In addition to the right protective gear, one way to protect yourself when you're on your motorcycle is to add medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) to your policy.

What does medical payments cover?

Medical payments coverage helps pay for your expenses if you're injured in a motorcycle wreck, regardless of who's at fault. Medical payments coverage may help pay for:

Hospital visits
Surgery and X-rays
Ambulance and emergency medical technician fees
Professional nursing services
Health insurance deductibles and co-pays

Medical payments coverage is optional on a motorcycle insurance policy. Ask your insurer about adding it to your policy to help protect you and your passengers.

What does PIP cover?

PIP may help cover you and your motorcycle passenger if you're injured in an accident, regardless of who caused the accident, depending on your state's laws. PIP, sometimes called no-fault insurance, is only available as part of a motorcycle insurance policy in a handful of states.

PIP may help pay for your medical expenses, lost income, and even funeral expenses, after a motorcycle accident. Check with your insurance company to see whether PIP is available where you live.

Is my motorcycle passenger covered?

Yes, for both medical coverage and PIP, passengers are typically covered for the same expenses mentioned above. Check with your insurer to see what your passengers' coverage limits are.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage

Another thing to consider is if you're hit by a driver who's uninsured or doesn't have enough insurance to cover your bills. That's where this coverage comes in. It can help pay for your medical treatment and lost wages if you're injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Some motorcycle insurance policies may also include coverage for uninsured motorist property damage, which helps pay for repairs to your bike if its damaged by an uninsured driver. Otherwise, it may be available as an additional coverage.

Have questions about your motorcycle insurance options? Speak with your insurer for more information about coverage and limits that are right for you and your new bike.