Sunny, scenic California has more motorcycles on its roads than any other state. There are more than 800,000 motorcycles registered in the state of California.
The law requires every California motorcyclist to have insurance in case of a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists also have other responsibilities under California law, like remaining at the scene of an accident with injuries and reporting accidents with $750 or more in property damage within 10 days.
If you’re considering riding your motorcycle in California, you may have questions about acquiring insurance and determining its worth. Here’s what you need to know about the importance of having California motorcycle insurance.
Why Do I Need California Motorcycle Insurance?
You need California motorcycle insurance because the law requires you to maintain coverage while you ride.
- According to California law, the minimum motorcyclists should have is $15,000 in liability coverage for single-person bodily injury and $30,000 in total bodily injury liability coverage, plus $5,000 in property damage coverage.
- According to the lawyers at our law firm who have seen way too many serious motorcycle injuries go uncompensated, we recommend a minimum of $100k in liability insurance AND $100k in uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. And, more – if you can afford it!
If you’re at fault for the motorcycle crash, insurance covers the victims’ damages, including medical expenses, missed earnings, and vehicle repairs. You may need supplementary coverage to handle your personal losses. If the other driver caused the crash, you may be entitled to pursue compensation by making a claim under that person’s insurance policy or by bringing a civil case against them. However, almost every personal injury case is limited to the amount of insurance coverage the at-fault driver carries. So, if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be left high and dry when it comes to paying for your medical bills and other damages. That’s why we encourage people to get more than the California state minimum insurance coverage.
Having motorcycle insurance brings benefits like covering losses, minimizing the impact on your life, and showing you’re a responsible person who cares about others’ safety. If you’re ever in an accident, your motorcycle insurance demonstrates your commitment to riding safely with options available to deal with the fallout from a crash.
What Are the Risks of Riding a Motorcycle Uninsured?
Motorcycle insurance is not only the law but also a smart idea to help you maintain financial stability. After an accident, the expenses will start piling up and you’ll be fully responsible for them if you’re uninsured. Insurance helps you cover the costs without going deeply into debt and can potentially help you avoid a civil lawsuit.
The state of California may penalize you if you ride without insurance. Motorcyclists must keep proof of insurance on board while riding and if you’re found to be riding uninsured, the state may seize your bike, charge you fees, and assign you fines of $100 to $500 depending on whether you have a history of riding without insurance.
You can also minimize the risks of riding by practicing motorcycle safety. Below are tips for California motorcyclists who want to ride as safely as possible.
- Purchase all the basics of motorcycle safety gear before you ride for the first time.
- If you travel in congested city zones, wear urban safety gear for added protection.
- Take a safety course to add to your education and experience.
- Get a motorcycle license to ride in California, which is required by law.
- Never ride while impaired or fatigued.
- Avoid nighttime rides until you have plenty of riding experience.
- Wear a helmet, which could save your life.
Riding a Motorcycle Uninsured Can Reduce Your Settlement!
If you are in a motorcycle accident while uninsured, you will be limited in California by Proposition 213 from getting a settlement that includes anything more than your actual out of pocket expenses for medical care. You will be barred from recovering any money for your pain and suffering. This could significantly reduce your overall motorcycle accident settlement.
How Much is Motorcycle Insurance?
California motorcycle insurance costs vary depending on numerous factors like the level of coverage you choose and which discounts might apply to your policy. According to MarketWatch, the average cost of California motorcycle insurance ranges from about $110 to $700 annually.
For example, Geico motorcycle insurance is known as a budget-friendly insurance option and is advertised as being 15% less expensive. State Farm motorcycle insurance offers a range of coverage plan options for motorcyclists and also covers some types of custom and classic bikes that other companies might not cover. Your rates from insurance companies will depend on your location, the type of motorcycle, which insurance company you choose, your driving history, and other specific circumstances.
Also, if you drive a car, you can add your motorcycle to your automobile policy and it will be much more affordable than getting separate motorcycle insurance. This can also allow you to have higher uninsured motorist coverage limits to protect yourself and offer the best settlement possible.
After a Motorcycle Accident, Turn to Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers
As you can see, maintaining California motorcycle insurance is a wise idea that gives you options after an accident. If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash and need to know more about your legal options, contact Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers.
We’re a compassionate team of California motorcycle accident injury lawyers with many years of experience handling motorcycle injury cases. We’ll help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses from your motorcycle accident. Call 877-380-8852 today and request a free case evaluation.
