AARP Motorcycle Insurance
AARP motorcycle insurance is some of the most comprehensive on the market—learn more here.
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Coverage | Description | Example | Included automatically? | Do I need it? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Insures you against third-party claims for bodily harm and property damage caused by an accident involving the insured motorcycle. | You go through a red light and hit another motorcyclist, damaging their bike and giving them a head injury. AARP will pay for their medical bills and property damage costs up to the liability limits of your policy. | No | Check your state's requirements—in most states, BIL is required by law. | |
Passenger liability coverage | Provides insurance coverage for a non-insured passenger if an accident makes you legally liable to the passenger. | You get into an accident that injures the passenger on your motorcycle, who requires stitches. AARP helps pay for these associated costs. | No | Not required by law, and only worth it if you ride with an uninsured passenger very often. |
Comprehensive coverage (referred to as “Other than Collision Coverage”) | Covers other types of damage to your motorcycle, such as fire, theft, flood, vandalism, or contact with a bird or animal. | You have a flood in your garage, and your motorcycle is pretty damaged. AARP pays for the bike's actual cash value, minus any deductible. | No | Not required by law, but it's a good idea unless your motorcycle is extremely old or has little monetary value. |
Collision coverage | If you get into an accident, this insurance will pay to fix or replace your bike. | Your handlebars are mangled after you crash into a light post. The cost of repairs is paid for by AARP. | No | Not required by law, but it's a good idea unless your motorcycle is extremely old or has little monetary value. |
You and your passengers are covered for medical expenses (no matter who was at fault) in an accident. | Your friend is riding with you and breaks their arm when they fall off your bike. Up to the limits of your policy, AARP will pay for their medical bills. | No | Not required by law, but it is a good idea—particularly if you do not have health insurance. | |
Replacement cost/Total Loss settlement coverage | If you qualify for this insurance and your motorcycle is wrecked by a covered loss, AARP will pay for a brand new motorcycle of the same type to replace it (this coverage is not available for custom motorcycles). | You dropped $18,000 on a brand-new motorcycle and then totaled it after only six months. All you have to do is submit a claim to AARP, and they'll pay for a brand-new model. | Yes—if you purchase collision coverage AND have a motorcycle less than two years old, that was purchased new with a max MSRP of $35,000. | This protection is worthwhile if you have recently purchased a pricey motorcycle. |
Optional equipment coverage | This protects most permanently attached accessories to your bike (i.e. parts, decorations, custom painting, chroming, sidecars) that were not originally standard equipment provided by the manufacturer. | The cool custom sidecar you just put on your bike gets crushed in an accident. AARP will pay to have the custom part replaced, minus any deductible. | $3,500 is included automatically with comprehensive coverage | If you customize your bike a lot, you should think about getting this coverage. |
Safety apparel coverage | If your protective gear, like a helmet or leather gloves, gets damaged in an accident, this will pay for the repairs or replacements. | You get into an accident and your helmet is badly cracked. AARP will pay for helmet repairs or replacements. | $1,500 is automatically included with collision coverage | If you tend to purchase more expensive safety apparel, this coverage might be worth it. |
Towing and roadside assistance (with Trip Interruption Coverage) | If you get a flat tire, run out of gas, or need a battery jump, you can call for 24-hour emergency roadside assistance. With Trip Interruption, if your bike breaks down in a covered accident more than 100 miles from home, you'll get up to $100 per day for lodging, $50 per day for food, and $50 per day for transportation, for up to four days OR $500. | You're on your way to Joshua Tree when your motorcycle breaks down and leaves you stranded on the road. If your bike breaks down, AARP will tow it to the nearest shop and help you pay for a taxi, food, and a hotel room if you need it. | No | If you frequently travel long distances by car, then roadside assistance is an excellent choice. |
Transport trailer coverage | Covers damage to a trailer used just for transporting your motorcycle (up to $7,500). | You’re pulling the trailer for your motorcycle behind your truck and someone hits you from behind at a stoplight. AARP will help pay to fix the trailer. | No | If you’re planning on transporting your motorcycle cross-country, this might be a coverage that’s worth purchasing. |
“Insurance companies originally charged me $189 while driving my BMW 300 miles per year. Thanks toJerry, I only pay $56! I’m so happy.” —Ray T.