The Right Add-Ons Make All the Difference
Basic motorcycle coverage gets you legal, but smart add-ons get you protected. Custom parts coverage safeguards your upgrades, roadside assistance gets you home when things go sideways, and trip interruption coverage saves your vacation budget. Full replacement cost means you're not stuck with depreciated payouts, while accessory coverage protects everything from saddlebags to sound systems. The key? Pick add-ons that match how you actually ride—whether you're a daily commuter or weekend warrior hitting mountain passes.
Add-ons are optional coverages that fill the gaps your basic policy leaves open—think of them as insurance for your insurance.
Your standard motorcycle policy covers the basics: liability, collision, and comprehensive. But here's the thing—most riders aren't riding "basic" bikes. You've got custom exhausts, upgraded seats, touring accessories, or maybe a sound system that costs more than some people's entire bikes. Basic coverage treats all that like factory equipment, which means you're getting factory payouts when something goes wrong.
Add-ons let you build coverage that actually matches your ride and your riding style. They're not just about more protection—they're about smarter protection.
Most riders discover they need add-ons after it's too late. Your touring bike gets totaled, but your accessories only receive limited coverage under standard policies. Your weekend trip gets cut short by a breakdown, but you're paying unexpected expenses out of pocket.
This add-on covers aftermarket parts and accessories at their actual value, not what your standard policy thinks they're worth.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, many comprehensive and collision policies will only cover the factory standard parts on your motorcycle, or they will limit the coverage. Custom parts coverage allows you to increase these limits to better match your actual investment in modifications.
Here's what typically gets covered:
Most policies won't cover racing modifications or anything that makes your bike illegal for street use. Sound systems and electronics might need separate coverage depending on your insurer.
Pro tip: Document everything with photos and receipts. Your insurer needs proof of what you've added and what it costs.
Accessory coverage protects the gear you bolt on or take off—saddlebags, GPS units, touring equipment, and other removable items.
While custom parts are permanent modifications, accessories are the stuff you add for function. Think touring cases, tank bags, GPS mounts, bike covers, and any electronics you've installed.
The coverage usually works one of two ways:
Riders often discover their accessories represent a significant investment when they total everything up. Even a modest touring setup can be surprisingly valuable.
While we're talking about smart protection choices, new riders especially benefit from understanding how to maximize their savings. If you're just starting, check out our guide to motorcycle insurance discounts to stack multiple savings opportunities.
Roadside assistance gets you and your bike to safety when mechanical problems leave you stranded—no matter how far from home you are.
Unlike your auto club membership, motorcycle roadside assistance understands bikes. They'll send appropriate towing equipment and know how to handle everything from sportbikes to loaded touring rigs.
Typical coverage includes:
Regular auto clubs often send the wrong towing equipment or refuse service for motorcycles entirely. Motorcycle-specific roadside assistance knows the difference between a Goldwing and a Ninja—and how to handle both safely.
Real talk: Roadside assistance is typically an affordable add-on that costs significantly less than a single towing incident. The math works out quickly in your favour.
Trip interruption coverage reimburses you for travel expenses when a mechanical breakdown or covered damage cuts your ride short.
Picture this: You're 800 miles from home on a touring trip when your transmission gives up. Trip interruption doesn't just get your bike fixed—it covers your unexpected hotel stays, meal costs, and sometimes even rental car expenses to get you home.
Coverage typically includes:
Trip interruption coverage typically comes with per-incident limits. Check what your policy offers compared to what overnight stays actually cost in tourist areas while you're waiting for parts.
Full replacement cost coverage pays what it actually costs to replace it with a comparable model. This type of coverage sets the coverage limit for your bike based on the cost to fully replace any upgrades or modifications, regardless of any wear and tear.
Here's the painful reality: bikes depreciate fast, especially in the first few years. Your two-year-old bike that you paid $15,000 for might only be "worth" $11,000 according to standard coverage. Full replacement cost bridges that gap.
This coverage works best for:
For older bikes or rare models, the math might not work out. Your insurer can run the numbers for your specific situation.
This coverage protects you when the driver who hits you doesn't have adequate insurance—which happens more frequently than many riders expect.
Motorcycle accidents tend to result in higher medical bills and more severe injuries than car accidents. If the driver who causes your accident doesn't have enough coverage, you could be stuck with significant bills.
UM/UIM coverage typically includes:
Minimum state liability requirements often haven't kept up with actual repair and replacement costs. A driver carrying only minimum coverage may not have enough property damage coverage to fully replace a quality motorcycle, never mind cover your medical expenses.
Match your add-ons to how you actually ride, not how you think you might ride someday.
Different riders need different protection:
Speaking of getting started with the right bike, if you're new to riding, our guide to the best motorcycles for beginners can help you choose a bike that's both manageable and affordable to insure.
Don't leave your investment hanging in the wind with basic coverage. Smart riders know that the right add-ons aren't just about protection—they're about riding with confidence.
Get a quote today to tailor your motorcycle coverage with the exact add-ons you value most. Whether you're commuting through city traffic or chasing horizons on weekend escapes, there's coverage built for how you actually ride.
Roamly Insurance Group, LLC ("Roamly") is a licensed general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Roamly is licensed as an agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy and is ultimately the decision of the buyer.
Policies provided by Roamly are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, Progressive Insurance Company, Safeco Insurance, Foremost Insurance Company, National General Insurance, Allstate Insurance Company, Mobilitas Insurance Company, Lyndon Southern Insurance Company and others.