Category: Auto Insurance

Spring is here, which means motorcycle season has arrived. Whether you enjoy going on long road trips or simply just like taking your motorcycle for a ride around your town, it’s important you have the right insurance coverage in the event you have to file a claim.

What You Should Know About Your Insurance & How Your Rate Can Be Calculated

Where You Live Matters

If you can ride your motorcycle year round, there is a chance you may pay more than an individual who can only ride during warmer months. Why? With your shortened window for riding, individuals who have a “motorcycle season” lower their risk for an accident.

Your Experience & Age Matter

This shouldn’t be too shocking to read. If you are an experienced motorcycle rider, you may have a lower rate vs. someone who just bought their first motorcycle. Your age factors in with your experience. Like car insurance, young drivers usually pay higher rates. However, if you are 50 years old and have no experience, you may pay more for insurance compared to a 30 year old who has 10 years of experience.

Your Riding History Matters

Just like car insurance, your riding history matters. Accidents, claims and tickets all play a role in your motorcycle insurance rate.

What Type of Bike You Own Matters

High performance bikes may be more to insure. If your bike has a big engine, that too can cost more to insure.

What Type of Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Should I Have?

Talk to one of our licensed agents about this. We can explain all coverage options. Some of these coverages are mandatory, but others are optional.  Here are a few to consider below.

Comprehensive insurance – covers you in the event your bike is damaged due to vandalism, falling trees/debris, storms, hitting an animal, theft, windshield damage, etc.

Liability – this covers you if you are responsible for causing damage or injuring someone else.

Collision – covers your motorcycle if you collide with a vehicle or object regardless if you are at fault or not.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage – if your bike is damaged by someone who isn’t carrying insurance or is underinsured. This coverage provides coverage up to your policy limits. Bonus – it can cover your injuries too.

Have custom parts for your bike? Get it covered. Some carriers automatically include some coverage in a policy, but not all.  Talk to your agent about this.

How Can I Save Money On My Motorcycle Insurance Coverage?

• Establish good credit.
• Bundle your insurance policy with other policies such as your car or home insurance.
• If you’re a member of the Harley-Davidson Owners Group (applies in 42 states).
• Some insurance carriers give a discount for having a motorcycle endorsement.
• Take a motorcycle safety course (this is great for all riders! Experienced or beginner).

Almost every state in the United States requires some form of motorcycle insurance. Contact our office for a motorcycle insurance quote! We will help you determine what coverage options fit your lifestyle the best.

Car accidents are scary and stressful. Safe driving is important and helps prevent accidents, but unfortunately accidents happen and are not always preventable. It is important to be prepared and take the necessary steps to ensure you are covered if you are involved in a car accident.

What Should I do if I’m in a Car Accident?

• First, make sure you are ok and check to make sure everyone involved is not hurt. If someone is, call 911 immediately.
• Move your vehicle safely off the road if you can. If you can’t, or the damage is too severe, do not try to move your vehicle.
• Call the Police. It is better to call them to be safe even if it is not a big accident. This helps with the insurance claims process.
• Locate your insurance ID cards and ask the other person involved to get theirs as well.
• Take pictures of the other persons insurance cards, license plate and photo ID cards so you have all information.
• Take pictures of any damage to vehicles.
• Call your insurance agent to report the incident and start the claims process.

It is easy to be distracted or flustered and forget to take the necessary steps if you are in a car accident. If you are not at fault, do not assume the other person has insurance. Always ask for identification and insurance information. In addition, don’t give someone the benefit of the doubt. It is better to be safe than sorry and have more information than you need than not enough.

What Type of Car Insurance Should I Have?

There are many different types of car insurance options and as a result, there are choices and decisions to make. Check out our website for more information or contact us anytime. We are here to assess your situation and determine what fits your needs. Some auto insurance policies simply meet the state’s legal requirements, but ultimately may not have enough coverage if you are in an extremely damaging accident or if your vehicle is stolen, for example. You do not want to put yourself, your family and others at risk. Most importantly, discuss with a professional to ensure you have the right policies in place.

An Independent Agency

In conclusion, as an independent insurance agency in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Colonial Insurance Agency is here for you when you need it. We work with you through the claims process and make sure the details are taken care of. Most importantly, it is our job to help protect you and your family.

With fewer boat, motorcycle or road trips in the RV happening in the fall and winter months, many wonder if they need to maintain insurance on these vehicles when they aren’t being driven. There are many different scenarios that warrant keeping these vehicles insured year-round so let’s take a closer look at these.

Weather Related Damages: Weather is especially nasty in the winter months so keeping your boat protected from covered weather-related damages is important. Even when stored, lightning, wind and hail can occur.

Physical Damages: It seems strange that you may be subjected to a property claim when your vehicle is not being used. However, take this simple example: You have a house party and someone wants to sit on your bike. During which, they accidentally knock it over denting your custom painted tank and scratching the paint. Your home insurance will not cover this.

Theft & Vandalism: If someone decides to steal your boat, motorcycle or RV in the winter months, you need coverage to cover the loss. Thefts occur everywhere, so even if in a secured area, vandalism can occur. Unfortunately, thieves don’t mind bad weather.

Fire: If your boat, motorcycle or RV is stored in your home or garage and there is a fire, your home insurance will not pay for damages to your vehicle. Instead, you will need a comprehensive insurance policy to cover these damages.

Financing: If you finance your boat, motorcycle or RV, your lienholder will require you to maintain insurance to protect the investment.

Multi-policy discounts: If you insure your boat, motorcycle or RV with your home or auto insurance company, you may be eligible for multi-policy discounts. By removing your insurance on your vehicle, you will raise the cost of your other policies.

Owning a boat, motorcycle or RV is a great experience for most. Don’t turn the joy of boat, motorcycle or RV ownership into a nightmare by trying to cut your insurance costs in the off-season. Protect your vehicle year-round and enjoy greater discounts on your other insurance products by bundling them together. For a quote on your insurance, contact us. We represent the best insurance companies and can quote you different coverages, rates and apply for special discounts.

Insurance can be tricky. For example, you want to get the best rates, but you also want to be properly covered if something were to happen. How do you know if you have the right policy? As an independent insurance agency we have options to shop our different insurance companies for you in order to find the best coverage at the best rates. Since we’ve been in the insurance business for over 30 years, we know insurance. Therefore, we thought we would round up a few tips and tricks on ways to save money on your car insurance.

Car insurance cost saving tips and tricks

1. Multi-policy discounts – insurance companies offer multi-policy discounts if you bundle different types of insurance like home and auto with the same company

2. Multi-car discount – have more than one car that needs to be insured? There are discounts if you have multiple cars with a single provider.

3. Payment – there are potential discounts if you automate payments or go paperless

4. Good-driving discounts – Do you have a good driving record? There could be discounts if you have a certain amount of accident-free or claim-free years.

5. Car type – the type of car you drive will affect your car insurance cost. New cars and hybrid cars typically have lower car insurance premiums and if your car has safe driving technology that could also help you save.

6. Good-student discounts – potential good-student discounts based on the students GPA and other factors.

Talk to a professional about your insurance

At Colonial Insurance Agency in Menomonee Falls, it is our goal to simplify insurance for you. We want to protect you and your family while also helping you get the best rates on your car insurance and other insurance needs like home, life, and business. Learn more on our website or contact us today and we would be happy to help.

It’s important to remember that insurance can be complicated. Sometimes the least expensive policy is not the best for your situation and would be detrimental to you if you find yourself in a claims situation. Make sure you have the proper coverage in place.