New KLR and Insurance Question

[zt0117]

I just got my new 2008 KLR 650 today. The dealer had a green one still on the pallet in the back. Unfortunately, it was spoken for. They tried finding me one from another dealer and looked in AZ, UT, NM, and CA, but no luck. This morning they told me the deal had fallen apart and the bike was mine if I wanted it. I picked it up this afternoon.

The bike is Sweet! I put about 12 miles on it around town, and can't wait to ride it to work tomorrow.

My only problem is with the insurance. My past riding experience was with a Honda CB 125 riding for two years in Asia. I've never registered or insured a bike in the USA. So, while I am 45, married, no tickets, and no DUI's, my insurance company (Geico) quoted me $700 a year for the insurance. I also have three cars insured with Geico and I get a good price from them on the cars. I mentioned this to the guy at the bike shop and he said "keep shopping", that $700 a year was way too much.

So my question is, does anyone know any companies I should shop for my bike insurance? The bike shop guy said $300 a year was reasonable, but that I can probably get less. I am carrying comp, collision, and state minimums on liability/uninsured motorists.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

See you on the road!

--Dave

[oldx]

Just got mine yesterday for $241 at State Farm. I have multiple vehicle discount though.

[KeithKLR]

188 per year full coverage from progressive, it's all I have with them. I'm about the same age, no tickets.

[Les]

Progressive is about the cheapest I've found thru the years... think I'm payin around $100/year full coverage on my '06. However, I've been riding for years. Make sure ya go thru an MSF course, it should help with insurance rates!!

[zt0117]

Wow! I did go through an MSF course (it's how I got my license). I'm gonna give those bastards at GEICO a piece of my mind fer sure!

[zt0117]

Progressive: $211/year! The Gecko is road kill!

[coorsleftfield]

My insurance is $98.00 /year, $1000 deductible, 100/300/100 coverage, full coverage.
Insured through American Family

[AZ Jerry]

There are so many variables but since I'm also in AZ, I'll chime in. I've had GEICO for three years, they always gave me the lowest quote. I shop around every renewal period, this year both Progressive and Nationwide beat the GEICO quote. Nationwide gives a small discount for AMA members, Progressive has relationships with the Honda Riders Club and I think some of the magazines, but the discounts are usually not that much. I try to get five or six quotes every time I renew.

FWIW, my brother worked at a HD dealership and he said that on accident repair jobs, Progressive is the best company to work with, both for the repair shop and the bike owner.

Maybe GEICO is trying to ease out of m/c insurance in AZ so they are creeping up the rates. Who knows. Also, try to find an independent insurance agent and see what he can get you.

For comparison, I have a KLR and an older Wing, both bikes for just over 800 per year with high liability and uninsured/underinsured coverage and collision and comp.

[AZ Jerry]

Originally Posted by zt0117

Wow! I did go through an MSF course (it's how I got my license). I'm gonna give those bastards at GEICO a piece of my mind fer sure!

Don't waste your breath, just shop around. They just read off the quote list.

[AZ Jerry]

One more thing, I think insurance companies use credit scores as part of your rate quote also, so if you've had any credit issues, that can affect your rates.

[ridewv]

$219 with National General (Rider Insurance) 1-800-325-1190 but that's in WV which is an "insurance unfriendly" state. (Friendly to lawyers though) Includes $150 deductable on collision and comprehensive, $1,500 accessory coverage. I may try Progressive when time to renew.

[BtotheC]

Crazy!!! I just went with Geico in April. Had to pick up my bike, do the MSF course 5 days later, and didn't have time to shop around. Did it online and was $285 for a year, with everything, comp/collision, $1k deductible, and midrange coverages. Only went full coverage route in case my bike is totalled.

Definitely shop around.

[warthog steve]

$276.00/year-Progressive-Only vehicle I have thru them....

[gitarded]

$97.00 a year full coverage theru progressive

[oceans21]

135.00 a year, full coverage.

[RyanR]

I am picking up my 08 KLR tomorrow morning, I think I am going to burst! lol I am 25, multiple vehicle discount, 3 speeding tickets in the past 3 years and I am paying $360 a year with Statefarm but that is with a $250 deductible.

[mknight]

Yep, definitely keep shopping. I had my bikes insured for several years through Progressive. They are motorcycle "friendly" and I really had no complaints then I had a friend who quoted me a policy through Allied Insurance (Nationwide) and saved me almost $100 a year and also gave me a "free" AMA Membership. I was already a member but needed to renew for the racing/enduro season for my KTM.

I would say Progressive is your best and easiest bet, but definitely give Allied or Nationwide a call.

And, enjoy the new bike. I've had my '08 for about a month now and have been loving it. I find all kinds of excuses to get out and ride now.

[zt0117]

I just got a Progressive policy for $211/year. When I cancelled the Geico policy, they told me they use rider experience in their calculation. I did notice that Progressive online, didn't ask any questions about experience, so maybe they don't factor that in.

Thanks for the replies!

Ride safe.

--Dave

[Overkill0084]

Progressive $244 per year. Full coverage, $250 deductible, roadside assistance.

age 41 no tickets or accidents. multi-vehicle discount. Utah.

I was shocked at how cheap it was.

[in2dabluz]

Farmers Was ~$150 A Year, Full Coverage, And I Have Another Bike On The Policy, Geico Has Never Been Affordable Or Close $$wise To The Majority Of Companies Out There.. Does Geico Supply The Ky?