Statistics show that riding a motorcycle is dangerous. So dangerous, that it’s the number one cause of fatalities on the road in the U.S. When you ride a motorcycle, the odds truly are against you.
Motorcycle insurance makes sure that you’re covered against the very real possibility of accidents that can happen while operating your vehicle.
Like generic auto insurance, many states require motorcyclists to purchase motorcycle insurance, but Florida is not one of them. Still, it’s extremely important that you take the initiative to purchase it. Not doing so, would be a serious risk to you.
Of Course You Should Carry Motorcycle Insurance
As a motorcycle rider in Florida, you should at least carry some basic insurance for riding your bike. Many insurance agencies will probably recommend a more comprehensive plan to you though, due to the risk factor involved. Motorcycle insurance premiums are generally determined by your age, your driving record, and the type of bike you own.
If you’re stubborn and elect not to carry the insurance, the motorcycle must be completely paid for, and you must have a vehicle policy on another vehicle registered in your name (your regular car, for example).
Failing to equip yourself with motorcycle insurance won’t only affect your safety – it’ll also affect your ability to legally ride outside of Florida. After all, what fun is owning a motorcycle if you can’t use it for lengthy cross-country road trips?
In order to even legally ride a motorcycle in Florida, you have to meet a few qualifications: You must have a Class E license or higher or meet the requirements for a Class E license; and you must complete a motorcycle safety course, BRC, or provide an out-of-state license with a motorcycle endorsement.
What Florida Motorcycle Insurance Can Cover…
Motorcycle insurance can come equipped with all types of coverage. Here’s a comprehensive list:
Bodily injury – This pays the other party’s medical bills, if you injury them in an accident.
Property damage – If you damage someone else’s vehicle or property while operating your bike, this type of coverage will pay for the repairs.
Medical payments – If you or a passenger is injured on your motorcycle, the medical payments will respond with (usually) $10,000 in coverage.
Uninsured motorist - If you, or your passenger are injured by someone who doesn’t have Florida motorcyclist insurance, or does not have enough insurance, the uninsured motorist coverage will kick in.
Collision – When you’ve been involved in an accident, collision coverage can help pay for damages to your motorcycle itself. Sometimes “towing and labor” coverage is under collision coverage. Towing and labor helps pay for the costs of towing your vehicle away and fixing it, post-accident.
Gap – In the event that your motorcycle is completely ruined, and you owe more on your motorcycle than its worth, gap coverage is there to make up the difference.
Comprehensive – This type of coverage pays for damages to your motorcycle that happen outside of an accident; theft, vandalism, natural disasters, etc. would be examples of this.
Seek Legal Help If You’ve Been Injured By Someone Else’s Negligence
So, if you want the simple answer, no, you don’t legally need motorcycle insurance if you live in Florida, but it wouldn’t be very smart not to have it.
In the event that you’ve been injured in a motorcycle related accident, and you feel as though it was another party’s fault, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. They’ll offer you a free consultation and put you on the fast track to getting the compensation you deserve.
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