Do I Need Florida Motorcycle Insurance?

Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in Florida?

Florida motorcycle laws are unique compared with most other states. In most states motorcycle insurance laws are comparable to other motor vehicle laws but in Florida they are not. Drivers of motor vehicles in Florida, with four or more wheels, are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) as part of the Florida no fault insurance blanket. This will guarantee the payment of medical bills up to $2500 as long as the claim is filed within 14 days. If the medical bills resulted from an emergency, as certified by a medical professional, the PIP will pay the full threshold of $10,000. This PIP is not available to the motorcycle owner even if the owner already carries PIP for another vehicle. Given the fact that injuries in a motorcycle crash are likely to be more severe, the motorcycle rider is at greater risk of financial disaster following a serious crash.

MOTORCYCLE REGISTRATION FLORIDA

Florida motorcycle insurance requirements are based upon the financial responsibility of the owner against liability. The motorcycle owner is not required to carry insurance to register a motorcycle. However, the driver is held financially responsible if charged in a motorcycle crash. A motorcycle owner has three financial responsibility options to choose from.

• Purchase liability insurance for a licensed Florida insurance carrier. This would be the most common way of gaining coverage.
• Secure a Financial Responsibility Certificate. This requires posting a surety bond with a state licensed company and depositing cash or securities with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV)
• Obtain a Self-Insurance Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility after providing evidence of a net encumbered capital.

MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE FLORIDA

In Florida, when would you be required to have bodily injury liability insurance?

The states minimum liability coverage requirements for other passenger vehicles are guidelines that can be used to determine the amount of coverage needed.

• $10,000 for one person bodily injury
• $20,000 for two or more people bodily injury
• $10,000 per crash in property damage liability.

WHAT IS NO-FAULT COVERAGE?

Florida is a “no fault” state requiring personal injury protection coverage for your personal vehicle of four wheels or more. No-fault coverage ensures that all medical bills will be paid regardless of who was at fault in an accident. No-fault laws do not apply to motorcycles. This means that any motorcycle driver must pursue compensation from the other drivers insurance for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and damage to the motorcycle. They are not required to meet any threshold or prove the severity of injuries as are drivers of other personal vehicles.  It is potentially beneficial for a motorcycle owner to obtain uninsured motorist coverage (UMC) in the case of a collision with a driver who does not carry liability insurance. The number of uninsured motorists in Florida is the second highest in the nation at 24%. That is just below 1 in 4 drivers on Florida roads without liability insurance.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR NOT HAVING MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE IN FLORIDA?

Although motorcycle insurance is not required to register a bike in Florida, there are penalties if you are involved in an accident and do not have insurance. If you were charged with an accident, you are financially responsible for the bodily injuries and property damage. If no liability coverage was in effect at the time of the accident you could face serious ramifications including:

• Having your driving privileges suspended
• Having your registration and tag suspended
• Being required to purchase bodily injury/property damage liability coverage for three years
• Having civil judgments against you

In other words, motorcycle coverage is not mandatory until after you have caused an accident.

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Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Requirements in Florida

Florida has some of the most unique car insurance laws among the states. However, while most states' motorcycle insurance laws mirror their car insurance laws, Florida is an exception.

Read more to learn about Florida's motorcycle insurance requirements.

WAYS TO ESTABLISH FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

If you own a motorcycle or moped and want―or need―to establish financial responsibility for it, you might be able to choose one of the following methods:

• • Purchase liability coverage from an insurance carrier licensed to do business in Florida. This is the most common way to establish financial responsibility for any vehicle.
  • Obtain a Financial Responsibility Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility after you:
    • Post a surety bond with a state-licensed company.
    • Deposit cash or securities with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
  • Obtain a Self-Insurance Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility after you provide evidence of possessing a net encumbered capital.

NOTE: If you are interested in establishing financial responsibility for your motorcycle in any way other than purchasing liability coverage, you should contact the DHSMV to find out if it's an option for you and the required steps.

TWO-WHEELED VEHICLES DEFINED

If you're unsure about the registration and insurance requirements for your two-wheeled vehicle, please call the DHSMV at (850) 617-2000 for clarification.

• • Motorcycle―Motorcycles are generally the easiest of the two-wheeled vehicles to spot. Know that if your vehicle has an engine displacement of more than 50 cc, Florida considers it a motorcycle and you must register it.
  • Mopeds―Your vehicle is a moped if it has:
    • 3 wheels or fewer
    • A seat
    • Pedals that allow you to propel the vehicle
    • A motor of two-brake horsepower or less
    • The ability to go no faster than 30 MPH
    • An automatic power-drive system
    • A displacement of 50 cc or less (if it has an internal combustion engine)
  • Scooters―Your vehicle is a scooter if it has:
    • No seat or saddle
    • 3 wheels or less
    • The ability to go no faster than 30 MPH

FLORIDA MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The DHSMV recommends contacting a licensed insurance agent for specific details about purchasing insurance for your motorcycle.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW

You might want to use the state's minimum liability coverage requirements for private passenger vehicles as outlined in the Financial Responsibility Law as guidelines:

• • $10,000 for 1 person in bodily injury liability
  • $20,000 for 2 or more people in bodily injury liability
  • $10,000 per crash in property damage liability

To make sure you're as protected as possible. As you get a motorcycle insurance quote, you might want to browse other types of coverage as well.

A NOTE ON FLORIDA'S NO-FAULT LAW

Florida is considered a "no-fault" state, meaning you are required to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for your car. These no-fault laws do not apply to motorcyclists.

HOW COVERAGE AFFECTS HELMET REQUIREMENTS

Motorcyclists who are at least 21 years old and have a minimum of $10,000 with a medical insurance policy don't have to wear helmets while operating their bikes.

However, every motorcyclist, regardless of age or insurance, must wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield.

PROOF OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

After your motorcycle insurance company sends the DHSMV the details of your insurance policy, the DHSMV will keep those details in its computer system. Still, you should keep proof of your insurance or other form of financial responsibility with you.

Depending on how you insure or establish financial responsibility for your motorcycle, you can show proof with your:

• • Insurance ID card from your insurance carrier.
  • Financial Responsibility Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility.
  • Self-Insurance Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility.

PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Generally, owners who can show no proof of motorcycle insurance face suspended driving privileges, registrations, and license plates, as well as reinstatement fees.

However, the DHSMV recommends calling the customer service line at (850) 617-2000 or your local Motor Vehicle Services office for details about what will happen if you fail to maintain financial responsibility.

Handling Dangerous Motorcycle Situations

TIPS FOR DANGEROUS MOTORCYCLING SITUATIONS

PASSING AND BEING PASSED

As you prepare to pass other vehicles, leave lots of space and give them ample time to see your turn signal. Double- and triple-check the passing lane to make sure it's clear. Once you're in the passing lane, move through the other driver's blind spots as quickly as you can (since you'll be difficult to spot) while staying under the speed limit.

When being passed by others, stay in the center of your lane to help avoid their blind spots. Also be on the lookout for motorcycle-specific hazards:

• Large mirrors that could graze you
• Debris tossed out of windows (rude, but it happens)
• Wind gusts caused by passing cars

DRIVING THROUGH INTERSECTIONS

Approach intersections with your headlight on (no matter the time of day) and in the most visible lane position (usually near the middle of the road). As you proceed through the intersection, be ready to brake suddenly if needed.

DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC

This might be the most tedious situation for motorcyclists. Unlike when you're in a car, driving next to other vehicles at rush hour can lead to trouble when atop your bike, which can stay completely hidden in a driver's blind spot.

It helps to ride in front of or behind other cars instead of going side-by-side. And when it comes to one of the most tempting time-savers, lane-splitting, it's only legal in California and if you choose to do it, only do so at low speeds and when it's absolutely safe. If you live elsewhere, lane-splitting is not allowed.

RIDING AT NIGHT

Most tips for riding your motorcycle at night are just like those for driving a car — use your high beams, slow down, and increase your distance from others. But there is one trick that can specifically aid motorcyclists: pay close attention to the lights of the car in front of you. For instance, if you see its taillights bobbing, you might want to slow down and look for loose gravel or potholes.

TAKING CURVES

When negotiating a tight bend, you want to be in the position that best lets you see oncoming traffic. This might mean starting wide, going into the curve on the inside, and then moving wide again as you exit. It could also mean riding near the center of your lane the whole way.

RIDING WITH PASSENGERS

Anyone who hops on your bike with you should be donning the same safety gear. You should also instruct motorcycle passengers to sit forward, hold you firmly at your waist, use the footrests, lean into curves with you, and avoid unnecessary conversation (not that you could hear them anyway).

With a passenger, you should drive slower and be even more cautious. The added weight of another person behind you will make the bike respond slower too.

RIDING IN BAD WEATHER

Take it slow, avoid quick moves, and use the brakes gently (just as you would in a car). One other trick you might be able to pull off, given the conditions, is riding in a tire track left by another car (finally, a benefit to your bike's small stature).

RIDING IN A GROUP

For many, motorcycle group riding is one of the chief draws to having a bike. But it's also a unique (and uniquely risky) situation.

BUMPS AND UNEVEN SURFACES

As you approach railroad tracks, sewer grates, speed bumps, or debris in the road, slow down, keep the bike straight, lift yourself slightly off the seat, and throttle up slightly to lighten the front end and help disperse the force of these obstacles evenly.

PARKING

Parking a motorcycle presents its own special challenges — mostly because maintaining balance while turning at low speeds is surprisingly difficult. Make sure to practice the counterweight technique, which involves leaning away from the turn and putting stress on the outside footrest.

EMERGENCY MANEUVERS

Caution in tricky situations is the best way to avoid trouble. But sometimes, no matter how careful you are, you might be headed for an accident. That's where emergency motorcycle maneuvers come in.

• Quick braking: Apply both the front and rear brake. Brake firmly and progressively harder without grabbing or clamping down. If the front wheel locks, release the front brake and try again; if the rear wheel locks, it's usually OK. You can keep the rear brake on and still keep the bike from tipping.
• Swerving: Put a small amount of pressure on the handgrip on the side you want to move toward. As your bike leans, keep your body upright and feet firmly planted on the footrests. Once you clear the danger, put pressure on the other handgrip to stabilize.
• Reducing wobbling: If your bike starts to shake (a sign it's bearing too much weight, has an accessory problem, or has incorrectly inflated tires), don't brake or speed up — these will only worsen the shaking. Instead, close the throttle to slow down gradually, grip the handlebars firmly, and move your weight as far forward and down as you can. Pull over ASAP to fix the problem.

BE PREPARED WITH MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE

Hopefully these tips will help keep you out of a sticky situation or 2. But the roads are always unpredictable — especially for motorcyclists. In case you ever do run into trouble, motorcycle insurance  can help get you and your ride back to road-warrior status in no time.

Florida Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle insurance law in Florida can be confusing. Many people have the mistaken belief that motorcyclists do not need insurance because car insurance law is not the same as motorcycle insurance law. Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law does, however, apply to motorcycles and there are consequences for not carrying motorcycle insurance. This article is a basic overview of motorcycle insurance law in Florida.

Car Insurance vs. Motorcycle Insurance

In many states, car insurance laws and motorcycle insurance laws are the same, but in Florida there are big differences between the two types of laws. Most importantly, Florida car drivers must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for an accident. PIP insurance laws do not apply to motorcycles. Some insurance companies may offer PIP insurance for motorcycles that is similar to PIP insurance for cars, but that insurance is not regulated by Florida law because PIP is not required for motorcycles. Also, after a motorcycle accident, a person does not need to show a permanent injury to recover money for pain and suffering, unlike an injury resulting from a car accident.

Get Motorcycle Insurance

Generally, there are two ways to obtain motorcycle insurance in Florida:

1. Buy coverage from an insurance carrier licensed to do business in Florida (this is the most common way to get insurance);
2. Get a Self-Insurance Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility based on net worth.

A licensed insurance agent can provide information about insurance options available, but the minimum requirements for motorcycle insurance in Florida are as follows:

• $10,000 for one person for bodily injury liability;
• $20,000 for two or more people for bodily injury liability; and
• $10,000 per crash for property damage liability.

Motorcyclists may consider purchasing uninsured motorist coverage (UM) in addition to other forms of insurance. UM may help with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you are injured in a crash and the other driver does not have bodily injury insurance or the bodily injury insurance is not enough to cover your expenses. In Florida, UM benefits automatically “stack,” meaning you can combine the UM coverage you have on other vehicles. Insurance companies may place limits on this, however, so you may consider discussing the stacking policy with your insurance agent.

Proof of Financial Responsibility

After getting motorcycle insurance, the insurance company will send the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) details of the insurance policy, which are kept in the DHSMV computer system. Even though DHSMV will have this insurance information in its database, every motorcyclist should keep proof of financial responsibility on them. Proof depends on the type of insurance or financial responsibility you have, but may include the following:

• An insurance card from an insurance carrier; or
• A Self-Insurance Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility.

Penalties for Not Having Insurance

Motorcycle owners who cannot provide proof of insurance may have to deal with penalties, such as suspension of driver’s licenses, motorcycle registration, and motorcycle license plates, as well as fees to regain driving privileges.

Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance?

The majority of states in the U.S. require riders to have a motorcycle insurance policy. Two states – Florida, Washington – do not require it, although there are some exceptions in Florida. If you live in a state that does not require motorcycle insurance, you should still purchase a policy. Motorcycle insurance protects owners from incurring major costs that could be financially devastating.

MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS BY STATE

Almost all states in the U.S. require owners to have motorcycle insurance and they must show proof of insurance to register their motorcycle. You have to register your motorcycle to get a license plate, otherwise you will be driving illegally, and that cost might be significant. Depending on the state a rider lives in and their policy, the cost of their premiums might be well above or below the average in the U.S.

Out of 50 states, motorcycle insurance is required in 47 of them but not every state requires the same amount of coverage. Each has its own minimum requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability -- the amount a policyholder's motorcycle insurance company will cover. In most states, motorcyclists have at least $25,000 in bodily injury protection per person and $50,000 per accident, as well as $10,000 in property damage coverage. The three limits are commonly displayed with slashes: (25/50/10).

For example, the minimum coverage required in the state of New York is 25/50/10 but the limits in Texas every policy must have are 30/60/25 ($30,000 for the bodily injury or death of a person in one accident; $60,000 in an accident with two or more people; and $25,000 of personal property coverage).

WHERE TO PURCHASE MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE

Most auto insurance companies also offer motorcycle insurance policies. However, choosing which company to purchase motorcycle insurance coverage from can be a difficult choice, given the myriad available options. The best motorcycle insurance company for you will be the one that offers features and coverages that align with what you need as a motorcycle rider. Below, we highlight a few notable motorcycle insurance companies that perform particularly well in specific areas as well as one that is a great all-around choice for any motorcycle rider.

BEST OVERALL MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE COMPANY: PROGRESSIVE

Whether you're looking for minimum coverage or a policy with a ton of coverage add-ons, Progressive offers great motorcycle insurance policies for both. On top of this, Progressive insures most types of motorcycles, meaning you won't have to search around for coverage if you have a unique motorcycle. Lastly, Progressive offers a long list of easily attainable discounts. For instance, if you own a home, you're automatically eligible for a discount, even if your home isn't insured with Progressive. Overall, you'll have a tough time finding another motorcycle insurance company that offers as many features and discounts as Progressive does.

BEST FOR BUNDLED INSURANCE POLICIES: ALLSTATE

Allstate is best for people who need auto and motorcycle insurance, as the company offers one of the best bundle discounts. If you insure your car with Allstate, you're automatically eligible for a discount of up to 30% on your motorcycle insurance policy. In addition to its bundle discount, Allstate offers discounted rates to drivers who insure multiple motorcycles and anyone who switches insurance companies. As an added benefit, if you choose to get motorcycle insurance through Allstate, you'll have access to the company's large network of agents. This can be a great benefit to have if you value personalized support.

BEST FOR MINIMUM COVERAGE: GEICO

If you're simply looking for the minimum amount of coverage necessary in your state, consider purchasing a GEICO motorcycle insurance policy. GEICO offers low rates that are made even better by its many discounts. GEICO has a solid reputation and is often considered among the top insurance companies.

BEST FOR NEW MOTORCYCLES: LIBERTY MUTUAL

Liberty Mutual offers two optional coverages that make it one of the best motorcycle insurance companies for those who recently purchased a new motorcycle: better bike replacement and new bike replacement coverage. The former would reimburse you for the cost of a motorcycle that is one year newer and has 2,500 fewer miles than yours in the event that your bike is totaled. In other words, Liberty Mutual would provide you with a big enough payout to buy a motorcycle that is better than the one that was totaled. The second coverage, new bike replacement, reimburses policyholders if their bikes are stolen or totaled within the first year. While most motorcycle insurance companies would reimburse you for your bike's depreciated value, with this coverage, Liberty Mutual reimburses you for the cost of a brand-new motorcycle.

DO YOU NEED MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE IN FLORIDA?

No. Riders in the state of Florida do not have to show proof of insurance to register their motorcycle and they are not required to purchase a motorcycle insurance policy. Riding a motorcycle without insurance is widely ill-advised, because people can potentially sue you for any damage or injuries you cause. Unless you have unlimited funds and don't mind parting with them, it's generally adviseable to have coverage to manage your liability exposure. On top of this, if you frequently take your motorcycle out-of-state for road trips, there may be requirements in those states you'll also have to follow.

The only exception in Florida is for riders who have been charged in a crash involving any injuries or certain motor vehicle violations. Florida state law requires those riders to purchase and keep bodily injury and property damage liability protection for three years. 

Florida law does not require motorcycle riders to wear helmets, as long as they are at least 16 years old. However, motorcycle riders must wear eye protection at all times, regardless of whether they choose to wear a helmet. 

 

MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE AND LEARNER'S PERMITS

The same local motorcycle insurance laws generally apply to new and fully licensed riders alike. Similar to the process to get a driver’s license, some motorcyclists might be required to hold a temporary or learner’s permit before obtaining their full license. Those learning to ride a motorcycle in most states will at least need to have a driver's license, which requires the same liability coverage.