A motorcycle is a significant investment. Before you get your motor running and head out on the highway this season, you owe it to yourself to make sure your insurance is up-to-date and you’re properly covered.

“Just as riding a motorcycle is much different than driving a car, riders should know that their motorcycle insurance needs are different, too,” said Rick Stern, motorcycle product manager, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies.

Here are some tips:

Update your policy. First, verify that all your coverages are still in force. Be aware that some companies have a winter layaway period during which some cover-ages are restricted. Check with your insurance company to see if you currently have any type of limited coverage. Next, note any changes such as additional riders or a new garaging address. A quick call to your independent agent or insurance company will ensure coverage that reflects your current needs.

Consider additional liability coverage. If you have significant assets, it may be to your benefit to carry a higher limit just in case you are involved in an accident that causes injury to some-one else or damage to property.

Look into medical payments coverage. Medical payments coverage pays your medical bills as well as your passenger’s and is available in limits up to $25,000 in most states.

Make sure custom parts and equipment are covered. Additional parts such as chrome plating, a custom paint job, saddlebags or special rims usually increase the value of your motor-cycle and may not be covered. If you’ve added any custom parts or equipment, you’ll want to check your policy or call your independent agent to make sure they’re covered.

Know your options. Rates can vary, so shop around to see if another company offers you a better rate or if you qualify for any discounts. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, consider raising your deductibles. Doing so can help to lower the cost of your policy. The Gardner Group can help you shop around because we offer several great motorcycle insurance carriers.

Choose a company that specializes in motorcycle insurance. For example, Progressive is America’s largest motorcycle insurer. Progressive agents and brokers understand the special needs of motorcycle owners and offer specialized coverages that are designed for them and their bikes.

For more information about motorcycle insurance, call The Gardner Group.

Eight Tips To Gear Up To Motorcycle Season

To steer this riding season in the right direction, you'll want to make sure your motorcycle--and your motorcycle insurance policy--are in good working order before hitting the open road.

While you should always check your owner's manual for specific guidelines, here are some general tops for getting ready:

1. Change the oil and filter. Many manufacturers recommend changing the oil and filter before storing a bike for any extended period of time and again when you bring it back out for riding season. Be sure to first start up the motor-cycle to warm the engine and then shut it off before changing the oil and filter.

2. Check the belt or chain. Make sure it is set to the manufacturer's recommended tension. And if you have a chain, lubricate it.

3. Check nuts and bolts. Start off the riding season with a solid bike. Make sure everything is tight. "A well-maintained motorcycle not only assures a fun time, it can save you money by avoiding accidents, which helps to heep your insurance rates down," says Rick Stern, motorcycle product manager, The Progressive Insurance Companies.

4. Inspect tires. Look for any damage and also make sure each tire is inflated to the correct pressure. You've only got two tires, so far maximum stability it is very important to avoid underinflation as well as overinflation.

5. Look for fluid leaks. The easiest way to check for this is to look at the floor under the motor-cycle. Leaking oil or brake, radiator or clutch fluid can cause their own special problems. For example, being low on brake fluid could make it hard to stop your motor-cycle. You don't want to find that out after you're already on the road.

6. Check all lights. Make sure headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are all functioning properly.

7. Brush up on your riding skills. Find a safe place to practice riding skills such as fast stops, figures eights, U-turns, etc., so you're ready for the season. You'll be glad you did.

8. Update your policy. Per-haps one of the most important things you can do at the start of the season is review your insurance coverage to be certain you, and your bike, are covered. The Gardner Group can help you with this.

The Gardner Group is an independent agent and we represent many companies and the can help you to understand the coverages you need. An independent agent can also help you find the combination of price and service that's right for you.

Coverage Highlights

• Coverage for accessories up to $3,000 automatically included at no extra cost
• Transport Trailer coverage
• Roadside Assistance
• Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
• Bodily Injury/Property Damage Liability
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage
• Medical Payments
• Trip Interruption
• Total Loss coverage
• Rental Vehicle coverage
• On-road coverage for off-road vehicles
• Trike Coverage
• ATV Coverage

Superior 24/7 Claims and Customer Service

Our goal is to make insurance easy. Customers can access their policy information 24/7 on progressiveagent.com. Customers also receive Progressive’s superior 24/7 claims service. Progressive’s claims representatives receive intensive training on specialty vehicles, such as motorcycles, so they can handle your customer’s unique claims needs. Claims Center

The Gardner Group specializes in the following products and locations for the Motorcycle insurance category.

• Motorcycle Insurance in Hickory, NC
• Hickory Motorcycle Insurance
• Motorcycle Insurance in Newton, Claremont, Maiden, Longview, Mountain View, Catawba, Taylorsville, Viewmont and more. 
• Progressive Motorcycle Insurance Agency in Hickory, NC
• GMAC - Integon Insurance Agency in Hickory, NC

The material included in this website is to serve as informational only. Please refer to your insurance policy for your specific coverage details.