What to Do If Your Motorcycle Breaks Down on a Trip
Get yourself and the bike somewhere safe first, then call for roadside help before you worry about the rest of the trip.
Pull over safely, then call for help
If your motorcycle breaks down on a trip, your first job is getting off the road safely. Get the bike as far onto the shoulder or a breakdown lane as you can, put your kickstand down on firm ground, and move away from traffic before you do anything else.
Once you're safe, check your policy for roadside assistance or towing coverage. Many motorcycle policies include it, and some insurers offer it as an add-on you may have already paid for. Call that number before you call anyone else, since they can often tell you what's covered and get a tow moving while you figure out the rest.
Whether you have roadside assistance changes everything
If you have roadside assistance through your motorcycle policy, your insurer can usually arrange a tow to a nearby shop and tell you what the coverage pays for. This is the first thing to check, because it decides whether you're paying out of pocket for a tow truck or not.
If you don't have it, you'll need to find towing on your own. A motorcycle needs a flatbed or a trailer, not a standard tow hook, so a regular auto tow company may not be able to help. Search for towing that specifically lists motorcycles, or ask a nearby motorcycle dealership if they know someone.
If the breakdown happens somewhere without cell service, which is common on rural routes, your options narrow fast. Some riders carry a card from a roadside program specifically because of this. If you're planning a long trip through remote areas, it's worth checking your coverage and adding roadside assistance before you leave rather than after you're stranded.
Either way, keep your policy number and the roadside number saved somewhere you can find it without searching your phone, since you may be dealing with poor signal or a draining battery at the same time.
What caused the breakdown decides what happens next
A flat tire or a dead battery is usually a quick fix once you've got a tow or a mobile mechanic. These aren't the kind of thing your insurance pays for directly, since routine mechanical failure isn't a covered claim the way a collision is.
If the breakdown is because something hit you, or you went down, that's different. That's a claim, and you should call your insurer about it separately from any roadside assistance call. Take photos of the bike and the scene if you can do so safely, and get a police report if there's any damage or injury involved.
If you're far from home and need the bike repaired before you can ride back, ask your insurer whether your policy covers a repair shop outside your home state. Most will, but it's worth confirming before you authorize work, especially if the estimate is high.
If you end up needing a rental or alternate transportation to finish your trip or get home, check whether your policy includes any transportation coverage. Not all motorcycle policies do, and this is worth knowing before a trip rather than finding out while you're stranded.
Questions people ask about this
Does motorcycle insurance cover towing after a breakdown?
It depends on your specific policy. Some motorcycle policies include roadside assistance and towing, others only cover towing after an accident, and some don't include it at all. Check your declarations page or call your insurer to find out which applies to you.
Can a regular tow truck tow a motorcycle?
Not usually. Motorcycles need a flatbed or a trailer because the standard tow hook used for cars can damage the bike or isn't designed to secure it. Look for a towing company that lists motorcycle towing specifically.
What should I carry on a motorcycle trip in case of a breakdown?
Your insurance card, your roadside assistance number if you have one, and basic tools for common issues like a flat tire are worth having. Some riders also carry a portable battery charger and a paper copy of their policy information in case their phone dies or loses signal.
Will my insurance pay for a hotel if my motorcycle breaks down far from home?
That depends entirely on your policy. Some policies include trip interruption coverage that pays for lodging or alternate transportation if a covered breakdown strands you away from home, but this isn't standard on every policy. Ask your insurer whether yours includes it.
Does it matter if my motorcycle breaks down in another state?
Your coverage generally follows you across state lines, since most policies are valid anywhere in the country. What can vary is which repair shops or towing services are in your insurer's network, so it's worth calling them to confirm before you authorize repairs out of state.
If this trip made you think about what your policy actually covers, it's worth comparing options before the next one.
Before your next trip, pull up your policy and check two things: whether you have roadside assistance or towing coverage, and whether it covers motorcycles specifically. Save the roadside number and your policy number somewhere you can find them without cell service. If you don't have roadside coverage, call your insurer and ask what it would cost to add it, especially if you're planning a long trip. If you're ever stranded, call your insurer's roadside line first and a motorcycle-specific tow service second if you don't have that coverage. Keep your phone charged with a portable battery if you're heading somewhere remote.
