Motorcycle Insurance Discounts and Anti-Theft Devices
Generally, motorcycle insurance companies only offer an anti-theft
discount for bikes with tracking or disabling systems installed. The
discount is typically about 10% of a premium and, depending on the cost
of your motorcycle insurance policy, could translate into meaningful
savings. These systems allow a motorcycle owner to use radio frequency
or GPS-based tracking to locate their bike after it has been stolen and
temporarily disable it, making it impossible to ride. Not every tracking
system is equal.
Some carriers will only offer discounts on qualified devices that have
been professionally installed, while others only ask whether the
motorcycle covered has one. The sophistication of tracking and disabling
systems varies. Some locator products can't disable a bike, but they
might be able to send email or text message notifications when a
motorcycle is being driven without a compatible sensor present. Others
can sense when a bike is touched or even when someone is in close
vicinity of a motorcycle.
A popular system reviewed and recommended online is one by a company
called LoJack, but the company recently discontinued selling its
motorcycle tracking system (it still offers systems for other vehicles).
LoJack continues to support the systems already installed on bikes.
That means as soon as a motorcycle is reported stolen to police, the
LoJack system in a bike will still be activated and signal a network of
law enforcement. Agencies then use that radio signal—sent to receivers
in vehicles and aviation units—to locate the stolen motorcycle. Other
tracking systems, such as one sold by Scorpio, use GPS monitoring and
have similar features that allow law enforcement agencies to locate a
stolen bike.
Some of the differences between tracking device technologies are
something motorcycle riders should consider. The disadvantage to GPS
tracking systems is that they are more easily disrupted. For example, if
a bike is in something like a shipping container, a GPS system might
have trouble detecting it. Tracking devices that use radio frequencies
have few inhibitors. A tracking systems accessibility by law enforcement
agencies is a critical difference between types. Trackers such as the
previous LoJack system and those still sold by Scorpio either notify or
are accessible by law enforcement. Some systems only sync with a bike
owner's Google Maps or other mobile applications, meaning it would be
their job to update authorities on any stolen motorcycle's location.
Types of Motorcycle Anti-Theft Devices
Insurance companies, riders and former motorcycle thieves have offered
valuable advice online regarding protection motorcycles. Much of it is
common sense: Don’t leave your motorcycle key with your bike, use
anti-theft devices and be smart about where you park it. But some advice
needs to be heard, especially by new bike owners.
Advice from Insurance Companies
Any insurance company that offers motorcycle insurance typically also
has a page of advice to bike owners on their website. Amongst the
general advice they give, GEICO suggests buying a plain motorcycle cover
without any name brand on it, to avoid tipping any thieves on what
might be underneath. The company also suggests that riders who secure
their motorcycle with a chain do so through the frame instead of a
wheel, which can be removed.
Progressive offers two great tips for riders. Progressive suggests
keeping an eye out for cameras no matter where someone parks their
motorcycle. Some riders go as far as installing security cameras at
their home to monitor their motorcycle, but that doesn’t help whenever
the bike is parked anywhere else. A bike owner doesn’t have to own the
camera to use any footage that might help locate their bike if it’s
stolen. The carrier also suggests riders leave the title for their
motorcycle at home and carry their registration and insurance on their
person, rather than leave those important documents with their bike.
Advice from Other Bike Owners
There were more than 45,000 reported motorcycle thefts in the U.S.,
according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). A lot of people
have had their motorcycle stolen and shared their mistakes and
experiences for the betterment of others. Here are some simple errors
people have made and warned others to avoid.
If you plan to use a chain and lock to secure your motorcycle, the
ones at many retail stores won’t help much. Sometimes even the thickest
chains at The Home Depot, Walmart and other stores won’t hold up against
motorcycle thieves. Chains generally thinner than 14mm are less
expensive but you’re getting what you pay for – inadequate protection.
Some riders are outspoken about the best place to park a motorcycle:
Right next to the nicest one in a lot or garage. That way, if thieves
intend to steal a bike, they are less likely to choose the less
desirable motorcycle.
Advice and Affirmation from a Former Motorcycle Thief
;
