Why You Should Carry Motorcycle Insurance in Florida

Florida is the only state in the US that does not require all motorcycle riders to carry an insurance policy. However, just because it is not a requirement to register your vehicle does not mean that it is a wise decision to go without insurance. Even if they do decide to invest in an insurance policy, many riders may be tempted to go with the most inexpensive, bare-bones option because motorcycle insurance can be more costly than car insurance.

It is well-known by the insurance companies that motorcycles are more likely to get into an accident than any other vehicle on the road. However, it is for this exact reason that you should never skimp on a quality insurance policy. You may think an accident could never happen to you, but sometimes it is just not possible to prevent such an occurrence. If you do ever get into an accident, you will want to make sure you are fully covered.

What are the Insurance Requirements for Florida Bikers?

In Florida, it is not mandatory to wear a helmet, as long as the rider is at least 16 years old, and motorcycle insurance is only required if you choose not to wear a helmet while biking. For these riders, it is required to carry at least:

However, for other riders, it is not required to have an insurance policy. Unlike the laws for other Florida vehicles, the requirements for motorcycle insurance actually fall under an at-fault system. This means that if you are found at fault for causing an accident, you are liable for any costs associated with damages or injury to the other party.

If you cause an accident with your motorcycle and are not insured, you could later be subject to serious consequences, such as civil judgments against you, suspension of your tag and registration or your driving privileges, and a requirement to purchase liability insurance coverage for the next three years. By trying to avoid paying a smaller cost now, you could be at risk of paying a lot more later, and you might end up shelling out for that insurance you never wanted anyway.

Beyond liability coverage, you may encounter costs associated with your own injuries or damages to your bike. You do not want to get stuck paying for any of these costs out-of-pocket. In case you need more convincing, here are some of the reasons that it is prudent to purchase a full-coverage policy on your motorcycle, no matter what your circumstances are.

A rider may make many excuses for choosing a cheap, inadequate policy. Some riders believe they are drivers who can simply avoid accidents, while others figure, since they only ride infrequently, they can get away with having minimum coverage. No matter how skilled and experienced of a driver you are, there is always the chance that you may encounter an unavoidable situation, and you should prepare for the worst.

A particularly undesirable scenario would be to end up in an accident with an uninsured driver. In this situation, even if the accident is not your fault, you may be responsible for your own medical and property repair bills. If you chose a policy with insufficient coverage, you could be personally on the hook for footing those bills.

To prevent a situation where you get stuck paying for an accident out of pocket, consider carrying uninsured motorist coverage. This can provide you some financial recourse in the case that the other party is not insured or is underinsured.

In the event that you are riding with a passenger, you want to make sure you can cover them if they are injured in an accident while on your bike. If you are found at fault or the at-fault driver does not have proper coverage, they may be able to get coverage for their medical expenses from your insurance.

Sadly, sometimes the worst happens, and an accident results in a fatal crash. If your insurance policy doesn’t cover funeral and burial expenses, your family may have to cover these costs, which can add up to be quite expensive. Even if you survive but end up with severe injuries that keep you hospitalized or with medical issues long-term, your insurance may only cover your expenses up to a certain point. To avoid financial hardship for your loved ones, make sure to get proper coverage for all outcomes.

Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable than passengers in other types of vehicles, and even minor accidents can result in injury. Medical expenses can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars, especially if the rider was not wearing a helmet. If the rider has health insurance, this may cover some of the expenses, but things like co-pays, deductibles, and other items that health insurance will not cover can quickly become overwhelming.

Make sure you go over your policy with your broker carefully. Be aware of exactly what is and is not covered in the event of an accident that causes you injury, and go over your finances to ensure you can cover any unexpected expenses that may arise, including long-term care.

If you are the victim of traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or other life-altering injuries as a result of your accident, you may also be forced out of work for a long period. Even more minor injuries could result in a long rehab period. If you are not completely sure you can pay for the associated costs while supporting yourself only on savings, consider supplemental coverage to avoid a financial disaster.

4.Are You Still Paying Off your Motorcycle Loan? 

Many people can’t buy their vehicle outright and rely on financing to purchase their motorcycle. If this is you, your outstanding loan amount is something you should consider when perusing possible insurance policies. If you bought new, you probably know that the value of your brand-new purchase depreciates by quite a bit the moment you drive it off the lot.

If your financing agreement has you paying more than your bike is actually worth, you will want to purchase insurance that covers your loan value, rather than the price at which you bought your bike. In the event that your bike is totaled in an accident, you could end up responsible for monthly payments on a bike you no longer can use, so it is important to get full coverage.

Are you underinsured or covered but battling your insurance company for denying your claim? Being held financially responsible for an accident in which you were not at fault can be scary and ruinous prospect, but you do not have to suffer without options. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and think you could be entitled to compensation, contact the Law Offices of Kirshner, Groff, and Diaz to be put in touch directly with a lawyer. All consultations about your case carry no obligation to pursue further legal recourse.