Gas prices have fallen since last summer's highs of more than $4 a gallon, but as soon as they dropped they started climbing steadily again. In a way, it's worse. When they were on their way up to that high, we were all appalled. Gas was the highest it had ever been, and it was still climbing. People starting taking the bus or buying hybrids because gas was so high. Now it's high and climbing, but it's been worse, so we live with it. But it's still much more expensive that you expected when you bought your car as your primary means of transportation. A lot of people are taking a long-term view and finding ways to get around less expensively. Since many people drive without passengers the majority of the time, motorcycles look like a good option, and they are. But if saving money is your goal, you need to look at all of the costs of operating a motorcycle, not just gas. One cost, especially is often higher than it would be if you were driving a car - insurance.

There are a few reasons that it costs more to insure a motorcycle. First, motorcycles are small and they can move quickly, making them difficult for other drivers to see. This leads to more accidents. Although the other driver may be at fault too, if you are partially responsible for an accident, your insurance has to pay. Also, if you buy uninsured motorist coverage, they have to pay even if you're not at fault.

Accidents involving motorcycles are also more likely to involve significant bodily injury claims. Obviously this is a bigger concern than just an insurance problem, but it does drive the premiums up. You can help reduce this danger by driving carefully, or not driving your motorcycle when conditions are dangerous. Wind, fog, rain and other weather factors are more dangerous for motorcycles than for cars. Those are good days to drive a car or find another means of transportation.

Lastly, insurance companies base their rates on statistics. If the odds of a claim or the average dollar amount of a claim are high for the particular model that you drive (or ride), your premiums will be higher. This helps them account for all kinds of things that they can't identify, from show-off drivers to unsafe vehicles.

So how do you keep insurance costs from wiping out your gas savings? First, be a low risk driver. Make sure you drive defensively all the time. Do whatever it takes to avoid accidents, whether you're in the right or not. This will improve your driving record. Second, shop around for insurance. Don't just call your car insurance company and add your motorcycle. Contact several companies and do your own comparison. It's worth the time and effort. Insurance of any kind is an ongoing expense that you probably don't price out every year, so it can really pay to do your comparison shopping every once in a while.