The combination of plentiful sunshine, good weather, and beautiful scenery makes Los Angeles a great place for motorcyclists. Riding a motorcycle brings excitement and adventure to the rider, but can also be a very dangerous proposition. Regardless of how experienced a rider is, accidents can and do happen, sometimes fatally. Most accidents happen on short trips, when running an errand or going to a friend's house. Weather is usually not a factor in 98% of the accidents. The number 1 cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of automobile drivers to recognize or see motorcyclists in traffic. Top rated motorcycle accident attorney estimates motorcycle deaths to be 38 times higher than the number of auto deaths that take place in California each year. Motorcycles are capable of performing at top speeds very rapidly, which makes them less stable than cars. Also, riders are vulnerable to contact with road surfaces in an accident. Due to these factors, it is imperative that all motorcycle riders have good, quality motorcycle insurance.

Good motorcycle insurance should cover:
Liability
Collision
No-Fault
Uninsured Rider
Service
Passenger
Medical

Bodily injury liability covers other people's injuries or deaths that a rider is responsible for. Medical will cover medical costs for a rider and their passenger, while Uninsured coverage will protect a rider and their passenger when the other person involved in the accident is at-fault but has little to no insurance coverage.

The premium for motorcycle insurance is affected by many factors. What type of motorcycle do you have? A cruiser is usually cheaper to insure than a sport or racing bike. The make or brand of bike could also be a factor. Common brands are cheaper to insure than rare types. Age of the rider will also play a role. Statistics show that younger riders under age 25 tend to have more accidents than their older counterparts. Insurance companies will also scrutinize the driving record and experience of the rider. A rider with numerous tickets and/or accidents will naturally pay a higher premium. Will the motorcycle be parked on the street or in a garage? Parking a bike on the street will subject it to theft or damage, so the premium will go up. Will the bike be used for recreational rides on the weekend or will it be the main source of daily transportation? Daily use will cause the premium to go up as well. It is important to keep these factors in mind when looking for insurance.

If, unfortunately, you are involved in an accident in California that causes more than $750.00 in property damage or in which anyone is injured, however minor, you must report the accident to the DMV within 10 days of the occurrence. You must also notify your insurance company as well as seek professional legal advice from a motorcycle attorney.