Motorcycle Insurance: Make Sure You’re Covered Before Hitting The Open Road

Motorcycle riders often patronize a specific make of motorcycles and know the bikes like the back of their hand, but what about motorcycle insurance after the purchase is made? Riders face unique dangers on the road, as they are far less protected in a crash than typical motorists. Nobody wants to think about insurance when looking at a brand-new bike, but it can make a profound difference for you and your family if things go wrong.

Insurance doesn’t just affect your ability to ride your bike legally, it affects your rights and financial well-being in the event of an accident. This past summer, our firm has seen a significant rise in seriously injured motorcyclist cases. Unfortunately, a common thread in many of these cases has been the lack of adequate coverage under the injured individual’s own policy. Accordingly, we felt compelled to make motorcyclists aware of their insurance options by providing a guide to motorcycle insurance coverages.

Liability Limits

Pennsylvania law requires motorcyclists to carry the same required liability insurance limits as regular car insurance coverage—meaning that you must have a minimum of at least $15,000 in bodily injury per person, $30,000 in total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 in property damage per accident. Liability coverage protects your assets if you cause an accident—so consider raising your policy to higher limits in case you cause significant injuries to another motorist.

First Party Benefits and Medical Coverage (at least $10,000)

When purchasing regular car insurance, your First Party Benefits may include wage loss, medical coverage, and funeral benefits. Medical coverage, sometimes referred to as personal injury protection, provides coverage for your own injuries relating to an accident—regardless of fault and without co-pay and deductibles. Distinct from car insurance where medical coverage is required, Pennsylvania law does not require any form of first party benefits for motorcycle insurance. Without this type of coverage, motorcyclists may have to make a claim under their own health insurance policy to pay for treatment after an accident, and any payments made may be subject to rights of reimbursement of the health insurance company called “subrogation.” Health insurance subrogation is often complex and should only be handled by an experienced attorney.

In order to protect yourself from extensive medical bills, we recommend having a minimum of $10,000 in first party medical coverage on your motorcycle insurance policy.

Right to Sue: Full Tort/Limited Tort Not Applicable

All motorcycle insurance is considered “full tort,” meaning that all motorcycle riders can legally recover for pain and suffering in the event of an accident. Again, this is different from regular car insurance where there is a “limited tort” option that trades your right to sue for injuries caused by another person in exchange for a lower premium. Because motorcycle insurance is subject to different laws than car insurance, all motorcyclists retain full rights to sue for pain and suffering.

Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist (at least $100,000 per person/$300,000 per occurrence)

In Pennsylvania, uninsured and underinsured coverage is optional for motorcycle insurance. However the importance of obtaining these coverages is highlighted by three scenarios: 1) you suffer injuries, wage loss, and medical expenses greater than the at-fault driver’s liability policy limits for the injuries and damages you sustained, 2) the at-fault driver is completely uninsured, or 3) you’re the victim of a hit-and-run and the at-fault driver cannot be located?

In the first instance, underinsured coverage provides recovery against your own insurance for damages suffered in excess of the at-fault party’s insurance limits.  Where a car can absorb some of the impact in a collision, a motorcycle is exposed and therefore more likely to result in serious injuries to the rider. Without underinsured coverage, the bodily injury limit of the at-fault driver’s policy is the maximum that you can recover even if your medical bills far exceed that limit. Especially without medical coverage, underinsured coverage is a necessity for all motorcyclists to receive full compensation for their injuries.

In the second and third instance, uninsured coverage provides recovery against your own insurance if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or you’re the victim of a hit-and-run and the police can’t find the at-fault driver. Without uninsured coverage, both situations may leave you responsible for all of your medical bills. For these reasons, our firm recommends maintaining at least $100,000 per person/$300,000 per occurrence for underinsured and uninsured coverage through your motorcycle insurance policy.

Stacking of Limits

Both underinsured and uninsured coverage can be “stacked,” meaning that the limits for uninsured and underinsured coverage are multiplied by the number of vehicles/motorcycles in your household. Stacking provides the most protection for the motorcyclist suffering serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. Maximizing the insurance available to you protects not only you, but also your family in the event of a crash.

Call Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, LLC—Experienced Motorcycle Attorneys

Insurance coverage is often a second-thought when its all that stands between you and the open road. Even though the minimum coverages reflect a lower monthly premium, it fails to protect you and your loved ones financially if something goes wrong—and that can mean a difference in your ability to pay for the best care available. Ultimately, if someone else is liable for the accident, our attorneys can hold them accountable. With over 50 years representing injured motorcyclists, at Caroselli Beachler & Coleman we have the experience to identify the most favorable insurance coverages and ultimately obtain the compensation you deserve. If you have questions, we can be reached toll-free at 1-800-222-8816. Our team would be happy to sit down with you, your family member or friend to discuss any potential case or insurance coverage you may need for yourself or your family.

CAROSELLI BEACHLER & COLEMAN, LLC

REPRESENTING INJURED PERSON AND THEIR FAMILIES THROUGHOUT WESTERN PA SINCE 1972.

 

NO FEES UNLESS DAMAGES ARE RECOVERED.

LOCAL APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE.

412-391-9860

1-800-222-8816

www.cbmclaw.com