Do I Need Florida Motorcycle Insurance?

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers | Motorcycle accident

Do I Need Florida Motorcycle Insurance?

The state of Florida has distinct laws regarding auto insurance requirements for motorcycles. Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state for auto insurance. Florida drivers are required to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance of at least $2,500.

However, this PIP insurance requirement does not cover injuries that motorcyclists sustain, even if the rider has personal injury protection (PIP) insurance on another vehicle.

In short, motorcyclists face an increased chance of financial difficulty after a collision in Florida. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, it is vital to contact a skilled personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Registration of Motorcycles in Florida

Motorcyclists do not need to have insurance to register their bikes. Florida’s motorcycle insurance requirements are primarily intended to address the rider’s liability. If a motorcyclist is responsible for a collision, they can be financially responsible for the resulting damages. 

Typically, Florida motorcycle riders choose one of three options to address collision liability:

  • Purchasing motorcycle liability insurance
  • Obtain a Financial Responsibility Certificate through the FLHSMV
  • Get a Self-Insurance Certificate through the Bureau of Financial Responsibility

Purchasing liability insurance through a licensed provider is the most common way to cover liability for motorcyclists.

Minimum Liability Coverage Requirements

According to Florida state law, drivers of passenger vehicles are required to carry liability insurance. This coverage helps compensate drivers, passengers, or pedestrians in the event of a collision.

The minimum liability coverage requirements are:

  • At least $10,000 coverage per person for bodily injury
  • At least $20,000 coverage for multiple people for bodily injury
  • At least $10,000 coverage per collision for property damage

These passenger vehicle requirements can serve as a reasonable guideline for liability coverage that motorcycle riders should obtain.

Does No-Fault Coverage Apply to Motorcyclists?

The state of Florida operates on a “no-fault” rule for auto collisions. That is why most Florida drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage.

PIP insurance is intended to ensure that all the medical bills resulting from traffic accident injuries will be covered. This is true no matter who is at fault for the crash. 

It is important to note that Florida’s no-fault laws do not apply to motorcycle riders. When a motorcyclist is injured in a crash, they must pursue compensation from the liable driver’s insurance company. 

Injured motorcyclists can seek financial compensation for the following damages:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress­
  • Lost income and wages from missed work
  • Property damage, including motorcycle damage
  • Medical bills and expenses

If you have been injured in a Florida motorcycle collision, it is critical to consult with an accomplished personal injury attorney. This is especially true if your crash was the result of another driver’s negligence.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Motorcyclists should also consider the benefits of uninsured motorist coverage (UMC). This type of insurance policy covers the costs that arise when the driver who caused the crash is uninsured or underinsured.

According to some recent data, more than one in ten drivers in the U.S. do not have auto insurance. In fact, Florida is the state with the highest per capita rate of uninsured drivers. 

Penalties for Uninsured Motorcyclists

While you can register a motorcycle without insurance in Florida, uninsured bikers who are liable for a crash may face penalties. If you cause a collision, you can be held personally responsible for the victim’s losses.

Causing an accident without liability coverage can result in the following consequences:

  • Suspension of driving privileges
  • Suspension of tags and registration
  • Civil judgments

If you cause a crash, you can face serious consequences if you do not have sufficient liability coverage.

Contact the Pinellas County Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help

For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg motorcycle accident law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We serve Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 796-8282

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 349-1728