Best Motorcycle Insurance BC
If you are one of the many bike enthusiasts in British Columbia, you will be in the market for motorcycle insurance at some point. Motorcycle insurance is legally required in BC. Everyone in BC must have basic coverage with ICBC. But, many great private motorcycle insurance companies offer extended coverage.
One of the best ways to find motorcycle coverage in British Columbia is through an insurance comparison site or an insurance brokerage. Also, to estimate the costs, one must be aware of the regulations and terms in the specific province. We also covered the best motorcycle insurance in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario as a whole, and Toronto.
1. Surex
Surex is an insurance broker that operates in 11 provinces and territories across Canada, including BC. Surex is the fastest-growing online insurance provider in the country. They have provided insurance to more than 45,000 customers across Canada.
You will be connected with an insurance broker who will find out your insurance needs, driving history and information about your motorcycle. They will then shop with up to 10 insurance providers in BC. They will ensure you get customized coverage at a competitive rate. Surex will also help you to access any discounts that apply to you.
Surex is connected with some of the most popular insurance providers in Canada. This includes Aviva, Wawanesa Insurance, Pem Bridge, and Economical Insurance.
As well as the standard insurance that is required in BC, Surex also offers some optional extras. These include:
- Loss or Damage Coverage
- Third-Party Liability
- Accident Benefits
- Hit and Run Coverage
- Collision or Upset Coverage
- Comprehensive Coverage
- All-Perils Coverage
- Specified Perils Coverage
The whole process can be completed online and is quick and easy. Surex provides completely transparent pricing on their website, with no additional fees or charges. The price you see is the price you pay.
If you are still unsure about purchasing insurance through an online-only insurance provider, visit Surex’s website today for more information on how the process works. You can also access your free, tailored motorcycle insurance quotes free of charge.
2. InsureBC
InsureBC is one of British Columbia’s largest insurance brokerages. They are partnered with leading insurance providers across Canada.
InsureBC has more than 90 physical locations across BC. They can help make sure you are fully insured in line with mandatory requirements and have any additional coverage you need.
InsureBC offers motorcycle insurance through ICBC. This provides the mandatory motorcycle insurance required in BC. You will also have some additional insurance options available to you:
- Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
- Underinsured Motorist Protection in excess of ICBC.
- Replacement Cost Coverage.
- Coverage while in use or in storage
- Emergency Road Service reimbursement.
- Lock Re-Keying.
- Riding gear and helmet coverage.
Your insurance rate will be based on several factors, including:
- Your driving experience.
- The territory of operation.
- The location of your motorcycle when not in use.
- How you use your motorcycle.
- Any optional coverages selected.
- Any discounts that may apply.
All InsureBC customers will now also have access to Enhanced Care Coverage. This offers savings of up to 20% as well as access to better care and recovery benefits if you are injured in an accident.
You may also have access to some insurance discounts. InsureBC offers discounts to experienced riders and those who undergo additional motorcycle training. Those with affiliations to certain motorcycle clubs may also receive a discount.
For more information, or to find an InsureBC office close to you, visit InsureBC’s website today.
3. Megson FitzPatrick Insurance Services
Megson FitzPatrick is a division of Rogers Insurance – one of the largest insurance brokerages in Canada. Based in BC, Megson FitzPatrick offers personalized motorcycle insurance policies.
You will be connected with an insurance broker. As well as the mandatory insurance required for BC, the broker will talk you through your other insurance options. They can also help you to apply for any discounts you are eligible for. Brokers are available all across BC, with no locations unavailable.
Megson FitzPatrick aims to find you the best insurance policy for your needs. Their insurance policies offer great comprehensive coverage, including:
- All Perils Coverage – including Collision and Comprehensive.
- Travel Protection – including living expenses, travel expenses and replacement vehicle expenses.
- Lock Re-keying
- Emergency Road-Side Coverage – up to $100 per occurrence with no deductible.
- Motorcycle Riding Gear Coverage
- Attached accessories – as long as they are included in the agreed value.
Your motorcycle will be covered while you are riding it and while it is in storage.
You will also receive one claim forgiveness with no rating penalty. You can choose to pay your policy annually or monthly.
Visit Megson FitzPatrick’s website today for more information or to be connected with an insurance broker in your area.
4. Westland Insurance
Westland Insurance has been a popular insurance provider in British Columbia for more than 40 years. They aim to match your motorcycle insurance with your lifestyle and budget.
You can get insurance for motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. When you are searching for your perfect policy, you will be connected to one of Westland Insurance’s expert auto insurance advisors. They will ask some questions about you and your driving habits to ensure your policy is tailor-made to your needs.
Your insurance advisor will ensure you have the basic ICBC motorcycle insurance required by BC law. You will then have the option to include some extras, such as:
- Damage to Vehicle – This would cover you for repairs and damages if the other driver is at fault.
- Increased Third-Party Liability – This gives you extra funds to cover medical expenses and damages if you are involved in an accident.
If you need to make a claim, Westland Insurance has a 24/7 emergency claims line. They will help you to process the claim and will guide you through each step.
Westland Insurance has physical offices across British Columbia. You can visit one of their offices or contact them via phone. Alternatively, visit their website today for more information about their great motorcycle insurance policies.
5. Park Insurance
Park Insurance is an independent insurance broker. The company is made up of a dedicated team of certified and experienced insurance agents. Park Insurance gives you access to private insurance policies that were designed specifically for BC riders.
Park Insurance simplifies motorcycle insurance and ensures you understand your options. They will shop around at different insurance companies to ensure you have the best coverage for your needs at a competitive price.
You have a huge variety of coverage options available to you, including:
- An annual policy that includes storage coverage
- All Risks policy
- Agreed Value – based on the current market value
- Multi-bike policy
- $1,000 Trailer coverage
- $1,000 Riding Gear coverage
- $1,000 Lock Re-Keying (if keys are stolen)
- Emergency Roadside Assistance
- Travel and Touring Protection
You also have some discount options available to you. If you are an experienced driver or have taken part in a qualifying driving course, Park may offer you a discount. You could also receive a discount if you are a member of an affiliated motorcycle club.
Park Insurance allows you to choose your own deductible amount. This could result in a lower insurance premium.
For more information on Park Insurance’s great motorcycle insurance options, visit their website today.
Different Types of Motorcycle Insurance BC
In British Columbia, there are essentially two types of motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle insurance in BC can be the Basic Autoplan from ICBC or a comprehensive plan.
Any motorist, including motorbike riders, must have ICBC Basic Autoplan insurance. The ICBC insurance plan is, however, called basic for a reason. It has accident benefits up to $300,000 for medical costs. It also has third-party coverage of up to $200,000. The accident benefits and third party coverage that ICBC offers may seem like enough. But, if you got into an accident, even in riding gear, comprehensive coverage would help you more.
Comprehensive coverage is available from ICBC as an add-on. Or, you could get motorcycle insurance, often for a lower price, from a private company through RATESDOTCA. Comprehensive insurance will not only cover things like your medical or damage costs. It will also other things like riding gear coverage, lock re-keying, and emergency roadside assistance.
The Importance of Motorcycle Insurance BC
Although many motorists opt for ICBC insurance alone to meet the minimum legal requirements, it is often not enough. British Columbia has so many beautiful roads to drive down on a bike. You don’t want to spend your time worrying about your safety or your bike’s safety. Instead, get comprehensive motorcycle insurance to give you peace of mind.
Comprehensive coverage is aptly named as it will cover problems you never even anticipated having. It’s impossible to plan against accidents happening. But, having comprehensive insurance will help you be prepared if they do. You will especially be covered and ready for accidents or occurrences that are out of your control. Such as your bike being damaged from a storm or from a motorist that wasn’t paying attention.
Motorcyclists are 38% more likely to be killed on the road than car drivers. This is because you are more exposed to the elements, and you don’t have the protection that being inside a car offers. Thus, having motorcycle insurance is important to protect not only your bike but you as the rider.
Contributing Factors Towards Motorcycle Insurance Cost BC
Just like with insurance for cars, there are a variety of factors that contribute to how much your motorcycle insurance costs. One of the main factors is the size of your bike’s engine. If it’s over 1150cc, for example, expect to pay a lot more than a bike that’s only 110cc.
Another big factor is your history with your past insurance company and your driving history. If you have a rocky past such as plenty of accidents, tickets, big insurance claims, etc. your premium will be higher.
Lastly, if you want more coverage, expect to pay a higher premium to get it.
The Bottom Line
Although BC law only requires motorcyclists to have basic insurance from ICBC, it’s often not enough. Opting for comprehensive insurance, in addition, is often the best choice to keep both you and your bike safe.
Using an insurance comparison site or a broker is a great way to find an insurance policy that suits your needs at a great rate. It is a free service, and it will save you the time of contacting insurance providers yourself. Take a look at the insurance providers we have looked at today to access the best quotes and insurance providers in BC. Drive safe!
