300 Rescue Riders Volunteers Will Receive Training in Illinois and Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wis. - As motorcycle fatalities are on the rise, the demand for trained volunteer emergency responders is increasing. To address these needs, Hupy & Abraham, S.C. has donated $7,500 to the Rescue Riders, a volunteer group of motorcyclists trained in emergency response and aligned with local professional emergency response agencies. This donation will help provide training and tools for 300 new Rescue Riders volunteers in Illinois and Wisconsin.
"There is a great need for trained volunteer responders not only on the scenes of accidents but also in the event of larger emergencies," said Michael Hupy, president of Hupy & Abraham, S.C. "We commend the efforts of the Rescue Riders in educating motorcyclists, and are pleased to present this donation to help support this endeavor in Wisconsin and Illinois."
The donation will be used to recruit, educate, equip and organize volunteer motorcyclists to provide emergency assistance in times of need, training them in first aid, CPR and basic medical triage.
"We are grateful for Hupy & Abraham's support of our program," noted Dean Akey, founder of Rescue Riders. "This will provide a critical resource for motorcyclists across the region, who have been blessed with the support that Hupy & Abraham has given us over the years".
Hupy and Abraham, S.C., has a proven record of success in driving results for injured bikers and settlements in other serious cases. Founded in 1964, Hupy & Abraham, S.C.'s lawyers have combined experience of over 125 years, handling thousands of cases from routine accidents to those resulting in multi-million dollar settlements. Hupy and Abraham accepts cases nationwide, with offices in Milwaukee, Madison and Appleton, Wisconsin and in Bloomington/Normal, Peoria, Rockford, Decatur and Gurnee, Illinois. For more information, please call 1-800-800-5678 or visit www.hupy.com.
ABOUT RESCUE RIDERS
The Rescue Riders is a 501c3 charitable organization based out of St. Charles, IL and was founded by Dean Akey five years ago after his involvement in a motorcycle traffic accident. Akey has become an expert in first aid, CPR, basic medical triage and accident scene management and now provides training and tools to fellow volunteer bikers to become first responders as Rescue Riders. Rescue Riders offer assistance on an individual basis and directly support the professional emergency response organizations in their communities. For more information, please call 630-444-0588 or visit www.rescueriders.org.
Welcome back to the Bull Pen. Often I am asked questions about the Rescue Rider program. I have put the following information together to help folks better understand what our program is all about. Let's face the facts. Motorcycle accidents and fatalities are a major concern. "Our nation's greatest traffic highway safety challenge is motorcycle fatalities," says U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, noting that biking deaths are rising while other vehicle fatalities are declining"
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2007, 5,154 people died in motorcycle crashes, the highest level since NHTSA began collecting data in 1975. The 2007 figure represents a 6.6 percent from 4,837 the previous year.
Motorcycle crash fatalities have increased every year for the past 10 years. Motorcyclists were 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled in 2006 and eight times more likely to be injured, according to NHTSA.
We created the Rescue Rider program to recruit, educate and organize bikers in support of each other, our communities and our nation. We do this by helping provide bikers with the tools & training needed to provide emergency assistance in times of need.
The Golden Hour: In the world of emergency care, the "Golden Hour" is defined as the time period of about one hour in which the lives of a majority of critically injured trauma patients can be saved if definitive trauma care intervention is provided. This principle of rapid intervention can also be applied to non-trauma patients such as those having a heart attack or a stroke, in which time to treatment dramatically affects a patient's outcome.
Training: Rescue Riders must have training to be able to provide assistance. We recommend that our volunteers complete Accident Scene Management (Basic & Advanced) and CPR certification where available. In those areas where ASMI training is unavailable we recommend Red Cross or American Heart Association First Aid training.
Tools: We recommend that Rescue Riders find a permanent place on their motorcycles to carry a "first responder" kit and tools to help secure an accident scene. Unfortunately many qualified volunteers are unable to provide emergency care without the appropriate tools. Rescue Riders should carry a first aid kit that contains materials that coincide with your training and comfort level. We have created a "first responder" kit for you to use or if you prefer you can purchase a kit from the vendor of your choice.
Cost: There is no cost to join or participate in the Rescue Rider program.
Good Samaritan Status: In today's litigious society, there can be a reluctance to help our in emergency situations. Fear of liability for any misstep can paralyze even the most helpful Good Samaritan. The truth is that each state has laws or regulations to protect the general public from liability during rescues or rescue attempts.
Good Samaritan laws are meant to protect those who come to the aid of others for no other reason than kindness. Good Samaritan laws only help if the rescuer (or would-be rescuer) is acting without any expectation of reward. In other words, if you are getting paid to rescue then you aren't a Good Samaritan. Paid rescuers are expected to do their jobs correctly and can be held accountable for mistakes.
The best way to protect yourself from possible liability when helping others is to always act on behalf of the victim.
The statutes in Illinois and most states in the Nation allow you to provide emergency medical assistance within your training and comfort level and be protected from prosecution.
Duties & Expectations: As a Rescue Rider, you are acting as a Good Samaritan. Your participation is defined by you. Many Rescue Riders complete training and ride as they always have. If you would like to be a more active Rescue Rider volunteer we support many area events and rides at the request of the event/ride organizers. Our leaders broadcast Rescue Rider support missions at the Rescue Rider group on the www.illinoisblogspot.com site. For those of you who desire to be actively involved in the Rescue Rider program we invite you to join us as a Regional Coordinator. Regional Coordinators reach out to area events, rides and organizations to offer Rescue Rider support. Once an event is identified as a good fit with our organization, Regional Coordinators post the Rescue Rider support missions and coordinate the efforts of our volunteers.
I hope this helps you better understand our program and what we do. Now that the weather is turning colder, the Rescue Rider training programs really heat up. Many of you prefer to spend warm sunny days riding so the majority of our training programs are held October thru March. If you would like to learn how to provide emergency medical assistance as a Rescue Rider, I invite you to enroll for one of our upcoming Rescue Rider sponsored Accident Scene Management classes. For a limited time you will be able to enroll in our classes at a reduced rate courtesy of the law firm of Hupy & Abraham and the Allstate Foundation. Tuition for both Basic and Advanced courses typically cost $55 each. As a result of the generosity of our sponsors your cost to train is reduced to only $30 until we exhaust our grant funds.
For an updated listing of classes please e mail Teresa McClelland at tjm911rn@aol.com. Teresa is our National Director of Training and she will be happy to assist you. Until next month, enjoy the ride.
Welcome back to the Bull Pen. Are you a channel surfer? Do you ever feel that even with 300 channels there is nothing "good" on television? Steven Wright once said "Don't you wish there were a knob on the TV to turn up the intelligence? There's one marked 'Brightness,' but it doesn't work". Recently I was on one of my channel surfing safari's and found a show about people who have won the lottery. You would think this is a "rags to riches" story. To my surprise it was more of a "rags to riches to rags" saga. The show profiled people like William "Bud" Post who won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania lottery in 1988 but now lives on his Social Security.
After winning the lottery, Post's former girlfriend successfully sued him for a share of his winnings. It wasn't his only lawsuit. A brother was arrested for hiring a hit man to kill him, hoping to inherit a share of the winnings. Post even spent time in jail for shooting a gun over the head of a bill collector. Post eventually filed for bankruptcy & now he lives quietly on $450 a month and food stamps.
To many, winning the lottery is an American Dream. The American Dream to me is to own a 65 panhead and a 47 Indian Chief. To me, the Panhead was the last truly classic "old school" bike that was manufactured by Harley Davidson. My two shovelheads were crap but that's probably more due to the AMF/Harley years. The lines of the 47 Indian Chief are the pinnacle of classic styling and flair that you would expect from Americas first Motorcycle Company. As you can probably tell, I am a big fan of both Harley & Indian. I want one of each....
In case you didn't know, Indian designed their first bikes in 1901 two years before the start of the Harley Davidson legacy. Indian was not only the first American motorcycle, it was the world's best-selling bike and, having introduced the first V-twin motorcycle to the world in 1907, the most technologically advanced. Harley-Davidson 1910 models, by contrast, were all singles, producing five horsepower or less.
Indian Motorcycles were originally manufactured under the corporate banner of the Hendee Manufacturing Company, which later reincorporated as the Indian Motorcycle Company. Not a bad move is you ask me. Riding an Indian just sounds cooler than riding a Hendee...
Much like Harley Davidson, Indians and their riders were bound by emotional ties unusual in relationships between bikers and their machines. Thousands of Indian fans flocked to dealerships throughout the country at annual Indian Day celebrations, while riders and prospective riders were warmly welcomed at the Indian's manufacturing plant affectionately nicknamed "The Wigwam" decades before official tours were offered to the public.
It was a sad day for Indian enthusiasts when Indian ceased manufacturing "Americas First Motorcycle" in the early 1950s. A company in Gilroy, California began manufacture in the late 1990s of motorcycles under the Indian name after they purchased the trademark. The motorcycles have been known as the Gilroy Indians. However, the company folded in 2003.
So is there a happy ending? I hope so. In July 2006, under new a management team and corporate structure Indian reopened their doors for business. I may not be able to find a "cherry" 1947 Indian Chief but starting in 2008 new Indians began to roll off the line at the new "Wigwam" manufacturing facility in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. I recently had the opportunity to check out some of the new 2010 Indian models and all I can say is these are flippin bad ass... Check out the classic lines of the Bomber. I want one of these in my garage. These scooters aren't cheap so I better sell a buttload more motorcycle insurance to make my dream a reality. Get the hint??
Initially, Indian motorcycles will have a limited production run until their dealership network expands. On that front, my old friend Bob Marchello and his partner Matthew DiVenere are reintroducing Indian Motorcycles to the greater Chicago area by opening Indian Motorcycles of Chicago. You can check out the new 2010 models at their new dealership located at 474 Ridington Drive, in South Elgin IL. Good luck Indian Motorcycles, it's great to see the return of a classic.
Switching Gears
The history lesson is over. Now it's time to help make history. Many of you know about the Rescue Riders. In five short years we have grown to over 2000 volunteers nationally. That's quite an accomplishment for an all volunteer organization. Our volunteers have provided emergency assistance to quite a few fellow bikers from coast to coast. To celebrate and raise some much needed dough, we are throwing one heck of a party and you are invited. The proceeds from this year's event will also benefit the children from Mooseheart's Child City School. We will be hosting FrightoberFest on October 17th and have one great day planned for you. Festivities start with a poker run followed by a music festival with an amazing lineup of bands. The Miller Girls & Jager Girls will be on hand to help quench your thirst and to top it off there will be a costume contest. I am torn between showing up as an Amish person or sticking with my French maid costume. If you have an idea for future editorials or you would like to reach me please call me at 630-232-9811 or drop me a line at deanakey@allstate.com. Until next month, enjoy the ride.
Welcome back to the Bull Pen. Are you ready for another fun filled edition? Ok then, let's get started. It has been said that four wheels move the body and two wheels move the soul. I couldn't agree more. I call it two wheel therapy. Just think about it, do you ever see motorcycles parked in front of a psychiatrist's office?
My most recent therapy session was to Sturgis. It has been several years since my last visit so I was looking forward to the journey. As each mile passed, I felt my demons shrinking away. By the time we rolled into the Black Hills, I was my old self. Hello old friend... Sometimes there is no substitute for 1000 miles of blacktop. No music, phone or distractions. Just the road. To complete my therapy, I made the journey home solo. It may sound odd but I have always preferred to ride alone. If you get to really know me you would probably prefer that I ride alone as well but that's a topic for another monthly edition of the Bull Pen. Included in this month's edition are a few pics from this year's trip which I hope you enjoy.
Now let's switch gears. Recently, I received a letter from the IRS. Yep, that's the Internal Revenue Service. It just makes me cringe to think that the IRS would find time to write to me. With nervous hands I carefully opened the letter. What a relief it was to discover that the IRS has granted the Rescue Riders our much anticipated 501c3 charitable organization status.
If you are not familiar the Rescue Riders, we are a national volunteer organization which recruits, trains and helps organize bikers as emergency medics in support of your runs and events. To date we have over 2000 volunteer medics nationally and continue to grow. With our much anticipated 501c3 status, we can now begin our fundraising efforts to help further build our program and offer our volunteers and you additional support. If you would like to learn more or join our program I invite you to visit our web site at www.RescueRiders.org or our discussion forum at www.illinoisblogspot.com/group/rescueriders.
That's all I have to say about that. Until next month, enjoy the ride.
Welcome back to the Bull Pen. Can you feel it in the air? That's right, it's Sturgis time. While writing this month's article I am counting down the days until we once again blast off for Sturgis. Oliver Wendell Holmes once said "We do not quit playing because we grow old, we grow old because we quit playing". I couldn't agree more Ollie.
Past memories of twisting the throttle as we race thru the needles highway, Spearfish Cannon and the badlands put a smile on my face. There is just something magical about the black hills of South Dakota. Most bikers consider Sturgis the center of the world. We may be a bit biased but next to Sturgis is Belle Fourche which is actually the geographical center of the United States of America, designated in 1959 and noted by an official marker and sheepherder's monument called a "Stone Johnnie". I once knew a guy whose nickname was Johnny Stone but that's a whole different direction that I want to go this month...
Weekend riding seems to help take the edge off from the past week but there really is no substitute for a long road trip to free the spirit. I slip in my ear plugs, fire up my scooter and can feel the effect that each mile has on my road to recovery. By the time I return from my Sturgis pilgrimage, I am full of energy, optimism and a fully recharged spirit. Are you with me?
Now let's switch gears
Brother can you spare a dime? This was a commonplace saying in the great depression. Today we have many of the same conditions which brought our great nation to its knees in the 1930's. During this period President's Hoover & Roosevelt developed government programs like the "New Deal" to help return America to its economic health.
While our current economic stimulus and bailouts are taking a vastly different approach there are some elements which may benefit you. You may be surprised to know that motorcycles are considered qualified vehicles in Section 1008 of the Economic Stimulus Package. The intent of including motorcycles as qualified vehicles was to encourage Americans to "go green". It's no surprise that motorcycles are more fuel efficient than autos so the move does make sense.
The new law guarantees that anyone who purchases a new motorcycle, light truck, new car or recreational vehicle, Feb. 17 through Jan. 1, 2010, will deduct state and local sales taxes as well as any excise tax charged in the purchase. In order for citizens to obtain the tax deduction, the bike must be less than 8,500 pounds in gross vehicle weight and cost less than $49,500. The buyer must also make less than $125,000 in gross taxable income and $250,000 for joint filers. However, the deduction is phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income between $125,00 and $135,00, and $250,00 and $260,00 in case of a joint return.
If motorcycles aren't your thing, this provision also applies to qualified cars and trucks. Heck, even folks buying motor homes get a break. Even though motor home sales have slumped, a tax provision for motor homes is included, which allows a portion of the sales or excise tax paid on the purchase of a new motor home to be deducted.
The deduction is attributable to taxes applying to the first $49,500 of the purchase price. Individuals with an adjusted gross income of up to $125,000 and joint filers with an adjusted gross income of up to $250,000 are eligible for the deduction.
So what does this mean to you? Let's assume you just bought a new Road King for $20,000. If you were not trading a vehicle you would pay sales tax on the total. If you are trading a vehicle you only pay sales tax on the "difference". So using our example, you just shelled out $20,000 and fork out an additional $1500 for sales tax (7.5%). Our friends in Chicago would pay $2000 thanks to the efficiency of Cook County. So now that you have shelled out this money what's next?
Thanks to the new Economic Stimulus Package you can deduct the amount you paid in sales tax on a new qualified vehicle from your gross income. Let's do the math to see how this impacts you. For our example let's say you made $100,000 in 2009 and your tax rate is 32%. By reducing your income by $1500 you just pocketed $480. It's not a whopping sum but as my grandpa would say, "it's better than a stick in the eye".
Times are tough for everyone so a few extra bucks is always good news in my book. I recently bought a new 2009 Street Glide and I damn sure will be deducting my sales tax..... Heck, now I can buy some more bling for my scooter.
So there is the good news. You are now one step closer to getting that new scooter. Now to make sure that you get the best deal and coverage on your motorcycle insurance you need to call me. I can customize a plan for you that protects you, your family and your new scooter. If I can help you please call me at 630-232-9811 or drop me a line at deanakey@allstate.com. Until my next edition, ride safe and often. Until next month, enjoy the ride.
Are the buttons on my vest popping yet? It is with great pride that I share the following article with you. This article was written by Tom Clegg at Nursing Spectrum Magazine.
Way to Go T.
When Teresa McClelland, RN, became the clinical coordinator at Loyola Center for Heart and Vascular Medicine in Park Ridge, Ill., a little more than a year ago, having weekends off gave her the opportunity to more regularly enjoy her other passion - riding motorcycles.
But after being involved in an accident while on a ride with friends, McClelland, formerly a trauma nurse specialist and emergency medical services educator for 10 years, saw the need for motorcyclists and others to have a basic knowledge of trauma care.
"When I went down, my (fellow) riders secured my bike, but I think they were unsure of what to do with me," McClelland said. After a little research, McClelland came upon the nonprofit group Accident Scene Management, Inc., and she became an instructor.
McClelland, known to fellow bikers as "Trauma Momma," in October began teaching "A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist," which offers tips for RNs and bikers on what to do in the first minutes after a motorcycle crash until professional help arrives. The course uses the acronymn PACT as a teaching tool - Prevent further injuries; Assess the situation; Contact the EMS; and Treat the injured with life-sustaining care.
McClelland said the education is useful to anyone, especially those who ride or are passengers on motorcycles.
McClelland also is the director of training for the volunteer, non-profit motorcycling group Rescue Riders, whose members provide emergency assistance.
The course is available nationwide, and McClelland will find an instructor for groups outside Chicago. But don't be surprised if she hops on her bike to do the teaching herself. "[In March] I went to Montana and taught a class," she said.
Tom Clegg is a member of the editorial group at Nursing Spectrum.
Over the weekend I received the letter below. Casey shared with me that his wife Michelle is still in the hospital but should recover. I want to thank Casey for writing this letter and sharing with us all the importance of being prepared. Casey hopes as do I that his letter will help all of us recognize the need for our program and how we collectively need to support each other. We are all quite thankful that Michelle was given a second chance. Will you or someone you love be as fortunate? Please join the Rescue Riders and Ride for a Reason. You can learn more about our program at www.rescueriders.org.
Dean,
I contacted you about a year ago on the Rescue Riders. As I was just coming into a sitting board seat for the local POW*MIA organization I decided that I didn't have enough time. God I wish I would've kept going.
My wife was in a terrible motorcycle accident while we were riding with a few of our friends the day before Mother's Day. She is still in the hospital after surgery on her spine and a closed head injury. Her passenger almost lost her foot. I felt so helpless sitting there protecting her spine while we waited for the ambulances to arrive. (40 minutes in the middle of Wyoming) I didn't have anything better than a Band-Aid and sun block to help.
I have just purchased your Trauma PAC and some other supplies. I will never again be without supplies or training to take care of someone in need. I have my CPR card and am signed up for EMT training. I've been involved in Radiology for over 20 years, but need to bone up on emergency medicine.
Thank you for starting this program. As someone that could've benefited from having the proper equipment and help onsite I think it is a wonderful idea. I ride with several healthcare workers and I'm going to try to get them all interested.
Ahh, multi-tasking. What a great world, where you can gab on the phone and grab a Starbucks - all from the convenience of the car.
Problem is, the next time you're engaged in a heated conversation while switching radio stations and switching lanes -- odds are something bad will happen.
We are a nation of distracted drivers and it's costing us lives and property damage.
One local case that's provoked outrage is the death of motorcyclist Anita Zaffke of Lake Zurich, killed May 2 by another driver who was polishing her nails instead of watching the road, police say.
May was a horrific month for motorcyclists in the region. Killed in separate accidents were Zaffke, husband and wife Wade and Denise Thomas of St. Charles, Michael Smith of St. Charles and Michael Lechner of Buffalo Grove.
"This is the ugliest start to riding season in Illinois that we ever have seen," said Dean Akey, a veteran biker and owner of an Allstate Insurance business in St. Charles.
Zaffke's death is adding weight to calls for a law that gives authorities a means of prosecuting distracted drivers.
Currenhtly, charges that could be applied, like reckless homicide, are based on premeditation, which is problematic to prove. Motorists who kill people through carelessness usually end up with a slap on the wrist.
Legislation sponsored by state Rep. William Black, a Danville Republican, would create a misdemeanor category for negligent vehicular homicide. It could result in up to a year in prison and a maximum $2,500 fine.
Although his proposal faltered this session, Black is hopeful an amended version will gain traction in the fall.
He pushed for reform after 25-year-old bicyclist Matt Wilhelm was killed in Urbana by a driver who went off the road while downloading ring tones on her cell phone.
"(Matt's) parents were upset she was only charged with improper lane usage," Black said.
What the stats show
The number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities in Illinois has grown since 2000.
Accidents decreased from 4,483 in 2005 to 4,119 in 2006 but soared to 4,819 in 2007, the most recent year analyzed by the Illinois Department of Transportation. There were 154 motorcycle deaths that year, too.
So how many of these losses are caused by people talking on cells, texting or checking e-mail while going 45 mph?
There's no detailed studies breaking down categories of distracted driving victims, although the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has initiated a study on motorcycles.
What we do know is cell phone use contributes to 6 percent of crashes, which equals 636,000 collisions a year in America and 2,600 deaths, according to a Harvard Center of Risk Analysis report.
A VTTI and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study of 100 cars found that 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved a driver not paying attention.
Personal crusades
Anecdotal evidence suggests that texting, talking on the phone and using other electronic devices while at the wheel "is sky-high," said David Teater, senior director of transportation strategic initiatives at the National Safety Council in Itasca.
"One real danger for motorists is that automobile drivers don't see them - they're looking for a car in their mind's eye," Teater said. "If you add a cognitive distraction to the already difficult task of recognizing a biker, it makes it worse."
That's not to say these tragedies are always caused by inattention.
In 2007, "speeding was a factor in 36 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes compared to 24 percent for fatal passenger car crashes," a National Safety Council report states.
And, "27 percent of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were intoxicated compared to 23 percent of passenger car drivers."
Akey disputes the stereotype of motorcyclists as irresponsible and says a distracted driving law is desperately needed.
In January, the NSC started lobbying for a nationwide ban on cell phone use while driving and has seen some success. In Illinois, the General Assembly passed legislation banning texting while driving and cell phone use in school or construction zones.
These victories like that encourage Teater, whose 12-year-old son died when a driver talking on a cell phone ran a red light and hit the family car.
"It was terrible, but at least I now have the opportunity to do something about it," he said.
Akey also is motivated by personal experience. Five years ago, he cracked his skull when his motorcycle was rammed by a minivan driven by a parent too busy scolding a child to see him.
He has since founded Rescue Riders, a program that trains motorcyclists to offer emergency assistance in accidents.
"There's an epidemic of distracted drivers doing harm to other people," Akey said. "We've become a multi-tasking society that thinks we can eat and listen to music and do whatever while we're driving. I don't believe we can."
Welcome back to the Bull Pen. Can you believe the summer is already half over? How time flies. This year's riding season has been brutal to our biker brothers & sisters. We have seen more accidents and fatalities this year than we have as long as the pointy heads have been keeping track. For that reason I wanted to share with you some information that I hope you never need.
At the risk of sounding self serving I am going to write about your motorcycle insurance. Your motorcycle insurance is like a parachute. You don't really appreciate it until you need it. I hope you read on and understand how your policy can protect you, your family and your property.
Are you ready? Well then, let's get started. As consumers, we have been conditioned to compare insurance based upon price. If you have seen the Progressive Insurance television commercials Flo tells us all how you can save money. Let me say that even though I think Flo is a "hottie" I want you to focus on your individual needs first and then look at the price. Let me break down some of the key components in your policy.
Bodily Injury/Liability: This is the portion of your policy that protects your liability when you cause harm to another individual. If you are in an accident and it's your fault, you are protected up to the limits of your policy. Quite often I talk to bikers who have $20,000/$40,000 of liability protection. This means if you harm another person, your policy will pay up to $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident on your behalf to the injured person or persons. A few years back I was hit head on by a minivan which left 60 staples in my head, broke my collar bone and all of the ribs on my right side. My medical bill was $14,000 and I did not stay in the hospital overnight. I share this with you to demonstrate how quickly your liability can add up.
Uninsured/Underinsured Liability: Many folks ask me what this is. In a nutshell, this is coverage for you. Unfortunately Illinois only requires motorists to carry a minimum of $20,000 of liability coverage. Some states do not require motorists to carry any liability insurance. If someone injures you and they do not have insurance or sufficient insurance coverage to pay for your damages, your Uninsured/Underinsured coverage can pick up the slack. This is one of the most important elements of your policy and very often overlooked.
Property Damage: This is the protection you have if you damage other folk's property. Most of you carry $50,000 of property damage on your policies. What this means is that if you cause an accident and a BMW hits a Corvette, all you have to repair or replace their vehicles is $50,000. Don't get caught in this trap. All motorcyclists need at least $100,000 of property damage. The good news here is that it typically costs less than $20 years to upgrade from $50,000 to $100,000 so don't delay. I often hear the objection, how much damage can my bike cause to another vehicle. You don't even need to make contact with another vehicle to be at fault. If you are ticketed and two vehicles collide you are responsible to repair or replace their vehicles. I have personally seen $100,000 property damage claims where the bike was not damaged but the operator was found to be at fault. Don't let this happen to you.
Guest Liability: Do you ever take passengers for rides? If you do you should have Guest Liability Coverage. These levels are typically consistent with your Bodily Injury and Underinsured/Uninsured coverage. This component of your policy covers your liability when carrying a passenger. In other words, if you are in an accident and your passenger is injured, you could be sued for damages. If your policy provides this coverage you are protected up to the limits of your policy. Now for the scary part. Many motorcycle policies do not provide this coverage. If you don't have this on your policy, ride solo.
Collision: This is the component of your policy that pays to replace or repair your scooter. You choose the deductible that fits your budget and your motorcycle will be repaired or replaced up to the market value of your bike. Now if you are like me you have probably added some bling to your scooter along the way. What happens if your bike is wrecked? Read on.
Optional Equipment: If you are riding a stock bike skip to the next section. If you have upgraded your bike you need optional equipment coverage. Most insurance agents mess this part up. Here is how optional equipment coverage works. Let's say that you added a Mustang seat ($650) Bassani Exhaust ($850) and Custom Wheels ($2000) and a Baker six speed transmissions ($2500). Your agent may tell you that you need $6000 of optional equipment coverage. Sorry to tell you this but if you took that advice you are paying too much. In calculating the correct dollar amount of Optional Equipment coverage you need we need to determine the difference between your upgrades and the original stock components. Let's assume your bike is damaged in an accident. You already have coverage to repair/replace your stock components less your deductible. If your policy will already pay for a stock exhaust ($350) and stock wheels ($1000) and stock transmission ($1450) all you need to do is cover the difference which in this case would be $3200. Many policies already include some coverage for Optional Equipment so if your policy covers $1000 of optional equipment already, add the $2200 and you are covered. If you have custom paint or engine upgrades you typically want to cover those at the full value of the upgrades.
Comprehensive: This component of your policy typically covers you for incidents that occur when you are not riding your scooter. There are a few exceptions to this but that's another topic in itself. If your scooter is vandalized, damaged by hail etc your comprehensive will pay to repair or replace your vehicle less your deductible.
Rider Protection: This is an Allstate exclusive. A few years ago the pointy heads at Allstate asked me to help them design a new motorcycle policy. My reaction was why are we offering what everybody offers? Let's reinvent motorcycle insurance. We did. Most motorcycle insurance companies offer much of the same "stuff". Up to now, none of the motorcycle insurance companies offered protection for the rider. Our new Rider Protection package will pay you if you are injured and cannot work as the result of an accident. The payments will continue as long as you are unable to return to work. In addition, we can also include $15,000 of life insurance if the worst happens. As bikers, we all like to think that we will never be in an accident or worse but having been in several myself, I can tell you this does happen more than we would like to think.
So what do I recommend you should carry in terms of coverage? It really depends on your needs. Are you married? Do you have children? A mortgage? Your policy should fit your needs. Don't hope you are covered, know so. My name is Dean Akey and I sell motorcycle insurance. I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most. If I can help you with your insurance please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899. I would love to hear from you. Until next month, enjoy the ride.
So you are having troubles sleeping? Read on. Let's face it, talking or in your case reading about insurance is about as much fun as watching paint dry. Woody Allen once said, "There are things worse than death, Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman"?.
Personally I have never cared much for insurance folks. When I think about a typical insurance agent the image of a "triple Cleveland" comes to mind. What's a triple Cleveland say you? A triple Cleveland is when you wear white shoes, a white belt and a white tie. Are you with me so far?
Ok, now that I have ripped on insurance folks including myself, there are some very important things you should know about your insurance. I can tell you first hand both as a victim and agent that most of you are at risk. Let me start by sharing a common truth with you. The only insurance you can count on is yours. It may surprise you but in many states you don't have to carry motorcycle insurance and in Illinois you are only required to carry $20k of liability insurance.
What does that mean to you? Let's use me as an example. A few years back, I was hit head on by a minivan. The accident broke my ribs, collar bone and made my head look like something out of a science fiction movie. I spent a few hours in the emergency room where they ran multiple tests. My bill was $14,000. What would have happened if I had to spend a few days in the hospital? What if it was more serious? We see six figure medical bills quite often for serious accidents and if the person at fault does not have sufficient insurance coverage you should make sure you do. The coverage I am talking about is called Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage. If you don't have it on your policy call your agent and get it. This is the portion of your insurance that makes up for any deficiency the other persons insurance may have.
There are quite a few other components of your insurance you should know. Since I only have 400 words here you will have to wait until the next installment. Are you protected? Don't hope so, know so. Call your agent. My name is Dean Akey and I sell insurance without a triple Cleveland. If I can help you please give me a call. You can reach me at 877-232-9899.
Hi there. My name is Dean "Bull" Akey. Welcome to my blog. My background is in the financial markets and insurance. I would like to help give you an insiders perspective and take some of the mystery out of making informed decisions. Thats my promise so welcome to the Bull Pen.
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