Updated 01/17/2020

If you own a motorcycle in the State of Florida or plan on buying one soon, you may have several questions regarding insurance. 

These are smart questions to ask. Of course, you might also be asking these questions if you were recently involved in a collision and need help understanding how Florida motorcycle insurance laws may affect your case. A motorcycle insurance attorney can help in this capacity, answering any questions you may have.

On the one hand, it may seem that insurance is assurance, regardless of the type of transportation that is involved and that the victim should receive medical treatment and other benefits no matter what. However, when dealing with bikes versus automobiles in Florida, there are some significant differences regarding insurance requirements and the benefits you can receive. 

The following points will clarify the topic, helping you feel more comfortable with your overall understanding of motorcycle insurance in Florida. 

 

DO YOU NEED MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE IN FLORIDA?

do you need motorcycle insurance in florida

Florida motorcycle insurance laws are unique when compared to most other states. Throughout the country, the majority of states do require motorcycle riders to have insurance. That’s not the case in Florida. When registering your bike, you are not legally required to have insurance coverage.

However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get insurance anyway. The fact that Florida motorcycle insurance laws don’t require it doesn’t change the fact that failing to have insurance can lead to significant consequences in the event of a collision.

 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE IN FLORIDA?

Don’t make the mistake of assuming your auto insurance will also cover your bike, because it doesn’t. It’s also important to note that in the event of a collision involving a car and a motorcycle, the car driver’s auto insurance won’t cover the motorcyclist.

You also need to know that motorcyclists who obtain coverage in Florida do not receive first-party coverage. While some companies do offer a modified version of personal injury protection (PIP) for bikers, this isn’t legally regulated by Florida motorcycle insurance laws. Therefore, unlike a car driver, many (if not most) bikers don’t have PIP, even if they have insurance. 

PIP insures, regardless of fault, and includes both medical benefits and income loss benefits. Remember this when shopping around for policies. Consider your options carefully, and try to find one that offers maximum protection. You don’t want to suffer financially because you chose the wrong coverage for your needs.

There are different options that insurance companies make available for bikers. Your motorcycle accident attorney can review all the details of your coverage if you should ever be involved in an accident:

Property damage: this covers the other person’s property that you damage in case of an accident.

Uninsured motorist coverage: this covers the motorcyclist if the individual responsible for the crash does not have coverage or if the sum is not enough to cover all of the expenses.

 

HOW MUCH DOES MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE COST IN FLORIDA?

While the average cost of motorcycle insurance in Florida is around $911 per year, according to ValuePenguin.com, the cost of motorcycle insurance in Florida will vary depending on several factors, such as the make, model, and year of your bike. For instance, if you are wondering how much it costs to insure a Harley-Davidson in Florida, the result would not necessarily be the same if you were wondering how much it would cost to insure a Honda motorcycle in Florida.

Those who have reviewed the major insurance options available to Florida motorcycle riders have found that the cost of annual premiums to insure a 2017 Harley-Davidson Street Glide tend to range between about $90 to $110. However, to confirm you’re fully protected, you may want to upgrade your coverage to as much of a degree as possible. According to the same review of options, if you were to do so, your annual premiums for insuring a Harley-Davidson in Florida would range between about $1400 and $1700.

how much does motorcycle insurance cost in florida

There’s a significant difference in cost between minimum coverage and maximum upgraded coverage. You do, of course, need to keep your budget in mind when considering your options. However, your main goal is to get all the coverage you may one day need.

The prices of motorcycle insurance in Florida might also surprise you if you previously bought motorcycle insurance in another state. In many instances, the cost of Florida motorcycle insurance is substantially higher than it is in other parts of the country.

That’s due to our warm Florida weather. In many other states, where winters can be harsh, insurance policies often have winter-riding restrictions. Insurance companies understandably don’t want to cover expenses resulting from an accident that occurred because a motorcyclist recklessly took their bike out in unsafe conditions.

Winters in Florida never get harsh enough for motorcycle riding to be more dangerous during any particular part of the year. Therefore, Florida motorcycle insurance laws and motorcycle insurance providers don’t limit your coverage during the colder months. That means, while riders in other states may technically have six-month policies, your policy will cover the entire year. Naturally, it will cost more.

Age is another factor that may affect what you end up paying for motorcycle insurance. Quite simply, riding a motorcycle safely and responsibly requires experience. You need to demonstrate to an insurance provider that you don’t take unnecessary risks when you take your bike out on the road. If you’re a younger rider, lacking in experience, there’s a good chance you’ll need to pay more than a seasoned rider would. 

This isn’t usually permanent. After you’ve been riding for some time, your provider will typically lower their rates. 

All that said, once more, none of this is to suggest that you should try to save money by not getting motorcycle insurance. The amount of money you might save by not buying insurance pales in comparison to the amount of money you might owe if you were ever in a collision while uninsured.

 

CALL YOUR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY AT K LAW!

All motorcycle riders must operate their vehicles responsibly. Having insurance doesn’t mean it’s now acceptable to take more risks. Reckless behavior can lead to injury or fatalities.

Unfortunately, collisions do occur. The aftermath is an understandably stressful time for all involved. That’s why it’s crucial to coordinate with experts. You may need legal assistance, depending on the nature of the motorcycle accident.

If you suffered injuries in a collision in Florida, you should act right away. Correctly understanding your insurance coverage and the details of your case can help you take the proper steps to avoid the difficulties that arise in bike collision cases. For a free consultation with a Florida motorcycle accident attorney, contact K LAW today. We are all the help you need!