Believe it or not, spring is just around the corner. Believe me, I’m counting the days! As the temperature is rising to slightly above freezing during the days that we have sunshine, I have been noticing a number of brave souls out for a ride. With all the salt and cinders on the road, the likelihood that you might slip or get into an accident is increased. Additionally, motorists are not looking out for bikes at this time of the year.
Many people that I’ve talked to have let their insurance lapse or cancelled it over the winter months since they aren’t riding. Why pay the premiums if you’re not going to ride? Right?
Section 1307(a)(1) of the Penn Dot vehicle code, which provides for Seasonal Registration, does in fact allow for motorists to register their bikes with a start and end date determined by the consumer and prorated. Follow these directions from the Penn Dot site ( www.dot3.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/fs-sear.pdf):
“CUSTOMER STEPS
Step 1 — Customer picks up Form MV-140SV, ‘Application for Seasonal Vehicle Registration Renewal.’ These forms are available from Messenger Service Centers, Notary Publics, Dealerships, or any agent authorized to do motor vehicle work. A form may also be directly obtained from our Web site at www.dmv.state.pa.us or by writing to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Driver License Forms Supply, P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597.
Step 2 — Complete Form MV-140SV, ‘Application for Seasonal Vehicle Registration Renewal,’ and return to the address listed on the form along with the fees.
Step 3 — Make check or money order payable to the ‘Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.’”
I started poking around different insurance companies’ sites to see what information I could gather. Each site wanted as much information as possible from me, but I had to wait for a quote from an agent. I would recommend that you take the time and get the quote from each company and compare the benefits and costs associated with insurance.
As I was searching around, I found this interesting tidbit from the Edgar Snyder Law Firm ( www.edgarsnyder.com/auto-accident/motorcycle-accident/insurance-pa.html: “If available, we strongly recommend that your motorcycle be insured on the same policy as other automobiles in the household. While certain areas of motorcycle law are in a state of flux, many insurance companies have sought to avoid paying underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage to victims of motorcycle accidents if the motorcycle is not included on the policy along with the other cars in the house.”
Interesting and something you need to check with your agent about, especially if their company does not insure motorcycles.
Just as with automobiles under- and uninsured drivers are a drain on the rest of drivers who are insured. Almost every Web site that was examined mentions that you need coverage in the event that you are in an accident with someone who does not have insurance or is underinsured.
Progressive Insurance’s Web site notes, “Uninsured Motorist coverage pays for injuries and related expenses you incur that the at-fault party is legally liable for. The amount paid is subject to the limits of Uninsured Motorist coverage that you choose and may include expenses such as medical treatment and lost wages.”
From my own experience seeing friends who were involved in motorcycle accidents, the recovery time is long and the therapy an involved process that is not cheap. It can take a year or longer to be fully recovered from a head injury or surgery to fix broken bones.
One other point I gathered from the Progressive site regarding health insurance was, “Some health insurance companies may not pay for your medical bills if they’re the result of a motorcycle accident. Be sure to check with your company to verify what its policy is.” Knowing what you have before you “hit the road” can save you financially in the long run. This was something I hadn’t thought of before. I mean you have insurance, so you’re covered, right?
The Web site Motorcyclists against Dumb Drivers (I kid you not) provides this information on what not to do in the days after a motorcycle accident: “DO NOT permit ANYONE to interrogate you about the events of the accident, particularly the other party’s attorney, representatives of the other party’s insurance company, or even representatives of your own insurance company. Your own insurance company may become your principle adversary in your litigation, as, for example, if the other driver is underinsured and if you have uninsured motorist coverage. If your insurance policy requires that you report your accident within a certain time, contact legal counsel to communicate with the insurer.” ( www.motorcyclists-against-dumb-drivers.com/bikers-rights-5.html) Go check it out; it’s a fairly interesting site.
So be one of the smart drivers, know how much coverage you have, and what it covers. Then get out there and enjoy the ride.
w
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