2006 Changes in motorcycling insurance:

 

Well, 2006 leaves motorcyclists in quite a quandary! There's been a number of changes this year that affect motorcyclists in the Commonwealth.... they are as follows:

 

1) Only those who've had their motorcycle licenses for 6 years are eligible for the "experienced" classification of Class 10, all others are rated as Class 20.

 

2) Any operator who has not had his motorcycle license for at least 5 years, loses his "good driver" credits, and has a "00" showing as their driving record.

 

3) Although the industry claimed a rate reduction for 2006; most motorcyclists are not seeing a reduction in charges due to the rate reclassification of their motorcycle driver's classification.

 

4) There were no real changes in the way coverage works; but depending on where you live and garage your vehicle, and your driver's class; most riders are seeing rate increases; even though they have not changed their coverage.

 

5) To date, the only antitheft device discount allowed by the Commissioner of Insurance is for a Lo-Jack style; with a tracking system. That means that those people who opted to pay extra to have their motorcycles equipped with a "factory installed" theft deterrent system are not seeing the credit.

 

6) The Commissioner in her infinite wisdom continues to disallow a multi- vehicle discount for motorcycles; so if you have a motorcycle and a car, you will not be allowed to get the multi- vehicle discount on either vehicle. If you own two automobiles, you're eligible for the credit.  Likewise, if you have two motorcycles, you're also not eligible for the discount.

 

7) Another major change this year, is that your driving record will be attached to each and every vehicle you own and operate and insure in Massachusetts. Previously, insureds were given a "complimentary" Step 9 and deferred from any additional vehicle they owned and insured.  As of January 1st, this is no longer the case.

 

8) Currently, most Health Carriers are still denying coverage for personal injury for those involved in motorcycle accidents; so it's recommended that people select medical payments coverage as again, there is still no PIP (Personal Injury Liability) coverage once you step foot on your bike, weather it's running or not! Once you step away from it; have it fall on you, or get hit by another vehicle, the coverage is available for your use. You'll note that the premium is quite minimal, and that reflects the usage.  You'll also note that the premiums for medical payments have almost doubled this year; that lets us know that they were used last year!

 

9) A reminder that you're responsible for renewing your plates and registration each year, as well as your safety inspection which expires the last day of May.

 

10) You're also responsible for notifying your agent of any changes to your policy. In other words, if you've stripped your coverage over the winter; it's your responsibility to notify your agent to put the coverage back on come riding season.

 

Well, that's about it in a nutshell for the changes for 2006... hope this is helpful, and as always if you have any questions, kindly call us in the office at 781-393-9330.