Similar to how car insurance covers automobiles, motorcycle insurance policy in the USA is designed specifically for motorcycles to provide riders with viable financial protection in case of accidents, theft, or other unforeseen events. In the long run, this type of insurance offers peace of mind for riders while they enjoy their motorcycles on the road. But do you legally need insurance for a motorcycle in Florida?
Well, the Florida state law doesn’t mandate you to have motorcycle insurance. However, you have to prove financial responsibility if you cause injuries to another person or damage. In fact, the law will penalize you for not having insurance after a crash.
- Does motorcycle insurance also cover medical bills?
- Does health insurance cover motorcycle accident injuries?
- Does your motorcycle insurance policy also cover theft?
This simply means you need to have some kind of financial protection for your motorcycle to be on a safer side while riding in Florida. So, this insurance guide for Florida bikers will help you understand how to get started with motorcycle insurance, what it covers, how much it is, and affordable insurers you may want to consider.
What does it mean to insure a motorcycle?
Motorcycle insurance typically protects motorcycle, scooter, moped, ATV, or UTV owners by offering coverage against various risks associated with owning and operating a motorcycle. This policy may come into play if your motorcycle is damaged or stolen as well. Additionally, it will offer financial protection if you’re responsible for someone else’s injuries or damages while riding. Depending on the policy or insurer, motorcycle insurance may include:
- Liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage caused to others
- Collision coverage for repairs or replacement of the motorcycle due to accidents
- Comprehensive coverage for non-collision incidents like theft or vandalism
- Medical payments coverage for injuries sustained by the rider and passengers.
However, there are other additional options such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, roadside assistance, and coverage for accessories, depending on your motorcycle insurance policy and insurer in Florida.
Florida motorcycle insurance requirements
In Florida, motorcycle insurance requirements differ slightly from those for automobiles. For instance, Florida motorcycle insurance laws require bikers and riders to carry a minimum of $10,000 coverage to pay for injuries sustained in a crash. Actually, this coverage can come from a dedicated policy or from your regular health insurance, it doesn’t matter.
But to be realistic, after a collision, depending on the severity of the damages or injuries sustained, you might actually need more than just a $10,000 policy to cover you against liability in crashes. To make it even worse, accident and insurance laws in Florida will provide a lower standard of protection to bikers than to drivers. In the end, it comes back to having a suitable insurance cover for your bike that will protect you adequately in such events.
How much is motorcycle insurance in Florida?
The cost of motorcycle insurance in Florida varies depending on the type of motorcycle, rider’s age and experience, location, driving record, and chosen coverage limits and deductibles. However, the average cost of motorcycle insurance in Florida is $54 per month for a full coverage policy. Below are some of some of the bike insurance policies offered by popular companies in Florida:
Cheap motorcycle insurance Companies in Florida
Finding the best yet cheapest bike insurance in Florida greatly depends on your city, driving history, and the specific motorcycle you want to be insured. However, below we have put together 5 insurance companies known for offering competitive rates in Florida:
GEICO: Often provides competitive rates for motorcycle insurance and offers a variety of coverage options. They are known for their online tools that make it easy to get quotes and manage policies.
Progressive: Another popular choice for motorcycle insurance in Florida. They offer a range of coverage options and discounts, including savings for bundling multiple policies.
State Farm: Known for its personalized service and competitive rates. They offer various discounts, such as multi-policy discounts and discounts for completing motorcycle safety courses.
Allstate: Offers motorcycle insurance with customizable coverage options. They also provide a range of discounts, including safe rider discounts and discounts for motorcycle safety courses.
Nationwide: Nationwide offers motorcycle insurance with flexible coverage options tailored to meet your needs, including discounts for bundling policies and for having a clean driving record.
The bottom line
It is true that riders aren’t required to carry insurance to register or even to ride a motorcycle in Florida. However, there are penalties in case you cause injuries or damages while riding and you don’t have the minimum insurance requirements. Generally, when it comes to motorcycle insurance, the Florida motorcycle laws can be slightly confusing.
But to be on a safer side, you must have some kind of insurance policy for your motorcycle in Florida to help you cover for expenses in case of any collision. So we recommend you to get a suitable insurance policy for your bike for a safe stay in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
However much the law doesn’t mandate you to have an insurance policy for your motorcycle in Florida, as a rider, you need some kind of financial protection to help you cover against various risks associated with owning and operating a motorcycle including if your motorcycle is damaged or stolen, and in case of a crash.
Annually, you may need at most $600 ($28 to $151 a month) to insure your bike in Florida. However, this will greatly vary depending on your policy details, insurer, type of motorcycle, rider’s age and experience, location, driving record, etc.
No, Florida doesn’t mandate motorcycle insurance per state law, but you have to prove financial responsibility if you cause injuries to another person or damage. This requires you to carry at least a $10,000 policy that will cover you against liability in case of any crash. Precisely, you need a bike insurance in Florida by all means.
Geico is one of the top insurers in the USA that offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance. Their average annual bike insurance rates will cost up to $428 depending on the rider’s age, years of riding experience and type of motorcycle. Other companies with the cheapest bike insurance policies in the USA include:
– Progressive
– State Farm
– Allstate
– Nationwide
No, you cannot legally drive a motorcycle without a license in Florida. As long as your engine size is more than 50 cc, you are required to have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver license. Hence, operating a motorcycle on public roads requires a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle-only license issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
Yes, AAA offers coverage for motorcycles in Florida. AAA’s motorcycle coverage typically includes roadside assistance services such as towing, battery service, tire service, fuel delivery, and more. However, the specifics of the coverage can vary depending on the membership plan you choose.
Yes, motorcycles need to be registered in Florida. The process is similar to that of registering a car and includes providing proof of ownership and paying the necessary fees. New residents must register their motorcycle within 30 days of establishing residency. Additionally, motorcycles must have a valid Florida license plate and registration sticker.
Unlike four-wheeled vehicles, motorcyclists do not need to show proof of insurance to register their bikes. However, in case you crash, you will be required to provide proof of financial responsibility if you cause injuries to another person or damage
