Do I Need Florida Motorcycle Insurance?

Bill Allen | March 3, 2022 | Motorcycle Accident

Do I Need Florida Motorcycle Insurance?

Florida insurance laws can be confusing and difficult to understand. The no-fault insurance requirement is supposed to make it easier for accident victims. However, it may only complicate matters if you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident.

Florida does not require motorcyclists to have insurance. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or no-fault insurance does not apply to motorcyclists injured in an accident. Therefore, what should motorcycle riders do about insurance coverage in Florida? 

Florida Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Florida 

Florida does not require a motorcyclist to obtain liability insurance to register a motorcycle or obtain a motorcycle endorsement for their driver’s license. However, there are a couple of exceptions that motorcyclists need to understand. 

A motorcyclist involved in a traffic accident is liable for damages if the rider caused the crash. If the rider has liability insurance coverage, the insurance company will pay the damages to the injured party. If the rider does not have liability coverage, the rider must purchase a bodily injury and property damage liability insurance policy and maintain the policy for at least three years. 

Another exception is riding without a motorcycle helmet. All motorcyclists and passengers are required to wear a motorcycle helmet. However, an adult 21 years of age or older who has at least $10,000 in medical benefits insurance coverage can choose not to wear a helmet while riding.

What Are the Penalties for Not Maintaining Motorcycle Insurance in Florida?

If a rider is required to obtain liability insurance following a motorcycle wreck, the rider could lose his license, and the motorcycle tag and registration will be suspended for failing to maintain the policy. Remember that the policy must be in effect for at least three years after the accident.  

Additionally, a motorcyclist must have proof of insurance from the insurance provider showing that they are currently covered by a medical benefits insurance policy of at least $10,000 if they ride without a helmet. Failure to have the required insurance could result in losing driving privileges, fines, and other penalties. 

Should I Purchase Optional Insurance Coverage if I Ride a Motorcycle?

Yes, it is wise to consider purchasing optional insurance coverage for your motorcycle. Motorcycle riders often sustain severe injuries in motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle accident injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Broken bones
  • Amputations
  • Massive internal bleeding
  • Damage to internal organs
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Joint injuries and fractures
  • Lacerations 

Increasing your MedPay benefits and purchasing additional health insurance can help you pay for expenses after a motorcycle accident. 

In addition, you may also want to purchase underinsured and uninsured motorist insurance. Uninsured motorist insurance generally covers accidents with a hit and run driver or uninsured driver that were not your fault. Underinsured motorist coverage generally pays an amount up to your policy limits if the driver who caused your wreck did not have sufficient insurance to cover all your damages. 

Additional insurance coverage helps relieve the stress and financial burden following a motorcycle accident. Having sufficient insurance coverage provides you with a safety net if you are injured in a crash that was not your fault.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Ocala, FL?

Call 911 immediately to report the accident. Wait for emergency responders. Do not admit fault or liability for the accident. Do not apologize, as this can be seen as admitting fault.

Talk with bystanders to get their names and contact information. Eyewitness statements can help prove that the other driver is entirely responsible for the cause of the crash. 

If you can do so safely, take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Pictures showing the vehicles’ positions, damage to the car and motorcycle, skid marks, and other details can help an accident reconstructionist and other expert witnesses recreate the crash to see how it happened and who was at fault. 

Seek Prompt Medical Care for Your Injuries 

As soon as possible, see a doctor for medical treatment. Delaying your medical treatment can be used against you by other parties and insurance companies. 

You also need to document your damages for a liability claim. Insurance companies use delays in seeking medical care to deny and undervalue claims. Failure to mitigate damages by seeking prompt medical care could reduce the value of your personal injury claim. 

You may also want to talk with an Ocala motorcycle accident lawyer about your case. Motorcycle accidents can be complicated cases because of insurance. In addition, the other driver or their insurance company may deny liability, so you may need to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for damages. 

Battling the insurance company alone can be overwhelming. You could also receive much less than your claim is worth by accepting the insurance company’s initial offer. Consulting with an attorney is the best way to maximize your compensation after a motorcycle accident.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala motorcycle accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258