TL;DR: Filing a motorcycle insurance claim involves four key steps: ensure safety and call 911 if needed, document everything at the scene with photos and witness information, contact your insurance company within 24-48 hours, and work with an adjuster to assess damages. Most claims are processed within 7-90+ days, depending on complexity. New riders should keep their policy documents handy, understand their coverage limits, and never admit fault at the scene. With proper preparation and the right insurer like Roamly, the claims process can be straightforward and stress-free.
Filing a motorcycle insurance claim starts immediately after an incident and typically involves four main phases: incident response, documentation, claim filing, and resolution.
When you're involved in a motorcycle accident or your bike is damaged, stolen, or vandalized, your insurance claim becomes your financial lifeline. Unlike car insurance claims, motorcycle claims often involve unique factors like seasonal riding patterns, specialized equipment, and higher injury risks that can complicate the process.
The good news? Most reputable insurers have streamlined digital claim processes that make filing easier than ever. Understanding each phase helps you navigate confidently and avoid costly mistakes that could delay your claim or reduce your payout.
Common scenarios include:
Your first priority is safety. Move to a safe location if possible, call 911 for injuries or significant damage, and begin documenting the scene before anyone leaves.
The moments after an accident feel surreal. Your adrenaline is pumping, your bike might be scattered across the asphalt, and your mind is racing through a thousand thoughts. Take a deep breath. What you do in the next few minutes will significantly impact how smoothly your insurance claim unfolds.
Now comes the crucial part that many riders overlook in the stress of the moment: documentation. Your phone becomes your most important tool here. Start photographing everything before vehicles are moved or the scene changes. You'll want:
While you're gathering visual evidence, collect essential information from other drivers involved:
Pro tip from experienced riders: Use your phone's voice memo feature to record your immediate recollection of what happened while the details are fresh. Include the time, exact location, weather conditions, and your observations about the sequence of events. This timestamped record can be incredibly valuable weeks later when insurance adjusters are piecing together the story.
Contact your insurance company within 24-48 hours of the incident, provide basic details over the phone, and follow up with documented evidence through their claims portal or app.
Once you're home and the immediate stress has subsided, it's time to start the official claims process. The golden rule here is speed—most insurers want to hear from you within 24 to 48 hours, and honestly, calling sooner rather than later works in your favor. When adjusters see that you're proactive and organized, it sets a positive tone for the entire process.
Most insurers offer 24/7 claim reporting through:
Have ready:
The first call is about getting your claim started and receiving your claim number, which becomes your reference for all future communications.
The real work begins with formal documentation submission.
Your insurer will request:
Within a few business days, you'll be assigned an insurance adjuster who will:
The final phase involves damage assessment and settlement negotiations.
The adjuster will assess:
Successful claims require comprehensive documentation, including photos, police reports, repair estimates, medical records for injuries, and proof of ownership for custom parts or accessories.
Think of claim documentation like packing for a cross-country motorcycle trip; you want to be prepared for any scenario without carrying unnecessary weight. The difference is, with insurance claims, more documentation is almost always better than less.
Download our “Essential Documents Checklist” to make sure you don't miss anything!
Your immediate scene documentation forms the foundation of everything that follows. Those photos you took at the accident scene become the visual story of what happened, while videos can capture details that still photos might miss. If you managed to record a voice memo describing the incident, that contemporaneous account carries significant weight with adjusters.
Official records add credibility to your claim. The police report provides an independent account of the incident, while medical documentation proves the extent and cost of any injuries. Don't overlook seemingly minor expenses like towing fees; these receipts add up and should be covered under most policies.
If your bike falls into the custom category, and let's be honest, most riders add at least some personal touches, additional documentation becomes essential:
Most importantly, ensure you've previously disclosed these modifications to your insurer, as undisclosed changes can complicate claims processing and potentially void coverage for custom components. For new riders considering their first bike purchase, understanding how modifications affect insurance is crucial. Check out our guide on the best motorcycles for beginners to learn about insurance considerations for different bike types.
Simple claims with clear fault and minor damage are typically processed within 7-14 days, while complex claims involving major injuries, disputed liability, or total losses can take 30-90 days or longer.
The question every rider asks after filing a claim is: "When can I get back on the road?" The honest answer depends on several factors, but understanding typical timelines helps set realistic expectations and lets you plan accordingly.
Minor Damage Claims (7-14 days):
Moderate Claims (14-30 days):
Complex Claims (30-90+ days):
Several factors can either speed up or slow down your claim processing, and many are within your control:
The good news is that most insurers now provide online claim tracking, so you can monitor progress and identify any bottlenecks that might be slowing things down. If your claim seems stalled, don't hesitate to contact your adjuster for a status update and clarification on what might be needed to move forward.
The biggest mistakes include admitting fault at the scene, delaying claim filing, accepting the first settlement offer without review, and failing to document all damages including gear and accessories.
Every experienced rider has a story about learning something the hard way, and insurance claims are no exception. The mistakes that cost people the most money are often the ones that seem insignificant in the moment but have lasting consequences.
Be cautious and consider seeking professional help if your insurer:
Communication throughout the claims process matters more than most people realize. Document every conversation with your insurance company, including the date, time, who you spoke with, and what was discussed. Follow up important phone conversations with email summaries. Read all settlement documents carefully before signing. Once you accept a settlement, you typically can't go back for additional compensation even if new issues arise.
Claim payouts depend on your coverage types, policy limits, deductible amount, and whether your bike is repaired or declared a total loss, with actual cash value being the maximum for total losses.
Understanding what your claim might actually pay out requires decoding the sometimes confusing world of insurance coverage types. Think of your policy as a safety net with different sections designed to catch different types of financial falls.
Liability Coverage:
Collision Coverage:
Comprehensive Coverage:
Medical Payments/Personal Injury Protection:
Pro Tip: Recent research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that motorcycles equipped with antilock braking systems (ABS) have 22% lower collision claim rates than identical models without ABS, which can translate to lower insurance premiums and fewer claims overall.
Your motorcycle is typically considered a total loss when:
The actual cash value (ACV) calculation considers your bike's current market value minus depreciation and any previous damage. This isn't necessarily what you paid for the bike or what you think it's worth; it's what similar motorcycles are selling for in your local market at the time of the loss.
Gap Coverage Considerations: If you owe more on your loan than the actual cash value, gap insurance coverage can be a financial lifesaver by covering the difference. This situation is particularly common with new motorcycles that depreciate quickly in their first year.
Consider professional help for claims over $10,000, disputed fault situations, serious injuries, or when your insurer acts in bad faith by denying valid claims or delaying payments unreasonably.
Most motorcycle insurance claims can be handled successfully without bringing in outside professionals, but certain situations warrant considering additional expertise. The decision often comes down to complexity, claim value, and how your insurance company is treating you throughout the process.
Complex Injury Claims:
High-Value Property Damage:
Insurance Company Problems:
However, many claims can be successfully managed without outside help. Simple property damage claims with clear fault, single-vehicle accidents, most comprehensive claims like theft or weather damage, and situations where you have a good working relationship with a cooperative insurer typically don't require professional intervention.
The key is honestly assessing whether the potential additional recovery justifies the cost of professional representation. Public adjusters typically charge 10-15% of your settlement, while attorneys often work on contingency fees ranging from 25-40%. For smaller claims, these costs might outweigh the benefits, but for complex or high-value situations, professional expertise can often recover significantly more than you'd achieve on your own.
Motorcycle insurance claims don't have to be overwhelming when you have the right support and coverage. Understanding the process, documenting everything properly, and working with a rider-focused insurer makes all the difference in getting back to what you love—exploring the open road.
Need help navigating your motorcycle insurance claim? Roamly makes it easy to file, manage, and get back on the road, faster. Our digital-first approach means faster claim processing, 24/7 mobile access, and support from advisors who actually understand motorcycle culture. Whether you're dealing with your first claim or want coverage that truly protects your riding lifestyle, we're here to help.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders are about 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash, making comprehensive insurance coverage and proper safety gear essential for every rider.
Get a quote or review your motorcycle coverage with Roamly today.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about motorcycle insurance claims and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Insurance coverage varies by policy, state, and provider. Always consult your specific policy documents and speak with licensed professionals for advice about your particular situation.
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.
