MA insurance

[Qfactor]

hey

Are MA moto insurance rates based on displacement or type of motorcycle?

For example,

would a 600 SS be cheaper than a 636 or sv650?

or because the sv650 isn't considered a sport bike it would be cheaper than a 600 SS?

I am looking to register the bike soon, but looking to cut down on insurance as much as possible.

thanks

Q

[Aaron]

I can't honestly answer that for MA moto, but i know ALOT of companies consider the SV as a sport/touring, so it's not at expensive as a 600ss.
Sorry if this is irrelivant to MA moto, can you call them and ask directly?...well, screw calling insurance companies if you don't have to...who knows the answer!?

[benVFR]

Yes definitely get a 600cc bike instead of the ZX-6, SV650, Triumph 650/675, etc if you're trying to minimize insurance.

All MA seems to care about is whether the bike is above 600cc or not. I've sat there with my agent and asked about a bunch of bikes and he maintains the rates are not effected at all by the model of bike, # of cylinders, horsepower, styling, plastic, etc..

[skiierx]

My agent told me the difference starts when you go 750 and above.

[benVFR]

It's been 2 years, maybe they changed it since the average size of new bikes has got to be around 1300-1500cc lately with the cruiser/chopper craze.

[dave72370]

Well its not as bad as you think. I currently have an '05 CBR600rr and pay 640 per year. I am trading that in next week for an '06 CBR1000rr and it is only costing me an extra 50 dollars a year

[TheIglu]

1200cc full coverage for $450 a year. And that was in Natick.

Buy a "slow" bike like mine. Then you don't have to worry since "leetah" bikes pick up the tab.

[SQUIZZ636]

I had a 00 SV 650, and my 05 636 has cheaper insurance then the SV did even though the 636 cost more to replace. I pay $500 and year in MA for full coverage. I saved $150 by getting a better and newer bike.

[benVFR]

You still living in the same place?

Driving Record + town of residence still matters a lot more then model of bike.

[MissTwisties]

Cost Man God over $1000/year to have his ZX-10 insured...

I think it cost me about $450/year for my bike (250cc)

[TIMMYDUCK]

Still 409 per yr.
500 Deductiable
06 Hayabusa
VT Tags.

[Qfactor]

Well, living in Somerville and being a step 34 don't help. hence, why I am trying to lower all costs as much as possible.

last year the SV cost me $1190/year. This year it'll go up a bit...

Q

[Cue Ball]

Wow, a Step 34! You worked at that one, the worst you can be is a 35. I work @ Commerce Ins in MA, I would suggest calling your agent, they should be able to tell you what the cut offs are for CC displacement. With your step rating, you are going to pay thru the ass even if it was a moped.

[benVFR]

$1190 doesn't sound that bad especially if you're step 34!

Waltham (where I live) must be horrible.

Last year I paid about $1000 for my VFR, and AFAIK my step is around 11-12.

My insurance agent says it's cause 128 & the MA pike both go through Waltham, making the whole town look way more dangerous.

But doesn't 93 go through Somerville?

[skiierx]

Originally posted by benVFR
$1190 doesn't sound that bad especially if you're step 34!

Waltham (where I live) must be horrible.

Last year I paid about $1000 for my VFR, and AFAIK my step is around 11-12.

My insurance agent says it's cause 128 & the MA pike both go through Waltham, making the whole town look way more dangerous.

But doesn't 93 go through Somerville?

Ben,

That sounds really high for that bike. I pay $800 for the RC (full coverage) which I think is high.

[chr|s sedition]

Originally posted by Qfactor
being a step 34 Q

DAMN! I'm almost jealous. Mine was a 33 at it's worst. I'm down to like 13 now or something. I live next town over from you (cambridge) and have an 03 R1. I'm paying like just $700.00 / year. But for sure, step and town are much bigger factors than displacement.

[bigred875]

Originally posted by Cue Ball
Wow, a Step 34! You worked at that one, the worst you can be is a 35. I work @ Commerce Ins in MA, I would suggest calling your agent, they should be able to tell you what the cut offs are for CC displacement. With your step rating, you are going to pay thru the ass even if it was a moped.

I was a 37 at one point lol

[mikem317]

Engine size, your record, agent commission, insurance company, garaging location, coverage, year, make, model and machine type are some of the big variables.

[Kham]

Originally posted by chr|s sedition
DAMN! I'm almost jealous. Mine was a 33 at it's worst. I'm down to like 13 now or something. I live next town over from you (cambridge) and have an 03 R1. I'm paying like just $700.00 / year. But for sure, step and town are much bigger factors than displacement.

CHris, I need to use your address.

actually who is your insurance agent?

[Billy]

I actually have a question about the steps. I just started riding this past June, so is there a standard step they put you at when you begin riding? I know its on my paperwork but I don't have it in front of me at the moment. I'm guessing im up there because I just started.

I own a 99 cbr 600 and I'm paying a little over $500 a year for it. I'm with Commerce Insurance.

[chr|s sedition]

I *think* everyone starts at 15, and for every year your dont have an..."incident", a point comes off, bottoming out at 9.

[skiierx]

Originally posted by BadBoyBilly
I actually have a question about the steps. I just started riding this past June, so is there a standard step they put you at when you begin riding? I know its on my paperwork but I don't have it in front of me at the moment. I'm guessing im up there because I just started.

I own a 99 cbr 600 and I'm paying a little over $500 a year for it. I'm with Commerce Insurance.

That is not a bad price at all. There is supposedly a period of time that you have to be riding (6yrs) till your experienced/rates drop but yours is already low. So I would not mess with it.

[benVFR]

I don't think you have a separate step for car/bike.

Kids start at 15 AFAIK but if you had a ticket in your car before getting a bike you will not automatically get 15 on your bike.

IIRC 9 is the best you can be and requires 6 continuous years of no accidents & no tickets.

[dave72370]

I just spoke to my insurance agent and he told me that insurances will be going down a little across the board for '06. Also Mass is getting away from the step system. We will be going to a point system like most of the country has. He did not have an other info. As I find out more I will pass it on.

Dave

[sanfelice]

Just have to reply to this....

I register my bikes in Falmouth (have an address there) but usually keep them in Somerville. I know, I know... playing the system :-> but I pay a little over $300 for TWO bikes (a 2001 225cc dual purpose and a 1979 1000cc project bike). I am a step 9 and have never had a ticket (fingers crossed, knocking on wood, doing rain dance that I will avoid one this year, too).

Here is the kicker with insurance: I got a different quote EVERY TIME I ASKED FOR A QUOTE - same bike, same address. No kidding - even the agent was perplexed. Each time the computer spit out a different number. She could not give me a straight answer as to why.