Riding a motorcycle in the Sunshine State offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and excitement, but it also comes with inherent risks. As a responsible rider, you might be asking yourself, “Do I need motorcycle insurance in Florida?” Let’s dive into this complex topic and answer your pressing questions.
Florida’s Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Technically, motorcyclists in Florida do not need to carry any type of insurance at all (unless they want to ride without a helmet). Rather, they must only show proof of financial responsibility in the event of a crash, which can be accomplished in one of three ways:
- Obtaining a certificate of self-insurance
- Obtaining a surety bond
- Purchasing liability insurance
The last option is by far the most common. If you go that route, you will need to carry at least:
- $10,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $20,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $10,000 in property damage per accident
Liability insurance covers the injuries and property damage you cause others as the result of an accident for which you’re at fault.
At this point, you may be wondering about Florida’s status as a no-fault insurance state. Florida requires all motor vehicles to be covered by personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This policy pays for medical bills and lost wages suffered by the vehicle’s occupants in the event of a crash, regardless of who was at fault—hence, no-fault.
However, motorcycles do not meet the definition of a motor vehicle in Florida, and therefore they are not covered by PIP insurance. This is because motorcyclists are a greater financial risk for insurance companies. Instead, an injured biker will need to turn to other forms of insurance for coverage in an accident that wasn’t another driver’s fault. Let’s explore your options.
The Importance of Additional Coverage
Consider adding the following optional coverages to your motorcycle insurance policy:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): This coverage protects you if you’re in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your damages.
- Collision: This coverage helps pay for repairs to your motorcycle if you’re involved in a collision with another vehicle or object.
- Comprehensive: This coverage protects your motorcycle from non-collision-related incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
Motorcycle Insurance Without a License
Can you get motorcycle insurance without a license in Florida? The answer is yes. However, insurance companies typically require a valid motorcycle permit or endorsement on your driver’s license to obtain coverage. If you’re getting your license, you can still get insurance, but you may face higher premiums until you obtain your full motorcycle endorsement.
Does Health Insurance Cover Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
This is another common question. In most cases, your health insurance will cover your medical expenses related to a motorcycle accident. However, health insurance policies typically have deductibles, copays, and coinsurance you’ll be responsible for paying. Also, health insurance won’t cover damage to your motorcycle or other property, so having a strong motorcycle insurance policy is essential.
Call Law Tigers First!
In the unfortunate event of a motorcycle accident, your first call should be to Law Tigers before contacting your insurance company. Our experienced team specializes in motorcycle accident cases and is dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t navigate the aftermath of an accident alone—reach out to Law Tigers for expert guidance and support.
