As a motorcycle rider, there’s nothing like the freedom of the open road. But before you twist the throttle, there’s one thing that should be in good shape – your insurance coverage.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting into two wheels, making the wrong choice when it comes to motorcycle insurance can cost you more than just money. As a professional insurance broker specializing in motorcycle coverage across Ontario, we’ve seen firsthand how small mistakes can lead to major headaches later on.
Here are four of the most common, and costly, insurance mistakes riders make, and how to steer clear of them.
1. Skipping Comprehensive Coverage
If your bike is paid off, you might be tempted to skip comprehensive coverage to save a few bucks. But skipping it could leave you wide open to expensive risks, especially in Ontario.
What comprehensive insurance covers:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Weather damage (hail, wind, flood)
- Collisions with animals
Why it’s a mistake:
Ontario has one of the highest motorcycle theft rates in Canada, especially in urban areas like Toronto and the GTA. And while collisions may be more top-of-mind, many claims come from non-collision incidents like theft or weather.
Real-world scenario: Your $14,000 touring bike gets stolen from your driveway overnight. Without comprehensive coverage, your insurance payout could be $0. With it? You’d receive a replacement value (minus deductible) and be back on the road much sooner.
What to do instead:
Even if your bike is older or paid off, ask for a quote with and without comprehensive coverage – you may be surprised how affordable the added protection is. Adjusting your deductible is one way to keep premiums lower without sacrificing peace of mind.
2. Forgetting to Update Policy After Modifications
That new exhaust system? The custom seat? LED lights? It might seem like you’re just adding style or comfort, but you’re also changing the value and potentially the classification of your motorcycle.
Why it’s a mistake:
Many riders don’t realize that modifications, even minor ones, can void certain types of coverage if not reported. If you make a claim and the insurance company discovers undeclared changes, they could deny the payout or reduce it.
What to do instead:
Always inform your broker or insurer about any modifications, especially those that:
- Increase the bike’s performance (e.g., turbo, engine upgrades)
- Affect safety (e.g., suspension changes)
- Add value (e.g., custom paint jobs, accessories)
Depending on your insurer, you might need additional accessory coverage to protect those upgrades. Some policies offer up to $3,000 in accessories coverage automatically — others don’t.
Example: Let’s say you add $2,000 worth of aftermarket saddlebags and a sound system. If your bike gets stolen and you didn’t declare those items, you could lose that $2K, even if your theft claim is approved.
Discover what motorcycle modifications are accepted by insurers in our blog.
3. Not Understanding the Fine Print
Insurance documents aren’t always the most thrilling read, but missing the fine print can leave you underprotected when it matters most.
Why it’s a mistake:
There are important limits and exclusions in every policy. You might think you’re fully covered, but discover during a claim that certain incidents aren’t, like using your bike for delivery work, or riding outside of Ontario for extended periods.
What to look for:
- Liability limits: Consider increasing to $1 million or more.
- Deductibles: Know how much you’d pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
- Exclusions: Look for restrictions related to racing, stunting, or commercial use.
- Passenger coverage: Not all policies include this by default.
- Modifications clause: Check whether custom parts are covered.
Recommendation: Make it a habit to review your policy annually, especially before riding season starts. Not sure what something means? Call your broker, that’s what we’re here for.
4. Choosing the Cheapest Policy Instead of the Right One
We get it, nobody wants to overpay for insurance. But focusing solely on the lowest monthly premium is a short-term mindset that could cost you thousands in the long run.
Why it’s a mistake:
Low-cost policies often mean low coverage. They might meet the legal minimums, like Ontario’s mandatory $200,000 in third-party liability, but that won’t go far in a serious accident. If you’re at fault in a collision and someone is injured, legal and medical costs can easily climb into the six figures. That extra few bucks a month for $1–2 million in liability coverage could be the best investment you ever make.
What to do instead:
Don’t just compare premiums, compare coverage. Ask yourself:
- Do I have enough liability coverage to protect my assets?
- Do I need collision or comprehensive protection?
- Does this policy cover me if I ride with a passenger?
Working with a broker like Riders Plus means you get options – not just the cheapest one, but the best one for your bike, budget, and lifestyle.
Tip: A good insurance policy should fit, not just your wallet, but your riding habits too. If you’re not sure what “fit” looks like, give us a call. We’ll walk you through it.
Ride Smarter with the Right Coverage
Riding a motorcycle is a lifestyle, and your insurance should support that lifestyle, not complicate it. At Riders Plus Insurance, we’ve spent decades helping Ontario riders find the right balance of protection and price.
Quick Recap of What to Do Instead:
- Choose coverage that fits your needs, not just your wallet
- Always report modifications
- Read (or ask about) the fine print
- Don’t skip comprehensive unless you’re truly prepared to self-insure
Need help reviewing your policy or want to see how your current coverage stacks up? Talk to one of our experienced brokers today – no pressure, just honest advice.
We’ve been proudly serving Ontario riders for over 25 years, and we’re honoured to be the Consumer Choice Award winner for Motorcycle Insurance in both 2024 and 2025.
Your bike deserves more than cookie-cutter coverage, and so do you.
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