Insurance is a crucial part of owning a vehicle, no matter the size of it. Since every vehicle is vulnerable to damage, insurance is the only to protect yourself from financial expenses that can be incurred should the unexpected happen. Unlike cars, motorcycles are particularly susceptible to accidents, theft, and fires, largely due to their size. Therefore, getting them insured with optimal protection is essential to ensuring their and their riders’ safety.
Since motorcycle insurance is as important as car insurance, an ideal policy must include the following four coverages in order to be considered inclusive. Let us share what you should look for when renewing your insurance in the future.
Coverage for special perils
Do you know that a standard insurance policy does not cover your motorcycle against damage from natural disasters, such as floods, landslides, storms, typhoons, etc.? This means you are not eligible to seek compensation for the losses, even if you have first-party insurance.
However, you can take other steps to ensure that your motor is still protected from such incidents. The trick is to get special peril additional insurance coverage when you renew your 1st-party motor insurance with your insurer.
By doing so, you can rest assured if a natural disaster like a flood affects your bike. With special perils protection, you can easily apply for an insurance claim to repair the damages or seek compensation for loss of vehicle use.
Free towing coverage
A good insurance policy should always offer complimentary benefits like free towing regardless of your vehicle type. This applies to motorcycle policies as well because, just like cars, motorcycles need towing assistance during breakdowns or accidents.
Since towing services can be shockingly pricey, it’s important to ensure that your vehicle policy includes towing and roadside assistance services. This can be helpful during accidents, as you can simply contact your insurance provider to arrange a free towing service instead of paying for it yourself.
To enjoy free towing service, all you need to do is renew first-party insurance because most insurers offer this complimentary towing and roadside assistance for comprehensive policyholders.
Coverage for personal accidents
Riders and pillion riders are at a higher risk of being involved in road accidents, which could lead to injuries. Sometimes, injuries are minor, but if the crash results in severe injuries, it can potentially be fatal for the riders. Therefore, when choosing insurance, bike owners are highly encouraged to settle for plans that offer personal accident (PA) protection on top of the basic motor policy.
It’s worth noting that PA plans are only offered by some insurance/takaful companies for free, whereas others might charge additional premiums to include this benefit in the policy. So, always compare policies between brands before signing up. If the insurance company of your choice does not provide PA protection for free in the comprehensive plan, consider purchasing it as an additional coverage with an extra premium.
Coverage for fire and theft
A standard policy protects your bike from accidents but not from the risks of fire and theft. Since motorcycles are small vehicles, theft and fire are highly possible. Bike theft accounts for most vehicle theft cases in Malaysia for years.
So, the importance of fire and theft protection for bike owners remains undisputable. It is a crucial coverage that they must look for in motorcycle insurance. Unlike free towing benefits, fire and theft coverage is included in third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) insurance. However, if you opt for this plan, your vehicle will not be eligible for complimentary towing, and PA plans are often included in the comprehensive policy for a single price.
Hence, opting for comprehensive or first-party motor insurance ensures you receive these benefits without paying additional contributions.
Bjak is one of Malaysia’s biggest insurance comparison websites, offering policies from over 10 brands. Visit Bjak today to get your free insurance quote!
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