insurance

[ampm7]

I am getting the runaround from Geico which I have had for about 10 years as they can't seem to get the fact that I added another Ambassador to the mix. I don't know if it is that or, are they giving me the business because I had a claim and they totaled my 2016 Eldo. I have tried to enter the 1972 Ambassador and it comes up 'oops we have a problem'. Since my coverage will be up in May, I was wondering if any of the insurers you guys have might be an alternative to Geico. I have four bikes to insure and I am on the West Coast...

[Perazzimx14]

Its pretty much call/email around to other insurers and see what rates are for coverage desired. Each person is different.

[egschade]

Very happy with Allstate. Have a package with home, auto and motorcycle. Competitively priced and I can actually sit and talk with my local agent.

[John Ulrich]

Hagerty is my go to for older stuff.  One claim years ago, 100% my fault.  Got an estimate from Cycle Garden to fix it.  Check was in the mail the next day.

[Tom H]

If you like them. Give them a call. Their database probably doesn't list the old bike. Progressive couldn't insure my 1962 truck under their normal insurance. I would have needed to get a different policy from them for it.

Progressive is reasonable on the 5 bikes I have with them. You can also check for local agents that carry them.

Tom

[ampm7]

Got Hagerty to insure the 1972 and will have a go with them on the 1970. Very reasonable considering the coverage. I am waiting for the final answer from Geico on the 2 other bikes. Just a wait and see and email and phone calls and waiting on the line...

[cliffrod]

Whomever you use, know that some modern electronic database systems don't tolerate outdated VIN entires.  The entry needs to satisfy the program parameters or it will kick out the entered number, especially at the DMV.  Even if the insurer says "no problem" and you have a paid reciept & legal pocket card, the DMV can and will revoke your registration for lapse of insurance.  Then a magistrate will issue a bench warrant for your arrest for lapse of insurance and not surrendering the plate.  Even though you are fully paid up according to the insurer, your credit report will then be impacted by the lack of payment & subsequent penalties.

Then you'll find out about a year later how damn lucky you were to not have been pulled over by a cop for anything, flagged by a tag reader, , etc. because they would have a legit warrant and reason to arrest you, tow and impound vehicle,  whatever.  Btdt.  It was a major PIA to fix with the insurance company and not fun getting the DMV to clear my 20+ yr of perfect driving record but nothing like it would have been if I been arrested for the insurance company's mistake.

Like lots of other conveniently not-mentioned "little" things, ask your insurer what will happen if there's a problem with them reporting/registering your vehicle's insurance with the respective DMV.   If it's a challenge to report your VIn to the insurer that wants you $$$, I wouldn't have much confidence in them handling it well with the DMV. 

So when I insure and register my 4-digit VIN V700 when it's ready to ride, I'll be very diligent and choosy about the insurer.

[cloudbase]

Flo has been good to me.  I've got a local agent I can call if I need anything, and taking care of things online is very easy.

[sickora]

Its pretty much call/email around to other insurers and see what rates are for coverage desired. Each person is different.

This is the correct answer.  I do believe Hagarty specializes in older bikes so you may have more luck there. Keep in mind with a totaled bike on your motor vehicle report, your insurance will be pricier.

 As for your VIN not hitting, all major insurers receive their VIN information from a 3rd party. When you don't get a hit it's because either your bike is very new and the insurer hasn't updated their VIN database or, as in your case, the VIN is older and the insurer chose not to go that far back. 

Most insurers have a discount if you bundle your policies, but if you've already bundled your home and auto, the motorcycle will not be much more, if any, of a discount.

Source: I'm literally in the insurance business, including 3 years of  running pricing for motorcycles for a very large carrier.

[ampm7]

Well, I did insure the 1972 with Hagerty and Geico is sending out the final bill for the other bikes. The Hagerty is full coverage and the Geico is liability plus comprehensive which I had on the late model Eldo that was totaled. Hagerty, $138 a year and $611 for Geico (three bikes). The Honda has more coverage as it is newer. One company I looked at wanted $887/year for the 1998 EV alone! What can you get for a good condition EV; maybe $3500?

[Stretch]

I've had very good luck with Dairyland.

The only thing they wouldn't insure was a Chang Jiang.
I had to go through Geico for that one.

                                 -Stretch

[sib]

The green lizard has been good to me over the years.  Last year I was hit and it totaled my V7II as well as land me in the hospital with a broken femur.  I only have liability and un(der)insured motorist insurance.  Although the lizard paid me $100K, my renewal premium this year was the same as last year, $140.  In fact, I was refunded 15% of last year's premium as a "pandemic" rebate.  It will be interesting to see if my premium will be increased when I get my 2021 V7 (850) because of the increased displacement.

[dave1068]

I use Markel and they are good, specifically for bikes and other types of recreational vehicles, watercraft etc

[Bulldog9]

I have Haggerty for the Convert, GRiSO, and 1200 Sport, about $90 a year for each for full coverage. I ride and commute on the Stornello, so have it on GEICO, though Haggerty will now insure for daily rider. I need to swap it over.

[Lumpy Idle]

If you like them. Give them a call.
Tom

yes! i have much better luck with geico when i get to speak to a human being. they try diligently to shunt you off to their so-called live chat but don't fall for it. dial up the 800 # and keep chanting "agent" until a live voice comes on the line. don't bother with the website if you have anything other than proforma stuff like bill payments or address changes.