Is motorcycle insurance different?

[spacey]

For my own edification, with a request for clarification specific to my policy, and realizing there are other variables in state law and individual insurance policies: my brother insists motorcycle insurance works differently than auto insurance and if you're not listed on the policy, you are absolutely not covered riding someone else's motorcycle. My assumption is that my insurance will cover an "occasional" rider who is not listed on my policy, at least to some degree, as long as he/she is not a regular rider of the bike and has my permission. I also assume if I'm riding a bike other than my own that is insured, I am not only covered to some degree by that bike's policy (under the same parameters above) but that my own policy will probably pick up a gap in coverage.

Anyone?

[Clive]

Way back when I was with Markel (through Honda Riders Club) and Progressive, their approach was the same as auto coverage.  Currently with Foremost, and I have no idea what their view is.

I essentially NEVER let anyone ride my motorcycle, and I essentially NEVER ask to ride anyone else's (perhaps to avoid the awkward reciprocity refusal).  So blissfully ignorant.

[birdymaker]

mich. is just about completely different from any other state in that it is a no fault auto state but not motorcycles. that being said, my motorcycle policy covered the insured and passenger only. unless i got hit by a car. then the my collision covered the bike, the auto picked up everything else.   

[spacey]

I never ask to ride anyone's bike, though occasionally it is offered. Likewise I seldom have anyone ask to ride my bike (I'm always surprised, though not generally willing when someone asks), but I occasionally offer. It is typically my brother, my dad, and me doing comparative rides on each others' bikes. That is the root of my inquiry. Not that I don't trust my brother or my dad's riding skills, or vice versa, it's just nice to know. I'm not likely to let Bill from accounting hop on and take it for a spin.

My insurance is Progressive, but I don't know what kind of weird Utah laws might affect it. I'll update when I hear back from them.

[twoiron]

 

[spacey]

Since I known you were all waiting for it, here's the response:

"Your motorcycle policy contract automatically includes permissive use.

Permissive use means that with your permission you can allow someone to operate your motorcycle without being added to the policy, as long as they are not a frequent operator.  If they operate your motorcycle 12 or more times a year, they should be added to your policy.

If you operate someone's else motorcycle their insurance coverage should cover you, however it is suggested that you check first"

[stroh]

   thanks.

Is that Progressive specific, or Utard specific, or both, or universal?

[spacey]

Based on what my brother's insurance told him, and what my dad already apparently knew, it's standard unless specifically excluded in your policy. But it's probably worth checking with your insurance agent if you plan on letting other people ride your bike.

[twoiron]

 

[Jules]

Somebody please ask twoiron the question, can't you tell he is dying to say something.

(psst, he happens to be a big insurance bigwig in Melbourne)

[spacey]

I was going to ask, but I figured I'd have to run his answer through babelfish and I'd still not understand it.

Incidentally, my cousin was involved in an accident that totaled his bike over the weekend. (Woman turned left in front of him.) He walked away from it. Surprising since he's one of those guys who thinks a bandanna offers all the protection his head will ever need. 

[Aske]

I was going to ask, but I figured I'd have to run his answer through babelfish and I'd still not understand it.

Incidentally, my cousin was involved in an accident that totaled his bike over the weekend. (Woman turned left in front of him.) He walked away from it. Surprising since he's one of those guys who thinks a bandanna offers all the protection his head will ever need. 

what is it with golfhos and their relatives being elite pro athletes?

[twoiron]

I was going to ask, but I figured I'd have to run his answer through babelfish and I'd still not understand it.

Incidentally, my cousin was involved in an accident that totaled his bike over the weekend. (Woman turned left in front of him.) He walked away from it. Surprising since he's one of those guys who thinks a bandanna offers all the protection his head will ever need. 

what is it with golfhos and their relatives being elite pro athletes?

Interesting photo.

It would appear that the cop who looks to be writing out a ticket or something by the car has "cracked one off" and the rather portly cop in the back just caught a whiff of the offending "air biscuit"....