Rules of the Road

Motorcyclists are often thought of as rebels who live by their own rules. The truth is motorcyclists have to follow quite a few rules if they don’t want to be a splatter on the asphalt. A motorcyclist, unlike a car driver, is exposed while driving, so they have to be extra careful about safety. If you are a motorcyclist, you already know this. The young, new motorcyclist may get so excited about hitting the road on their bike that they may not think too much about safety rules. If a young biker wants to someday be an old biker, they have to learn the rules. 

Safety First

Rule one: Wear that helmet. This is a matter of life or death. Also remember to gear up with gloves, boots reinforced pants, and a jacket. Before you even purchase a motorcycle, get on it and make sure it’s the right fit for you. As with a bicycle, you should be able to put your feet flat on the ground while straddling it. Always make sure your bike is in good working order. This means good tire pressure, no loose bolts, mirrors adjusted right, lights working, and nothing leaking.

Keep it maintained will regular oil changes, adjustments, and replacing anything that wears out. Always be aware of your surroundings while riding. Pay attention to the road conditions. If you ride with a passenger, make sure they have a helmet and know what to do when turning corners. Follow all the rules of the road, drive safely, and you’ll enjoy cycling for years to come. 

Capital Insurance Serving Spokane, WA

Of course, driving safely doesn’t mean you won’t need insurance! If you are in the Spokane, WA area and need motorcycle insurance, contact Capital Insurance. We’ll get you what you need.  

I’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident — What Should I Do?

Capital Insurance Group has served Spokane, WA bikers for years with all their motorcycle insurance needs. No one ever expects to be in a motorcycle accident. But if you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know what to do next. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to what to do if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident:

Step 1: Check for Injuries

The first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident is to check for injuries. If you or anyone involved in the accident is injured, call 911 immediately. Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger. Once the police and ambulance have arrived, they will take over the situation.

Step 2: Move to a Safe Location

If you can, move your motorcycle to the side of the road, so it’s out of the way of oncoming traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to make your motorcycle more visible. If you cannot move your motorcycle, stay put and wait for help to arrive.

Step 3: Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)

Once everyone involved in the accident is safe, exchange information with the other driver(s). You will need their name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the damage to both vehicles and any visible injuries.

Step 4: Call Your Insurance Company

Call the Capital Insurance Group and let us know what happened as soon as possible after the accident. We will probably ask you for all the same information you exchanged with the other driver/s, so it’s helpful to have that information handy when you make the call.

Get Motorcycle Insurance Today

If you have questions or need help with your insurance claim, contact Capital Insurance Group—we’re here to help! We happily serve the greater Spokane, WA community.

Alternative Drivers and Motorcycle Coverage

When you have a motorcycle, you’ll inevitably be asked for a ride. Some bold adventurers might even want to take a turn at the helm. At Capital Insurance serving Spokane, WA, we understand the joy of riding and how good it feels to share it. Before you let anyone operate your motorcycle, you should check your insurance policy to see if it covers alternative drivers.

Who Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

Insurance companies limit who is covered to manage risk. For most motorcycle policies, there is an insured who receives insurance protection while driving. The company can assess the driver’s risk by checking factors like their driving record. To reduce the premium for customers, minimum liability policies are unlikely to cover anyone else. Each additional driver adds a new background to check, and an open driver policy has the widest level of risk. The companies may offer policies to cover the enhanced risk, but the costs will increase.

There are cases where a person or business will want many people to be covered. You may have a spouse who regularly rides your bike or a teen who is learning how to drive. A company may need to allow any number of different riders to operate the motorcycle without a lapse in coverage. A good insurance agent should have guided you towards a policy with multiple rider coverage if necessary. If not, you have been left with financial vulnerability.

Switch to a Policy that Covers Your Needs

If your policy doesn’t cover multiple riders, you can switch to one that better suits your needs. Capital Insurance of Spokane, WA can cut through the legalese to present your options in a way that’s easy to understand and easier to implement. 

Types of Motorcycle Insurance

Purchasing a new motorcycle or refurbishing one is exciting, but before you ride off into the sunset, please take a moment to consider motorcycle insurance and speak to Capital Insurance serving Spokane, WA, about your insurance requirements.

Mandatory Motorcycle Insurance

In WA, as of 2019, all motorcycle drivers have to carry liability coverage and proof of insurance cover. The minimum required liability insurance limits are as follows:

  • $25,000 for death or injury to a third party
  • $50,000 for death or injuries to all other parties
  • $10,000 third party property damage

Alternatively, you may take out a liability bond of $60,000. Insurers are required by state law to offer you Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which you can add to your auto policy, and it will help pay certain bills if you are in an auto accident. PIP applies on a no-fault basis! Your insurer will also offer your insurance against other drivers being under or uninsured.

Other Motorcycle Insurance Types

Motorcycle insurance types are very similar to normal auto insurance types and include

One type is collision insurance, which pays for damage to your car if you crash into another vehicle or object. Another type is comprehensive when you incur loss due to theft or damage from something other than a crash, like vandalism. A nice-to-have type of insurance is roadside assistance cover, which is insurance for when you break down on the side of the road and your motorcycle might need to be moved or fixed on the side of the road. The insurer will reimburse you after it processes this type of claim. Rental reimbursement is great if you need to hire another vehicle to get around while yours is in the repair shop.

Speak to Capital Insurance serving Spokane, WA, today to make sure your butt and your motorcycle are covered!