BrokerLink today.

Contact us

At Edmonton 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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