Motorcycle Insurance in Ontario

Is motorcycle insurance required in Ontario?

Yes. Similar to how all drivers must have Toronto car insurance, all riders must carry motorcycle insurance. Since both are types of auto insurance, you will notice many similarities between the two. For instance, the four mandatory coverages for car insurance in Ontario are the same for motorcycle insurance, and they include the following:

Third-party liability coverage

Liability insurance is a type of motorcycle insurance that all riders must have. The Government of Ontario stipulates that riders must carry a minimum of $200,000 in third-party liability coverage at any given time. This coverage can compensate policyholders for the various costs that arise from an at-fault accident. If you cause a car accident and someone is injured, or a car is damaged, third-party liability coverage will pay for it. It can also cover legal expenses, like defence and settlement fees.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is a second type of coverage that all Ontario motorcycle riders must have. It is for when you get into an accident, and someone is injured. Any type of bodily harm that requires medical attention may be eligible for accident benefits coverage. More specifically, under this portion of your policy, you can receive compensation for medical expenses not covered by Ontario health insurance, like rehabilitation or prescription medication. It can also cover lost income if someone was forced to miss work due to their injury or funeral expenses if someone passed away in the accident.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage offers peace of mind knowing that if you are involved in an accident and your motorcycle is damaged, you can receive compensation to pay for the repairs. However, direct compensation - property damage coverage only applies if you did not cause the accident.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is the final type of compulsory motorcycle insurance coverage in Ontario. It aims to protect drivers should they find themselves in an accident with someone who does not have any form of car insurance or sufficient insurance to cover the cost of the accident. It also provides protection against hit and runs if you get into an accident with a driver who flees the scene.

Extra protection for riders in Ontario

The four coverages above are not the only types of motorcycle insurance available to Ontario motorcycle riders. In fact, there are a whole host of other coverages that you can choose to add to your policy if you wish. We outline a few of the most popular below, but you can also speak with a BrokerLink insurance advisor for more information on extra protection for motorcycle insurance:

Collision coverage

Collision coverage is designed to protect riders if they get into major car accidents that damage their motorcycles. These accidents could be with other vehicles or even an animal or object found on the road. This type of coverage specifically reimburses riders for the cost of vehicle repairs, whether minor or major, less the deductible you are reasonable for.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage is a second type of extra protection popular among motorcycle riders in Ontario. It protects your motorcycle if it is lost or damaged while parked. With comprehensive coverage, you can be safeguarded against a wide range of risks, like theft, vandalism, water, wind, fire, and falling objects. If your motorcycle is lost or damaged due to any of these risks, your insurance company will issue a payout that helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing it. Comprehensive coverage, in addition to collision coverage, is optional for most motorcycle riders, though it may be required if you lease or finance your vehicle. Review the terms of your lease or financing agreement to confirm.

Accident forgiveness coverage

Accident forgiveness coverage is another type of motorcycle insurance that many riders choose to include in their policies. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your motorcycle insurance policy as an endorsement to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage and eligibility vary by province.

Motorcycle insurance rates in Ontario

Many riders want to know what motorcycle insurance rates are like in Ontario. The reality is that these rates vary and it’s difficult to provide an estimate without knowing more information about you and your riding habits. The reason that premiums vary so much between riders in Ontario is that insurance companies use a myriad of factors to assess risk and calculate rates. These factors range from a rider’s age and claims history to their driving experience and average mileage. The BrokerLink team has put together the following list of factors that an insurance company is likely to review when determining your motorcycle insurance premium in Ontario:

• Where you live (and where you regularly commute)
• Age
• Type, model, make, and year of the motorcycle
• Past claims
• Average mileage
• Driving experience
• Driving record
• Insurance history
• Deductible amount
• Regulatory bodies
• How you use your motorcycle
• Gender

For more information on motorcycle insurance rates in Ontario, reach out to BrokerLink today. While we cannot bind coverage or set rates, one of our licensed insurance brokers would be pleased to help you with other tasks, such as renewing car insurance or providing you with a free quote. We can also answer any questions you have, such as, “Is motorcycle insurance necessary year-round?”. Contact us to learn more about motorcycle insurance premiums.

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Tips for finding Ontario motorcycle insurance on a budget

Here at BrokerLink, we believe that motorcycle insurance shouldn’t break the bank. We want you to be comfortable with the amount that you pay for your coverage, and BrokerLink is here to help. When you work with us, your dedicated insurance advisor will take the time to understand your budget so that we can find a policy within it. Part of the reason we are able to do this is because of the many tips we’ve picked up over the years. You can read a few of BrokerLink’s top money-saving tips below:

Seek help from an Ontario motorcycle insurance specialist at BrokerLink

Asking a licensed insurance broker in Ontario for help is the first step if you want to find motorcycle insurance on a budget. The insurance advisors at BrokerLink have years of experience and unparalleled expertise with motorcycle insurance. We put all of this to good use when helping you find a policy. We will get in touch with our contacts at some of the top insurance companies in Ontario to find out how much their insurance coverage will cost you. Next, we compare the different policy options in order to determine which provides the most comprehensive coverage at the best price. We also inquire about motorcycle insurance discounts you may be eligible for to help you save in every way possible.

Enroll in an approved motorcycle safety course

Motorcycle safety is important. Not only does enrolling in an approved safety course reduce your odds of getting into an accident but it can make you eligible for a motorcycle insurance discount. Why? Insurance companies will see you as less of a risk if you have received instruction from a professional, especially since safety courses tend to cover a wide range of topics, like group motorcycle safety, riding in hazardous conditions, and more.

Outfit your motorcycle with a telematics device

Some insurance companies offer telematics discounts to motorcycle riders who demonstrate safe driving habits. For those who don’t know, a telematics device is something that you can install on a car or motorcycle that tracks your driving habits. Specifically, it will track your braking, accelerating, turning, and more. From there, you can be rewarded with a discount on your auto insurance policy for exercising safe driving skills. Nowadays, some insurance companies ask drivers to download an application onto their phones that monitors driving habits instead of installing a physical device on their vehicles. Regardless, if you have a stellar driving record, outfitting your motorcycle with a telematics device might be a smart decision. We recommend reviewing this list of safe driving tips before applying for such a discount.

Spend less time riding your motorcycle

The reality is that the more time spent on the road, the more likely you are to get into an accident and need to file an insurance claim. Thus, if you can prove that you drive less frequently by keeping your average mileage low, an insurance company may be more likely to give you a motorcycle insurance discount. If you achieve a particularly low annual mileage, you might even qualify as an occasional driver, and occasional drivers pay some of the lowest auto insurance rates of all. For tips on how to reduce your riding time, contact BrokerLink or try cycling, walking, carpooling, or taking public transit when possible.

Bundle motorcycle insurance with other insurance products

Bundling insurance policies can also help you save money on Ontario motorcycle insurance. When you bundle insurance products, i.e. buy more than one policy at the same time, an insurance company is likely to offer you a discount. Bundling discounts usually apply to many types of insurance products, including both car insurance and property insurance. So if you want to buy a motorcycle insurance plan, as well as a home insurance plan or a second auto insurance plan, you can do so and potentially save a lot. Keep in mind that not all insurance companies in Ontario offer these discounts, and if they do, certain conditions may apply. Speak with a BrokerLink insurance advisor about which insurance companies near you offer bundles and what types of insurance products may qualify.

Keep your driving record as clean as possible

A clean driving record quickly translates to cheaper motorcycle insurance rates. So if you need an incentive to drive safely, this is it. If you can maintain a driving record that is clear of infractions, you will be deemed lower risk by an insurance company and your premium will be lowered accordingly. Check out BrokerLink’s motorcycle riding safety guide for tips on how you can ride safely and keep your record clear.

Ride a safe motorcycle

Beyond riding safely, motorcycle riders should prioritize buying a motorcycle with a high safety rating. The reality is that some motorcycles, just like some cars, are deemed more reliable and safer than others. Choosing one that is known to be safer can lead to lower insurance rates.

Motorcycle safety tips for Ontario riders

There are many benefits of motorcycle riding, but unfortunately, safety isn’t one of them. Motorcycles are generally considered more dangerous to drive than cars, which is why it is so important that riders take extra safety precautions. Below is a list of motorcycle safety tips to read through and adopt:

Graduate from a motorcycle safety course in Ontario

There are all kinds of approved safety courses in Ontario, whether you’re driving a car or a motorcycle. Look for a motorcycle safety course near you and enrol in it. In these types of courses, you will learn useful tips from professional driving instructors. Armed with this information, you will become a safer, more responsible driver. Plus, if you can show proof that you took an approved motorcycle safety course, you might be eligible for a discount on your insurance policy.

Check the weather before leaving home

Before you pull out of the driveway at home, we recommend checking the weather forecast. As all drivers know, weather can change quickly. Inclement weather can spell trouble for any driver but especially for motorcycle riders who are very exposed to the elements. If the forecast is predicting snow, ice, rain, or thunderstorms, consider altering your plans and waiting to ride when it is safe to do so.

Wear the right gear

Wearing the right gear when riding is incredibly important. Motorcycle riders should take care to wear a helmet, goggles, gloves, boots, leather jackets, and leather pants at all times. Not only can some of this gear prevent road rash, but it can also reduce your chances of injury if you get into an accident.

Evaluate your motorcycle before riding

Having your motorcycle break down while driving is not only an inconvenience but could also be dangerous. Take the time to inspect the brakes, gas level, tire pressure, mirrors, taillights, headlights, oil levels, and turn signals before leaving home.

Obey the speed limit

When driving any type of motor vehicle, it is crucial that you respect the speed limit. Never exceed it and consider driving below it in areas with lots of pedestrians and construction, as well as when driving at night or in inclement weather.

Increase visibility

Increasing visibility while driving is of the utmost importance on a motorcycle. This is due to the fact you are smaller than most other vehicles on the road, which means that you could easily find yourself in another driver’s blind spot. Wear bright or reflective clothing, use your headlights, and don’t forget to signal when turning or merging.

Give yourself and other drivers space

Though you might be tempted to tailgate other drivers or weave in and out of traffic simply because you can, doing so would be reckless. When riding your motorcycle, space is your friend. The more space you leave around you, the more time you will have to react to an emergency situation. So do yourself a favour and leave at least two car lengths’ worth of room between yourself and the vehicles around you.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink prioritizes the community at every turn. We foster community in every province and city we operate in. We do this by providing a customer-driven approach to insurance. When you come to us, we will take the time to understand your needs and find a policy that fits within them. We also give back to the community by engaging in local events and fundraisers. Find out more about BrokerLink’s values by getting in touch today.

Contact us

At Ontario BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, travel plans, or pets, let us help you find the best coverage possible.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Ontario. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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FAQs about motorcycle insurance in Ontario

What types of motorcycles can I insure in Ontario?

You can insure almost any type of motorcycle in Ontario - and you must if you plan to drive it. The types of motorcycles that you can buy motorcycle insurance for range from cruising motorcycles and touring motorcycles to sports motorcycles, and restricted speed motorcycles such as mopeds and scooters.

How do I get a free motorcycle insurance quote in Ontario?

You can receive a free motorcycle insurance quote by contacting an insurance agent or broker near you. Many insurance professionals now offer free quotes over the phone, in person, or even online. Be prepared to answer some questions about the coverage you’re looking for, and you can receive a quote in minutes.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.