We don't!

That's why I recommend selecting limits of liability no less than $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident on #3,#5, and #12, ALL THREE liability coverages! That's right, uninsured #3, underinsured #12 , and optional bodily injury #5!

And don't forget medical payments #6 here either! We can now purchase up to $100,000 I believe, although the rate for it has not yet been set, or recognized by all carriers. Check with yours to see what limits they'll allow!

The first four coverages on the Massachusetts auto policy are compulsory, which means mandatory, and you have to have them to insure a vehicles. Part #2 is PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage. Remember, unlike your auto PIP, there is no PIP in place for you, once you've mounted your bike! Even if you're not riding it! You're on it? PIP is out the window! So, you think to yourself, well, I have great health coverage, I'll be all set!

That "because" is that little phrase contained in HIPPA (Health Insurance Practices Portability Act of 1996) which states "we will not cover you while you are participating in a hazardous sport!" And guess what health insurers think motorcycling is?

So, stock up on that medical coverage on the motorcycle policy. Incidentally, it's one of the only no fault coverages we have left; meaning, you just send the bills to the company, and they pay up to the limit you've chosen, no questions asked! SUCH A DEAL! Incidentally medical insurance will assist you to pick up and pay any co-pays and insurance deductibles, should your health carrier respond. I remind you though, if you carry a passenger the limit will be shared!

Let's not forget about property damage to others, #4. The compulsory limit is only $5,000! That's a bit archaic to say the least, especially seeing as there isn't a dependable vehicle out there that can be bought for that price. However, one of the best buys in the industry is the premium amount to increase property damage. That's right; to jump from $5,000 to $100,000 costs a mere $14.00 or so! Now that my friends IS a deal, and one I recommend everyone take advantage of.

If you're looking to save money, try opting for a higher deductible on comprehensive # 9 and collision #7. In some cases, especially higher valued bikes, it will save you the "out of pocket" amount you'd have to pay in the event of a loss anyway! For a good driver it really pays off!

Now when you got your motorcycle license will affect your premium! If it's less than 6 years, you'll see a premium difference; but you'll still be able to receive your 10% safety course discount each year.

There will be some riders who've had their regular driver's license for years, but have only had their motorcycle license a short time, that will see a change in their rating. I'm still waiting to hear how they're going to classify those who are not licensed to drive a motorcycle, but that are riding on a permit!

My understanding is that you will be able to keep your SDIP (Safe Driver Insurance Plan) step!

That's another change! The SDIP (safe Driver Insurance Plan) program is being totally revamped! The six year experience period has been changed, and your driving "incidents" for the past three years will affect your driving step and premium. It's a bit confusing, and will take time to digest, but I believe some of you will see a remarked difference in your SDIP.

For those of you that don't know what that is; each driver in the State of Massachusetts is assigned a "step" with which their rates are calculated. Everyone enters the SDIP at Step 15 which is neutral. (Why the number 15? Who knows, but that's what they chose.)

Previously your driving record was calculated on the past 6 years of your driving experience. If you had a spotless driving record, then you get 6 credit points, and became a "step 9"; that's the lowest, and the best a person can be. For 2005, that will equal a 45% discount on liability coverages, (Parts 1,2, and 4) and a 42% discount on collision coverage (part7).

However, if you had incidents and violations against you, your step would go up from the neutral number of "15" to whatever number of points you accumulated. The worst a driver in Massachusetts could be, is a step 35! For 2005, parts 1,2 and 4 will now equal 7% per point (or step), and 7.5% on collision coverage (part 7), so you can see where a bad driver could pay much more than a good driver.

Another major change is territories. Previously there were only two for the calculation of your fire and theft (comprehensive) and collision charges; that's now been changed to be more in line with the way automobile rates are set.  Those who live in high territories will see a remarkable difference in their premium this year. It is, however, a lot fairer than how rates were calculated before.

Another change this year; is that, we're actually going to be able to get the anti-theft devise discount!

Rental works as such; if your bike is in the shop due to a collision or comprehensive loss, and you need to rent one, you'll be covered! Sounds great, right? Don't jump up and down too quickly; because there's a hitch! The hitch is; the allowable limit and the price to purchase these limits!

The limits are: $15.00, $30.00, and $45.00 per day and I've heard this year they're allowing up to $100.00 @ day; but I don't know of any dealership, rental business, etc., that will rent to you at those prices. The $45.00 a day limit costs about $167.00 a year to purchase the coverage; and I've yet to see rates for the $100.00 a day option! I've been told that only some companies are offering up to $100.00 a day rental reimbursement, but again, check with your carrier, as this is an optional coverage, they don't have to offer it! Some don't!

Our bikes can now have towing coverage on them as well. We can get reimbursed up to $100.00 just like we can in our automobiles for a legal tow or roadside breakdown service! Now the problem is; who will respond? If you can find a company to respond you're in luck! And again, because this is an optional coverage, some companies may not offer it to their insured's!

Remember those of you who take the safety course will receive a 10% discount on your motorcycle insurance EVERY year, and not only that; you'll save your life! The course is called a safety course because that's what it teaches you; how to be safe out there! If you haven't yet taken it, I strongly suggest that you do!

This tutorial is basically for Massachusetts; however the coverage limits are recommended would suffice for other states as well!

So, that's about it in a nutshell; and as more information becomes available, I'll get it out to everyone.