What BC Riders Need to Know About Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
Riding in BC comes with incredible views and a few unique risks, which is why the right motorcycle insurance matters. Whether you cruise the Island highways, weave through city streets, or head toward the mountains, you need protection that fits the way you ride. Our local advisors understand BC’s riding conditions and can help you choose motorcycle or bike insurance that covers you from collisions, theft, weather events, and unexpected breakdowns. With guidance from our BC motorcycle insurance experts, you can enjoy the ride knowing you are protected.
Why Choose Westland?
We know that your insurance needs to match your goals, your lifestyle and your budget. Our expert auto insurance advisors get to know you, so that they can tailor a policy to your exact needs.
We’ll find the best coverage for you at the right price so that you can continue to live your life the way you want to.
Insurance can be complex sometimes. Let our expert insurance advisors do the heavy lifting! We’ll help you find a policy that you feel is the best fit and provides peace of mind. To learn more about the benefits of being a Westland client, click here.
MyWestland makes accessing your information easy!
- Easily access your policy information and manage your account
- Report a claim and upload photos
- Check your claims status anytime
- View your policy details, including coverage and payment information
- Easy online payment options (pay now or pay monthly)
- Contact your advisor directly
Who needs to buy motorcycle insurance?
If you drive a motorcycle, moped or scooter on any public roadway, you will need to insure your motorcycle. The actual definition of a motorcycle, other than sweet, beauty, beastlike, or just plain cool, is as follows:
- Can be two tandem or three wheels
- Engine size is over 50cc’s
- Includes mopeds and scooters
What’s included in basic ICBC motorcycle insurance?
Under your ICBC Autoplan policy, you’ll be covered up to $200,000 for third party liability claims.
As a BC resident, you’re covered for Accident Benefits. This coverage ensures that medical costs, lost wages and additional expenses are covered if you’re injured in an accident.
What happens if you’re injured in a crash and aren’t entitled to enhanced accident benefits or the responsible driver doesn’t have the appropriate coverage to be able to pay the damages that were awarded resulting from a claim? This will provide up to $1 million if you’re in an accident that results in injury or death from a driver with an underinsured vehicle.
Unfortunately, hit and runs that result in property damage can happen. If you have property damage resulting from a vehicle hit and run, you’re covered up to $200,000.
From there, depending on your personal situation, type of motorcycle and your use of it, you will want to consider adding extensions to increase your protection.
What optional coverages are available in British Columbia?
Under basic insurance, Basic Vehicle Damage Coverage would cover repairs/damage up to $200,000 when the other driver is at fault. If your sweet new ride costs a pretty penny, you’ll want to explore damage coverage to protect your investment.
Will $200,000 be enough in an accident? These days, probably not with the cost of medical expenses and property repairs. Are you prepared financially for out of pocket expenses if an accident causes costs above and beyond $200,000? Increased third party liability coverage provides that peace of mind while out one the open road.
Our auto insurance advisors will work with you to create the right motorcycle policy. Connect with us today!
How do you calculate the insured value of a motorcycle?
When you go to insure your ride, you will be asked to select the declared value which will determine the limit of coverage you will purchase. Originally this will be part of the bill of sale but you will also want to take into consideration modifications you have made to make yours the stand out beauty that it is! And of course, you will want to consider depreciation over the years. Elements that will form the value of your motorcycle include:
- Make and model
- Engine size
- Level of customization
Try to be accurate with your declared value as the amount that will be paid out to you in the event of a total loss will be based on fair market value.
What does motorcycle insurance cost?
Once you have determined the declared value of your motorcycle, the premium you pay for insurance will also be impacted by how you use your motorcycle (just pleasure? to and from work?) as well as where you live (do you ride in the city or rural?). Your driving record and level of motorcycle license will also affect your premium. And of course, the optional coverages and deductibles you select will play a role in the cost as well.
What about coverage for a moped or scooter?
How is a scooter or moped defined differently from a motorcycle? Basically, if your ride falls within the following description, you can register as a scooter or moped:
- Two tandem or three wheels
- Wheels larger than 250 mm
- Maximum engine displacement is 50cc’s or it has an electric motor
- Maximum speed of 50kms per hour
- If the maximum cc’s or maximum speed exceeds these limits, your bike must be registered as a motorcycle.
Review Your Insurance and Get a Quote with Westland
Ready to discuss your insurance needs? Our expert advisors are here to review your current insurance policies, discuss your unique needs, and find the perfect motorcycle insurance policy for you. Whether it’s over email, the phone or in person we are ready to help! To get started on a quote now and see price estimates for your motorcycle coverage, click the button below. Our advisors will contact you right away and help navigate your risk management needs. Of course, we are always available to talk over the phone or in person. Check out our locations page to connect with an office closest to you!
Buy motorcycle insurance in British Columbia with confidence
Shopping for motorcycle insurance in British Columbia? Westland is your one-stop shop. Our advisors are ready and waiting to help you get coverage that goes further.
Need some help?
Visit client support
Check out our resources page for helpful content or connect with our client support team.
Contact Client Support