How long do I have to file a claim?

Most insurers require "prompt" notification, typically within 24-72 hours. However, the legal statute of limitations varies by state. File as soon as possible, because delays can complicate your claim and potentially give the insurer grounds to deny it.

Will filing a claim raise my rates?

It depends. At-fault accidents typically raise rates, while not-at-fault accidents may not in some states or with some insurers. Some insurers may also offer accident forgiveness for your first claim.

Is my riding gear covered?

Sometimes, but often not by default. Safety apparel coverage for helmets, jackets, gloves and boots is usually an optional add-on to your standard policy. If gear protection matters to you, ask whether it's built in or something you need to add, and check the coverage limit.

Are my custom parts and accessories covered?

Standard policies typically include limited coverage for custom parts and equipment (often $3,000 or less). If you've invested in aftermarket exhaust, luggage, paint or performance upgrades beyond that, you need additional custom parts coverage. Keep receipts and photos of all upgrades.

What if my motorcycle is stolen?

File a police report immediately, then file a claim with your insurer. Theft is covered under comprehensive coverage, not liability-only policies. Your insurer will typically wait a set period to see if the bike is recovered before paying out the ACV.

Can I file a claim without a police report?

Yes, but it can make the process harder. A police report provides an objective account that helps establish fault. Without one, it may be your word against the other driver's, and riders often draw the short straw in those disputes.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

More than one in seven U.S. drivers (15.4%) were uninsured in 2023, according to the Insurance Research Council. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, file a claim with your own insurance. They'll cover your damages up to your UM limits. This coverage is especially important for riders, since injuries in motorcycle accidents are usually more serious. If you don't have UM coverage, you may need to sue the other driver directly.

Can I choose my own repair shop?

Yes, you have the right to use any repair shop you choose, including a motorcycle-specific shop or your dealer. Your insurer may recommend preferred shops, but they cannot require you to use them. For bikes, a shop that knows motorcycles is worth insisting on.

What if I disagree with the settlement offer?

You can negotiate. This comes up often with motorcycles, since adjusters may undervalue well-maintained or customized bikes. Get independent valuations from sources like NADA or KBB, plus listings for comparable bikes in your area. Most policies include an appraisal provision, and you can also file a complaint with your state insurance department.

How to File a Motorcycle Insurance Claim

Key TakeawaysWhat to know about filing a motorcycle insurance claim:

File a motorcycle insurance claim when there are injuries, significant damage, theft or fault disputes, but consider paying out-of-pocket if the damage costs less than your deductible.

Document everything, including damaged riding gear and custom parts, file a police report and notify your insurer as soon as possible.

Motorcycles total more easily than cars, so keep receipts of any aftermarket upgrades so you’re ready to negotiate if your claim settlement undervalues your bike.

A motorcycle accident is stressful enough without a confusing claims process on top of it. Knowing how to file a motorcycle insurance claim properly can mean the difference between a quick payout and weeks of frustrating delays, especially since motorcycle claims often involve injuries, riding gear and custom parts that car claims don’t.

The Jerry app has helped 5,989 motorcycle riders compare quotes, shop insurance and store their policy information for when they need to file a claim. Whether you went down in a collision, your bike was knocked over in a parking lot or it disappeared from your driveway overnight, this guide walks you through what to do.

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When to file a motorcycle insurance claim

Filing a claim isn’t always the best choice. Claims can raise your motorcycle insurance costs, even if you weren’t at fault, and can stay on your insurance record for three to five years.

Consider filing a claim if:

Anyone is injured. With motorcycle accidents, this is the case more often than not.
Damage is significant. Bikes total easily, so even a low-speed drop can exceed repair thresholds.
The other driver was at fault.
Your bike was stolen or vandalized.
There’s a possibility of a lawsuit.

You may not need to file a claim if:

Damage to your bike is less than your deductible. A scratched fairing or bent lever may not be worth it.
The accident was your fault, but damage is minor and you can afford to pay for it out-of-pocket.

Key takeaway: File a claim when injuries, significant damage, theft or fault disputes are involved. If your bike’s damage costs less than your deductible, or you can afford out-of-pocket repairs, you might not want to file a claim to protect your rates from going up.

Step 1: Get safe, then collect information and document the accident

First get yourself and your bike out of the roadway if you can do so safely, and get checked for injuries even if you feel fine. Medical records from the scene also strengthen any injury claim.

The more evidence you gather, the smoother your claims process will be. Collect the following information from other drivers involved:

🪪 The other driver’s information:

Full name.
Phone number.
Address.
Driver’s license number.
Email address.

🚗 Vehicle and insurance information:

The other driver’s insurance company name and policy number.
License plate number.
Vehicle make, model, year and color.
VIN, if visible.

Be sure to also document the accident with photo and video evidence. Photograph damage to your bike from multiple angles, plus any damaged riding gear like your helmet, jacket, gloves, boots. Gear is often covered, and a cracked helmet is also evidence of impact. Get witness information and photos of the road surface if gravel, oil or potholes played a role.

Jerry recommends: Avoid admitting fault or even saying “I’m sorry” at the scene, even if you think you might be at fault. Riders often face an unfair presumption of recklessness, so let the insurance companies and police determine fault based on the evidence.

Step 2: File a police report

A police report provides an official, unbiased account of the accident and can be important for your claim. This matters even more for riders, since bias against motorcyclists can creep into fault disputes.

Get the responding officer’s name and badge number, and ask for the police report number. In some states, if anyone is injured or property damage exceeds a certain threshold, you must also report the accident to the DMV.

You should file a police report if:

🚑 Anyone is injured.

💥 There’s significant damage to your bike.

🍺 The other driver appears intoxicated.

🚗 The other driver is uncooperative or leaves the scene.

❓ It’s unclear whose fault the accident was.

🔒 Your motorcycle was stolen. A police report is typically required for theft claims.

Key takeaway: A police report creates an official record that can strengthen your insurance claim. Always file one if there are injuries, significant damage, theft or any dispute about fault.

Step 3: Contact your insurance company

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, ideally the same day. Most policies require prompt notification, and delays could delay your claim being paid out.

In some cases, you may need to also contact the other driver’s insurance company.

Which insurance company to contact:

Scenario	Contact
You’re at fault.	Your insurance company.
The driver is at fault.	Their insurance (and notify yours).
Fault is unclear.	Both insurance companies.
The driver has no insurance.	Your insurance company.
Single-bike accident.	Your insurance company.
Theft, vandalism or weather damage.	Your insurance company.

You can file a motorcycle insurance claim through your insurer’s mobile app, website or over the phone. Be ready to provide your policy number, accident details, the other party’s information and any supporting documentation like photos or a police report. If you have custom parts and equipment coverage, flag any aftermarket parts (exhaust, bags, custom paint) in your initial report so they’re included in the estimate from the start.

Key takeaway: Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, ideally the same day. Delays can slow down your payout, and most insurers require prompt notification about an accident.

Learn more: How to file an insurance claim against another driver

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How to use the Jerry app during a claim

After an accident, the last thing you want is to dig through a saddlebag or your email for your policy number. The Jerry app keeps everything you need in one place.

Your coverage details, policy documents, and insurer contact information are stored securely in the app, so you can start a claim with your insurer quickly.

And if you have questions about what to do next, Jerry’s licensed agents are just a chat or phone call away, 7 days a week, so you are never sorting it out alone.

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What happens after you file a claim

After you file a claim, a claims adjuster will investigate the accident. Once the investigation is complete, your bike will either be repaired or deemed a total loss, in which case you’ll receive the bike’s actual cash value (ACV), minus your deductible.

Keep in mind that motorcycles are totaled more easily than cars. Because bikes have lower market values and cosmetic parts are expensive, even a minor drop can sometimes cost enough to total the bike. If your bike has aftermarket upgrades, provide receipts. Many comprehensive and collision policies only cover factory standard parts or limit coverage for accessories, so check your policy unless you purchased additional custom parts coverage.

Settlement payments are typically issued within 5 to 30 days, depending on your state and insurer.

Jerry recommends: Stay responsive, honest and organized during the claims process. Your cooperation can help speed up your settlement and ensure a fair outcome.

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FAQ

How long do I have to file a claim?

Most insurers require “prompt” notification, typically within 24-72 hours. However, the legal statute of limitations varies by state. File as soon as possible, because delays can complicate your claim and potentially give the insurer grounds to deny it.
Will filing a claim raise my rates?

It depends. At-fault accidents typically raise rates, while not-at-fault accidents may not in some states or with some insurers. Some insurers may also offer accident forgiveness for your first claim.
Is my riding gear covered?

Sometimes, but often not by default. Safety apparel coverage for helmets, jackets, gloves and boots is usually an optional add-on to your standard policy. If gear protection matters to you, ask whether it’s built in or something you need to add, and check the coverage limit.
Are my custom parts and accessories covered?

Standard policies typically include limited coverage for custom parts and equipment (often $3,000 or less). If you’ve invested in aftermarket exhaust, luggage, paint or performance upgrades beyond that, you need additional custom parts coverage. Keep receipts and photos of all upgrades.
What if my motorcycle is stolen?

File a police report immediately, then file a claim with your insurer. Theft is covered under comprehensive coverage, not liability-only policies. Your insurer will typically wait a set period to see if the bike is recovered before paying out the ACV.
Can I file a claim without a police report?

Yes, but it can make the process harder. A police report provides an objective account that helps establish fault. Without one, it may be your word against the other driver’s, and riders often draw the short straw in those disputes.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

More than one in seven U.S. drivers (15.4%) were uninsured in 2023, according to the Insurance Research Council. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, file a claim with your own insurance. They’ll cover your damages up to your UM limits. This coverage is especially important for riders, since injuries in motorcycle accidents are usually more serious. If you don’t have UM coverage, you may need to sue the other driver directly.
Can I choose my own repair shop?

Yes, you have the right to use any repair shop you choose, including a motorcycle-specific shop or your dealer. Your insurer may recommend preferred shops, but they cannot require you to use them. For bikes, a shop that knows motorcycles is worth insisting on.
What if I disagree with the settlement offer?

You can negotiate. This comes up often with motorcycles, since adjusters may undervalue well-maintained or customized bikes. Get independent valuations from sources like NADA or KBB, plus listings for comparable bikes in your area. Most policies include an appraisal provision, and you can also file a complaint with your state insurance department.