Category: Motorcycle Insurance

No matter what time of year it is, you need to be insured if you’re riding your motorcycle in Maryville, TN. Whether cruising down the Parkway on a sunny summer day or braving the cold for a winter ride, being adequately insured is always a must. However, during the winter months, when you’re not using your motorcycle as often, you may be tempted to let your insurance lapse. But is that a good idea?

Is There Seasonal Motorcycle Insurance?

There is no such thing as seasonal motorcycle insurance, at least not in the traditional sense. Your motorcycle insurance policy is annual, which means it covers you for 12 months, no matter how often or how little you ride. So, even if you only take your bike out a few times during the winter, you’re still required to maintain your insurance coverage.

A Carr Insurance Group agent can help you tailor your motorcycle insurance policy to fit your needs and budget, whether you’re a casual rider or an avid enthusiast.

Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Coverage Lapse

However, just because you’re required to maintain your motorcycle insurance year-round doesn’t mean you should let your coverage lapse, even for a short period. If you cancel your policy or let it lapse, you could face some severe consequences, including:

A New Policy Can Be More Expensive

If you let your policy lapse and then try to reinstate it or get a new policy, your carrier may charge you a higher premium. That’s because insurance companies view lapsed coverage as a red flag and may deem you a higher risk to insure.

You Could Be Penalized by the DMV

In most states, including Tennessee, it’s illegal to operate a motorcycle without insurance. If caught riding without coverage, you could be subject to a fine or have your license suspended.

Give Us A Call

Contact Carr Insurance Group today to learn more about your options for motorcycle insurance in Maryville, TN.

The freedom of the open road is a fantastic feeling, especially once you hear the rumble of the motorcycle engine and feel the wind in your face. Millions of Americans jump on their motorcycles to go riding each year. If you want to join them but do not have a bike yet, there are some things to consider when shopping for one in Maryville, TN. 

Once you have purchased your motorcycle, give us a call at Carr Insurance Group to learn your insurance options. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind when purchasing a motorcycle:

Determine Your Budget

Prices for motorcycles can vary, and a new, basic motorcycle can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. Top-of-the-line motorcycles can cost $40,000 or more. Used motorcycles cost less but sometimes require some extra maintenance work.

Plan for Maintenance

Like cars, motorcycles require routine maintenance to keep running smoothly. Before purchasing a motorcycle, consider what maintenance is needed and any costs associated with buying tires, getting oil changes, and other maintenance tasks. 

Purchase Gear

When working out your motorcycle budget, don’t forget to factor in your riding gear. At a minimum, you need to have a DOT-certified helmet. Other equipment to consider purchasing include a riding jacket, boots, and gloves. 

Shop for Insurance

While shopping for your motorcycle, you will need to shop for insurance. So don’t forget to give us a call at Carr Insurance Group to learn about the insurance coverage available to motorcycle owners. 

Sign Up for Classes

Depending on your experience with driving a motorcycle, you might have to sign up for some driving and handling classes. If available, take your riding course before buying your motorcycle, so you can determine if getting one is the best choice for your riding abilities. 

Get ready to take your new motorcycle out driving in Maryville, TN, and don’t forget to call us beforehand to discuss your insurance coverage.

In the Smokey Mountains and Maryville, TN area, people can enjoy warm weather for much of the year. Due to this, Maryville can also be a great place to own a motorcycle as it will make it easy for you to get around town while also enjoying the nice weather. When you are going to own a motorcycle in this area, you likely will need to have motorcycle insurance. There are several reasons why having motorcycle insurance coverage will be a necessity for you. 

State Driving Requirement

One reason you will need to get motorcycle insurance is that it will be a state driving requirement. In Tennessee, all drivers of motorcycles will need to carry liability motorcycle insurance. With this type of coverage, you will have the protection needed to pay for any damages you may cause in an accident. If you are caught driving without this insurance protection, you will likely be penalized.

Insurance is a Lender Requirement

Another scenario when you will need to get motorcycle insurance is when you have taken out a loan. Many people that choose to get a motorcycle will also take out a loan to finance the purchase. If you did take out a motorcycle loan, the lender would want you to carry a full motorcycle insurance policy that protects against theft, vandalism, and other forms of damage. Ultimately, this coverage will help to protect their collateral. 

Almost anyone in the Smokey Mountain or Maryville, TN area that also owns a motorcycle will need to have a motorcycle insurance policy. If you need to have this type of coverage, you should speak with the Carr insurance Group. The Carr insurance Group team can help you understand what your options are and ensure you remain properly covered at all times.