UM/UIM (20/40) only to find themselves vastly undercompensated when they were hurt in an accident.

Therefore, if an insurance company or its agent suggests low limits of UM/UIM insurance or that you reduce your UM/UIM coverage, they are doing so to protect themselves -not you. It's in your best interest to get the highest UM/UIM coverage you can.

How can I increase my UM/UIM Coverage?
In Connecticut, when you buy liability insurance, you automatically get an equal amount of UM/UIM coverage. However, under Connecticut law, you can then increase your UM/UIM limits up to twice the amount of your liability limits. (For example, if you buy $100/300 liability policy, you can double your UM/UIM coverage ro $200/600 and the insurance company cannot refuse your request). Remember, under Connecticut law, the Insurance Company cannot refuse this request. Since UM/UIM is the least expensive part of your motorcycle policy, you can double your protection at very little cost. In short, when purchasing motorcycle insurance or for that matter, auto insurance, it is best to first focus on protecting yourself from the uninsured/underinsured driver. This is accomplished by buying the highest amount of liability insurance you can afford and then requesting double the UM/UIM coverage. UM/UIM insurance is simply the best and cheapest form of life and health insurance you can buy to protect yourself and your family and the insurance company cannot refuse your request when you say, "please double my UM/UIM coverage."

How can I reduce the overall cost of my motorcycle insurance in order to purchase higher UM/UIM limits?
The following is a lost of possible discounts that may reduce your overall cost * They are provided courtesy of M/C Insurance of Waterbury.

Policy Discounts:
Alarm:
Audible anti-theft alarms - A dated invoice/receipt required. Up to a 10% discount.
Rider Group:
Applicant must be a member of one of the following organizations for up to 10% discount: ABATE, AMA, BMWMOA, BRAG, CMRA, CMA,GWRRA,GWTA,HOG,MSF,MGNOC,RSTAR,USCA VTS, WOW.
Rider Course:
Insured must have successfully completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riders course or other State certified rider course within the past 5 years - Proof required - 10% discount.
Multi-Cycle:
Applies to all coverage on all cycles, up to 30%.
Rider Experience:
Insured must have two years riding experience prior to the effective date of coverage - 10%.
Paid in Full:
Up to 10% discount will apply when the policy is paid in full.
Transfer:
Up to 20% discount will apply if the applicant has been continuously insured for 6 months.
Homeowner:
Up to 10% discount will apply when the applicant can provide proof of home ownership.
Motorcycle License:
A 10% discount will apply when the applicant has a drivers license with a valid motorcycle endorsement.
3 Month Lay-A-Way:
No riding December, January & February - 10% discount.
5 Month Lay-A-Way:
No riding November 01 thru April 01 - 15% discount.

** Percentage of discounts vary between insurace companies. Maximum discounts may apply.

Note: Trantolo & Trantolo does not sell insurance nor do we represnt insurance companies. We sue insurance companies to obtain money damages for our injured clients. This information is offered for the benefit of anyone purchasing motorcycle or auto insurance to protect themselves. However, since time and space constraints do not permit an in depth discussion of all aspects of UM/UIM, the information contained herein does not constitute legal advice. If you wish further or more detailed information, please feel free to contact me.