One common area of confusion for motorcyclists is what insurance they must have, with many bike owners wrongly believing that their car insurance covers them. Actually, that isn’t the case. Instead, motorcycle insurance is quite different from car insurance, and you want to make sure you have the right insurance policy.
Motorcycle Insurance versus Car Insurance
In Florida, car owners must purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This is no-fault insurance that will pay out compensation regardless of who is at fault for the crash. PIP benefits cover the cost of medical care and lost wages up to the policy limit. Currently, each driver must carry a minimum of $10,000 in benefits.
Motorcycle insurance is different. It is liability insurance, which only pays out benefits to someone you negligently injure. For example, if you run a red light and slam into a car, your liability insurance will kick in to cover your victims’ injuries. It will not cover your own.
Florida’s PIP insurance laws also does not allow a motorist to bring a lawsuit unless they have suffered a permanent injury. The law is different for motorcyclists, who are always free to sue.
Minimum Florida Motorcycle Insurance
Florida does not require that someone who registers a motorcycle have insurance. However, if you get into a crash and injure someone, then you are financially responsible for their injuries. Also, if you lack insurance, you will need to buy insurance for three straight years to avoid a license suspension.
By far, more people will probably buy an insurance policy, which should have the following coverage:
- $10,000 for bodily injury liability per person, up to a maximum of $20,000 per crash
- $10,000 for property damage liability per crash
- $10,000 in medical insurance if you do not want to wear a helmet
Motorists should also consider buying uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This will kick in if you were injured by someone who did not have any insurance and it pays for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Even better, Florida law allows you to “stack” all the UM policies you have, so you can make even more compensation available after an accident.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Miami
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, we can help. Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein is a leading Miami personal injury law firm that has helped countless motorists obtain compensation after a collision. We are experienced advocates who know our way around a negotiation table as well as a courtroom.
To speak with one of our lawyers, please call 305-371-2692.