If you plan to ride a motorcycle in Florida, you should fully understand the laws regarding insurance coverage for bikers. The laws can be confusing, so it is crucial you are clear on what is required of you while also protecting yourself from potential future liability.
The state of Florida does not require a motorcyclist to carry motorcycle insurance if they want to register a motorcycle or ride one. The problem is, if you get into a crash and are deemed to be negligent, you can legally be held financially responsible. However, bikers who choose to not wear a safety helmet while riding are required to carry motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle accident attorneys can explain these details for a better understanding.
Florida Liability Coverage
The only requirement Florida has is that motorcyclists carry minimum liability coverage of $10,000, which would pay for their injuries in a crash. This coverage can be from regular health insurance or a dedicated policy.
Insurance Now or Expenses Later?
While Florida does not require you to carry an insurance policy, it is vital to weigh the pros and cons. By purchasing motorcycle insurance, you could be saving yourself thousands of dollars down the road. Coverage for four-wheel vehicles and motorcycles differs in the following ways:
- Florida requires motor vehicle operators to carry personal injury protection (PIP), which guarantees medical bills are paid in the event of an accident. PIP does not cover motorcycle riders who are injured in a crash.
- “No-fault” Laws for motor vehicle accidents do not apply to motorcyclists, only vehicles with four or more wheels. A $10,000 policy will not likely cover your damages if you suffer severe injuries. If your injuries exceed the $10,000 minimum liability coverage, you will be required to seek compensation for lost income and outstanding medical bills from the other driver.
- To make matters more complicated, the state of Florida can punish motorcyclists with severe penalties if they are involved in a collision and do not have insurance. This is despite the fact that motorcycle insurance is not legally required in Florida. Furthermore, if you are found to be the person at fault for a crash and do not carry liability insurance, you could lose the privilege to ride, have your license suspended, and face severe civil fines.
These are some factors to consider when deciding to carry the minimum liability coverage required by Florida rather than purchasing a full motorcycle insurance policy.
Other Ways to Save on Motorcycle Expenses
When considering insurance, it would be wise to shop around for cheaper motorcycle insurance. Many insurance companies will offer motorcyclists discounts on their policies, including:
- Association membership discount
- Safety course discount
- Pay in full policy discount
- Responsible driver discount
- Multi-policy discount
Motorcycle Crashes Happen
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may have extensive medical bills and property damage. The lawyers at the law firm of Englander Peebles can assist you in seeking compensation for the injuries you sustained. Call us today for a free case evaluation.