I read a lot of articles concerning motorcycles and scooters across the country. The price of gasoline has spurred consumers to purchasing motorcycles and scooters as a means of commuting thereby saving big dollars on transportation costs. On average I would guess that motorcycle and scooter registrations are up about 10% across the nation. This trend concerns me for two primary reasons and have far-reaching impact:

1. I think most of these consumers are first-time purchasers of two-wheeled transportation and do not have experience in riding.
2. I think that a lot of these consumers who are trying to save on commuter costs opt for the cheapest insurance.

In study after study the experience of the rider has proved to be a major deterrent in motorcycle accidents. In other words the more experience you have on two wheels the less likely you are to have an accident. SO what does this mean - should a beginning rider never ride? Not at all. What it does mean is that a novice rider needs to take a local motorcycle riding safety class so they can get used to handling a motorcycle or scooter and learn about the common hazards that all two-wheeled riders experience day in and day out. A two day class is not onerous and may save your life. Furthermore, once you pass the course and receive your card most insurance companies will give you a discount on your insurance costs probably paying for the cost of the course. Safety classes also introduce the novice to the proper gear that should be worn when riding a motorcycle or scooter. Safety classes also have a practical portion and I would recommend a class that spends at least one full day learning how to stop and weave. One of the best in Utah is Utah Rider Education who offers a basic rider class, an advanced rider class and individual one-on-one rider education is also available.

Cheap insurance is cheap for a reason - the coverage is minimal! So what - I am never going to be in an accident so I really do not need insurance you might say. You and I know that is crazy. It is especially crazy when riding a motorcycle. This is so because when you are involved in even a minor motorcycle accident chances are you will be pretty banged up - severely injured. Who is going to pay for your injuries. Even if the other driver is at fault often times they do not have enough insurance to cover all of your losses so you have to carry adequate insurance to cover the shortfall. In Utah all vehicle insurers are required to offer the minimum insurance and offer what is called underinsured and uninsured coverage. Without going into the details because I have covered that in other posts suffice it to say that every motorcycle rider should purchase underinsured and uninsured coverage in the same amount that you purchase liability coverage. This will help to protect you and your family in the case that an offending driver does not carry adequate insurance.

I am a motorcycle accident injury lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah and have extensive experience in representing motorcycle riders and their families after the have been in an accident. If you have questions about what insurance to buy or anything else call and I will give you a straight answer. With training and enough insurance motorcycle and scooter riders can save money and enjoy themselves while being responsible to care for their own financial loss when an accident happens.

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