Do I Need Motorcycle Insurance in California?

Do I Need Motorcycle Insurance in California?

If you ride a motorcycle in California, buying motorcycle insurance is not only the smart thing to do: it’s the law. The state of California requires all registered motorcycles to have liability coverage. This ensures that motorcyclists can pay for bodily injuries and property damages if they cause a serious accident.

Motorcyclists should note, however, that state-required liability insurance won’t cover their own injuries and property damages. Therefore, bikers may want to purchase additional insurance to fully protect themselves and their passengers. 

Types of Insurance Every Motorcyclist Should Have

Riding a motorcycle is exhilarating, but it’s also dangerous. Since bikers risk suffering catastrophic and costly injuries in the event of a crash, the general recommendation is to buy as much insurance as the motorcyclist can reasonably afford.

Here are the primary categories of insurance bikers should have in this regard:

Bodily injury and property damage liability:

This is the California state-required insurance that every motorcyclist must have. It pays for the costs associated with property damages and injuries to other parties when the covered motorcyclist is at fault. 

Guest passenger liability:

Not all liability insurance packages cover passenger injuries. Therefore, motorcyclists should always check their policies to ensure that guest passenger injuries are covered. If not, they should buy additional coverage.

Comprehensive and collision coverage:

This insurance pays for repairs and replacements of the motorcyclist’s bike. Although it’s not required by law, a lender could require a biker to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage. This insurance will also pay for damage to a bike that happens when the motorcyclist is at fault. 

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage:

All drivers are legally required to maintain insurance coverage. Nevertheless, there are many uninsured motorists on the road. If an uninsured or underinsured driver causes a crash, and he or she doesn’t have much in the way of personal assets, the injured parties may never receive the financial compensation they deserve. However, the motorcyclist who has uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will receive compensation to cover damages directly from his or her insurance company. 

Medical insurance:

Buying medical insurance is another way for motorcyclists to stay protected in the event of an accident. This insurance will be available to help pay for injuries to the motorcyclist him or herself. It may also pay for deductibles on the motorcyclist’s personal health insurance. 

Penalties Associated with Not Having Motorcycle Insurance

The severest penalties associated with not having motorcycle insurance relate to the financial costs of an uncovered accident. These costs will be exorbitant and unaffordable for most bikers. For example, treatment costs for a traumatic brain injury can easily exceed $50,000. 

Aside from the financial and liability risks associated with not having motorcycle insurance, California bikers will also be at risk of the following fines, penalties and punishments:

Vehicle registration suspension: A biker’s vehicle registrations could be suspended if:

  1. The biker doesn’t purchase new liability insurance within 45 days of the insurance being canceled;
  2. The insurance agent doesn’t provide evidence of liability insurance to the state within a 30-day period of the state issuing a registration card (for motorcycles that were never registered in California); or 
  3. A motorcyclist submitted false insurance evidence to the state. 

Traffic tickets for not having insurance:

Failure to provide proof of insurance to a police officer during a traffic stop could result in the officer issuing the motorcyclist a traffic ticket. 

Impoundment and fines:

Failure to provide proof of liability insurance during a traffic stop could result in the motorcycle being impounded. Motorcyclists could also be forced to pay various fines for not having liability insurance. 

Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Disputes

After an injurious motorcycle accident, regardless of who was at fault, the motorcyclist may need to negotiate with insurance companies. However, insurance companies will not always offer a fair deal, and sometimes they will refuse to pay the full amount of benefits to which the motorcyclist is entitled.

If you’re having trouble dealing with an insurance company after a motorcycle collision, Bates Law will help you protect your legal and financial rights. Give us a call today at (619) 222-0900.