Is Motorcycle Insurance Required In Florida?

It’s important to stay protected on the road.

Is motorcycle insurance required in Florida?

Florida’s climate and geography—not to mention events like Biketoberfest—make it one of the best states to own a motorcycle. In fact, the Sunshine State is home to more than 600,000 motorcycles.

Although many bikers love the feeling of freedom that comes with owning a motorcycle, there are several rules you’ll need to follow.

Is Motorcycle Insurance Required In Florida?

Florida is currently the only U.S. state that does not require motorcycle insurance. However, Florida motorcycle riders are required to provide proof that they will be financially responsible in the event of an accident.

There are two different ways to do this.

1. Liability Insurance

The most straightforward way to prove your financial responsibility is by purchasing liability insurance.

In order to satisfy this requirement, you must have a minimum of 10/20 bodily injury liability coverage. This means that if you cause injury to a single person, they could collect up to $10,000, while $20,000 is the maximum available if you injure more than one person.

You must also have a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability to cover damage caused to someone’s personal property.

2. Financial Responsibility Certificate

The second way to prove financial responsibility is by obtaining a financial responsibility certificate through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

To qualify for this certificate (also known as “self insurance,”) motorcycle owners must prove and maintain a net worth of at least $40,000. In the past, Florida law allowed motorcycle owners to purchase a surety bond to obtain the certificate, but this law was overturned in 2013.

Failure to maintain these standards will result in having your certificate (and possibly your driving privileges) revoked.

Does the No Fault System Apply to Motorcycles?

Florida’s No Fault law requires that drivers carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage and at least $10,000 in Property Damage Liability. However, this law only applies to motor vehicles with four (4) or more wheels. So, most riders do not have PIP insurance.

Stay Protected On the Road

Unfortunately, many (even those in the legal industry) see motorcyclists as irresponsible risk takers. By purchasing sufficient motorcycle insurance, you’ll not only avoid paying out of pocket for damage you may cause, but you’ll also be showing that you did everything in your power to take responsibility.

This is also why it’s important to follow Florida’s motorcycle laws and wear safety equipment. Florida’s comparative negligence statute allows injured parties to be compensated based on the amount that they are at fault. Failure to ride safely may place you at risk of being more at fault.

Another useful addition to your motorcycle insurance policy is uninsured motorist coverage.

An estimated 20% of Florida drivers do not have the required auto insurance coverage. Typically, drivers who lack proper coverage don’t have extra stacks of cash lying around to cover your medical bills after an accident. Because injuries in a motorcycle crash tend to be more extensive, medical bills are often significant. And without PIP insurance, you are left with more in medical bills than the other party may have in coverage.

In a situation like this, uninsured motorist coverage can be a lifesaver. You may need to tie your uninsured motorist coverage to your auto insurance. You should speak to an insurance agent on how to accomplish this additional insurance coverage.

Motorcycle Accidents Require Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Compared to car accidents, motorcycle accidents typically involve more severe injuries and more limited coverage, making it absolutely crucial that you work with an experienced Orlando motorcycle accident attorney who can help maximize your settlement amount and fight to overcome any bias against you. They can also deal with the insurance company on your behalf, allowing you the time and space to focus on your recovery.

Motorcycle accident cases are not a job for any personal injury lawyer. Debunking the many myths that people have against motorcyclists is a job that should only be entrusted to a professional attorney with experience dealing with such cases.

Stay Safe On the Road

Even though the law doesn’t require it, motorcycle insurance is the best way to protect yourself against the risks you will encounter on the road. However, it’s not the only way.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention right away and talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney like Beers & Gordon as soon as possible.

Our attorneys not only have plenty of experience handling motorcycle accident cases like yours, we have experience working for insurance companies. Every day, we use this knowledge to the benefit of our clients so they can receive the compensation they deserve.

Call today for a free consultation.