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Heimgartner Insurance Inc.

4708 Morningside Ave
Sioux City, IA 51106

Heimgartner Insurance Inc. Blog

Do You Need High-Risk Motorcycle Insurance?

Heimgartner Insurance Inc. writes insurance policies for motorcycle riders in Sioux City, IA, and the whole state. Some of our customers need high-risk motorcycle insurance but don’t know they need it.

Insurance is a Must for All Motorcycle Operators in Iowa

The Iowa Motor Vehicle Financial and Safety Responsibility Act requires all drivers, whether they are driving a car or a motorcycle, to show financial responsibility after an accident.

Some of our customers read the law and conclude that motorcycle operators don’t need insurance.

After all, Iowa law allows motorcyclists to show financial responsibility by:

  • Obtaining a court judgment that they don’t owe any damages.
  • Posting a bond with the Iowa Office of Driver Services.
  • Agreeing to pay the other party’s repair and medical bills on an installment plan.
  • Getting everyone involved in the accident to sign an official release from liability.
  • Documenting full settlement of all charges arising from the accident.
  • Showing proof of Iowa motorcycle insurance.

It’s possible to stay out of jail without Iowa motorcycle insurance, but you must pay your way to show you have met your legal obligations if you don’t have insurance. In some cases, you will need to purchase high-risk motorcycle insurance.

Reasons Some Motorcyclists Need High-Risk Motorcycle Insurance

If your history with motorcycles shows you are likely to file a claim, you may need high-risk motorcycle insurance.

What suggests you are likely to file a claim?

  • You are male and under 25.
  • You have less than three years of riding experience.
  • You have a lot of speeding tickets or tickets for other moving violations.
  • Your credit score is under 600.
  • You have filed two or more claims for accidents in the past.
  • You have multiple traffic tickets or have been arrested for a DUI.
  • You own a super-sport motorcycle (a "crotch rocket") or use your bike in races.

High-risk motorcycle insurance costs more, but Sioux City, IA, area insurance experts at Heimgartner Insurance Inc. can help you find the coverage you need at the best price. Come in to see us about your next policy today!

What Is Proof Of Financial Responsibility Regarding My Motorcycle?

Iowa asks that all motorcyclists provide proof of financial responsibility following an accident instead of before one. Iowa is an "at fault" state, which means that if you cause an accident, your insurance will pay the other party. However, you will be required to provide proof of financial responsibility. 

What Proof?

Heimgartner Insurance Inc in Sioux City, IA can help you keep track of the proof you’ll need:

    • Cash or a cashier’s check made out to the Office of Driver’s Services,

    • Releases from the parties in the accident,

    • The result of a civil suit relieving you of responsibility in the accident,

    • The filing of an agreement to pay for the damages by installment plan,

and many more. You should also know these things about motorcycle insurance.

The Circumstances

Drivers might be asked to provide proof of financial responsibility if:

    • they are operating a vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs,

    • their license has been suspended,

    • the driver is a habitual offender,

    • the driver has multiple out-of-state moving violations.

What Else Should You Know About Iowa Motorcycle Insurance?

The statute of limitations on bodily injury from a motorcycle accident is two years. Medical experience proves that an injury doesn’t show up immediately, and both insurance and the law take that into account.

Some bikers are the victims of hit-and-run motorists. Since these are clearly at-fault drivers, the motorcyclist’s injuries are covered under their uninsured motorist coverage.

An interesting aside is that a lay-up policy covers a bike that’s parked in the garage during winter weather when it’s unsafe to ride. It drops coverage to just comprehensive and is thus cheaper.

We Are Here To Help

Motorcycle insurance is a bit more involved than simple car insurance. Heimgartner Insurance Inc in Sioux City, IA will walk you through it when you call or drop in to ask about it.

The importance of wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle

Heimgartner Insurance Inc has been serving the Sioux City, IA area riders with coverage for their motorcycles. There are some common factors that we come across, one of which is the issue of wearing a helmet.

Motorcycle helmets are an important piece of safety equipment for anyone who rides a motorcycle. This is because they protect your head from serious injuries in the event of a crash or collision.

Wearing a helmet is essential for keeping you and other drivers on the road safe.

There are two main types of motorcycle helmets: full-face helmets and half helmets. Each type comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider which one best suits your needs before making a purchase.

Full-face helmets provide more protection than their half-helmet counterparts due to their full-face covering. Not only do they protect your head, but also your face and jaw in the event of an accident. Full-face helmets also help keep out wind, noise, and insects when riding. However, these helmets can cause some riders to feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time.

Half-helmets provide less protection than full-face helmets, but they are generally lighter in weight and more comfortable to wear. They also allow the rider to wear goggles or sunglasses to protect their eyes from wind, bugs, and debris—a feature that is not available with full-face helmets. However, half-helmets do not offer as much protection as full-face helmets in the event of a collision or crash.

Ultimately, whether you choose a full-face helmet or a half-helmet comes down to your own personal preference and riding style. However, it is important that you always wear some type of helmet when riding a motorcycle in order to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

Make Sure To Carry Motorcycle Insurance

For more safe riding tips, call Heimgartner Insurance Inc today. We proudly serve the Sioux City, IA area. 

Motorcycle Insurance FAQs

Motorcycle ownership can be exciting. There is, however, a heavy responsibility that comes along with bike ownership as well. Motorcycles can be dangerous vehicles if they are not used correctly and covered with the appropriate insurance. At Heimgartner Insurance Inc, serving the Sioux City, IA community, you can find the information you need to make smart insurance choices. Keep reading to learn more about motorcycle insurance. 

Motorcycle Insurance FAQs 

Is Auto Insurance Enough?

In most places, you can legally operate a motorcycle with a regular auto insurance policy. However, you should be aware that a regular auto insurance policy may not provide the proper amount of coverage to protect you as the driver. Sometimes, a bike owner can obtain certain benefits if they purchase a policy designed for motorcycles. 

What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

Motorcycle insurance is made to work similarly to auto insurance. The policy will provide coverage in the event that your bike is involved in an accident. Money to cover the repair or replacement of other vehicles involved will be paid. Medical bills or legal fees may also be covered. 

If you want expenses covered for your own bike in the event that you are in an accident, you will need to make sure you purchase full coverage insurance. 

Special Benefits

There could be special benefits available for bike owners. If you only operate your bike during certain times during the year, you may be able to have your policy paused during the off-season and you can save money on premiums. Some insurance companies also offer benefits for bike owners who take bike safety courses. 

If you would like to learn more about motorcycle insurance, please contact us at Heimgartner Insurance Inc, serving Sioux City, IA and the surrounding areas. 

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