Motorcycle Insurance Laws in the US and State-Specific Rules

In the US, motorcycle insurance laws vary from state to state, but most require riders to have some form of insurance coverage. The minimum liability coverage requirements range from $10,000 to $300,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $20,000 to $100,000 in property damage liability.

Some states, like California, require riders to carry a minimum of $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $30,000 in property damage liability. In contrast, states like Florida require a minimum of $10,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $20,000 in property damage liability.

Riders in some states, such as New York, must also carry uninsured motorist coverage, which helps protect them in case they're involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have insurance. This added layer of protection can be a lifesaver in the event of a serious accident.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Washington State Auto Insurance Claim Laws

Motorcycle insurance is a must-have, but it can be overwhelming to navigate. Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident, but not to you or your motorcycle.

In most states, liability coverage is mandatory, but other types of coverage are optional. You should ask your insurance professional about the laws in your state and the available coverage options to find the best fit for your needs. Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by events like fire, theft, or vandalism, minus your deductible.

Here's a rundown of the main types of motorcycle insurance coverage:

Guest Passenger Liability is also available in some states, which provides protection if a passenger is injured on your motorcycle. Be sure to check with your insurer to understand the limits of coverage for customized motorcycle parts, such as chrome accessories or a custom paint job.

Liability insurance is a must-have for motorcycle owners, as it covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others in an accident. Guest Passenger Liability is also an option, depending on state laws and your insurance company.

Most states require a minimum amount of liability coverage, so be sure to check what's required in your state. Your insurance professional can help you understand the laws and coverage options available.

Motorcycle collision insurance covers damage to your motorcycle if you're involved in a collision with another vehicle. The insurance company pays for damages, minus your deductible, and covers only the book value of your bike before the loss occurred.

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by events like fire, theft, or vandalism. Like collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for damages, minus your deductible, but only cover the book value of your motorcycle.

If you've customized your motorcycle with optional accessories like chrome parts or a custom paint job, check with your insurer to understand the limits of coverage. Some policies may only cover factory-standard parts or have limitations on coverage for custom parts.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is also a good idea, as it pays for damages to you and/or your property caused by another driver who doesn't have insurance or adequate insurance. This typically covers medical treatment, lost wages, and property damage.

Consider reading: Agreed Value Motorcycle Insurance

Here's a summary of the main types of motorcycle insurance coverage:

Your age, driving record, and where you live all play a significant role in determining your motorcycle insurance costs.

Your type of bike, whether it's a sport bike, cruiser, or custom motorcycle, can also impact your premiums.

The age of your motorcycle is another factor that affects insurance costs, with older bikes generally being more expensive to insure.

The number of miles you ride per year can also impact your insurance rates, with higher mileage typically resulting in higher premiums.

Where you store your bike can also affect your insurance costs, with garaged bikes often being cheaper to insure than those stored outdoors.

Georgia requires you to carry liability insurance to own or operate a motorcycle, with minimum amounts of $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person per accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per person per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

On a similar theme: Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Insurance Claims

In Pennsylvania, the minimum limits for motorcycle insurance include $15,000 per person for bodily injury liability coverage, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury liability coverage, $5,000 for property damage liability coverage, and $5,000 for first party benefits.

Texas sets its own minimums for insurance coverage, requiring $30,000 in bodily damage per person, $60,000 in bodily damage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage.

In Georgia, motorcyclists and their passengers must wear a helmet at all times, regardless of age or ability. This is a universal helmet law, so make sure to get a helmet that meets the Department of Transportation's requirements.

If you're planning to buy a motorcycle helmet, you'll want to choose one that meets or exceeds the DOT's standards. This will ensure you're protected in case of an accident.

Wearing eye protection while riding a motorcycle is also mandatory in Georgia. You can opt for goggles or a visor built into your helmet.

Broaden your view: Georgia Insurance Claim Laws

You'll be cited and fined between $175-$350 if you get pulled over without insurance in Texas, and a $250 surcharge will be added to your driver's relicensing fee for the next three years.

This fine is a one-time penalty, but it's still a significant hit to your wallet.

If you get pulled over again without insurance, the fines go up to between $350-$1000 and you'll still be subject to the $250 relicensing fee for three years.

Having your license revoked or motorcycle impounded is a real risk if you're a habitual offender.

Pennsylvania is one of around a dozen states that follow a limited tort no-fault system for car insurance and vehicle accidents.

This means individuals typically turn to their own insurance carrier to pay for their medical treatment and other out-of-pocket losses, up to the coverage limits, regardless of who caused the crash.

There are benefits to this system, including receiving compensation almost immediately and regardless of fault.

However, this type of insurance does limit how much compensation an individual can receive if another driver causes the crash.

Individuals with no-fault insurance can't step out of the system and file a third-party insurance claim against an at-fault driver unless their injuries meet certain thresholds under state law.

Pennsylvania does allow individuals to opt out of no-fault insurance and go with a more traditional full-tort type of auto insurance coverage.

Expand your knowledge: Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Passengers