Motorcycle Insurance in Canada
Canada is a country filled with beautiful landscapes, and there are many reasons and occasions to be out riding your motorcycle during nice weather. However, you don’t want to be out riding without motorcycle insurance in Canada! Motorcycle insurance in Canada comes in two flavors – Mandatory and Optional.
Mandatory insurance is insurance coverage that you are required to carry. Failure to carry the minimum required insurance will result in big fines, and it can even result in the loss of your driving privileges! Call your local authorities to find out what the minimum insurance requirements are in your area, and make sure that you tell them that you will be operating a motorcycle, as the requirements for motorcycle insurance coverage are different than that for automobile coverage in some areas.
Accident benefits are typically mandatory insurance coverage in Canada. This will cover you, pedestrians, and anyone that is riding with you on your bike in the event that they are hurt or killed in an accident where you are at fault. The required coverage and the rates for the coverage varies from one Canadian Province to the next, so make sure that you know what you are required to have for your area.
In Canada, even though you carry the required minimum, you may be held personally responsible and liable for amounts that exceed your insurance coverage in the event of an accident that you cause. Therefore, while you absolutely must carry the minimum, you should strongly consider carrying insurance that exceeds the minimum requirements. You should also inquire about coverage that would protect you from such liability.
Uninsured motorist insurance is also recommended, although this isn’t usually required. This covers damages to your property in the event that an uninsured motorist causes an accident with you. This type of coverage is not available in all provinces. You should also strongly consider collision coverage. This will pay to fix or replace your bike if it is damaged in an accident that is your fault. You may also need coverage that protects you in the case of damage to your bike in a non-accident related incident, such as vandalism.
Remember, motorcycle insurance in Canada is required, but the minimum requirement is not enough to protect you from liability. Talk with your agent and make sure that you are getting the coverage that you need! Hopefully, you will never need to use your insurance – but if you ever do, you will certainly be glad that you got the extra coverage that was available!
