Motorcycles can frequently be seen on the roads in Florida as the weather conditions make the state an ideal location for riders. However, unlike the majority of states, Florida does not require motorcyclists to carry insurance coverage. Because there is no legal requirement for riders to be insured, those injured in crashes often don’t have a clear path to compensation.
In the event of a crash involving an uninsured biker, legal action will likely need to be taken for any injured parties to recover compensation for their losses. An experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue fair compensation after a crash.
Breaking Down Florida’s Requirements Regarding Motorcycle Accident Insurance
Florida is one of only a handful of states that does not legally require riders to obtain insurance coverage for their motorcycles. This law surprises many new riders, but it comes with several important caveats and responsibilities that you should understand.
No-Fault Insurance Laws Don’t Apply to Motorcycles
Florida is a no-fault insurance state for automobiles, meaning that drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to cover their own injuries in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. However, motorcycles are exempt from the no-fault insurance laws.
This exemption means that even though motorcyclists aren’t required to carry PIP insurance, they also don’t receive its benefits. If you’re injured in a crash, even if you’re not at fault, you’re on your own regarding your medical treatment unless you have health insurance or optional motorcycle medical coverage.
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While Motorcycle Insurance Is Not Required in Florida, It Is Recommended
Although Florida may not require motorcycle riders to carry insurance coverage, it is still recommended that you do, as your options for recovering compensation without insurance may be limited. Furthermore, you may find yourself solely responsible for covering the cost of any damages if you are liable for the crash.
Motorcyclists who are unable to cover damages caused by an accident where they were at fault may end up having their driver’s license and motorcycle registration suspended.
Recommended coverage types for motorcycle riders include Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) and Property Damage Liability (PDL). BIL covers losses that include:
- Medical expenses
- Legal fees
- Pain and suffering (if you’re sued)
Meanwhile, PDL can cover:
- Vehicle damage
- Damage to buildings, fences, or other structures
- Limited legal expenses
Motorcyclists can avoid suspension of their license and motorcycle registration if they carry the minimum coverage of:
- $10,000 for one person’s bodily injury
- $20,000 for two or more persons’ bodily injury
- $10,000 for property damage
Another option is to carry $30,000 combined single limit (CSL) insurance coverage.
Other Types of Recommended Insurance Coverage for Motorcyclists
There are a variety of other types of insurance that riders can get to help protect themselves in the event of a crash. Some of the commonly available types of coverage include:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, carrying UM/UIM coverage can be critical to help cover your medical bills and other expenses resulting from an accident.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage applies to any damages to your motorcycle following an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
Comprehensive Coverage
This insurance provides coverage for any damage not related to a collision. Incidents that can trigger this coverage include:
- Theft
- Fire
- Vandalism
- Natural disasters
Medical Payments Coverage
This insurance coverage helps pay for your medical bills after an accident. Remember, motorcycles are excluded from Florida’s no-fault PIP coverage, so MedPay is often the only way to get these costs covered without relying on your health insurance.
Helmet Law and Insurance Requirements in Florida
Florida has a partial helmet law. Under this law, riders over the age of 21 can ride without a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage.
This coverage does not necessarily mean health insurance. Instead, it refers specifically to motorcycle medical benefits. Many riders purchase Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage or have a health plan that satisfies this requirement.
If you choose to ride without a helmet, proof of medical coverage is mandatory. If you’re under 21, helmets are required by law, regardless of your insurance policy.
Is Motorcycle Insurance Necessary in Florida?
While there is no legal requirement for riders in Florida to carry motorcycle insurance, doing so is the best way to protect yourself in the event of an accident. Without insurance coverage, you can face significant financial challenges.
Not only will it likely be difficult to cover your own costs after an accident, but you may also find yourself facing legal action from other parties that suffered damages in the crash. By carrying sufficient insurance coverage, you can protect yourself from these costs and move on with your life after a collision.
Contact an Experienced Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you are involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle, hiring a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer can be critical. This is especially true if you do not carry motorcycle insurance. At The Schiller Kessler Group, we have over three decades of experience and will work diligently to get you the money you deserve.
Contact us by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team today.
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