Motorcycles are not as common on the road, and their insurance requirements are not as well known. Although there are small differences, motorcycle insurance is mostly the same as car insurance. Just as with car insurance, California requires a minimum amount of liability coverage in case the motorcycle is involved in an accident. The minimum amount of coverage breaks down to:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person
- $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $5,000 for damage to property
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In addition to the minimum liability coverage, there are other types of insurance you may want to consider adding, just like you would for your car. As injury to the rider is very common in motorcycle accidents, you should consider carefully both medical payments coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. Custom parts and equipment insurance could also be a wise add-on to your basic coverage. Custom parts are not unusual on motorcycles, yet many insurance policies do not cover them.
It’s also important to note that the requirements of motorcycle insurance apply to other two or three-wheel vehicles as well, including motorcycles, motorized scooters, motor-driven cycles, and motorized bicycles. If you operate any of these other types of vehicles, it will need to be insured.
Lastly, many states waive helmet requirements for motorcycle operators once they have the required amount of liability insurance. This is not so in California – where you must where a helmet at all times when operating a motorcycle or similar vehicle.
This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
