Are you planning to purchase and ride a motorcycle in Florida? If so, it is important to learn about Florida’s laws.
One of the first things you may wonder is if you must purchase motorcycle insurance for your motorcycle (which is required in many other states). While insurance is not required for motorcycle riders in Florida, it does not mean that you should ride without it. In fact, doing so may put you in financial trouble if you are ever involved in an accident.
Requirements to Register Your Motorcycle in Florida
As mentioned above, insurance is not required to register your motorcycle in the state of Florida. However, you must be able to provide proof of financial responsibility if you do not have insurance. The purpose of this is to ensure you can handle the cost if the police pull you over or if you cause an accident.
While it may be tempting to ride without purchasing insurance, there are a few reasons you should avoid doing this. One of the biggest is that if you are involved in an accident, and you do not have adequate insurance, you may not have the funds to pay for the required medical care.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Your Motorcycle?
A common question motorcycle riders have is if their regular auto insurance policy will cover their motorcycle. This is not possible. Insurance amounts and requirements for motorcycles are not the same as they are for other types of vehicles.
Will PIP Coverage Apply to Your Motorcycle?
While PIP (personal injury protection) is required for cars and trucks in Florida, it is not required for motorcycles. In fact, PIP is not even available for motorcycles.
Even though some insurers will offer PIP coverage for motorcycles, it is not under the Florida PIP law. Instead, it is just in your insurance contract.
The No-Fault Law and Motorcycles
Florida is known for its no-fault laws when involved in a car accident. This law is what makes PIP coverage for vehicles with four or more wheels necessary. This means that PIP coverage and no-fault coverage are essentially the same things.
This means that if you are involved in an accident caused by someone else, you must file a claim or lawsuit against that party to recover damages. In some cases, you must file a claim against your own uninsured or underinsured coverage if the at-fault party does not have adequate coverage.
If you are at fault for the accident, you may be able to seek coverage from your MedPay.
How to Provide Proof of Financial Responsibility as a Florida Motorcycle Rider
If you decide not to purchase motorcycle insurance, you must provide proof of financial responsibility. If you are ever involved in an accident while on your motorcycle, you must show proof that you meet one of these options for financial responsibility. If you cannot, you may face penalties.
Proof of Liability Insurance
If you want the best protection possible as a motorcycle rider, you should purchase motorcycle insurance. Most riders choose this option because it is the one that makes the most sense.
Purchasing liability coverage will ensure that all the damages and injuries caused to someone else are covered. It is smart to shop around to find the best rate for the coverage that you need.
Self-Insurance Certificate
You can also choose to acquire a self-insurance certificate. Being self-insured requires showing the FLHSMV that you have sufficient financial resources to cover an accident (if one occurs).
With this certificate, it shows you have funds to pay for someone else’s damages or injuries if you cause an accident. It is required that you have around $40,000 in assets and provide proof of this to receive the certificate.
To choose this option, you must contact FLHSMV to find out about the application process. If you choose this option and cause an accident, the injured party has the right to seek damages from your assets.
What Happens if You Cause an Accident without Motorcycle Insurance?
It is important to note that if you do not have proof of financial responsibility and you are pulled over or involved in an accident, you will likely face penalties. In some cases, depending on the circumstances, your motorcycle license may be revoked.
Some riders do not worry about the financial responsibility requirements because it is not necessary when they register their bike. However, this can cause trouble down the road.
If you cannot show this proof, then you may face one or several of these penalties:
- Suspension of your driving rights
- Suspension of the tag and registration for your bike
- The requirement to purchase liability insurance for your motorcycle for at least three years
- If you are at-fault for the accident, the individual may be able to seek compensation by filing a claim against your assets
Types of Motorcycle Insurance Available in Florida
It is important to purchase the motorcycle insurance amount that works with your budget. Having to go to the ER just one time can cost over $10,000. Remember, if you are in a motorcycle accident, you are at a higher risk of injuries than individuals in a car, truck, or SUV. Make sure you have MedPay and uninsured motorist coverage to cover any injuries you sustain if another person causes an accident where you are injured.
If you plan to purchase insurance to satisfy the financial responsibility law, the required minimum coverage you must have is as follows:
- $10,000 in coverage for property damage in each accident
- $10,000 in coverage for bodily injuries for one person
- $20,000 in coverage for bodily injuries for two or more individuals
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney to Help you After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’re in need of a Daytona Beach motorcycle accident lawyer, you need to make sure that you can cover the damages and injuries you sustain. If you have questions or need help with your case, contact our legal team at Zimmet & Zimmet. We will help you navigate the complicated legal process and help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
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