Meet Brandy "CHiPs" Fuller, Texas Motorcycle Insurance Agent

Header photo courtesy of Nikki Henson. Additional images courtesy of Brandy Fuller.

Since May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, we thought it would be a good time to introduce our newest Guardify agent and Motorcycle Insurance specialist, Brandy “CHiPs” Fuller. Thanks for taking time to answer a few questions, Chips!

In case you’re wondering, yes, Chips earned his roadname from the 70s/80s NBC TV drama series “CHiPs.”

In addition to joining Guardify as a licensed Texas insurance agent, Chips is also a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Lead Rider Coach. He has trained over 10,000 students through MSF. As a former motorcycle officer with a strong background in motorcycle safety, he is prepared to equip motorcyclists with the knowledge they need to ride safely on the road and stay protected with the right motorcycle insurance coverage.

1. Hi, Chips! Can you share a little about your background before you became an agent at Guardify Insurance Group?

My background includes 6 years in the United States Navy, first as an Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class, working the Flight Deck of the Aircraft Carrier USS Ranger CV-61. I then cross rated to Master at Arms (Military Police Investigator) and left the Navy as Master at Arms First Class. I then joined the Eureka California Police Department and became a Motorcycle Police Traffic Officer and Accident Investigator. While working as an Officer, I was also a 1st Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol as the Cadet Commander, mentoring local youth. After retirement I moved back to Texas and became a Motorcycle Safety Instructor and have held that position for 19 years and am currently the Lead Rider Coach for Motorcycle Training Center, Magnolia, TX.

2. How did you get interested in motorcycle safety?

As an Accident Investigator, I have investigated hundreds of Motorcycle Accidents. I found that most riders that were involved in serious crashes were either not professionally trained or not trained at all. When I retired, I felt I could use my experience as a Motorcycle Traffic Officer, who was trained by the best in the Country (California Highway Patrol Motorcycle Academy), to teach civilian riders and do what I could to reduce motorcycle accidents. Most motorcycle collisions could be avoided - even if the chain of events were started by a car driver - if the rider knew how to properly respond.

3. What are your top 3 suggestions for someone who wants to ride a motorcycle in Texas?

This saying is on my Challenge Coin: “Learn Right, Practice Often, Ride for Life!”

Note: At the Motorcycle Training Center in Magnolia, TX, where Chips teaches classes, his students have an opportunity to earn Chips’ instructor “Challenge Coin.” The Chips challenge coin has become a badge of honor for his students, and is a highly esteemed currency among his MSF graduates!

4. How can other types of motorists help keep motorcyclists safe on the roads?

First and foremost, they can put down their cellphones while driving. Distracted driving is a large cause of all traffic collisions. It takes the average driver approximately 3 seconds to respond to an emergency that happens in front of them. When they are distracted by their phone it’s even longer. Did you know that at 50 mph, you travel 225 feet in 3 seconds?

Did you know?

It takes the average driver approximately 3 seconds to respond to an emergency that happens in front of them. When they are distracted by their phone it’s even longer. Did you know that at 50 mph, you travel 225 feet in 3 seconds?

5. What should someone look for in a motorcycle insurance policy?

I think they should look for an agent that rides motorcycles and knows what they have to go through to operate that type of vehicle. An agent that cares about their safety and peace of mind.

As far as the policy itself, someone who is looking for motorcycle insurance should look for “Full coverage” including PIP (Personal Injury Protection), and Un-Insured/Under-Insured Coverage.

6. How can Guardify help with motorcycle insurance?

I work with Guardify Insurance Group in a unique role as an insurance agent dedicated to Motorcycle Insurance Policies and Motorcycle safety. Not every insurance agent or insurance company offers this specialization. I also work with a full team of agents to support every aspect of insurance our customers who ride may need – including, but not limited to: Auto, Home, Rental, Commercial and Business Insurance - because our customers don’t just ride, they are hard-working too.

Motorcycle Insurance in Texas

In case you’re looking for general information about motorcycle insurance in Texas, here are a few Frequently Asked Questions and Answers below.

Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in Texas?

At the time of the publication of this blog, Texas motorcycle insurance requirements oblige motorcyclists to carry minimum insurance of what is referred to as “30/60/25” insurance. The “30” stands for $30,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person; “60” stands for $60,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident; and the “25” stands for $25,000 property damage liability coverage minimum per accident.

Unfortunately, even though insurance is legally required in Texas, many motorists do not carry insurance or keep their insurance up-to-date. A minimum insurance policy in Texas may satisfy legal requirements, but it will not provide coverage for expenses caused by an un-insured or under-insured driver.

How much motorcycle insurance do I need in Texas?

While 30/60/25 insurance is the legal minimum required insurance for motorcycle drivers in Texas, it is also not likely to offer sufficient coverage in the event of an accident. Many motorcyclists prefer to choose “Full Coverage” so that they can avoid having to pay high out-of-pocket expenses that aren’t covered in a minimum policy in the event of claims.

What is a “Full Coverage” motorcycle insurance policy?

A “Full Coverage” motorcycle insurance policy will typically include a higher limits for bodily injury liability and higher property damage liability than the minimum coverage limits. It will also include Comprehensive coverage, Collision coverage, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Un-Insured & Under-Insured motorist coverage. Un-Insured/Under-Insured motorist coverage helps to cover expenses caused by un-insured or under-insured drivers in an accident.

Best Motorcycle Insurance in Texas

Whether you’re looking for the cheapest motorcycle insurance in Texas, or the best motorcycle insurance in Texas, Guardify can help you compare rates and policies from different carriers so you can choose the right insurance for your needs.

Want to take a Motorcycle Safety Class?

If you found Chips, you found the best instructor you could learn from! Check out MSF in Magnolia here: Magnolia Motorcycle Training Center

Looking for Motorcycle Insurance?

Questions about motorcycle insurance in Texas? Contact Chips here: Brandy "CHiPs" Fuller

To learn more about personal insurance at Guardify, visit our Personal Insurance page: Guardify Personal Insurance