13 Sep Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance in Florida?

What can be more exciting than riding your motorcycle through the beautiful roads of Florida? Despite it being a wonderful experience, it is important for every motorcycle owner to understand insurance laws in their state of residence before they decide to embark on a new adventure.

Florida motorcycle insurance is different than it is in most other states.

It only requires very minimal insurance and proof of financial responsibility. Motorcycle owners need to prove that there is a way that they can pay for any damage caused by them or their bike to other people or their property. Your Strassman Insurance Group agent can help you select a policy that’s ideal for your needs and the roads you travel.

So, do you think you need insurance to operate your motorcycle in Florida? The short answer is yes. Let’s explore the steps to getting your bike covered.

Financial Responsibility

Florida is a no-fault state, which means in the unfortunate case of a crash, motorists typically handle any medical claims through their own insurer, no matter who was at fault. In addition to that, bike owners in Florida generally do not need to carry personal injury protection (PIP).

The motorcycle operator will be charged with injuries, then the owner or operator is financially responsible for bodily injuries and property damage to others.

Establishing financial responsibility can be done by providing proof of liability coverage purchased from an insurance company, obtaining a financial responsibility certificate, or a self-insurance certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility.

Liability Coverage

“Regardless of your mode of transportation, safety comes first,” says Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Last year, there were nearly 10,000 motorcycle crashes in Florida that resulted in 440 deaths and more than 9,800 injuries.”

Motorcycle insurance is not required to register a motorcycle in Florida.

Liability coverage for a motorcycle is voluntary but is highly recommended to maximize your protection. Motorists need to prove financial responsibility to avoid penalties and license plates suspensions. Also, if you plan to carry passengers, it is best to purchase additional insurance coverage for them. Liability coverage includes medical expenses and lost wages that result from the injury or death of another driver if you’re at fault.

A good baseline for determining this is Florida’s guideline for minimum liability coverage requirements for private passenger vehicles as outlined in the Financial Responsibility Law:

• $10,000 for one person in bodily injury liability
• $20,000 for two or more people in bodily injury liability
• $10,000 per crash in property damage liability

In the absence of liability coverage at the time of a motorcycle accident, bodily injury and/or property damage liability insurance must be purchased and kept for three years to avoid license and tag/registration suspension or to reinstate license and tag/registration after suspension.

Additional/Optional Coverage

Other motorcycle insurance coverage includes:

• Collision – repair or replace your motorcycle if it is damaged in a collision with another vehicle, structure or object.
• Comprehensive – repair or replace your motorcycle due to such losses as theft, fire, flooding, vandalism, etc. Typically covers for repairs up to the actual cash value of your bike.
• Towing and labor – reimburses you for the costs of towing and related labor.

 

Helmet Requirements

Motorcyclists who are at least 21 years old and have a minimum of $10,000 with a medical insurance policy don’t have to wear a helmet while operating their bike. However, eye protection is required of every motorcycle owner, regardless of their age or insurance policy, unless the motorcycle has a windshield.

Please keep in mind that this look at Florida motorcycle insurance is intended to provide basic information. Our Strassman Insurance Group agents are ready to discuss your specific needs to write a policy that provides the right coverage at the best available value. Contact us today. We look forward to helping you enjoy the freedom of the open road even better!