Riders around Franklin, Fairview, and Bellevue have one of the most famous motorcycle roads in the country practically in their backyard. The Natchez Trace Parkway starts near Nashville and runs all the way to Natchez, Mississippi. Whether you’re planning a day ride to Leiper’s Fork or a multi-day trip south, a few minutes reviewing your policy can save a lot of trouble on the road. Here’s a motorcycle insurance checklist for road trips.
Quick takeaway
- The Natchez Trace Parkway runs 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to near Nashville, with a 50 mph speed limit unless posted otherwise, according to the National Park Service.
- Your liability, uninsured motorist, and medical coverage are the foundation of any trip. Check limits before you leave.
- Roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage can make a breakdown far from home much easier.
- If you carry a passenger or extra gear, confirm your policy covers both.
About the Natchez Trace Parkway
According to the National Park Service, the parkway is 444 miles long. It’s marked by mileposts from Milepost 0 near Natchez, Mississippi, to Milepost 444 near Nashville. The speed limit is 50 mph unless otherwise posted. Commercial vehicles are prohibited, and the parkway is a designated bicycle route, so expect to share the road with cyclists, especially in spring and fall.
The NPS also says the northern entrance closest to Nashville is reached from I-40 west of Nashville at exit 192 (McCrory Lane), then Tennessee Highway 100. The Park Service has also run a “Different Road, Different Ride” safety message aimed at motorcyclists on the parkway. Curves, wildlife, and limited shoulders mean riders should stay alert.
Your pre-trip insurance checklist
1. Liability limits
Liability covers injuries and damage you cause to others. Every state sets its own minimums, and Tennessee’s are 25/50/25, according to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Many policies automatically adjust to meet another state’s minimum when you ride there, but the minimum is rarely enough protection. If you own a home or have savings, consider higher limits before a long trip.
2. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
Riders are vulnerable in crashes. If a driver with no insurance, or too little, hits you in Mississippi or Alabama, your UM/UIM coverage is what protects you. Check that your UM limits match your liability limits. Our motorcycle insurance guide for Tennessee explains how these coverages work.
3. Medical payments
Medical payments coverage can help with medical bills for you, and for a passenger if your policy covers passengers, regardless of fault. Out-of-network care far from home can be expensive, so know what you have.
4. Collision and comprehensive
Collision pays for damage to your bike in a crash. Comprehensive covers theft, fire, vandalism, falling objects, and animal strikes. Deer are common along wooded two-lane roads like the Trace, especially around dawn and dusk. A collision with a deer is typically handled under comprehensive on many policies. Check yours.
5. Roadside assistance and towing
A flat tire or dead battery 200 miles from home is a bad time to learn you don’t have towing coverage. Many motorcycle policies offer roadside assistance as an add-on. Ask how far it will tow, whether it uses motorcycle-appropriate trucks, and how to request help. Cell service can be spotty in rural stretches, so save the number and plan check-ins.
6. Trip interruption
Some policies include or offer trip interruption coverage. If a covered loss leaves your bike disabled far from home, it may help pay for lodging, meals, and transportation, up to a set limit. It’s worth asking about before a multi-day ride.
7. Custom parts, saddlebags, and gear
Touring riders often carry aftermarket luggage, GPS units, and expensive riding gear. Check:
- Your custom parts and equipment limit
- Whether your helmet, jacket, and other gear are covered
- Whether items packed in saddlebags are covered under your motorcycle policy or your homeowners or renters policy
8. Passengers
If you’re riding two-up, make sure your policy covers passengers. Some policies include passenger liability, and medical payments may extend to passengers too. Confirm both before you go.
What to pack besides insurance
- Your insurance card, digital or printed, and your registration
- Your agent’s and carrier’s claims numbers
- A basic tool kit and tire repair kit
- Rain gear and layers
- A paper map or offline map. Cell coverage can drop in rural areas.
- A first-aid kit
- Emergency contact information on your phone’s lock screen
Riding safely on the Trace
- Respect the 50 mph limit. It’s enforced, and the road was designed for scenic driving.
- Watch for wildlife, especially deer, near dawn and dusk.
- Share the road with cyclists. Pass only when the oncoming lane is clear.
- Plan fuel stops. Services on the parkway are limited, and you may need to exit to find gas.
- Check weather and NPS alerts for closures and detours before you leave.
If something happens on the road
- Get to safety and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Call law enforcement. On the parkway, that may include NPS rangers.
- Take photos of the scene, the bikes or vehicles, and any injuries.
- Exchange information with other drivers and get witness contact details.
- Call your carrier or agent to report the claim and request roadside help if needed.
- Keep receipts for towing, lodging, and meals in case trip interruption coverage applies.
Frequently asked questions
Does my motorcycle insurance cover me in other states?
Many U.S. motorcycle policies cover you anywhere in the country, and often in Canada, and adjust to meet other states’ minimum requirements. Check your policy’s territory section before you leave.
What’s the speed limit on the Natchez Trace Parkway?
According to the National Park Service, it’s 50 mph unless otherwise posted.
Does motorcycle insurance cover hitting a deer?
Many policies cover animal collisions under comprehensive, subject to your deductible. Check how your policy handles it.
What is trip interruption coverage?
It’s an optional coverage on some motorcycle policies that can help pay for lodging, meals, and transportation if a covered loss disables your bike far from home. Limits and rules vary.
Next step
A long ride is more fun when you know you’re covered. Learn more about motorcycle insurance with Eric Henry, Insurance Agent, and ask Eric to review your limits, roadside assistance, and trip coverage before your next big ride.
Coverage descriptions are general information only; your policy documents determine actual coverage. Availability varies by carrier.
