Is Motorcycle Insurance Mandatory?
Similar to auto insurance, every state requires its motorcyclists to maintain financial responsibility for any injuries or damages they may cause to another party while operating their motorcycle. That financial responsibility requirement is often met by carrying motorcycle insurance. Though every state requires financial responsibility, several states do not actually require motorcyclists to carry motorcycle insurance.
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Financial Responsibility
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All states, except Florida, Montana and Washington, require their motorcyclists to carry motorcycle insurance. The insurance must include, at least, the minimum liability coverages that are required by their state. In every state, those minimum liability requirements mirror the minimum liability requirements for automobiles.
Florida
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Although Florida does not require its motorcyclists to carry motorcycle insurance, it does require its motorcyclists to maintain financial responsibility for any injuries or damages he may cause to another party. As a result, motorcyclists who are found to be driving uninsured, whether after a violation or accident, are subject to fines and penalties. These consequences can include the loss of your motorcycle's registration, restitution, license suspension and mandatory liability insurance requirements for up to 3 years.
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Montana
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Similar to Florida, Montana motorcyclists are not required to maintain motorcycle insurance but they are required to maintain financial responsibility. If motorcycle insurance is not chosen, motorcyclists can choose to self-insure themselves with the Department of Transportation or secure a cash deposit note or surety bond note. The failure to meet one of the financial responsibility options can result in five points being added to your driver's license, a $500 file and up to 10 days in jail.
Washington
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Motorcycle insurance is not mandatory in the state of Washington. However, motorcyclists must be prepared to meet financial responsibility requirements if they cause damage or injury to another person or their property while operating their motorcycle. If the motorcyclist chooses not to carry motorcycle insurance, the driver can choose to secure at least $60,000 in the form of a certificate of deposit or a liability bond. Drivers who own at least 26 vehicles or motorcycles have the option to self-insure through the Department of Licensing.
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References
- Insure.com: Motorcycle Insurance Requirements by State
- Insure.com: Minimum Levels of Car Insurance You Are Required to Buy
- American Motorcyclists Association: Florida State Motorcycle Laws
- DMV.org: Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Requirements in Montana
- American Motorcyclists Association: Montana State Motorcycle Laws
- American Motorcyclist Association: Washington State Motorcycle Laws
Resources
- Photo Credit motos image by thierry planche from Fotolia.com
