So you're ready to hit the highway -- just you, your motorcycle and the open road.  Before you strap on that helmet and slip into your leather jacket, there could be one thing standing between you and the freedom your two-wheeler brings: insurance.

You might be wondering, "What does my motorcycle insurance cover?" or "How do I choose the recreational vehicle insurance coverage I need?" There are different types of coverage offered for motorcycle owners, some required and some optional:

• Liability insurance. Most states require you to carry a minimum coverage that covers bodily injury and property damage that you could cause to other people involved in an accident.  Wisconsin requires you have $25,000 of coverage for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage.
• Collision insurance. This is optional, but covers damage to your bike after you meet your deductible.
• Comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance is also optional, but covers damages to your motorcycle beyond collision, like theft or vandalism.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance. In case you get into an accident with someone who is without insurance or doesn't have enough coverage, it can cover damages to you and your property caused by another driver.  Uninsured motorist insurance covers medical treatment, lost wages, property damages and other damages.
• Optional equipment insurance. If you're the type who has put or is planning to put a lot of extras on your motorcycle, optional equipment insurance will cover the extras you've put into your motorcycle to make it look great: chrome parts, custom paint jobs or even sidecars.  If you're spending the money to make your vehicle look great, you should spend a little more to make sure it stays that way.

Try not to be overwhelmed with the various kids of insurance -- especially their potential costs.  If you're looking to protect yourself on a budget, there are several things you can do to save yourself some cash:

• It may seem obvious, but maintain your good driving record.  The longer you go without an accident, the lower your premiums are.
• Take a motorcycle safety course, a class you should already be signed up for if you're planning on purchasing and using a bike.  Not only will it lower your payments, but it'll give you the knowledge and confidence to be on the road safely. Even a seasoned rider can benefit from a safety course, some shops may offer an advanced rider course.
• Consider raising your deductible.  Keep in mind that this will lower your payments, but if you get into an accident, you're going to have to pay more of your own money before you insurance company pitches in.
• Ask about multi-policy discounts.  If you already have rental, car or home insurance, bundling a package might drive your costs down.  If your auto insurer doesn't offer motorcycle insurance, consider switching to another company or insurer who will cover all your assets at once.  Not only will you save money, but it'll be an easier monthly or yearly payment.
• Consider using "lay-up" coverage.  If you're a seasonal rider who doesn't enjoy riding in the winter, a lay-up insurance policy could be right for you.  With a lay-up insurance policy, all coverage except comprehensive is suspended for a specified amount of time so you don't have to be paying when you're not even using the motorcycle.
• Join a club. Many insurance companies will apply discounts if riders belong to a riding group or motorcycle club such as: AMA, BMWM, HOG, HONR, KAWS, RAT, VICT, WOW and many others.

Motorcycles are fun, exciting and freeing -- as long as you have the proper protection and precautions in place.  If you're ever questioning what coverage you need or want, discuss your options with a motorcycle insurance professional like Schwarz Insurance.  Ride on!