Motorcycle enthusiasts often modify their bikes to improve their performance, enhance their appearance or simply make them unique. Installing aftermarket parts can be a great way to achieve these goals, but it can also raise questions about insurance coverage. What happens if your bike gets damaged or stolen? Will your motorcycle insurance cover aftermarket parts? Let's find out.
What Are Aftermarket Parts?
Before we dive into insurance coverage, let's define what aftermarket parts are. Aftermarket parts are parts that are not made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the motorcycle. They are produced by third-party manufacturers and can be used to replace or upgrade the original parts.
Aftermarket parts can include anything from exhaust systems and air filters to handlebars and seats. They can be made from different materials, have different specifications and perform differently than OEM parts.
Types of Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
To understand whether your aftermarket parts are covered by your motorcycle insurance, you need to know what type of coverage you have. There are three main types of motorcycle insurance coverage:
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is the most basic type of motorcycle insurance coverage. It covers damages and injuries that you may cause to other people or their property while riding your bike. It does not cover damages to your own bike or injuries to yourself.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage protects your motorcycle if it's damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This type of coverage can pay for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle, up to its fair market value.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is the most extensive type of motorcycle insurance coverage. It covers damages to your bike caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire or natural disasters.
Will Motorcycle Insurance Cover Aftermarket Parts?
The answer to this question depends on the type of coverage you have and the insurance company you're dealing with. Here are some scenarios to consider:
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage does not cover damages to your own bike, so it does not cover aftermarket parts. If you cause an accident that damages your bike and your aftermarket parts, you will have to pay for the repairs or replacement yourself.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage can cover aftermarket parts if they are included in the policy. Some insurance companies offer "custom parts and equipment" coverage as an add-on to collision coverage. This coverage can pay for the repair or replacement of your aftermarket parts in case of an accident. However, not all insurance companies offer this type of coverage, and those that do may have different limits and restrictions.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage can cover aftermarket parts if they are included in the policy. Like with collision coverage, some insurance companies offer "custom parts and equipment" coverage as an add-on to comprehensive coverage. This coverage can pay for the repair or replacement of your aftermarket parts in case of theft, vandalism, fire, or other covered events.
How to Ensure Your Aftermarket Parts Are Covered
To ensure that your aftermarket parts are covered by your motorcycle insurance, you need to take the following steps:
- Inform your insurance company about the aftermarket parts you have installed on your bike. This will help them determine the coverage you need and the premium you'll pay.
- Make sure you have the right type and amount of coverage. If you have invested a lot of money in your aftermarket parts, you may need to increase your coverage limits or add custom parts and equipment coverage to your policy.
- Keep receipts and documentation of your aftermarket parts. This will help you prove their value and ensure that you get the right amount of compensation in case of a claim.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether your motorcycle insurance covers aftermarket parts depends on the type of coverage you have and the insurance company you're dealing with. While liability coverage does not cover aftermarket parts, collision and comprehensive coverage can cover them if they are included in the policy or as an add-on. To ensure that your aftermarket parts are covered, you need to inform your insurance company, have the right type and amount of coverage, and keep receipts and documentation.
