Check your motorcycle insurance before riding this spring. With perfect riding weather on the way if you own a motorcycle you’ll want to ride. Incidentally, even a skilled motorcycle rider can succumb to the dangers of the road.
For a motorcyclist, road dangers are more than potholes, loose sand, and gravel. Additionally, they must contend with the actions of other motorists. Let alone, whether they have insurance or sufficient motorcycle coverage. Thus, checking your insurance policy is important.
Florida And Motorcycle Insurance
Florida motorcycle insurance laws baffle and mislead some people. Under the Florida no-fault law motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles. Because of this, motorcyclists are not required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Bodily Injury (BI) coverage.
However, Florida does require riders to wear helmets. Unless the rider is over the age of 21. Then they must have a Financial Responsibility Certificate, $10,000 in medical insurance, or liability insurance.
coverage options for Motorcyclists
Although, these are optional for motorcyclists. Having them would help protect you after a motorcycle accident. Considering, a night in the hospital could run well over $25,000. You don’t want to rely on the other motorist.
In some cases, an uninsured or underinsured driver is at-fault for the accident. That’s when your policy might pay for losses and injuries. Consider these standard insurance options.
- Collision – This coverage will pay for damages to your motorcycle.
- Comprehensive Coverage – will pay for damages to your motorcycle caused by something other than an accident. It will also pay for stolen bikes.
- MedPay – This is a provision that drivers can get on their own policy. It will pay for medical bills regardless of who is at fault or injured. So long as the accident involved the insured or their vehicle.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – This works like MedPay. But it pays medical bills and other damages like pain and suffering and loss of wages. It also pays out regardless of the injured party or at-fault. So long as the accident involved the insured or their vehicle. Motorcycle PIP is not regulated by Florida law so you will need to review all terms of the contract.
- Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) – Most insurance policies have uninsured/underinsured provisions. These will cover all your personal injury damages from underinsured or uninsured drivers. Motorcyclists should stack UM coverage on their auto insurance. Because it will always cover injuries sustained while riding a motorcycle.
In Florida, the law doesn’t require that a driver have UM/UIM. Yet, many people carry that as protection against those with no or little insurance. If a driver has any of these provisions, then they can collect against their own insurance company for their losses.
CONTACT A TAMPA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
After a motorcycle accident, you may not know your rights. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
