The 2025 Montreal Motorcycle and Powersport Show, which took place from February 28 to March 2, was once again a great showcase for motorcycles. Iconic brands managed to strike a chord with enthusiasts, while others sparked the imagination of newcomers and the curious. Like a sign that the riding season is just around the corner, the event stirred excitement among motorcyclists of all kinds. Are you thinking of purchasing a motorcycle to enjoy the beautiful days ahead? Promutuel Insurance explains how to insure it properly so you can take to the road with complete peace of mind and fully enjoy your passion.
Motorcycles in 2025: From innovation to excellence
The year 2025 marks a new era for the motorcycle industry, with a boom in automatic motorcycles and an increase in the supply of electric models.
Manufacturers have once again pushed the boundaries of innovation to design products at the cutting edge of riding comfort.
Given the high value of these new models, the need for insurance coverage becomes crucial. But to properly insure your motorcycle, you need to be well informed. This way, you’ll be in a better position to select the coverage options that best protect you against the risks of operating your motorcycle.
What you need to know about motorcycle insurance
In the province of Québec, to be allowed to ride a motorcycle on public roads, you need to have at least “one-way” insurance, that is, personal liability insurance of a minimum of $50,000. This insurance protects motorcyclists in the event they unintentionally cause property damage or bodily injury to others, such as damage to another person’s vehicle. When it comes to damage to your motorcycle, insured vehicle coverage can help protect your valuable ride.
Increased risks associated with motorcycling
Motorcycles are particularly exposed to risks. Because motorcyclists are vulnerable to weather conditions and road accidents, motorcycle insurance is essential. Furthermore, they’re also frequent targets for theft. That’s why it’s important to consider coverage that goes beyond the legal minimum!
Each motorcycle has its own type of coverage
In addition to personal liability insurance, motorcycle insurance provides additional protection to cover damage to your ride—just like car insurance does! To properly protect your cherished summer vehicle, choose these options so you don’t just have “one-way” coverage. Note that you can bundle certain types of coverage and that conditions, exclusions and limitations apply.
– All perils insurance
This type of coverage gives you peace of mind, as it covers damage to your bike and any listed equipment and accessories, regardless of the cause (except exclusions). A great option for owners who want full coverage! It is important to inform your insurer of the equipment and accessories added to your motorcycle so that everything is covered.
– Collision and upset insurance
This option is essential to ensure that your motorcycle is covered in the event of a collision or rollover.
– All perils insurance other than collision and upset
This option covers any type of damage other than damage caused by collisions and rollovers, except the causes of damage excluded from the contract. This option is great for protection against theft, fires and acts of vandalism.
– Specific perils insurance
This option covers the specific types of damage set out in your contract, such as fire and theft. This is the most basic level of coverage.
It is also possible to add other coverage options to your insurance contract by using riders. For example, the “Travel Expenses” rider is a practical option intended to cover rental, taxi and public transportation expenses in the event you can’t use your motorcycle due to damage that is covered.
What you need to do in order to properly insure a motorcycle
Depreciation
As soon as you purchase a new motorcycle, its value decreases the second it hits the road. Fortunately, some insurers offer compensation without depreciation for the first few years if you suffer a covered loss and your vehicle is declared a total loss. This is called the “replacement value.” At Promutuel Insurance, you
can get up to 5 years of protection against the depreciation of your motorcycle. This option is especially beneficial if you’re investing in a new model!
A higher premium
Since a new motorcycle presents more risks, including a higher repair or replacement cost in the event of a claim, it is more expensive to insure. As a consequence, be wary of premiums that are too low!
Important: According to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), any modified or home-built motorcycle must — before hitting the road — undergo a mechanical inspection in accordance with the Regulation respecting safety standards for road vehicles. The insurer must then be informed of this so that it may accept or refuse to underwrite the risk, or even apply conditions to the contract.
Choosing your motorcycle insurance: mistakes to avoid
To help you make an informed decision, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Failure to report modifications: Failing to inform your insurer of modifications to your vehicle may result in a refusal of compensation or in a reduction in the amount of your compensation.
- Choosing your insurance based on price: Going for the cheapest insurance can end up costing more in the long Indeed, a low premium can mean inadequate coverage.
- Not bundling your insurance with the same insurer: Several insurers offer discounts when you bundle your car, home and motorcycle insurance with them. For example, you can save when you insure several products with Promutuel Insurance1!
Check before you hit the road
Before hitting the most beautiful roads in the province of Québec, make sure to carefully check your insurance policy. Here is a non-exhaustive list:
- Is your insurance file up to date?
- Are your accessories properly covered?
- Is your deductible reasonable?
- Is the “Travel Expenses” rider included in your contract?
1Conditions apply.
