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Motorcycle Liability Insurance: Essential Coverage for Every Rider

Motorcycle liability insurance is an essential aspect of owning and operating a motorcycle. As riders navigate the open roads, they expose themselves to various potential hazards, making it crucial to have the proper coverage in place. Liability insurance not only provides financial protection for the policyholder, but it also safeguards other road users in the event of an accident.

My friend, Samantha had always been an adventurous person and loved the thrill of riding her motorcycle on the open road. One summer afternoon, she was cruising down a scenic route when she suddenly lost control of her bike and crashed into a ditch. The accident left Samantha with a broken arm, a totaled motorcycle, and a mountain of medical bills.

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She soon realized that she didn’t have motorcycle liability insurance and would have to pay for all the damages out of her own pocket. The experience was a wake-up call for Samantha, who learned the hard way that riding a motorcycle without proper insurance coverage was a risky and expensive proposition.

When selecting the liability policy, it’s important to understand the components that make up the coverage. These policies typically consist of bodily injury and property damage liability, both of which ensure that the policyholder can cover the costs of injuries or damages they may cause to others.

By adequately exploring the options available and selecting the proper coverage limits, riders can hit the road with peace of mind, knowing they are protected in the event of an unfortunate incident.

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As with any insurance, riders must shop around and compare various motorcycle liability insurance policies to find the best fit for their needs and budget. By taking the time to research and understand the intricacies of these policies, riders can confidently make informed decisions and secure the appropriate level of protection.

Understanding Motorcycle Liability Insurance

Motorcycle liability insurance is essential for riders as it provides coverage in the event of an accident where the rider is found to be at fault. This insurance offers protection and financial assistance for property damage, bodily injury, or medical expenses others incur in such incidents.

motorcycle falls on road after a severe accident

Coverage Types

The two primary types of coverage included are:

  • Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage protects the rider by covering expenses related to third-party injuries or deaths caused by the rider’s negligence. It will also provide legal defense if the rider is sued.
  • Property Damage Liability: This coverage will pay for damages to others’ property, such as vehicles or buildings, resulting from a crash where the rider is at fault.

It is important to note that liability insurance does not cover the rider’s own injuries or damage to their motorcycle.

Minimum Requirements

Each state in the United States sets its minimum requirements for motorcycle liability insurance. Riders must adhere to these requirements to legally operate their motorcycles on public roads. The minimum coverage amounts vary by state, and riders must understand the specific coverage needed in their respective states.

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The following table outlines the minimum motorcycle liability insurance requirements for all 50 states:

StateBodily Injury Liability
(per person)
Bodily Injury Liability
(per accident)
Property Damage Liability
Alabama$25,000$50,000$25,000
Alaska$50,000$100,000$25,000
Arizona$25,000$50,000$15,000
Arkansas$25,000$50,000$25,000
California$15,000$30,000$5,000
Colorado$25,000$50,000$15,000
Connecticut$25,000$50,000$25,000
Delaware$25,000$50,000$10,000
Florida$10,000$20,000$10,000
Georgia$25,000$50,000$25,000
Hawaii$20,000$40,000$10,000
Idaho$25,000$50,000$15,000
Illinois$25,000$50,000$20,000
Indiana$25,000$50,000$25,000
Iowa$20,000$40,000$15,000
Kansas$25,000$50,000$25,000
Kentucky$25,000$50,000$25,000
Louisiana$15,000$30,000$25,000
Maine$50,000$100,000$25,000
Maryland$30,000$60,000$15,000
Massachusetts$20,000$40,000$5,000
Michigan$20,000$40,000$10,000
Minnesota$30,000$60,000$10,000
Mississippi$25,000$50,000$25,000
Missouri$25,000$50,000$25,000
Montana$25,000$50,000$20,000
Nebraska$25,000$50,000$25,000
Nevada$25,000$50,000$20,000
New Hampshire$25,000$50,000$25,000
New Jersey$15,000$30,000$5,000
New Mexico$25,000$50,000$10,000
New York$25,000$50,000$10,000
North Carolina$30,000$60,000$25,000
North Dakota$25,000$50,000$25,000
Ohio$25,000$50,000$25,000
Oklahoma$25,000$50,000$25,000
Oregon$25,000$50,000$20,000
Pennsylvania$15,000$30,000$5,000
Rhode Island$25,000$50,000$25,000
South Carolina$25,000$50,000$25,000
South Dakota$25,000$50,000$25,000
Tennessee$25,000$50,000$15,000
Texas$30,000$60,000$25,000
Utah$25,000$65,000$15,000
Vermont$25,000$50,000$10,000
Virginia$25,000$50,000$20,000
Washington$25,000$50,000$10,000
West Virginia$25,000$50,000$25,000
Wisconsin$25,000$50,000$10,000
Wyoming$25,000$50,000$20,000

Remember that these minimum requirements may not be enough to cover all expenses in the event of a severe accident. Riders should consider carrying higher liability limits or even additional coverage options to ensure they are adequately protected.

Why It’s Important

Motorcycle liability insurance is critical in ensuring the financial well-being of all parties involved in an accident. Understanding its importance and complying with legal requirements is essential for all motorcycle riders.

Protecting Your Assets

Motorcycle accidents can result in substantial medical and repair expenses, especially involving other vehicles or property. The liability insurance covers the costs of bodily injury and property damage that you may incur when at fault in an accident. Having adequate coverage protects your assets from potential lawsuits and financial setbacks.

Legal Compliance

Most states require motorcyclists to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to maintain their registration and legally ride on public roads. Complying with these requirements helps ensure the safety of all road users and the proper compensation for any damages in the event of an accident.

How Much is Liability Insurance for a Motorcycle?

This varies depending on several factors such as location, coverage options, and the rider’s history.

The average yearly expense of a liability-only motorcycle insurance policy at Progressive varied from $163.19 in North Dakota to $364 in Michigan during the period spanning from 2019 to 2020.

We conducted several research to figure out the average motorcycle insurance cost in all the states of the US, which you can find here.

Remember that these figures represent the minimum requirements, and it is often advisable to opt for higher coverage levels to ensure comprehensive protection.

Wrapping Up

Motorcycle liability insurance primarily covers the costs associated with bodily injury and property damage that the policyholder may cause to others in an accident. It does not cover injuries to the rider or damages to their motorcycle.

Remember that the minimum requirements may not provide enough coverage in some cases, so assessing your needs and purchasing additional coverage carefully, if necessary, is advised. Discussing your specific needs and requirements with a qualified insurance professional who can help you make an informed decision is always a good idea.

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