It is important that you understand the ins and outs of insurance whether you own an automobile or a motorcycle. Because they are two different vehicles, cars and bikes have different types of insurances; however, one thing remains true for both: if you cancel your insurance policy in the middle of an open claim, the claim will not be erased or forgotten about by the previous insurer.
Differences in Motorcycle and Auto Insurance
There are key differences to consider when dealing with motorcycle and auto insurance. For one, they are different vehicles and do not function the same, so you cannot have one insurance policy that covers both. You may have a deal that covers both individually, however. Because motorcycles are generally higher risk, the premiums may be slightly higher. Some other differences include:
- Passenger Coverage: Coverage for passengers in automobiles is usually written into the policy, but motorcycles are not considered to be carpool-esque vehicles by insurance companies. You must purchase additional insurance to cover other riders.
- Usage: Cars are often driven year round, but motorcycles may not be ridden in various types of weather or at certain times of the year. Insurance companies can provide you with seasonal plans that are cheaper than auto insurance policies, which run you the same amount of money per month. If you use your motorcycle for half the year or only on weekends, you may find it better to opt for such a plan.
- Accessories: Anything that you add to the motorcycle or your body is not covered under your insurance policy, such as helmets or vehicular modifications.
There is generally a higher risk for personal injury in motorcycle accidents as opposed to car crashes due to the lack of safety measures. Cars have seatbelts, padded seats, airbags, and may even have roll bars and other features, while motorcyclists only have protective clothing, gloves, and helmets. They do not have seatbelts to prevent themselves from getting stuck to the bike in the event of a crash; it is generally safer to be flung elsewhere than trapped beneath the vehicle.
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Why Cancel?
If you were involved in a motorcycle crash, you may find that your insurance premium will escalate after an accident. This is because you will be viewed as a higher risk to cover, and the insurance company wants to make sure that it does not lose a lot of money. Because of this price spike, you may run into debt or be unable to continue paying for insurance. You can thus cancel your motorcycle insurance policy and retain your car insurance policy at the same time.
You should know that your claim will not disappear after you cancel your policy; all claims are still handled by the previous insurance agency, whether or not you are still a customer. Even if you sign up with a new provider, the old agency will still work to resolve or dispute your claim. What you cannot do, though, is file the claim again with your new insurance company – doing so is considered fraud and can result in drastic consequences.
You may also choose to cancel your coverage because you feel as though your insurance agent is not doing his best in helping you resolve your claim. The company may deny you coverage, dispute your injuries, or refuse to honor the contract. In this case, you may want to seek coverage elsewhere and even take legal action against the previous insurance company. It is free to switch insurers, and if your insurance company attempts to charge you, you should talk to an attorney to explore legal options.
Keep in mind that you are required to have motorcycle insurance if you plan on riding your motorcycle. It may be difficult to immediately find a new insurance company; agents see open claims and view you as a risky rider and are hesitant to grant you coverage.
Fight for Your Rightful Compensation
We understand that many people grow tired with their current insurance companies when they don’t help them through accident claims. These motorcycle riders should be fairly compensated for their damages. You signed a contract and make payments to an insurance company that guarantees that you should be paid in the event of a crash, and when agents deny and argue, you should fight back.
With the help of our expert attorneys, your claim can be diligently handled and you will receive the restitution you deserve. If your motorcycle were damaged in a crash, we can help make sure the proper repair costs are doled out. Any lost wages and medical bills you racked up as a result of the accident can also be taken care of, and if you suffered emotional damages after the incident, you can be reimbursed.
Call Normandie Law Firm today to learn more about motorcycle insurance claims and how to switch providers when you have an ongoing claim. We will give you a free legal consultation on your case and answer any questions you have about finding a new insurance provider and dealing with an open claim in the meantime.
If you choose us to represent you in legal matters, you will not have to pay any out of pocket expenses thanks to our zero fee guarantee. This promises that we only get paid if we win your case and bring you a settlement, at which point the fees are essentially covered as a percentage and paid by the offending party. If we lose your case, you won’t owe us a cent; none of your finances will be touched, and we won’t get paid at all.
Reach out to a qualified lawyer at Normandie Law Firm today to learn more about switching insurance providers after a motorcycle accident.