BCAA Insurance offers more choice for B.C's growing motorcycle-riding
population

BURNABY, BC, April 16 /CNW/ - Motorcycles are economical, convenient and fun. And, when it comes to getting from point A to B, more and more British Columbians are discovering less is more and are switching from four wheels to two. BCAA Insurance recognizes the steady growth in motorcycle riding throughout the province and amongst its members, and is responding to motorcyclists' calls for more choice when it comes to insurance coverage.

"Our motorcycle-riding members have been telling us they want more insurance options such as lower deductibles, higher coverage for riding gear, and year-round coverage that protects their bike even when it's stored away for the winter," says BCAA Auto Insurance Product Manager, Heather Prizeman.

To provide motorcycle enthusiasts more convenience and coverage that suits their particular needs, BCAA now offers Advantage Motorcycle Insurance. Advantage Motorcycle is optional vehicle insurance that complements ICBC's mandatory Basic Autoplan coverage.

Designed for cruising, touring and standard bikes, some attractive features of Advantage Motorcycle include:

    
    -  No hassle 12-month annual policy (rates are based on the fact that
       motorcycles are not used all year).
    -  Low deductible options for collision and comprehensive.
    -  $1,500 motorcycle riding gear coverage at no cost with the option to
       increase the limit up to $3,000.
    -  Trailer and sidecar coverage under the same policy.
    -  Discounts for BCAA members.
    -  A discount for drivers who have completed recognized motorcycle
       training programs.
    

The number of two-wheeled vehicles insured for B.C. roads jumped by 91.8 per cent from 49,000 in 2001 to about 94,000 in 2009. Over the same period, the number of four-wheeled vehicles, including sedans; light trucks and vans; and SUVs increased by only 16.4 per cent (the latest statistics available).

"We want to ensure motorcycle riders have the right coverage for their individual needs so it's easier and more affordable for them to own and operate a bike," says Prizeman.

"Convenience and peace-of-mind are important to avid motorcyclists. They want to spend less time dealing with their insurance and more time on the open road."

As more British Columbians turn to powered two-wheelers as their transportation of choice, BCAA Insurance encourages motorcyclists, especially those new to riding, to speak to a professional insurance advisor about their current policy to ensure they have the right coverage.

For more information about Advantage Motorcycle, visit or call your nearest BCAA location, or visit the BCAA website: www.bcaa.com/motorcycle. Both Advantage Motorcycle and Basic Autoplan are available at any of BCAA's 28 sales locations throughout B.C.

BCAA is the largest organization of its kind in B.C., with over 100 years experience and gross annual sales of nearly $400 million from its membership, insurance and travel businesses. A BCAA Membership can be found in the wallets of over 780,000 British Columbians and in one-in-four B.C. households. For the past two years, BCAA has received the highest score in Canada for home insurance customer satisfaction in a J.D. Power and Associates study. And, for the past four years, BCAA has been named one the 50 Best Employers in Canada by international HR consultants Hewitt Associates and the Globe & Mail's Report on Business magazine. To learn more about BCAA's products, services and member advocacy, visit www.bcaa.com. For more information on the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation visit www.tsf-bcaa.com.

For further information: or to request an interview, please contact: Niela Melanio, BCAA Public Affairs Advisor, Tel: [phone], Cell: [phone], [email protected]; Heather Prizeman, BCAA Auto Insurance Product Manager, Tel: [phone], [email protected]