Did You Update Your Insurance After All Those Motorcycle Upgrades?

Custom motorcycles rarely happen overnight. A new exhaust one season, wheels the next, maybe custom paint and a better seat—you stand back a few years later and realize you’ve built something unique. The question is whether your insurance kept up while you were building.

Why upgrades can outgrow your policy Many motorcycle policies include a limited amount for custom parts and equipment (often called CPE or accessories). That default amount can be fine for stock bikes with a few bolt-ons, but it may be nowhere near enough for a heavily customized build. If the worst happens and you haven’t updated coverage, you could be looking at a settlement that reflects a stock bike with a small add-on limit rather than the true value of your upgrades.

Know how your bike would be valued

• Actual Cash Value (ACV): Common for many policies. Pays the depreciated value of the bike and covered parts at the time of loss, subject to limits and deductibles.

• Agreed or Stated Amount: In some cases, you may be able to insure the bike for an agreed or stated amount, often requiring documentation and approval. Availability varies by insurer and state.

Right-size your custom parts coverage If your policy lists a specific dollar amount for custom parts/accessories, compare that number to your realistic replacement costs. It’s easy to underestimate the value of paint, wheels, exhaust, bars, lighting, seats, bags, electronics, and labor. Create a simple parts list with current prices—what would it cost to replace them today, not what you paid years ago?

Documentation that helps

• Photos from multiple angles capturing each upgrade

• Receipts or order confirmations (screenshots work in a pinch)

• Notes on brands/models, finish details, and paint codes

• Any professional appraisals if you have them

Questions to ask your agent

1. How much custom parts and equipment coverage do I have today?

1. Is that limit enough for my current build?

1. Do any items need to be listed or scheduled separately?

1. How would settlement work after a covered loss (ACV vs. agreed/stated amount if available)?

1. Are there limits for theft vs. collision, or storage vs. on-road losses?

Timing your review You don’t need to call after every new part, but touch base any time you make a change that would matter to you after a loss, or at least once a year. Small updates add up quickly.

The bottom line You’ve invested time, talent, and real dollars into your motorcycle. Make sure a covered claim would recognize that investment. A 15‑minute review, a few photos, and realistic numbers can make all the difference.