Do You Need Insurance for a Motorcycle?

In the United States, motorcycle insurance is mandatory in most states, with some exceptions.

Motorcycle insurance laws vary by state, but many require a minimum level of coverage, typically $10,000 in liability insurance.

If you're caught riding without insurance, you could face fines and penalties, including having your motorcycle registration suspended.

In some states, you may be able to get away with minimal coverage, but this can leave you exposed to significant financial risk in the event of an accident.

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In most states, you need to maintain motor vehicle insurance coverage, and to ensure this, states like Missouri mandate that motorists show proof of insurance when renewing license plates and registering vehicles. Missouri is an at-fault state, so if you're at fault for a car accident and don't have the right coverage, you may face penalties, fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

Some states, like Texas, set their own minimums for insurance coverage. In Texas, the minimum for motorcycles is 30/60/25, which means you must have liability insurance that covers $30,000 in bodily damage per person, $60,000 in bodily damage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage.

Other types of vehicles, like mopeds, motor-driven cycles, and three-wheeled motorbikes, are also subject to the same insurance requirements as motorcycles in states like Texas.

Minimum motorcycle insurance requirements vary by state, but most states require a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury protection per person and $50,000 per accident.

In Missouri, you need to have at least $25,000 for each person for bodily injury, $50,000 for each accident to cover bodily injury, and $25,000 for each accident to cover property damage.

You may need to pay for additional costs out of your own pocket if your motorcycle insurance policy doesn't cover all the costs.

Some states, like Texas, have a minimum of 30/60/25 for liability insurance, which means you must have liability insurance that covers $30,000 in bodily damage per person, $60,000 in bodily damage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage.

Other types of vehicles, like mopeds, motor-driven cycles, and three-wheeled motorbikes, are also subject to the same insurance requirements as motorcycles in states like Texas.

Here's a breakdown of the minimum insurance requirements in some states:

You need motorcycle insurance to legally ride, just like any other vehicle on the road. Accidents can happen, and you'll be stuck with thousands in fines or repair costs if you're not insured.

Motorcycles are not covered by auto insurance, so you'll need to invest in a separate plan.

The cost of your plan will depend on several factors, including the type of bike you have.

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Liability-only motorcycle insurance policies are relatively inexpensive, but you may want to consider additional coverage to protect yourself financially in case of an accident. Most states require at least a liability policy to ride on the road.

Some common motorcycle insurance options include liability insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive coverage, and coverage for motorcycle modifications, parts, and accessories. Liability insurance pays for damage to others' property or injuries, while collision insurance covers damages to your motorcycle in the event of a collision.

Comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision-related damages, such as theft or vandalism. Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage will reimburse you if an underinsured or uninsured driver damages your bike or injures you.

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Here are some additional coverage options to consider:

You may also want to consider add-on policy options, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, trip interruption coverage, coverage for custom parts and accessories, transport trailer coverage, and roadside assistance.

If you're looking for affordable motorcycle insurance options, you're in luck - liability-only policies tend to be inexpensive. However, it's essential to consider additional coverage to ensure you're adequately protected in case of an accident.

Liability insurance is a must-have in most states, as it pays for damage to others' property or injuries. Collision insurance, on the other hand, covers damages to your motorcycle if you collide with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision-related damages, like theft or vandalism.

Some insurance policies will cover riding gear, such as jackets and helmets, as well as repair and replace accessories like trailers, sidecars, or upgraded parts. Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage will reimburse you when an underinsured or uninsured driver damages your bike or injures you.

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Here are some common motorcycle insurance options to consider:

You may want to consider adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to your motorcycle insurance policy. This coverage protects you if you're injured in an accident caused by a driver who is not adequately insured.

If the other driver's policy limits are exceeded or they don't have any liability insurance at all, uninsured/underinsured coverage kicks in to cover your costs. This can include bodily injury, lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses.

Uninsured/underinsured motorcycle insurance covers bodily injury, but it's essential to check if it also includes personal property damage. If not, you may need to purchase UM/UIM property damage coverage separately.

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Comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of repairs if your motorcycle gets damaged due to anything other than a car accident, such as hitting an animal or vandalism. This type of insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events.

Comprehensive insurance covers a wide range of incidents, including flooding, which can be a significant concern for motorcyclists who ride in areas prone to heavy rainfall.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is another option that covers a broader range of costs resulting from an injury, including lost wages, child care expenses, and funeral costs.

Collision insurance covers the cost to replace or repair your motorcycle if it's damaged in an accident, minus your deductible.

Comprehensive insurance covers the costs for replacing or repairing your motorcycle for almost any event other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or damage caused by a storm or fire.

Total loss coverage is similar to gap coverage, and you may want to purchase it so your motorcycle is covered if it's totaled in a crash. Your insurance provider will pay your motorcycle's suggested retail value for replacement, minus your deductible.

Collision and comprehensive insurance cover your own damages if your bike is damaged or you are in an accident. They differ from property liability insurance, as they cover your own damages, not just the other party's.

If you are financing your vehicle, you are usually required to purchase collision and comprehensive coverages. Collision coverage will repair your bike in the event of an accident, while comprehensive will pay for damages caused by other events.

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Personal Injury Protection is an optional coverage that can provide financial assistance in the event of an injury while riding a motorcycle. Some states allow motorcyclists to purchase this coverage.

In states where PIP is available, it can cover a broader range of costs than medical payments coverage, including lost wages, child care expenses, and funeral costs. These costs can be significant, and PIP can help alleviate some of the financial burden.

With PIP, you may have coverage for medical bills for injuries that you or your passenger sustain as a result of an accident, no matter who is at fault. This can provide peace of mind while riding.

Some insurance companies offer PIP, but not all states allow insurers to sell this coverage to motorcyclists due to their higher accident rate. If you're concerned about the costs of an accident, consider purchasing PIP if it's available in your state.

Here are some examples of what PIP can cover:

If you plan to take long trips on your motorcycle, trip interruption coverage can be a lifesaver. This type of coverage pays out for transportation, food, and lodging if your motorcycle is unusable as a result of a crash far from home.

The distance from home is usually defined in your policy as a certain number of miles. You can expect to pay more for trip interruption coverage the farther away from home you travel.

To be compensated, you may need to provide proof that you have paid for meals and lodging. This means keeping your receipts or bank statements so you can claim compensation.

Other types of insurance worth considering include:

Life insurance can provide a financial safety net for loved ones in the event of your passing.

As we discussed earlier, health insurance can help cover medical expenses, including hospital bills and prescription medication.

Homeowners can also consider purchasing flood insurance to protect against damage from natural disasters.

Business owners may want to consider liability insurance to shield themselves from lawsuits and financial losses.

Earthquake insurance can be a smart investment for those living in earthquake-prone areas, as it can help cover the cost of repairs or rebuilding.

Travel insurance can provide peace of mind for those embarking on international trips, covering unexpected medical or travel-related expenses.

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If you're planning a road trip on your motorcycle, you may want to consider adding trip interruption coverage to your insurance plan. This will pay for lodging and food if you're put out while on a trip and are waiting for your bike to be repaired.

You can also add custom parts and accessories coverage to pay for any parts you added to your bike that weren’t originally a part of it.

Some insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an add-on, which will cover towing fees when your motorcycle breaks down.

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If you're hauling a trailer or using a trailer to haul your bike, you can add trailer coverage to your insurance plan.

Here are some additional features you may want to consider: