Motorcycle Insurance in Ottawa

Do I need insurance to ride my motorcycle in Ottawa?

Yes. Auto insurance is mandatory for all motorcycle riders in Ottawa, and an Ottawa insurance broker can help you find it. One of BrokerLink’s licensed insurance advisors can also explain mandatory versus optional coverage to make sure that the policy you choose complies with Ontario law. Below is a list of the four mandatory coverage types for motorcycle insurance in Ottawa:

Third party liability coverage

Liability insurance is a legal requirement for automobile and motorcycle insurance in Ontario. All drivers must carry at least $200,000 in third party liability coverage to protect them should they get into an at-fault accident. Please note that liability insurance only covers accidents that the policyholder was responsible for. It can compensate policyholders for costs that arise from the collision, whether they be medical expenses, legal fees, or vehicle repair bills.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is another mandatory coverage type in Ontario. All motorcycle riders must add accident benefits coverage to their policy. It safeguards policyholders against the high cost of medical care if someone is injured following a car accident. You can claim accident benefits for a wide range of injury-related costs, like medical fees not covered by basic Ontario healthcare (e.g. physical therapy or prescription medications), loss of income, and even funeral expenses..

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage reimburses policyholders for the cost of repairing their motorcycle if they are involved in an accident and it is damaged. Note that direct compensation - property damage coverage can only be claimed if you did not cause the accident that led to the damage.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage, also known as uninsured automobile coverage, compensates policyholders for a wide range of expenses if they get into an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. It can also cover you against drivers who are underinsured and do not have enough coverage to pay for the cost of the damages, as well as unidentified drivers who illegally flee the scene of the accident.

What other motorcycle insurance coverage is available in Ottawa?

Ottawa riders will be pleased to learn that there are several other motorcycle insurance coverage options out there before what is listed above. From collision coverage to accident forgiveness coverage, Ottawa motorists can add plenty of extra protection to their policy if they wish. Find out more about four of the most popular optional coverage types below:

Collision coverage

Collision coverage can be claimed if you get into a major accident and your motorcycle is damaged, regardless of whether you caused the accident or not. Under this portion of your policy, your insurance provider may issue a payout to cover the cost of repairing your vehicle. It is worth noting that collision coverage is usually optional in Ottawa, but it may be required if you lease or finance your motorcycle.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage is another type of optional motorcycle coverage worth considering. This extra protection safeguards your motorcycle while parked. In other words, if it is stolen or damaged by an insured peril while parked, your insurer may compensate you for the cost of repairing or replacing it. The only catch with comprehensive coverage is that you will only be reimbursed for damage that is caused by a risk named in your policy. These risks are known as covered or insured perils and they range from fire and wind to vandalism, theft, falling objects, and glass damage. Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage is not government-mandated, but there are certain circumstances where you may be obligated to purchase it, such as if your motorcycle is leased or financed.

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 varies by province.

How motorcycle insurance rates are determined in Ottawa, Ontario

Cost is one of the most important factors when purchasing motorcycle insurance in Ottawa. Riders want to know how much they will have to pay for insurance. Calculating motorcycle insurance rates is tricky, especially given that each insurance company uses its own risk calculation formula. That said, knowing what factors an insurance company inputs into that formula can help you get a sense of your premium. For this reason, BrokerLink has put together a list of factors that an insurance agent is likely to consider when calculating your Ottawa motorcycle insurance rate:

• 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

To find out more about how much motorcycle insurance costs in Ottawa, contact BrokerLink today. One of our experienced insurance advisors would be pleased to explain in further detail how premiums are calculated, as well as provide you with a free motorcycle insurance quote. More than that, your dedicated BrokerLink advisor can assist you with tasks like renewing car insurance and answer important questions like, “Is motorcycle insurance necessary year-round?”. Get started by calling BrokerLink today or use our online free quote tool now.

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How to find cheap motorcycle insurance in Ottawa

The right motorcycle insurance policy for you should not only offer the coverage you desire, it should also be affordable. BrokerLink is always here to help you save money on insurance by giving you tips and advice on the best money-saving strategies, as well as shopping around and comparing rates on your behalf. Get started with some of our top tips for cutting insurance costs below:

Ask an Ottawa insurance broker for advice

Ottawa insurance brokers are one of the best resources you have at your disposal if you want help saving money on motorcycle insurance. For example, the BrokerLink team consists of several fully licensed and experienced insurance brokers who specialize in motorcycle insurance. Any one of them would be happy to assist you, whether you need help navigating the insurance industry, filing a claim, renewing insurance, and more. More importantly, BrokerLink’s insurance brokers can provide you with all types of valuable advice and tips for saving money on insurance, like which discounts you may be eligible for and how you can reduce costs through insurance bundling. In essence, an Ottawa insurance broker will do everything they can to ensure you don’t overspend on motorcycle insurance.

Show proof of graduating from a motorcycle safety course in Ottawa

Some insurance companies offer driver’s education discounts to policyholders. In other words, if you complete an approved driving course in Ottawa, such as a motorcycle safety course, you could qualify for a cheaper motorcycle insurance rate. The reason insurance companies offer this type of discount is because they know that defensive driving courses help people become safer drivers. Motorcycle safety courses cover everything from the basics of riding a motorcycle to group motorcycle safety, how to ride in hazardous conditions, and more.

Add a telematics device to your motorcycle

Adding a telematics device to your motorcycle is another way that you might be able to save money on motorcycle insurance. Many insurance companies across Ontario offer telematics discounts to those who qualify. In order to qualify, you will need to install a telematics device onto your motorcycle or install a similar type of application onto your smartphone. From there, the device or application will monitor your driving habits, and the better they are, the more you will be rewarded with cheaper rates. Remember that telematics devices track all kinds of driving habits, from braking and accelerating to turning and cornering. If you have a good driving record and think a telematics discount might be right for you, read through this list of safe driving tips and contact BrokerLink to find out more.

Reduce your annual mileage

The next way that riders in Ottawa might be able to save money on motorcycle insurance is by reducing their annual mileage. Insurance companies tend to offer discounts to drivers who spend less time on the road, since doing so reduces your odds of getting into an accident and needing to file an insurance claim. Drivers with particularly low annual mileage might even qualify for an occasional driver discount, which can significantly lower your premium. For more information on how occasional driver discounts work and what your annual mileage needs to be below to qualify, reach out to BrokerLink. One of our motorcycle insurance specialists can also give you tips on ways to reduce your mileage if you’re close to occasional driver status, like carpooling, walking, cycling, or taking public transit.

Combine motorcycle insurance and car or home insurance

Bundling insurance policies is another top money-saving tip for motorcycle insurance. As most insurance experts will tell you, bundling policies can lead to vastly cheaper rates. However, bundling only works for people who are looking to buy more than one insurance product at the same time. And not just any type of insurance product qualifies. Each company has its own unique rules as to which types of insurance can be bundled, but most commonly it is home and auto insurance or multiple auto insurance policies that can be bundled. So if you are looking to insure your motorcycle, as well as another car in your household, or your property, ask an insurance broker about the bundling packages that may be available to you and the savings that come with them.

Maintain a spotless driving record

Keeping your driving record clean not only means that you are a safe driver but it can lead to a discount on your motorcycle insurance policy. Again, insurance companies like to reward responsible drivers by offering them a discounted motorcycle insurance rate. So by keeping your driving record clear of infractions, like speeding tickets, DUIs, and accidents, you can minimize how much you spend on motorcycle insurance. For more information on driving safely, take a look at BrokerLink’s motorcycle riding safety guide.

Choose a safe motorcycle model

Buying a motorcycle is exciting, but with so many options out there, it can also be overwhelming. Thankfully, if you want to save money on motorcycle insurance, we can help you narrow it down. Choosing to buy a motorcycle with a high safety and reliability rating is a smart choice, as doing so can mean that you save money on insurance.

Keep yourself safe with these motorcycle riding tips

While there are plenty of benefits of motorcycle riding, safety isn’t usually one of them. That said, there are ways that you can make riding a motorcycle safer, such as by exercising responsible driving habits. To ensure you keep yourself and others safe and reduce the odds of a collision, the BrokerLink team has made a list of our top motorcycle safety tips. Check them out below:

Complete a motorcycle safety course in Ottawa

Driver’s education courses are available all over Ontario, including in Ottawa, and you can even find some that specialize in motorcycle safety. Signing up for and completing an approved motorcycle safety course in Ottawa is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Whether you are new to motorcycles or want a refresher, a defensive driving course taught by a professional can teach you invaluable driving techniques for various road hazards and conditions.

Double-check the weather forecast before riding

Weather can change quickly, and driving in adverse weather conditions can be particularly dangerous for motorcycle riders. Thus, before leaving home, check the weather forecast to find out if any rain, snow, ice, fog, or thunderstorms are predicted. If they are, consider altering your plans or taking a different, more protected mode of transportation.

Wear safety gear at all times

Safety gear is a must when riding a motorcycle in Ottawa. The most important type of gear is a helmet. Wearing a helmet can protect you from a wide range of injuries if you are involved in an accident. However, other important types of motorcycle gear include goggles, gloves, boots, and leather clothing to avoid road rash.

Make sure your motorcycle is functioning as it should

Get into the habit of inspecting your motorcycle before leaving home to ensure it’s working as it should. Specifically, experts recommend evaluating the brakes, gas level, tire pressure, mirrors, taillights, headlights, oil levels, and turn signals on your motorcycle.

Drive the speed limit

Driving the speed limit is important no matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving. Exceeding the speed limit makes driving far more dangerous and can increase your chances of getting into an accident. So obey all posted speed limits and drive below them if roads are slick or you are riding through a pedestrian or construction zone.

Make yourself visible

The more visible you make yourself on the road, the less likely another car is to hit you. Given how dangerous collisions are for motorcycle riders, it is especially important that you take extra safety precautions. Examples of ways that you can make yourself more visible to other drivers include wearing bright or reflective clothing, turning on your headlights, and signalling when turning.

Leave space on the road

Leaving space all around you is important when riding your motorcycle anywhere in Ottawa. The more space you have, the more time you give yourself to react if a dangerous situation presents itself. Experts typically recommend leaving two car lengths’ worth of space around you, though this should be increased according to how fast you are going. The faster you are going, the more time you should give yourself to react.

We’re in your community

Community, integrity, excellence, and generosity - these are the four values that BrokerLink strives to uphold at all times. We are a customer-driven insurance brokerage that aims to meet the needs of our Ottawa customers, whether they are looking for car insurance, motorcycle insurance, commercial insurance, property insurance, or even pet insurance. Find out more about how BrokerLink operates by giving us a call today.

Contact us

At Ottawa BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, 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 Ottawa motorcycle insurance

What types of motorcycles does Ottawa motorcycle insurance cover?

Ottawa motorcycle insurance applies to a variety of motor vehicles, including but not limited to cruising motorcycles, touring motorcycles, sports motorcycles, and restricted speed motorcycles such as mopeds and scooters. If you aren’t sure whether your specific motorcycle is eligible for coverage, reach out to an insurance agent or broker near you.

Where can I obtain a free Ottawa motorcycle insurance quote?

You can get a free motorcycle insurance quote in Ottawa by getting in touch with an insurance company or insurance brokerage in your area. Nowadays, most insurance professionals offer complimentary estimates to customers with no obligation to buy a policy. Quotes can typically be obtained online, over the phone, or in person by visiting a local insurance office.

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