Motorcycle Insurance: What You Need To Know Before Riding

In the United States, motorcycle insurance requirements vary from state to state. Nearly every state requires motorcycle insurance, and each state has its own minimum requirements for coverage. Even if a state does not mandate insurance, you may still be required to show financial responsibility if you are at fault in an accident. In addition, lenders generally require comprehensive and collision coverage for financed or leased motorcycles, and most states require proof of insurance before allowing registration, without which a motorcycle cannot be legally driven on public roads.

Motorcycle insurance requirements vary by state

Motorcycle insurance requirements vary from state to state in the US. Nearly every state requires motorcycle insurance, and each state has its own set of minimum requirements. Even if a state does not mandate riders to carry motorcycle insurance, you are still required to show financial responsibility if you cause an accident while riding.

Most states require proof of insurance before allowing you to register your motorcycle. If your motorcycle is not registered, it is not legal to drive it on public roads. Additionally, if you take out a loan to pay for your motorcycle, you will need to protect the bank's investment with insurance. Lenders generally require comprehensive and collision coverage on a financed or leased motorcycle.

In some states, if you choose to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, you must purchase insurance. For example, Florida's "no-fault" auto insurance law requires that people driving vehicles with four or more wheels maintain at least $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. While Florida does not require motorcycle insurance in most cases, riders who choose to ride without a helmet must purchase insurance with at least 10/20/10 coverage.

The amount of coverage you need depends on your location, situation, and motorcycle. The minimum liability limits vary from state to state, with some states requiring 30/60/25 coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. It is important to be familiar with your state's minimum coverage laws and to maintain continuous insurance coverage.

You may need insurance even if your state doesn't require it

Nearly every state requires motorcycle insurance, and each state has its own minimum requirements for motorcycle insurance. Even if your state doesn't mandate riders to carry motorcycle insurance, you're still required to show financial responsibility if you cause an accident while riding. This is because most states are considered "at-fault" or "tort" states, meaning at least one of the drivers involved in a crash is deemed at fault and responsible for the medical bills and damages of those involved.

If you're financing your bike, your lender will usually require you to carry comprehensive motorcycle coverage and collision motorcycle coverage. This is because lenders want to protect their investments. A lower deductible will increase your cost for motorcycle insurance, but you'll pay less out of pocket in case of a claim. With a higher deductible, you'll pay more for your claim, but your rate will be lower. Even if you have paid your bike off, comprehensive and collision coverage can be valuable to protect it against physical damage if it's damaged in an accident or from an event beyond your control.

Additionally, most states require proof of insurance when registering your bike. It is illegal to ride your motorcycle on the road if you haven't registered it. Before you can ride, a motorcycle insurance policy with liability coverage is required by law in nearly every state. The amount of coverage you need depends on your location, situation, and motorcycle.

Uninsured motorist coverage can also be beneficial, as it can help cover the difference if you are hit by another driver who doesn't have insurance or has insufficient insurance to pay for the damage. Some states require this coverage, while others don't. It covers your medical bills and those of your passengers if you're involved in an accident, regardless of who caused it.

Insurance is needed to protect your property

In the United States, motorcycle insurance requirements vary from state to state. Nearly every state requires motorcycle insurance, and each state has its own minimum requirements for coverage. Even if a state doesn't mandate riders to carry motorcycle insurance, you're still required to show financial responsibility if you cause an accident while riding.

Motorcycle insurance is purchased as an annual policy. Leaving your policy active can be beneficial as it allows you to have a history of continuous insurance. Keeping insurance on your motorcycle while it's in storage means you're covered if your bike is damaged while in your storage unit, garage, or barn.

Liability coverage consists of two types: bodily injury and property damage. The minimum liability limits are $30,000 for each injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This basic coverage is called 30/60/25 coverage.

You can get insurance without a license

In the United States, motorcycle insurance is required in nearly every state, with Florida, New Hampshire, Washington, and Montana being the only states that do not mandate it. Even in states that do not require motorcycle insurance, you are still liable for any accidents you cause while riding.

While it is illegal to drive a motorcycle without a license, it is possible to purchase insurance without one. This is because you may own a motorcycle that you do not plan to ride, such as a collectible, or you may be purchasing insurance for someone else, such as a family member. In these cases, you can be the primary person on the insurance policy without a license, but the designated primary driver must have one. Some states require at least one licensed driver to be listed on the policy.

However, some insurance companies may be hesitant to insure customers without a license, as they may perceive it as risky. Additionally, most insurance plans require a license to get a reasonable rate, and some states mandate a license regardless of the situation. While some insurers accept learner's permits, most require you to tie your coverage to a legitimate license holder's insurance.

If you are planning to ride a motorcycle, it is essential to have both a license and insurance. Before purchasing a policy, it is important to research the specific requirements and laws of your state, as they may vary.

Insurance is required to ride on public roads

In the United States, motorcycles are generally treated the same as cars when it comes to insurance requirements. Nearly every state requires motorcycle insurance, and each state has its own minimum requirements for coverage. The amount of coverage you need depends on your location, situation, and motorcycle. For example, the minimum liability limits in some states are $30,000 for each injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident, known as 30/60/25 coverage. Other states may have different minimum liability requirements.

Most states require proof of insurance before allowing you to register your motorcycle. If your motorcycle is not registered, it is not legal to drive it on public roads. Additionally, if you take out a loan to pay for your motorcycle, you will need to protect the bank's investment with insurance. Lenders generally require comprehensive and collision coverage on a financed or leased motorcycle. Even if a state doesn't mandate riders to carry motorcycle insurance, you're still required to show financial responsibility if you cause an accident while riding.

Motorcycle insurance is typically purchased as an annual policy, and it's important to keep your policy active even when your motorcycle is in storage. This allows you to have a history of continuous insurance, which can be beneficial when it comes to insurance rates. Additionally, keeping your bike insured while it's in storage means you're covered if it's damaged while in your storage unit, garage, or barn.

It's worth noting that insurance requirements may vary depending on your specific circumstances. For example, if you have an international driving permit, you may not need a separate license to ride a motorcycle in the US, but you will still need to obtain insurance coverage. Similarly, if you have a disability that prevents you from operating a motorcycle and choose to have a third-party rider drive you, the driver will need to be licensed, but as the owner of the bike, the insurance decision is up to you.

Frequently asked questions