After assembling your bobber motorcycle kit and getting it properly titled, what if it gets damaged in an accident? Or worse, what if it gets stolen? That's where motorcycle insurance comes in. And as you might expect, there are some extra things to know about obtaining insurance for a custom built bike.

After assembling your bobber motorcycle kit and getting it properly titled, what if it gets damaged in an accident? Or worse, what if it gets stolen? That's where motorcycle insurance comes in. However, unlike car insurance and even typical motorcycle coverage, insuring a custom-built bikes -- like those assembled from bobber motorcycle kits -- is a little more complicated.

Not all carriers will insure custom bikes like those assembled form bobber motorcycle kits, because they lake Blue Book values like a manufactured bike. Many states will require bikes to be inspected by their Department of Transportation, as well as others requiring owners of the bikes to pass annual or semi-annual safety tests. Also, since some insurance companies will fail to see the uniqueness of a custom bike like those asssembled form bobber motorcycle kits, getting the bike appraised for its real value is not only smart, it is fundamental.

Leading insurance carriers specializing in the custom motorcycle market have recently begun to require an appraisal from a qualified, recognized motorcycle appraiser (not your cousin Bubba ... no matter how many custom bikes he's built and sold). This not only includes custom built bikes like those assembled from bobber motorcycle kits. These days any bike with more than $7,500.00 in upgrades or accessories is now considered a custom motorcycle in the eyes of most Insurance carriers.

A certified motorcycle appraisal is an absolute essential document for every motorcycle owner to have, especially those with bikes assembled from bobber motorcycle kits. A box full of receipts or a parts list just won't cut it.