Key takeaways
- No coverage: Standard car insurance policies do not cover motorcycles. A motorcycle cannot be insured under a car policy.
- Separate vehicles: Cars and motorcycles are treated as different categories, so each requires its own insurance policy.
- Personal items: Car insurance may cover belongings stolen from inside your car, but it will not cover the motorcycle itself.
Why car insurance excludes motorcycles
Car insurance is designed specifically for four wheeled vehicles. Motorcycles have different risk factors, which is why insurers require separate policies for them.
If your motorcycle is stolen and you only have car insurance, the insurer will not pay out because the bike is not listed or covered under that policy.
If a motorcycle is involved in your car policy
- Riding the motorcycle: If you are involved in an accident while riding your bike, your car insurance will not apply. Only a motorcycle policy can cover that situation.
- Adding a motorcycle: Some insurers allow you to include a motorcycle within a bundled policy, but it is still treated as a separate type of cover.
What is covered
There is one situation where car insurance may apply. If you store motorcycle gear inside your car and it is stolen, your policy may cover those items depending on your coverage and limits.
Getting proper coverage
- Motorcycle insurance: To protect your bike, you need a dedicated motorcycle insurance policy with options such as comprehensive and collision cover.
- Bundling: You can often insure your car and motorcycle with the same company to receive a discount, while keeping the policies separate.
- Check your policy: Always confirm that your motorcycle is listed and covered. Do not assume your car insurance will extend to it.
It is easy to assume one policy might cover everything, but that is not how vehicle insurance works. If you own a motorcycle, having the right policy in place is the only way to protect it properly.