What Insurance Coverage Should I Have as a Motorcyclist?

Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with certain risks that other forms of transportation don’t, not exactly, anyway. In a motorcycle accident, motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to serious injuries than drivers of cars or trucks. That’s why it’s important for motorcyclists to have the right insurance coverage. In Florida, motorcyclists may have their options to get the most financial protection, just in case of a wreck.

Florida Motorcycle Insurance Requirement – Or Not?

Florida law does not require a motorcyclist to buy motorcycle insurance. However, the law still requires riders to show proof of financial responsibility. In other words, a rider must either have insurance, a surety bond, or a certificate of self-insurance based on ample personal finances to pay for damages and losses. For the vast majority of motorcyclists in Florida, the easiest and most sensible option is to just buy liability insurance.

Liability Insurance for Motorcyclists

Liability insurance provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage that you, as the motorcycle rider, may cause to other people or their property in an accident. The minimum liability coverage that Florida requires for motorcycle riders is $10,000 for property damage and $10,000 for bodily injury per person, up to $20,000 per accident.

It's important to note that liability insurance doesn't provide any coverage for your own injuries or damage to your motorcycle. It only covers the expenses of others if you're found at fault in an accident. Additionally, the minimum required liability insurance may not always be sufficient to cover all the costs associated with an accident, especially when catastrophic injuries occur. Motorcyclists may want to consider purchasing higher limits of liability coverage to ensure they're fully protected in the event of an accident.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance for Motorcyclists

Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, also known as no-fault insurance, is a staple of motor vehicle insurance in Florida. PIP insurance covers the policyholder's own medical expenses and lost wages in case of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. If you're involved in a motorcycle accident and have PIP coverage, it should pay for medical expenses such as hospital bills, doctor's fees, and rehabilitation costs, up to the policy limit. If you're unable to work because of your injury, your PIP insurance should also cover a portion of your lost wages.

Comprehensive & Collision Coverage for Motorcyclists

Comprehensive coverage and collision coverage are optional insurance coverages that motorcyclists in Florida may want to consider purchasing in addition to liability and PIP insurance.

• Collision coverage pays for the repairs to your motorcycle or replaces it entirely, up to the actual cash value, if it’s damaged in an accident. This type of coverage can even cover damage caused by hitting an object in a single-vehicle accident or another vehicle.
• Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your motorcycle caused by incidents other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, or inclement weather. If your motorcycle is stolen or vandalized, comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing it, too.

Not sure if your insurance will cover your losses after a motorcycle accident in Florida? Think another party should owe you for unpaid damages? Call (855) 933-3881 to connect with The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. to get answers from a professional attorney.