There are important differences between motorcycle and car insurance. When searching for the right coverage, bikers should consider the following:

• Custom equipment and apparel coverage. Customized equipment and apparel, including custom paint, chrome additions, saddlebags, helmets and jackets are not inexpensive to replace if damaged in an accident. But customization is often not included in a standard policy. Make sure yours is.

• Medical payments coverage. This coverage is essential if you are injured or injure someone else in an accident. This coverage becomes more important in situations where the rider’s health insurance specifically excludes injuries resulting from motorcycling.

• Adequate limits of liability. Don’t assume that an accident caused by a motorcycle will do less damage simply because a motorcycle is smaller than a car.

• Motorcycles are not considered an “auto” under an auto insurance policy. Therefore, riders must understand that coverage generally provided under an auto policy for use of a non-owned auto will not extend to the use of a motorcycle. Furthermore, claims arising from the use of a motorcycle may be specifically excluded under the auto policy.

Lock Up When You Leave

According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 2 million burglaries have been reported each year since 2000. It is predicted that one out of every 10 homes will be burglarized this year.

Over 62% of residential burglaries occur during daylight hours. July is the month with the highest number of burglaries. The fewest are reported in February. By region, the South is home to most burglaries, followed by the West, Midwest and Northeast, and the average loss from a residential burglary is $1,607.

While there are several different ways burglars enter homes, one of the most common means of prevention is the most simple: keeping doors locked. A majority of “break-ins” may be better described as “walk-ins”—burglary opportunities created by property owners who neglect to lock their doors.

Simply keeping doors locked at all times is the first and most important step in burglary prevention.

Drivers of pickups should understand who is responsible in the event that what’s being hauled is damaged, or damages something else, as a result of its failure to stay secured.

Ownership of the property is essential in determining who is responsible for damage to that property while in transit. For example, if Tom is moving Jay’s big-screen TV in the back of Tom’s pickup, any damage to the TV will probably fall under Jay’s homeowners insurance.

Ownership of the transporting vehicle will probably establish responsibility for other damages. Let’s say Tom is hauling Jay’s big-screen down the street and the TV falls out of the truck in traffic causing an accident that damages property other than the TV or injures someone. Tom’s auto liability insurance will probably have to pay.

Who is responsible for damages to people who are injured when riding in the back of the truck? If Jay is riding in Tom’s truck bed, Jay may ultimately be covered under both his and Tom’s insurance.

Glance at your homeowners policy before heading out. If it covers actual cash value instead of replacement value, your risk may be higher than you think, especially if you are transporting furniture or other items that depreciate in value. Additionally, if you are hauling lumber or something else that can fly away and strike multiple vehicles, you might be setting yourself up for several costly claims that could surpass your auto liability limits.

There is one simple measure all involved can take: Properly secure all items loaded into a truck bed. Why take chances on injuries or loss of property when a $15 pack of ratchet straps can be kept in the truck for all hauling needs?

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Most adults think of drivers’ education as a course taken in school or something required before obtaining a driver’s license, but that doesn’t have to be the case. With driving conditions always in flux and more distractions than ever, even the most mature operators can benefit from a refresher course. As a bonus, a defensive driving course is sometimes rewarded by auto insurance companies with a discounted rate, something drivers of all ages can appreciate. Most defensive driving courses run four to six hours and are offered in various formats (classroom, online, etc.).

Some local police departments offer defensive behind-the-wheel classes, too, and often you can find instruction on vehicle safety and maintenance, such as replacing a flat tire, that can help you avoid accidents and injury in the first place. See what’s available in your area and become a safer driver!