If you're in the business of renting motorcycles or have them available for use by customers or employees, having the right motorcycle insurance provider is critical. If you're running an established business with a large fleet the need is obvious, but even if you're running a small business or a sole proprietorship with just a few motorcycles for use or hire, you can't afford to cut corners on the proper insurance.

Before you pick up the phone or click your mouse to start shopping for motorcycle insurance, list your vehicles and consider who may be qualified to operate them. Don't forget to take the following motorcycle insurance options into account:

1. You might be able to purchase motorcycle insurance directly from your current insurance company.

2. Some insurance companies specialize in providing business or fleet insurance for large numbers of vehicles.

3. Business insurance prices very widely; don't forget to leverage existing insurance relationships for a better price.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Bundle motorcycle insurance with your vehicle insurance

When you first start shopping for motorcycle insurance, directory listings for personal and auto insurance companies will crop up. If you're a sole proprietor, small business, or if your business owns only a few vehicles, you may be able to add motorcycle insurance to your current business vehicle policies, saving yourself the trouble of dealing with a new insurance company and maybe even saving yourself some money, too.

I recommend: Both Nationwide and Geico are established insurance companies that offer motorcycle insurance.

Get your motorcycle insurance from a business specialist

When gathering motorcycle insurance information, make sure that the coverage you're getting meets your unique business needs, and don't forget to make sure you're getting a fleet discount if you insure multiple vehicles.

I recommend: The Berglund Agency writes insurance in 46 states, offering service for both personal motorcycle and business/fleet coverage. The Insurance Phone Book allows you to search for business/fleet coverage and motorcycle insurance by state or services provided.

Shop around for the best deals on motorcycle insurance

You'll always find someone who is willing to sell you the same thing as everyone else at a higher price; this adage holds true for insurance, too. You can find motorcycle insurance at reasonable prices if you're willing to compare multiple quotes.

I recommend: Use the Insurance Journal market/program finder to track down insurance providers by state and type. As an insurance agency (as opposed to an insurance company) United Marine Underwriters is able to offer you multiple quotes from multiple companies and help broker a deal that is suitable for your business needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always check to see what sort of documentation, licensing or other information you may need to have on customers, employees or others using your company motorcycles. Failure to have the correct documentation or to ensure that the riders have such documentation may void your motorcycle insurance coverage in the case of an accident.