Motorcycle Insurance in Nova Scotia

Mandatory motorcycle protection in Nova Scotia

Motorcycle insurance is a legal requirement in Nova Scotia. Specifically, all riders must have policies that contain the following four coverages:

Third party liability coverage

Liability insurance is for when you get into an at-fault accident. In other words, if you cause a collision, liability coverage can help pay for the damages. In some provinces, like Ontario and Alberta, riders must hold a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability coverage. But in Nova Scotia, it’s even higher at $500,000. This shows how important liability coverage is. For those who don't know, it can pay for everything from legal fees and medical expenses to vehicle repair bills following an at-fault accident.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is also mandatory for motorcycle riders in Nova Scotia. This type of coverage is for when someone is injured following an accident. For example, if you suffer a concussion in a motorcycle accident, the accident benefits section of your policy can issue a payout that covers the cost of medical care. This mandatory coverage type may also pay for lost income if you or someone else involved in the accident is temporarily unable to work due to their injury, as well as funeral expenses if someone died in the accident.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Through the direct compensation - property damage coverage of your policy, you can receive a payout from your insurance provider to cover the cost of car repairs. Please note that direct compensation coverage only applies if you did not cause the accident.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage, also known as uninsured motorist coverage, is intended to safeguard policyholders who get into accidents with drivers who do not have insurance or who do not have enough insurance. It also offers financial security against hit and runs, as you can receive compensation for damage incurred due to a hit and run accident.

Extra motorcycle insurance for Nova Scotia customers

Not satisfied with the coverage above? Add extra protection to your policy for peace of mind. Collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, accident forgiveness coverage, and loss of use coverage are a few of the most popular types of optional motorcycle insurance coverage, so we’ve outlined them below:

Collision coverage

Collision coverage is for when you get into a major accident that results in extensive damage to your motorcycle. This accident may have been with an animal, another vehicle on the road, or an object. No matter, your insurance company can pay for the cost of repairing your motorcycle.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage offers peace of mind to motorcycle riders who want to know that their bike is protected while parked. With comprehensive coverage added to your Nova Scotia motorcycle insurance policy, you can receive a payout from your insurance company if your motorcycle is lost or damaged while parked. For instance, if it is stolen from the street in front of your home or a tree branch falls on it, your insurance company can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing it. In essence, so long as the cause of the damage is a peril that is listed in your policy, you will be covered for it. Common insured perils include fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, wind, and water damage.

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.

Factors that affect how much you pay for motorcycle insurance in Nova Scotia

Motorcycle insurance rates in Nova Scotia are not the same for everyone. In fact, they can be vastly different. Why is this the case? It’s because insurance companies consider so many factors when calculating a policyholder’s premium - factors like their record, gender, the make and model of their motorcycle, and more. We break down a few of these factors and why they matter below:

Driving record

Your driving record is perhaps the main factor that will influence how much you pay for motorcycle insurance in Nova Scotia. This is where maintaining a clean record comes in handy. Drivers with records that do not have very few, if any, speeding tickets, collisions, or other traffic violations, usually benefit from cheaper motorcycle insurance premiums. Conversely, if your record is full of infractions, it’s far more likely that you will pay more money for insurance.

Years of experience

The number of years of experience you have riding a motorcycle is a second factor that will affect your premium. Age is sometimes a factor in determining your rates, as the younger you are, the less experience you’re likely to have, and the more money you will pay for insurance. This is because your lack of experience puts you at a higher risk of getting into an accident. Comparatively, older riders with years of experience under their belts are likely to benefit from less expensive premiums.

Gender

Gender is a third factor that might have the ability to influence how much you pay for motorcycle insurance coverage in Nova Scotia. This is due to the fact that some studies show that male motorists are more likely to get into collisions than female motorists. Given this data, male policyholders usually have higher rates than female policyholders.

The make and model of the motorcycle you ride

Just as the type of car you drive can affect your insurance rates, so too can the type of motorcycle you ride. With so many varieties of motorcycles out there, it makes sense that this factor would matter. Beyond the different types, like cruisers and touring motorcycles, each motorcycle has its own unique speed capabilities and safety features. Generally speaking, the faster the motorcycle can go, the more experience your insurance rates will be. Oppositely, motorcycles with lesser speed capabilities and more safety features will result in cheaper premiums.

Whether or not you enrolled in a motorcycle safety course

Completing a motorcycle safety course in Nova Scotia may also have an effect on how much you pay for motorcycle insurance. If you can show proof that you graduated from a motorcycle safety course that was approved by the province, an insurance provider may be willing to lower your premium.

Where you ride and park your motorcycle

Where you live, and thus where you ride your motorcycle most frequently and park it, matters when it comes to your insurance rates. An insurance company will ask for your home address and your parking situation because it impacts your risk level as a policyholder. Specifically, they will research the crime rate in your neighbourhood to determine how likely your motorcycle is to be stolen, as well as traffic patterns and population density. Busier, high-traffic areas tend to result in more experience premiums than policyholders who ride their motorcycles in rural areas. The odds of a climate-related incident, like a flood or fire, in your neighbourhood will also come into play. Further, whether you park your motorcycle inside or outdoors can impact your rates as well. Vehicles parked in covered garages are considered less risky than those parked outside, whether on a driveway or a city street.

One final word on motorcycle insurance rates in Nova Scotia - BrokerLink can help you keep rates low, as well as provide insight as to which factors influence rates. However, as a brokerage, we do not determine rates. Insurance companies do this. But if you want to find out how much motorcycle insurance is likely to cost you based on the factors above, you can come to us and request a free quote. BrokerLink offers free, accurate, and reliable quotes over the phone, in person at one of our insurance offices, or on our website via our online quote tool.

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How to save money on Nova Scotia motorcycle insurance

Want to save money on motorcycle insurance in Nova Scotia? We feel you. After all, who wouldn’t want to cut costs if they had the opportunity? Thankfully, BrokerLink gives you that opportunity by providing you with helpful advice and strategies on the best way to save. Read through a few tips below to avoid overspending on Nova Scotia motorcycle insurance:

Enlist the help of a BrokerLink insurance advisor

BrokerLink is filled with auto insurance specialists - and we know what we’re doing. After all, we’ve been around since 1991, which means we’ve been helping customers just like you find great coverage at affordable prices for over 30 years. When you enlist our help, we do everything in our power to ensure your policy meets your needs and budget. We do this by discussing your ideal policy in detail, obtaining quotes from various Nova Scotia insurance companies, comparing these quotes, and getting back to you with the best options. As part of our services, we will also inform you about different motorcycle insurance discounts you may be eligible for, as well as effective money-saving strategies like bundling insurance.

Enroll in a motorcycle safety course in Nova Scotia

Receiving instruction from a professional is an excellent way of saving money on Nova Scotia motorcycle insurance. Insurance companies like to see that policyholders have taken the extra step of improving their riding skills by enrolling in a motorcycle safety course. As long as you take one that is approved by the Government of Nova Scotia and can provide proof that you graduated, you may be eligible for an auto insurance discount.

Ask about telematics discounts for motorcycle insurance

You’ve likely heard of telematics discounts for cars, but did you know that they also offer them for motorcycle insurance? That’s right, many Nova Scotia insurance companies offer telematics discounts to those who install such devices on their motorcycles and demonstrate safe driving habits. If you’re interested in learning more about telematics discounts, contact BrokerLink. We can let you know more about how they work, which insurance companies offer them, and provide you with safe driving tips to help you make the most of the discount.

Consider reducing how much time you spend on your motorcycle

Did you know that how much time you spend riding your motorcycle can impact your rates? It’s true. Those who spend an above-average amount of time on the road usually have to pay more for insurance than those who spend a below-average amount of time on the road. Depending on how little time you spend driving, you might even qualify as an occasional driver, which offers one of the best auto insurance discounts of all. To reduce how much time you drive, try carpooling, taking public transit, walking, or biking around when possible. Contact BrokerLink to learn more about the benefits of being designated an occasional driver, and remember to contact your insurance provider if your driving habits change.

Bundle motorcycle insurance with other insurance products

Bundling insurance policies is a fantastic way of cutting motorcycle insurance costs in Nova Scotia. Before buying a motorcycle insurance policy, consider if you also need any other types of coverage. For example, if you are also looking to insure another car in your household or a property you own, ask about how much money you can save if you buy them at the same time from the same insurance company. You might be surprised to learn just how much of a discount you can receive by purchasing an insurance package rather than an individual insurance policy.

Maintain a clean driving record

Maintaining a clean driving record is important for more reasons than one. It also happens to be one way that you can save money on motorcycle insurance. So if you want to benefit from cheaper rates, drive safely and responsibly. Read through BrokerLink’s motorcycle riding safety guide for more information.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink is pleased to be the go-to brokerage in Nova Scotia. We have branches and local insurance advisors all across the province, any of whom can help you find whatever type of coverage you’re looking for. More than that, we aim to give back to the communities we operate in. Learn more about how seriously we take corporate social responsibility by getting in touch today.

Contact us

At Nova Scotia 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. We can also help you adjust or renew your policy down the road.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Nova Scotia. 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 Nova Scotia FAQs

What types of motorcycles can be insured in Nova Scotia?

Pretty much any type of motorcycle can be insured through motorcycle insurance in Nova Scotia. For instance, cruisers, touring, sports, and restricted speed motorcycles, including mopeds can all be safeguarded with motorcycle insurance.

What impacts the cost of motorcycle insurance in Nova Scotia?

Your driving record is one of the main factors that will affect how much you pay for motorcycle insurance. A poor driving record that features multiple at-fault collisions, speeding tickets, or other infractions can quickly lead to a higher premium. Other factors that can impact your motorcycle insurance rates in Nova Scotia include your age, driving experience, gender, where you live, how often you drive, as well as the coverages, limits, and deductibles you choose for your policy.

Can I obtain a free motorcycle insurance quote in Nova Scotia?

Yes! You will find that several insurance companies and brokerages offer free quotes to customers in Nova Scotia. These free quotes can be obtained by calling the insurance agent directly, visiting a local insurance office near you, or requesting a quote online. Try to be as accurate as possible when requesting a quote from any insurance professional. This way, your motorcycle insurance quote will be as reliable as it can be.

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

Yes. An insurance agent or broker will not allow you to purchase motorcycle insurance coverage unless you have a valid driver’s licence. Make sure to bring your licence with you when purchasing insurance or be prepared to send a digital copy online.

How do I renew my motorcycle insurance coverage in Nova Scotia?

Renewing car insurance and renewing motorcycle insurance is very similar, so if you’ve done one then you can do the other. Get started by contacting your insurance company directly. You can do this over the phone, in person, or online. Let them know that you would like to renew your policy, ask for the updated contract and premium, if applicable, sign it, and voila - your motorcycle insurance policy will be renewed for another term.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.