Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists in the Sunshine State

Because the state of Florida is home to sunny weather and picturesque roads, open air travel, like motorcycling, is popular. Cruising down the highways of Palm Beach County on two wheels and taking in the coastal beauty of Florida beaches is a unique experience. While motorcycle riding can be a thrill, it also comes with the rights and responsibilities. Operators must adhere to traffic laws and follow state insurance requirements.

A Delray Beach personal injury attorney can help you understand the insurance requirements for motorcyclists in Florida and discuss how to secure financial protections with you if you’ve been involved in an accident.

Mandatory Insurance for Motorcyclists

In Florida, motorcyclists have specific insurance requirements. These rules are designed to protect motorcycle operators, their passengers, and others on the road.

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP). As is true for car and truck drivers, Florida law mandates that all motorcyclists carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage, a form of no-fault coverage that gives accident victims quick access to recovery for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault.
• Property Damage Liability (PDL). Motorcyclists are also required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PDL coverage, which is insurance created to cover the cost of damage to someone else’s property in an accident, such as another vehicle or public property.

Florida has a no-fault insurance system, meaning that individuals are expected to seek compensation from their own insurance company, regardless of who is at fault, before launching an injury dispute. There are benefits to this system, including an efficient path to access to benefits without the need for lengthy legal battles. Of course, along with the pros there are cons, including that a no-fault insurance system limits an injured party’s ability to sue an at-fault driver, but they can do so when specific criteria are met.

Other Types of Optional Coverage

While PIP and PDL are mandatory, motorcyclists often choose to purchase additional coverage to provide themselves with additional protection.

• Bodily Injury Liability (BIL). BIL coverage compensates others for injuries when the motorcyclist is at fault.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM). To protect motorcyclists if they are involved in an accident with a driver who has insufficient or no insurance, UM/UIM coverage is offered.
• Collision coverage. To pay for repairs or replacement of a motorcycle if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of fault, collision coverage is an option.
• Comprehensive coverage. An insurance option that protects against non-collision-related damage, such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
• Medical Payments (MedPay). When there are medical expenses not included in PIP insurance, MedPay coverage can provide financial relief.

After a Florida motorcycle accident or to have your insurance questions answered, consult with an experienced Delray Beach personal injury attorney.

Were you recently reviewing your motorcycle insurance options and aren’t sure which to choose? Adhering to Florida insurance requirements and considering optional coverage is a way to safeguard your well-being on two wheels. Have a conversation with the lawyers at Earnhart Law in Delray Beach to learn more, call 561-265-2220 or contact us online.