As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, many riders in northern states park their bikes in the garage for the season. It's tempting to think, "I won't be riding for four months, so why should I pay for insurance?"
Canceling your policy for the winter is a common financial strategy, but it is fraught with hidden risks and costs. There is a smarter way to save money without leaving your bike unprotected: Lay-Up Insurance.
The Risks of Canceling Coverage Completely
If you completely cancel your policy, you expose yourself to three major problems:
1. Theft and Fire Still Happen
Just because you aren't riding doesn't mean your bike is safe.
- Theft: Motorcycles are easy targets for thieves, even in locked garages.
- Disaster: A garage fire, a collapsed roof from snow, or a flood can destroy your bike. Without comprehensive coverage, you are on the hook for the full replacement cost.
2. The DMV Penalty
In many states, if a vehicle has a valid registration, it must have valid liability insurance. If you cancel your policy, the insurer notifies the DMV. You could face fines, license suspension, or a requirement to turn in your license plate. Re-registering your bike in the spring is a hassle you don't need.
3. The "Lapse" Rate Hike
Insurance companies reward loyalty and continuous coverage. If you have a "gap" in your insurance history, you are statistically seen as a higher risk. When you re-apply in the spring, your new premium might be significantly higher than what you pay now, wiping out any winter savings.
The Solution: Lay-Up Insurance
Many insurers offer a "Lay-Up" policy or a "Winter Storage" discount. This modifies your coverage rather than canceling it.
- What stays: Comprehensive coverage (Theft, Fire, Vandalism, Weather).
- What goes: Liability and Collision (since you aren't on the road).
By removing the expensive liability and collision parts, your premium drops dramatically—often by 50% or more—while still protecting your asset from physical damage.
Crucial Warning: If you have a Lay-Up policy, you cannot ride the bike. Not even around the block to keep the battery charged. If you take it out on a sunny February day and crash, you have zero coverage.
Other Winterization Tips
Insurance protects your wallet; maintenance protects your machine.
- Fuel Stabilizer: Add it to a full tank of gas and run the engine for a few minutes to prevent the carburetor/injectors from clogging.
- Battery Tender: Hook up a trickle charger to keep your battery from dying in the cold.
- Tires: Put the bike on a center stand or paddock stands to prevent flat spots on tires.
- Cover: Use a breathable cover to keep dust off and moisture out.
Winter Insurance Checklist
- Call your agent to ask about "Lay-Up" or "Storage" options.
- Confirm the dates of the lay-up period (e.g., Dec 1 to Mar 31).
- Keep comprehensive coverage active to protect against theft.
- Don't cancel your registration unless you plan to store it for years.
Save money the smart way this winter. Get a motorcycle insurance quote with seasonal options.