California’s scenic landscape and iconic culture make it a popular state for motorcycle enthusiasts. According to Department of Transportation, there are over 800,000 registered motorcycles in the state. This doesn’t even account for the many tourists who come to the Golden State to tour the coastline, the Sierras and the major cities. If you live in California and own a bike, there are several things that you need to know about California Motorcycle Insurance.
Motorcycle Accidents in California
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than cars. You pay a price for your freedom with increased risk of accidents, injuries and death. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, motorcycle fatalities in the state are on the rise. For every 100,000 registrations in 2014, there were 60 deaths. This is up from 54 deaths the year before. There was also an increase in the percentage of motorcycle deaths involving alcohol. But this is something you can easily prevent by drinking responsibly. Also, fewer properly licensed motorcyclists were killed than those who were not. Part of being a properly licensed motorcycle operator in the Golden State is having California Motorcycle Insurance in place.
Minimum Limits for California Motorcycle Insurance
In the state of California, all registered vehicles, including motorcycles, are required to carry insurance. This is to make sure that if you cause an accident, you’ll be able to pay for the other party’s damages and/or injuries. To be compliant with the law, you’ll need California Motorcycle Insurance that meets the minimum requirements. You must have Liability Insurance coverage of at least $15,000 per person for injury or death, at least $30,000 for total injury/death coverage per accident, and $5,000 for damage to another’s property. These minimum requirements will not, however, give you coverage for your own property damage or injuries. Consider adding optional coverages to your Motorcycle Insurance policy for better peace of mind in case you’re in an accident.
Also, some states allow drivers to forgo helmet laws as long as riders have certain coverage in place. No dice in California, as all operators and passengers are required to wear a DOT-approved safety helmet. Even so, you’ll want to speak with an Insurance Specialist at (855) 919-4247 about your policy options in case you do get into an accident.
Proof of California Motorcycle Insurance
When you get Motorcycle Insurance in California, your insurance carrier will electronically report your active policy to the California DMV. This means that you now have proof of financial responsibility. You’ll also need to carry proof of insurance with you as a motorcycle driver in the state. Failure to obtain Motorcycle Insurance or pay premiums in the state has several consequences. For example, if you operate an uninsured motorcycle in California you are breaking the law. In fact, consequences for doing this include a ticket for up to $500 plus other penalties and assessments if you were in an accident. There are also consequences if the DMV is notified that your California Motorcycle Insurance is no longer in effect. This can include your vehicle registration being suspended.
While motorcycles are affordable transportation and can be a lot of fun, they also entail risk and responsibility. Be sure to take safety seriously and have the right California Motorcycle Insurance in place. Contact an AIS Insurance Specialist at (855) 919-4247 to get a free quote now.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. It should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. Such policy will be governed by the language contained therein.
