By their very nature, motorcycles are more accident-prone than cars – they are not closed vehicles like cars, and they are less visible to other motorists. They are also more vulnerable in poor weather. So, it probably comes as no surprise, that New York motorcycle insurance can be expensive, particularly for inexperienced riders.

The rise in motorcycle usage in the U.S. has resulted in an increase in motorbike-related injuries and fatalities. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation figures, 106,000 motorcycles were involved in crashes in 2009. Almost 8 million motorcycles were on American roads in 2008. In that year there were 5,312 motorcycle fatalities, although that number dropped to 4,462 in 2009.  

According to the Department of Transportation, the fatality rate per registered vehicle for motorcyclists was six times the fatality rate for occupants of passenger cars. Based on every mile traveled in 2008, motorcyclists were also 39 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash, and eight times more likely to be injured.

They’re sobering figures, but they are statistics every current and future motorcycle owner should know, because better-educated riders may be safer riders - and we don’t want you to become another statistic. 

Aside from riding safely, including personal injury coverage in your New York motorcycle insurance policy is highly recommended. The cost of replacing a bike is limited, but medical costs and the potential loss of income after an accident can be much more significant.