What's the best insurance deal?

[cswett]

This weekend I'm upgrading from a '95 K75 to a 2004 R1150R. I called Geico to change my policy and the premiums more than doubled. They quoted me $1,000 a year for living in Sacramento with a $500 comp deductible. My buddy has a Triumph Rocket (about 2,200 cc) and he only pays about $500 for his coverage with Geico. He think it's because the Rocket is rated as a cruiser and the R1150R is not. Is the R1150R rated as a sport bike?
I sure don't intend to ride it that way? Any suggestions on other carriers who might be a bit more sensible in the way they classify bikes?
Thanks

Clint

[owldaddy]

I use Foremost, they will hit you up for an extra $80 the first year, but if you pay on time and renew they will lower the premium the next year, I pay $300/year now. I don't live in Sacramento, but I am in your area.
Don

[Airman]

This weekend I'm upgrading from a '95 K75 to a 2004 R1150R. I called Geico to change my policy and the premiums more than doubled. They quoted me $1,000 a year for living in Sacramento with a $500 comp deductible. My buddy has a Triumph Rocket (about 2,200 cc) and he only pays about $500 for his coverage with Geico. He think it's because the Rocket is rated as a cruiser and the R1150R is not. Is the R1150R rated as a sport bike?
I sure don't intend to ride it that way? Any suggestions on other carriers who might be a bit more sensible in the way they classify bikes?
Thanks

Clint

When I bought my `03 I bought insurance from the dealership, a common extra service. They said GMAC liked BMW's and considered them safer than other bikes, or perhaps the buyers are different people. I think when it was new I paid about $350, and it's just under $300 now for full coverage. I live in Washington state where motorcycle insurance is optional, so that might encourage lower rates, but I know some states are unreasonable. Go to a broker who has access to several companies so you can compare. The R1150R should be rated as a "standard", and any insurance company should know it's far closer to being a toouring bike than a sport bike. Since premiums seem to be loaded heavily towards the liability side, I don't really see why your premiums should go up much with your current company. My auto and home insurance is with Liberty Mutual who with all the multi-vehicle discounts for my cars and trucks, still wanted $750 for the same coverage, so it pays to shop around.

[dgates]

I also live in Washington state and use Progressive. I pay ~ $400/yr full coverage.

[towerworker]

I currently pay around $400 yr for full coverage on an 04 thru Progressive. Was paying under $300 yearly thru Sentry till I totaled an 03 in late 07. I live in Va and am 54 and had a spotless record prior to my total. I found Sentry to be the best overall deal around here. I also understand they are the insurance carrier written by most HD stores. But Sentry doesn't like me much right now so I'm with Progressive.

[cswett]

Wow, I just got an online quote from Progressive and they want $1,170 a year

[dgates]

Wow!
I guess trying to compare insurance is like apple and oranges. Too many variables by region and person and cycle.

[twindave]

I live in the Sacramento area...Rocklin, CA

I have Farmers Insurance. I'm 48 years old and a clean record. Full coverage with a $250 deductable on my 2002 R1150R is $480 per year.

BTW...Insurance in the Bay area is cheaper than the Sacramento area. I used to live in Sunnyvale. When I moved to Sacramento, my insurance nearly doubled on all my vehicles. Sacramento is supposed to be one of the highest risk areas in the USA from what I have been told by insurance agents.

Dave

[Hawk]

Geico raised me from $400 to $1,000 last year, in Arizona. I went with Safeco and got a policy for a tad over $400 per year. Get a few quotes....

I am also told American Family is reasonable on bike insurance, especially if you are willing to put your homeowners insurance with them as well.

Good luck!

[Airman]

I live in the Sacramento area...Rocklin, CA

I have Farmers Insurance. I'm 48 years old and a clean record. Full coverage with a $250 deductable on my 2002 R1150R is $480 per year.

BTW...Insurance in the Bay area is cheaper than the Sacramento area. I used to live in Sunnyvale. When I moved to Sacramento, my insurance nearly doubled on all my vehicles. Sacramento is supposed to be one of the highest risk areas in the USA from what I have been told by insurance agents.

Dave

Does California require minimum coverage ? Washington does not and I know qwners of some of the "unpleasant" sportbike types who simply don't insure the bike because the rates are too high. You take the risk of losing the bike of course if you crash it, but if your rate for a single bike is over $1000 a year some consider it an option.

[jas]

Geico in Idaho, $280 a year with a $500.00 deductible.

[TicTac50]

The best rates are in Florida.
No insurance required.... for now.

[Buckster]

You got to call around....but for me Geico has always been the most expensive and Progressive has always had the best deal. You need to check policy for what is actually covered as well. I also let them know it's NOT a sport bike. Sport Tourer is more like it!

[twindave]

airman

Yes, California requires minimum insurance of property and liability damage. I just renewed my policy last month and considered going that route since it was very cheap...$160 per year for minimum coverage.

However, we in California have more fees on the way. California law makers have slapped us with a special motorcycle tax and an increase in registration fees. The fun never ends in California.

[Biff's R]

I can't imagine not having insurance. I use State Farm.

[Hawkman]

I pay ~$450 in Connecticut from Progressive, but they also insure my car so that is a discount. Would be around $600 otherwise. I don't think that it is too bad. The lizard wanted $1200(!) for a year and E-surance wanted $1400(!!!).

Check with whoever covers your car and you can usually get a better rate.

[ca_rockster]

I too live in California, and I have found that AAA (the autoclub) has the best rates on both motorcycles and upscale cars.
My R1150R (-04) runs about $400/yr with very high covereage. Get a quote!

[challey]

When I was buying my R, a friend gave me a copy of the BMWON. There was an advertisement in it for these guys:
http://www.motorcycleservices.com/app/askzip.asp

They are brokers, rather than an insurance company and the rates I've gotten have been very good. I'm currently paying $202 per year for full coverage. The one claim I needed to make - when my bike was hit by a municipal vehicle while parked (I found out what "sovereign immunity" is the hard way) - was settled promptly and with minimal drama.

Charlie

[rdsmith3]

I use Progressive. Many insurers will not write in NJ.

Progressive is about $250/year.

Prior to that I used NJ Riders, which was double that - about $500/year.

[Eqyn Dad]

I too have shopped and found Progressive to be the best deal for my area (Ohio). With a $250 deductable, my annual bill is $90. I had to do a bit of arguing becuase most of the companies wanted to classify it as a sport bike first. That premium includes $1000 worth of accessory coverage.