Hello Folks,

I'm finishing up a custom build and I need to find an "affordable" insurance policy that will cover at least $50k on this build. I have $60k in the bike. From what I'm seeing, it looks like I may have to go with an "agreed value" policy but I've never had to insure a custom build like this and I seem to be running into roadblocks everywhere I turn. Markel had a somewhat affordable policy but they won't insure a bike with apes on it. Do any of you folks have any recommendations on insurance??? I could come down on that coverage if it meant a considerable savings on the insurance premium. I was paying less than $200/yr for this bike and my ATV before the build, and one quote I got today was over $2200/yr.

Any recommendations or suggestions??? Thank you Folks!

 

Remove the apes. See how simple life can be?

 

Yeah...no, I can't do that.

Again, looking for recommendations from folks who've covered custom builds. Thanks!

 

No experience, but a suggestion....

https://www.hagerty.com/insurance/motorcycle-insurance

 

i don't have any useful info for you, but would like to see what you've done

 

Insurance companies wised up to Declared Value policies back when kit choppers were all the craze and people found they had no resale. Lot of those bike got " stolen " or caught fire on the side of the road. You will have to pay a good premium if you want full or declared value coverage, just the way it is with them.

 

From your friend in the insurance business... A 'regular' insurance company such as GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, etc may or may not know how to insure your bike properly. If they do, its expensive..... Give the specialty firms a buzz - Hagerty, Grundy, etc. Pick up a copy of Hemmings, theres a bunch more in there. Remember cheap insurance, could be cheap insurance.......... I had a custom Vette years back and I used Grundy (even though I was working for another insurer) because they know the market... Thing to keep in mind with specialty insurers - They handle your policy but do not write the insurance. This is typically underwritten by a major firm such as Travelers, Chubb, Great American, etc. These firms all specialize and thats why the costs are controlled.

This should take you 1 to 3 calls to find who's best for you. Keep us posted...

 

Won’t insure a bike with apes? Haven’t heard that before.

 

My Shovel is worth more than book value for that year. (Antique status helps), but it's best to get an appraisal from a source that the insurance company will recognize. If your insurance won't work with you, keep looking.

 

I'll post it all up when I get her back, hopefully later this week. This was a ground up build. The only thing HD left on the bike is part of the frame, the front fender and tank. Everything else is top of the line, high performance aftermarket parts.