Motorcycle Riders: Does Auto Insurance Cover Your Medical Needs?

Motorcycle insurance is similar to car insurance in that it provides financial protection for injuries or damages incurred while driving. However, it can be more expensive due to the extra risk that riding a motorcycle entails. In most states, motorcycle riders are required by law to carry two forms of liability insurance: bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. Basic liability insurance doesn't cover damages to you or your bike, but other coverages like medical payments coverage and personal injury protection can pay for medical bills resulting from an accident, even if you were at fault.

Medical payments coverage and personal injury protection (PIP)

Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)

Med Pay covers the medical payments of the rider and their passengers if they are injured in a crash. It covers medical bills, including ambulance or emergency room fees, medical procedures like x-rays or MRIs, home nursing or aftercare expenses, and funeral, burial, or cremation costs. Med Pay does not cover expenses like lost wages, childcare, or house cleaning. Companies are not required to offer this coverage, and it is available as an option in most states.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP includes medical payments coverage and also covers other documented losses, such as lost wages, essential services (if the injured person is unemployed), and funeral expenses. PIP is required in some states, available as an option in others, and not available in the remaining states. Companies must provide $2,500 per person in coverage, unless it is rejected in writing.

Med Pay vs. PIP

The main difference between Med Pay and PIP is that Med Pay covers only medical expenses, while PIP covers a wider range of expenses and losses. If you live in a state that requires PIP or offers it as an option, it may not make sense to also carry Med Pay, as PIP provides a wider range of benefits. However, it is important to note that states have different requirements for cars and motorcycles, so it is essential to check your state's specific requirements and compare them with your health insurance coverage.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) may pay medical bills for both you and your passengers, and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) may pay for damage to your vehicle. On the other hand, if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance, underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIMBI) may pay medical bills for both you and your passengers, and underinsured motorist property damage (UIMPD) may pay for damage to your vehicle.

It is important to note that some states may require a deductible for UMPD/UIMPD, but UMBI/UIMBI generally doesn't include a deductible. Additionally, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in some insurance policies may not include personal property damage, so you may need to opt into uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage separately.

Even if you have health insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can still be beneficial. Your health insurance may have a high deductible or may not cover all the expenses related to an accident, such as lost wages or other types of damages. With this coverage, you can ensure that you and your passengers are fully protected in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Collision and comprehensive coverage

On the other hand, comprehensive coverage is not mandated by law and is optional if you own your bike outright. This type of coverage protects your bike against events beyond your control, such as theft, vandalism, hitting an animal, fire, glass breakage, and weather-related issues. For example, if your bike is damaged due to a hailstorm, fire, or flood, comprehensive coverage will help pay for the repairs or replacement of your motorcycle, up to its actual cash value minus any deductible.

Both collision and comprehensive coverage are designed to protect your motorcycle in different scenarios. Collision coverage focuses on accidents and collisions with other vehicles or objects, while comprehensive coverage is for events outside of your control and often when the bike is parked. It's important to note that neither collision nor comprehensive coverage will pay for your medical expenses in the event of an accident. If you want coverage for your medical bills, you will need to add medical payment insurance (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) to your policy.

When deciding whether to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage, consider the age and value of your motorcycle, your budget, and your risk tolerance. Older bikes have a higher risk of being involved in accidents and may have higher repair or replacement costs. If you lease your motorcycle or finance it, lenders typically require both collision and comprehensive coverage. However, if you own your bike outright, you can decide based on your financial situation and how much protection you want for your bike.

Guest passenger liability coverage

This type of coverage is especially important for motorcycle riders because accidents can be severe and lead to significant financial burdens. Without guest passenger liability coverage, you could be held financially responsible for your passenger's injuries. It's crucial to review your insurance policy and understand the extent of your coverage. Even in states where guest passenger liability coverage is mandatory, it may be included in your liability coverage and not listed separately. Therefore, it's essential to contact your insurance agent or insurer to clarify your policy details.

The availability and requirements of guest passenger liability coverage vary depending on the state in which you reside. Some states mandate minimum coverage limits for guest passenger liability, while others offer it as an optional coverage. It's important to understand the laws and requirements of your specific state. If guest passenger liability coverage is not required in your state, consider purchasing it to ensure adequate protection for your passengers.

To determine if you have guest passenger liability coverage, carefully review your motorcycle insurance policy documents. Look for sections mentioning "guest passenger liability" or "passenger liability." If you're unsure, don't hesitate to contact your insurance agent or insurer for clarification. They can provide you with accurate information about your policy and help you make informed decisions regarding your coverage options.

Loss of income coverage

The specific details of loss of income coverage can vary depending on your insurance provider and your location. In some states, PIP coverage is required, while in others, it is optional. The amount you can receive as a benefit may be a set weekly amount or a percentage of your actual gross wages lost due to the accident, up to a maximum limit. There may also be a time frame in which you must make a claim and a set period for which the payments will be made.

It is important to note that loss of income coverage typically applies only if you are injured in an auto-related accident and are unable to work as a result. It may not cover other situations that lead to a loss of income, such as disability or illness. To be eligible for this coverage, you will need to provide detailed documentation about your wages and medical condition.

When considering loss of income coverage, it is essential to review the specific terms and conditions of the policy to understand the benefits, limitations, and eligibility requirements. By adding this coverage to your auto insurance policy, you can gain peace of mind knowing that you will have some financial support if you are unable to work due to a covered accident.

Frequently asked questions