Yes, YouSet is fully legitimate! We are a registered damage insurance brokerage, licensed by the AMF in Quebec and RIBO in Ontario, allowing us to offer a full range of personal lines insurance products in both provinces.

Motorcycle insurance is more expensive than many riders expect because motorcycles typically pose a greater risk to insurers than passenger vehicles. Riders have far less protection in a collision, making motorcycle accidents much more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities.

According to a study from researchers at the University of Toronto, “Motorcycle accidents caused three times the injuries, ten times the severity, six times the medical cost, and five times the deaths as car accidents.” In addition, motorcycles are more vulnerable to theft due to their smaller size and portability, leading to more comprehensive insurance claims.

Factors like rider experience, the type of motorcycle you own, and repair costs also influence premiums. For example, in Québec, motorcycle owners must also pay annual SAAQ registration contributions, which vary based on the motorcycle’s engine size and class, increasing the overall cost of ownership.

The best way to lower the cost of motorcycle insurance is to find the right balance between cost-savings and coverage. While choosing less coverage may reduce your premium, being underinsured could leave you with significant out-of-pocket costs after an accident. With that in mind, here are a few ways to lower the cost of motorcycle insurance in Canada:

• Compare quotes at every renewal: Just because one provider offered you a good price last year doesn’t mean they will this year. Shop around come time to renew to be sure. 
• Use an online comparison platform: Use YouSet to compare quotes from multiple insurers at once to quickly identify the insurer offering the best price.
• Choose a higher deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium, provided you could comfortably cover it if you need to make a claim.
• Pay annually instead of monthly: To avoid interest on monthly payments, pay your premium for the year upfront if you can manage it.
• Install anti-theft devices: Disc locks, GPS trackers, immobilizers, and secure garage parking can reduce the risk of theft and may even qualify you for discounts.
• Bundle your policies: Insuring your motorcycle alongside your home or car insurance may earn you a bundling discount.
• Choose a lower-risk motorcycle: Standard motorcycles, cruisers, and smaller-engine bikes are often less expensive to insure than high-performance sport bikes.

If your bike is registered and driven on public roads, motorcycle insurance is mandatory across Canada. Although many Canadians only ride during the warmer months, motorcycle insurance policies are typically sold as 12-month policies rather than seasonal coverage. Since motorcycle premiums are usually calculated with seasonal riding patterns already taken into account, storing your bike for the winter may result in little or no additional refund from your insurer.

The minimum requirements for motorcycle insurance depend on where you live in Canada. For example, in Québec, all motorcycle owners must carry at least $50,000 in civil liability insurance, while personal injury coverage is provided through the province’s public automobile insurance plan (SAAQ). In Ontario, motorcycle insurance must include at least $200,000 in third-party liability coverage, along with statutory accident benefits and uninsured automobile coverage.

That said, these legal minimums are just that: minimums. They may not provide enough financial protection in the event of a serious accident or lawsuit. Many riders choose to purchase higher liability limits and optional coverages, such as collision and comprehensive insurance, to better protect themselves, their motorcycle, and their finances.