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FAQ - Q&A FOR MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE IN NEW JERSEY & PENNSYLVANIA*
This section is dedicated to giving you answers to the questions we are asked most often. If you don’t find your answer here, feel free to call our office at (800) 595-6393 or email us at motorcycleinsurance@ridewithrider.com or at custserv@ridewithrider.com.
1. When I start my policy, should I wait for a bill before sending in my payment?
Do not wait for us to send you a bill when starting a policy. Your payment must be postmarked within five days of the effective date or the policy will not take effect as of that day. If the payment is postmarked after five days, the policy will take effect the day after the postmark.
2. Do I have to pay my premium in full?
The premium must be paid in full if it is less than $300.00. If the premium is at least $300.00, you can go on the installment plan.
3. What is the installment plan? Do I pay monthly?
If you qualify for the installment plan, you are required to send in 25% within five days of the effective date. You will be billed in three equal installments 60, 105, and 150 days from the effective date. There is a $5.00 service charge included in each payment. We do not offer a monthly payment plan.
4. What are my payment options?
You may pay by personal check, money order, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). If you come into our office, you may pay cash. However, if you are mailing your payment, please do not send cash.
5. Why can't I pay with a check over the phone?
At this time, we are not set up to take electronic checks. You do have the option to pay with a Visa or MasterCard by phone. You may also mail in a check or money order.
6. Can I pay for my premium online?
At this time we are not set up to take payment online, we hope to be offering this service soon.
7. Will my policy be canceled if my payment is not received by the due date on my invoice?
If your payment is not received by the invoice date, your policy will not be canceled immediately. However, if the payment is not received within 10 days of the due date, the policy will be put in cancellation status.
8. If I receive a notice of cancellation, is my policy canceled?
If you receive a notice of cancellation, your policy is not canceled immediately. As long as the payment is made by the due date listed on the cancellation notice, the policy will be reinstated with no lapse in coverage.
9. Can I pay my premium after the cancellation date?
If the payment is not postmarked by the due date listed on the notice of cancellation, the policy will be canceled as of that date. No exceptions will be made.
10. What is the minimum earned premium?
If a policy is cancelled by an insured, it is the minimum premium that will be charged for the cost of doing business. In New Jersey, the minimum earned premium is $40.00. In Pennsylvania, the minimum earned premium is $60.00.
11. What is the minimum written premium?
In Pennsylvania, no policy will be accepted under the amount of $60.00 even if the premium is listed as less. It is based on our cost of doing business. There is no minimum written premium in New Jersey.
12. If I cancel my policy early, will I get a refund?
If the policy is canceled by the insured before the 12-month term is up, a short-rated cancellation figure will be refunded. A pro-rated refund will be given under the following circumstances: policy consolidation, total loss of vehicle due to a claim, military service, death, or if our company cancels the policy.
1. Do I need to report a claim to Rider Insurance Company within 24 hours of the occurrence?
Failure to report a claim to Rider within 24 hours will not bar you from pursing or receiving payment for the claim; however, any loss should be reported as soon as possible and within a reasonable amount of time. In the event of an accident, all injuries and safety issues should be tended to first.
2. Do I need a police report to file a claim?
Whenever possible, all losses should be reported immediately to the police. A police report is mandatory for all theft, attempted theft, and the theft with recovery claims.
3. What is a "deductible"?
A deductible is the amount of a claim that is your responsibility to pay, and applies to "First Party" coverage - collision, fire, theft, and comprehensive claims. For example, if you have a $400 deductible and the damage to your motorcycle totals $1,000, Rider Insurance will issue you a check for $600, and the balance is your responsibility. A deductible does not apply to "Third Party" liability coverage - claims paid to others for damage caused by you. Your deductible is determined by the type (sport bike or non-sport bike) and size (cc's) of the motorcycle you own. By statute, a $500 deductible applies to all "Property Damage Uninsured Motorist" claims. (Coverage afforded to you if you have a "liability only" policy and suffers damage to your motorcycle caused by a driver identified as uninsured.)
4. Where do I take my motorcycle for repairs in the event of a claim? Does it need to go to a specific repair facility?
You are not required to take your motorcycle to a specific dealer or repair shop; however, the facility must be licensed by the state. If your motorcycle is covered under a factory or extended warranty, please check with your motorcycle dealer for any restrictions or conditions that apply that may void your warranty.
5. Can I keep my damaged parts?
No. As Rider Insurance has paid you to have the parts replaced, you are not entitled to keep the damaged parts. At the discretion of the company, all damaged parts are either picked up by our salvage dealer or disposed of by the repair facility.
6. My claim settlement check is a two-party check issued to my lienholder and myself. Why was it issued this way and how do I cash or deposit this check?
Rider Insurance Company has a financial responsibility to your lienholder and, therefore, must add the lienholder as a payee on your claim settlement check. The lienholder must endorse this check before you are able to deposit or cash the check. Please contact your individual lending institution for instructions on obtaining the necessary endorsement.
7. My motorcycle has been declared a total loss or has been stolen, but you did not cancel my policy. Why do I still have coverage?
In the event of a loss, your policy remains in effect until we receive a written and signed request from you to cancel the policy or to delete a motorcycle. If the motorcycle is a total loss, you may request a cancellation or deletion as of the day following the accident or incident. If your motorcycle is stolen, it is suggested you maintain coverage for a minimum of thirty days or until the claim is resolved, at which time you may request a cancellation or deletion as of the day following the theft.
8. Will I incur a "surcharge" on my premium or will I lose my coverage because of this claim?
Rider Insurance does not "surcharge" for claims paid, as our premiums are based upon your age, where you reside, and the type (sport bike or non-sport bike) and size (cc's) of the motorcycle you own - not on your individual driving record. For this reason, however, if a claim is paid that causes your driving record to exceed our underwriting guidelines**, you may not be eligible to renew your coverage when your current policy expires. The claim may also affect certain discount eligibility.
** Please refer to the Premium Chart in the "Rates" section for additional information regarding eligibility.
1. What is the Quality-Plus Package?
The Quality-Plus Package includes fire, theft, comprehensive and collision, with liability limits of your choice. Comprehensive, fire, and theft covers damage to your vehicle that is not a result of collision, such as theft of your motorcycle, fire, vandalism, or flooding. Collision covers damage to your vehicle as the result of a collision with another vehicle or object.
2. What is the Rider Accessory Package?
This endorsement, if applicable, applies to all insured motorcycles of 551cc and over, listed on the declaration sheet of your insurance policy, for which fire, theft, collision, and comprehensive coverage are provided. This coverage includes, at no additional cost, the additional coverage listed in the Rider Package Endorsement below. The Rider Accessory Package does not apply to any motorcycles listed on our "Sport Bike" application. Please read the Rider Accessory Detail Package Description.
Accessory and customization coverage
In the event of loss, damage or destruction to accessories, chromed parts and non-standard equipment, due to an insured peril, we will pay up to $8,000 in damages per accident. However, the limit for custom paint is $3,000. The maximum amount of total coverage, under this endorsement, for accessories, chromed parts and non-standard equipment and customized paint is $8,000, subject to the per-motorcycle deductible and depreciation. In the event of a claim, we will require proof of purchase for all accessories and customized parts.
Helmet coverage
It is agreed that the collision portion of your policy will include damage to the motorcycle safety helmets approved by the Department of Transportation, worn by you and your passenger at the time of collision. The damage to the helmets must be the result of a covered collision loss to the insured motorcycle, and is subject to the per-motorcycle deductible, under your collision coverage, with a maximum limit of $500 per occurrence.
Coverage for motorcycle safety apparel
We will pay for damages caused to motorcycle safety apparel as a direct result of a collision loss, if worn by the insured and passenger while occupying the insured motorcycle. Motorcycle safety apparel means those items of clothing specially designed and sold for the purpose of minimizing injury that may result from a motorcycle accident. Our limit of liability for a loss is subject to the applicable per-motorcycle deductible provided under the collision coverage and payment is limited to $500 per occurrence. The amount of loss will be determined by: A) The actual cash value of the damaged motorcycle apparel subject to depreciation; or B) The amount necessary to repair or replace the damaged motorcycle apparel with the like kind, subject to depreciation.
Trip interruption coverage
If you incur a loss resulting from an insured peril of fire, theft, collision or comprehensive coverage that occurs more than 100 miles from your residence, causing the insured motorcycle to be non-operative or missing, we will pay up to $50 a day, up to a maximum of $200 per occurrence, for reasonable meals and lodging resulting from a necessary trip interruption. We will require proof of these expenditures prior to reimbursement.
3. Can the accessory package be purchased for sport bikes?
No, at this time accessory package is not offered for sport bikes.
4. What is liability?
This coverage pays others for damage that you cause if you are found to be at fault in an accident. There are two kinds of liability coverage – bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. Bodily injury liability coverage protects you from claims and lawsuits by people, including your passenger on your motorcycle, who are injured or die as a result of an accident you caused. It compensates others for pain, suffering and other personal hardships and may also pay for some economic damages, such as loss of wages. Bodily injury is typically given as two amounts; an amount paid per individual and an amount paid for total injuries caused to all people in an accident in which you are at fault. Property damage liability coverage protects you from claims and lawsuits by people whose property is damaged as a result of an accident you caused.
5. Does my policy include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?
In New Jersey:
All Rider Insurance policies, excluding mopeds, include, at no additional cost, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The limits are set at the liability limits that you choose for your policy. This coverage allows you to obtain payment for damages to your vehicle or injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist who is at fault in an accident. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are in an accident caused by someone who does not have the minimum level of insurance required by law. Claims that you would have made against the uninsured driver who was at fault are paid by your own policy. By statute, a $500 deductible applies to all "Property Damage Uninsured Motorist" claims. Uninsured motorist coverage does not benefit the uninsured driver. Underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you are in an accident caused by a driver who is insured but who has less coverage than your underinsured motorist coverage. Damages greater than the limits of the at-fault driver's policy are covered by your policy up to the difference between the limits of your underinsured motorist coverage and the other driver's policy limits.
In Pennsylvania:
All Rider Insurance policies include, at no additional cost, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The limits are set at the liability limits that you choose for your policy. This coverage allows you to obtain payment for injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist who is at fault in an accident. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are in an accident caused by someone who does not have the minimum level of insurance required by law. Claims that you would have made against the uninsured driver who was at fault are paid by your own policy. Uninsured motorist coverage does not benefit the uninsured driver. Underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you are in an accident caused by a driver who is insured but who has less coverage than your underinsured motorist coverage. Damages greater than the limits of the at-fault driver's policy are covered by your policy up to the difference between the limits of your underinsured motorist coverage and the other driver's policy limits. A reduced premium is available to anyone who elects not to include this optional coverage.
6. Is my passenger covered?
Yes, all Rider Insurance policies include, at no additional cost, guest passenger liability insurance. The limits of coverage for your passenger are the same as your chosen bodily injury liability limits.
7. In New Jersey, does my policy include Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
Yes, your insurance policy provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) according to the laws of each state. In New Jersey, PIP benefits apply only to pedestrians when struck by your motorcycle. It pays the cost of treatment up to $250,000 for the pedestrian from hospital, doctors, and other medical providers. It also covers any medical equipment that may be needed to treat those injuries. PIP coverage pays pedestrian medical expenses no matter who is at fault in the accident. PIP coverage in New Jersey does not apply to the owner of, operator of, or passenger on the motorcycle.
8. In Pennsylvania, does my policy include Medical Payment Coverage?
Yes, your insurance policy provides Medical Payment Coverage according to the laws of each state. In Pennsylvania, Medical Payment Coverage benefits apply only to pedestrians when struck by your motorcycle. It pays the cost of treatment up to $5,000 for the pedestrian from hospital, doctors, and other medical providers. Medical Payment Coverage is not provided for vehicle, operator, or passenger.
9. Does my policy include medical coverage for the operator?
No, if you are at fault for the accident, your own health insurance will cover you in that situation. If you are not at fault, the at-fault driver's policy will cover you for the injuries that you sustain.
10. Does my policy cover me if I rent a bike in another state?
No, Rider Insurance policies cover the motorcycle that is on your policy. In the event that you rent a motorcycle, you will need to use the rental company's insurance.
11. If I let friends ride my motorcycle, are they covered?
Yes, as long as the operator of the motorcycle is properly licensed and has your permission to operate the motorcycle.
12. Is my motorcycle covered outside the continental United States?
No, your motorcycle is not covered outside the United States. The only exception is Canada, and you will have to obtain a Canadian ID card from Rider Insurance as proof of insurance.
13. If I'm towing my motorcycle is the trailer covered?
Yes, in the event that you are towing your motorcycle the trailer is covered for liability only.
1. Is there an additional charge if I want to add another operator to my policy?
- As long as the additional operator is in the same age group, there is no additional cost. If the additional operator is in a younger age category, the premium will be based on the youngest operator’s age group.
2. What do I need to do to add a bike to my policy?
- If you are adding a non-sport bike to your policy, call our office with the year/make/model and the Vehicle Identification Number for the bike. One of our customer service representatives will assist with the change.
- If you are adding a sport bike to your policy, you will need to provide us with a copy of the title, current registration, or a signed bill of sale before we can add the bike to the policy. You can mail it in with a letter or you can fax it to our office. We will also need a copy of your motorcycle license. Once we have the proof of ownership, one of our representatives will assist you with the addition.
3. Why can’t you fax ID cards?
We don’t fax ID cards because it is not proper proof of coverage. If the police stop you, you can still get a ticket for not having the proper documentation.
4. Do you offer a discount for motorcycle safety courses?
At this time we do not offer a discount for the motorcycle safety course. Any new discounts are announced at the beginning of the riding season.
5. What is your three-digit company code?
Our three-digit company code is 878.
6. If I was canceled for my motor vehicle record, does that mean I can never obtain coverage from you again?
If you were canceled due to your motor vehicle record, we will not insure you again until you are able to meet our guidelines. If you are unsure of our guidelines, please refer to question 10 in the New Policy section. Once you think you are within our guidelines, you will need to provide us with a current abstract. We will review it and let you know if you are eligible for coverage at that time.
7. Do I need a special ID card if I am traveling to Canada?
A special ID card is needed when traveling to Canada. You will need to contact our office ahead to time with the dates of travel. This card cannot be faxed, so please leave enough time for our office to process your request and mail the card to you. This service is provided free of charge.
8. How do I cancel my policy?
You may cancel your policy by mail, fax, phone or online. If you are mailing or faxing your request, please be sure to include your signature. The request will be honored for the day after the postmark or fax, unless a future date is specified. The fax number is (973) 258-9732.
9. Once my policy is canceled, how long will it take to receive my refund?
It will take up to four (4) weeks from the time your cancellation request is processed.
1. What do I need to start a policy?
In order to start a policy, you will need to provide us with your driver's license number and the Vehicle Identification Number in addition to your personal information.
2. Can I be insured with a motorcycle permit?
- If you are at least 21 years old and insuring a non-sport bike, a permit is acceptable.
- If you are under the age of 21 and you are insuring a non-sport bike of 500ccs or less, a permit is acceptable.
- If you are under the age of 21 and you are insuring a non-sport bike over 500ccs, a motorcycle driver's license is required.
- If you are insuring a sport bike in any age group, a motorcycle driver's license is required.
3. How do I start a new policy?
When starting a policy you have several options:
- By phone: Call our Customer Service Department with your driver's license number and Vehicle Identification Number and one of our representatives will assist you. We can bind coverage over the phone and you will need to mail in payment within five days of the effective date. If payment is not postmarked within five days, your policy will become effective the day after the postmark date on the envelope containing your payment.
- By mail: Complete and mail in the application with the appropriate payment. The policy will take effect the day after the postmark.
- In person: Come into our office at 120 Mountain Avenue, Springfield, NJ and bring the necessary paperwork and payment. We will provide you with a temporary ID card at that time and your permanent card and declaration page will be mailed out the same week.
4. Can I send someone to pick up my ID card?
You may send someone in on your behalf as long as they have written authorization from you. The only people who do not need written permission are spouses and parents of minors.
5. How long will it take to start a policy?
If the policy is started over the phone, we can make it effective as early as an hour from the time of the phone call. A binder number will be given to you at that time for registration purposes. You will need to send in your payment within five days of the effective date or the binder will be null and void.
6. When will I receive my ID card?
Once your payment is received, your paperwork will be processed and your ID card and declaration page will be mailed out.
7. Can I ride once coverage is bound?
After we bind coverage for you over the phone you are covered as of the effective date of your insurance policy. This is provided that the payment is postmarked within five days of the effective date. However, we do not recommend you operate the bike until you have received your ID card. If the police stop you, you may still get a ticket for not having the proper documentation.
8. What do I need to send in with my payment?
- If you are insuring a non-sport bike and you are over the age of 20, you are not required to send in any additional paperwork.
- If you are insuring a sport bike, you are required to send in a copy of your motorcycle driver's license as well as a copy of the title, current registration, or signed bill of sale for the bike with your payment.
- If you are under the age of 21 and insuring any bike over 500ccs, you are required to mail in a copy of your motorcycle driver's license with your payment.
- If you are under the age of 21 and insuring a non-sport bike 500ccs or less, you are required to send in a copy of your motorcycle driver's license or permit with your payment.
- If you are under the age of 17 and insuring a moped, you are required to send in a copy of a valid moped permit.
9. Do I have to pay for my policy in full or is there a payment plan?
The premium must be paid in full if the policy is less than $300.00. If the policy is at least $300.00, the premium may be paid in installments. You are required to send a minimum of 25% down. You will than be billed in three equal installments, which will be due 60, 105, and 150 days from the effective date. Each monthly installment includes a $5.00 service charge.
10. Do you count the number of points on my motor vehicle record and am I charged for them?
- We do not count the points on your license. We go by the number of moving violations and accidents in the past three years. If you exceed these guidelines, we will be unable to provide coverage for you. The requirements are based on your age group and type of bike. If you are under the age of 26 or insuring a sport bike, you may not exceed two (2) moving violations and/or one (1) accident in the past three years.
- If you are 26 or older and insuring a non-sport bike, you may not exceed five (5) moving violations and/or two (2) accidents in the past three years.
11. Can I get insurance if I am a not resident of New Jersey or Pennsylvania?
At this time we are only licensed to insure residents of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In order to qualify for coverage, you must be a resident of New Jersey or Pennsylvania and have a valid driver’s license in that state.
*The information on this page is intended to be advertising statements, and is not an offer or promise of insurance coverage, nor should this information be relied on when determining the actual terms, conditions, and exclusions that apply to a specific insurance policy.
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