Motorcycle insurance is necessary, because The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 4,798 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2006. An additional 87,000 motorcycle riders were injured in 2006. The National Safety Council estimates a motorcycle accident that causes serious bodily injury occurs every 14 seconds in the U.S. Numerous factors have led to these startling numbers - the repeal of helmet laws in some states, the increased popularity of high performance bikes, the failure of other motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic, etc. While there are measures motorcyclists can take to help prevent accidents, buying a motorcycle insurance policy is the best way to protect yourself against the various hazards you may encounter on the road.

What Motorcycle Insurance Covers

Most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage. You may also add optional coverages such as comprehensive coverage, collision coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Knowing what type of protection each of these coverages provides will enable you to make an educated decision when buying a motorcycle insurance policy.

Motorcycle Liability Insurance

Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage you may have caused to other people involved in an accident. This coverage doesn't cover you or your bike. Some policies also include liability coverage for a guest passenger that may be riding with you if they are injured.

Motorcycle Collision Insurance

Collision insurance pays for damage to your motorcycle, less the deductible amount you have set. Even if the damage to your motorcycle is your fault, this coverage will still apply. Collision insurance normally covers the assessed book value of the motorcycle before the accident occurs.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage provides protection should you become involved in an accident caused by another driver, and the other driver is either without insurance or has inadequate insurance coverage to pay for the damages inflicted upon you and your bike. This provisional coverage will help pay for medical treatment, other damages to you and your passengers and even lost wages resulting from the accident.

Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance

This coverage protects your bike from non-accident related perils; including fire, theft and acts of vandalism. As with collision coverage, the insurance company will pay for damages after you meet your deductible, and will only cover the book value of your bike. If you add any additional accessories to your ride (chrome parts, custom paint job, sidecars, etc.), you may want to get additional or optional equipment coverage.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

The following tips are offered by the Motorcycle Safety Association for motorcyclists

• Always wear a helmet
• Avoid riding in your fellow motorists' blind spots
• Check your mirrors before changing lanes and stopping
• Wear protective gear - eye protection, jacket, gloves, long pants and high-top boots or shoes
• Drive defensively, especially when riding through intersections
• You can also make yourself more visible to other motorists by wearing brightly colored clothing
• Always have your headlights on

The best way to prepare for the unexpected is to be proactive and get a good motorcycle insurance policy.