Motorcycle Insurance Saint John, NB

Is motorcycle insurance mandatory in Saint John, NB?

Yes, just like how car insurance in Saint John is mandatory, so too is motorcycle insurance. Since a motorcycle is a type of motorized vehicle, you must have a policy that complies with local laws in New Brunswick. This means a policy that contains the following four types of coverage. If you need help finding motorcycle insurance in Saint John, contact BrokerLink to be connected with a licensed insurance broker in New Brunswick:

Third party liability coverage

Liability insurance is the first type of motorcycle insurance coverage that all motorists must have. This type of coverage will protect you if you get into an at-fault accident. Saint John drivers must have at least $200,000 in their motorcycle insurance policies to help pay for medical expenses, legal fees, and vehicle repair bills should they find themselves liable for an accident. Many motorcycle owners opt for more coverage, anywhere from $500,000 to $2 million.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is also required in New Brunswick, and can cover medical expenses if someone is injured in a motorcycle accident. For example, if you break your wrist, your accident benefits coverage can pay for any medical expenses incurred that aren't covered by your health insurance policy.

These may include prescription medication expenses or rehabilitation expenses. Lost income can also be reimbursed if you cannot work temporarily due to your accident. If a collision results in death, accident benefits coverage may also pay for funeral fees.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage will help pay to repair your vehicle if it is damaged after being involved in an accident. The only catch with direct compensation coverage is that you cannot have been at fault for the accident.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage, also known as uninsured motorist coverage, can help pay for various costs associated with an accident if you get into a collision with a driver who is uninsured, underinsured, or who is anonymous because they fled the scene. In any of these scenarios, you can file an uninsured automobile claim to help pay for medical fees, legal fees, or repair bills.

What other types of coverage can I add to my Saint John motorcycle insurance policy?

There are several other types of motorcycle insurance coverage that Saint John riders choose to add to their policies. Remember that just because the following types of coverage aren’t mandatory doesn’t mean that they aren’t important. The four types of coverage listed below all offer extra protection against a wide range of risks on the road:

Collision coverage

Collision coverage will help you if you get into a serious accident that damages your motorcycle. Whether your motorcycle can be repaired or needs to be replaced, collision coverage can help pay for either. This type of coverage can be claimed regardless of whether the policyholder collided with another vehicle, an animal, or a grounded object on the road.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage is a second type of optional coverage that many riders choose to include with their motorcycle insurance policies. Also known as parked car insurance, comprehensive coverage will pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or lost while parked. The only catch is that the loss or damage must have been caused by a covered risk.

Covered risks, otherwise known as insured perils, vary between insurance policies but usually include theft, vandalism, falling and flying objects, explosions and riots, fire, and weather-related incidents. For a complete list of perils that your policy protects against, review the terms and conditions of your policy carefully. Please note that collision and comprehensive coverage are usually optional in New Brunswick, but you may be obligated to purchase them if you lease or finance your motorcycle, depending on the terms of your lease agreement.

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 help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim.

Note: coverage and eligibility vary by province.

Loss of use coverage

Loss of use coverage will pay for you to take other forms of transportation if your motorcycle is damaged and needs to go into the shop for repair. Until your motorcycle is fixed, you can rent a car, take taxis, or ride the bus, the costs for which will be reimbursed by your loss of use coverage.

How much does Saint John motorcycle insurance cost?

How much is motorcycle insurance? This is a question that many Saint John riders ask themselves. The reality is that rates vary considerably between provinces and even between riders. Thus, not all riders in Saint John will pay the same amount of money for motorcycle insurance coverage. A few of the factors that an insurance company will consider when calculating your premium are as follows:

• Where you live
• 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 learn more about how motorcycle insurance rates in Saint John, New Brunswick (NB) are calculated, contact BrokerLink today. Our insurance advisors can provide additional insight into how insurance companies calculate premiums. We can also give you a free motorcycle insurance quote that will help you understand how much your policy will cost.

Please note that insurance brokers do not set rates; insurance companies do. That said, a BrokerLink insurance advisor can still help you find your ideal policy and even give you tips on ways to keep your rates low.

Tips for finding affordable motorcycle insurance in Saint John, NB

If you’re looking for affordable motorcycle insurance coverage in Saint John, NB, then you’re in the right place. As insurance experts, we know how to help our customers save money on their policies. Mandatory coverage should never break the bank, so a BrokerLink insurance advisor will unlock discounts on your behalf and shop around to get you the most competitive rate. We are also happy to offer all the tips and advice we possibly can when it comes to keeping motorcycle insurance premiums low. Keep reading to find out how you can find affordable motorcycle insurance in Saint John:

Work with a BrokerLink insurance advisor when buying motorcycle insurance

The first step you should take if you want to save money on motorcycle insurance is to work with a BrokerLink insurance advisor. All BrokerLink advisors are fully licensed and have years of experience helping riders just like you find quality coverage at a great price. Simply get in touch, let us know your budget and your coverage needs, and we’ll shop around to find a great policy that meets them.

Complete a motorcycle safety course

Motorcycle safety is no joke. You’ve probably heard that driving a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car, so you can save money on auto insurance if you enrol in a motorcycle safety course. Many insurance companies across New Brunswick offer motorcycle insurance discounts to those who can prove that they completed a driver’s education course. These types of programs teach new and veteran motorcycle riders the rules of the road and how to drive defensively, thus reducing the odds of them getting into an accident.

Install a telematics device on your motorcycle

Telematics devices monitor your riding habits. If you exhibit safe motorcycle riding habits, you can save big on motorcycle insurance. Nowadays, telematic devices are either physical devices that are installed on your vehicle or mobile applications downloaded onto your phone.

Whichever you use, they will monitor your hard braking, fast accelerating, turning, and more. If you want to keep yourself safe on the road, maintain a clean driving record, and save money on car insurance, signing up for a telematics program might be the right move. Contact BrokerLink to learn more about how telematics devices work and can save you money on motorcycle insurance.

Bundle home and motorcycle policies

Bundling insurance policies is another way that you might be able to save money on your Saint John, NB motorcycle insurance policy. Insurance bundles result in significant discounts, so if you need to buy home insurance in addition to motorcycle insurance, speak to a broker as soon as possible. From homeowner’s insurance and tenant insurance to recreational vehicle insurance, there are many insurance products that can be bundled with motorcycle insurance to save money.

Maintaining a clean driving record

The cleaner your record, the better off you will be - at least regarding your motorcycle insurance rates. If your motorcycle driving record is filled with infractions, your insurance rates are likely to be much higher than if you have a clean record. Thus, riding a motorcycle safely is of the utmost importance. Plus, if you maintain a clean record for a certain number of years in a row, you may even qualify for a safe driver discount, which can result in even bigger savings.

Buy a safe and reliable motorcycle

Before buying a motorcycle, you will need to consider which one is right for you. While there are several factors to think about, one should be safety. All motor vehicles in Canada are assessed and assigned a safety rating. The higher the rating, the safer the vehicle.

If you want to ensure your own safety on the road as well as keep your motorcycle insurance premium as low as possible, do yourself a favour and choose a model with a high safety rating. Those with high safety ratings are usually more reliable, meaning they’re less likely to break down or have a part recalled, have more safety features and lower maximum speeds.

Choose high motorcycle insurance deductibles

One last way to keep your motorcycle rates low is to pick high deductibles for your policy. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium. This is generally how it works in the insurance world. Just make sure that your deductible isn’t so high that you cannot reasonably afford to pay it in the event of a claim.

Stay safe on the road with these motorcycle safety tips

There are many benefits of motorcycle riding. However, safety isn’t one of them. Motorcycles are generally considered riskier than regular passenger vehicles. Thankfully, there are ways that you can mitigate this extra risk, and that is by adopting safe driving habits. Continue reading for a list of motorcycle safety tips:

Check for bad weather before leaving home

Since you are more likely to feel the effects of inclement weather while riding a motorcycle, you must check the weather forecast before leaving home. You may want to consider altering your plans if there is heavy rain, thunderstorms, or snowfall in the forecast. Conditions like snow, rain, ice, and fog make driving far more dangerous.

Wear the necessary safety gear at all times

Riding a motorcycle leaves you more exposed to the elements, whether they be sun, wind, or rain. Be prepared for all kinds of weather by riding with safety gear. For instance, in addition to a helmet, which is an absolute must, it is recommended that riders also wear gloves, boots, sunglasses, leather jackets, and leather pants. This gear will increase your comfort on your bike and reduce the odds of serious injury if you get into an accident.

Inspect your motorcycle before riding

Regular vehicle inspections are crucial no matter what type of automobile you drive. To properly inspect your motorcycle, be sure to visually inspect and test the brakes, gas level, tire pressure, mirrors, taillights, headlights, oil levels, and turn signals before pulling out of the driveway. If something seems wrong, take your motorcycle to the nearest mechanic immediately.

Obey the posted speed limits

Driving the speed limit is another motorcycle safety tip and one that all drivers would be wise to follow. Speed limits exist for a reason - to keep drivers safe. Plus, they are the law. You can receive an expensive fine if you are caught speeding in Saint John.

Thus, it is vital that you remain aware of all speed limits and abide by them wherever you are riding. If you are driving in inclement weather, through a construction area, or in a place with many pedestrians, drive even slower.

Increase visibility

As a motorcycle rider, it is your responsibility to make yourself as visible as possible to other drivers. Since your vehicle is small, this may require extra attention. For example, experts recommend that motorcyclists wear neon or reflective clothing, use their headlights when appropriate, and always utilize their turn signals.

Create space on all sides

Creating space is one last safety tip that all motorcycle riders should abide by. Space is what can help you avoid an accident. Ideally, you should leave at least two car lengths’ or three seconds worth of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.

This will give you plenty of time to react to an emergency situation in front of you, whether you need to brake suddenly or switch lanes. Ultimately, the more space you give yourself, the less likely you are to get into a motorcycle accident.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink is a proud member of the Saint John community. We are the leading insurance brokerage on Canada’s East Coast for a reason. Not only do we provide superior insurance services to our customers, but we give back to the communities in which we operate. Find out more about how BrokerLink prioritizes corporate social responsibility in New Brunswick by getting in touch today.

Contact us

At Saint John 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. 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 Saint John, NB motorcycle insurance

What types of motorcycles can be insured in Saint John, New Brunswick?

The types of motorcycles that your Saint John, NB motorcycle insurance will cover include cruisers, touring motorcycles, and sports motorcycles, which can all be insured. Even restricted-speed motorcycles, like mopeds and Vespas, can be covered.

Where can I get a free motorcycle insurance quote in Saint John?

Saint John motorists can obtain free motorcycle insurance quotes from insurance companies and insurance brokers across New Brunswick. Contact an insurer or broker near you and request a free quote online, over the phone, or in person.

Can I buy Saint John motorcycle insurance online?

Yes, Saint John motorcycle insurance can quickly and conveniently be purchased online, whether on an insurance broker’s website or on an insurance company’s website. Be prepared to make several decisions, such as the coverage you want to include with your policy and your deductibles and coverage limits. Once you know what type of motorcycle policy you need, you can purchase coverage in as little as 15 minutes!

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