It can be confusing to figure out Florida’s laws on motorcycle insurance, but it may be even more dangerous to go out on the road without learning them first. The State of Florida has its own unique rules for motorcycle insurance coverage, separate and apart from other states in America.
Are Motorcycle Riders Required To Carry Insurance In Florida?
It is not considered necessary to carry motorcycle insurance to ride in Florida. However, if the worst happens, like injury or death, a rider could be held financially responsible if they are charged with negligence for a crash. Being found at fault for an accident without liability insurance can leave you vulnerable to certain penalties, including fines, suspension of your license, or loss of your right to ride.
No matter how your accident happened, or if you think you are partially to blame, do not assume that you are beyond help before speaking with a lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation and a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer is the best person to discuss the details and get you the highest dollar value for your case.
Attorney Martin Hernandez is ready to meet with you for free about your case– call 813.755.9500 or contact us online to set up your consultation today.
Although you can register a motorcycle in the state without showing proof of insurance, you will need to show proof of financial responsibility if you are involved in an accident. Proving financial responsibility is a requirement for Florida’s motorcycle insurance and also can protect riders against liability after a crash.
Here are some options for riders to secure proof of financial responsibility in Florida:
- Get a Self-Insurance Certificate. You can secure this from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility and usually involves submitting documentation to show your net encumbered capital.
- Buy liability insurance. This is probably the most common option, since a motorcycle policy can be purchased through any licensed insurance carrier in the State of Florida.
- Obtain a Financial Responsibility Certificate. Typically, in order to do this you must first work with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to offer what is called a surety bond with a company that is licensed by the state. You will likely also have to put up money or securities as a deposit with the DHSMV as part of the process.
If you decide to get a self-insurance certificate or buy a motorcycle policy through an insurance carrier, the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) will update their records to reflect that you have either. The state also makes it mandatory to carry proof for either form of protection on your person when you are riding.
Whether it’s the self-insurance certificate, a physical card from an insurance company showing your insurance information, or something digital on your phone, it is best to have some form of evidence to present to law enforcement if you are ever in an accident while out riding.
Does PIP No-Fault Insurance Cover Motorcycles?
In Florida, the insurance rules for motorcycles and vehicles are especially different when it comes to no-fault coverage. Florida drivers with cars that have 4 or more wheels must carry PIP or ‘Personal Injury Protection’ in case of an accident. But PIP does not apply to motorcycles!
The state-required PIP or ‘no-fault’ insurance provides benefits to car drivers for medical costs, lost wages, and death benefits if a claim is filed within Florida’s 14 day timeframe. Again, the no-fault system does not apply to motorcycles.
Even if a rider has mandatory PIP as part of their car insurance policy, it does not transfer to their motorcycle as well. Without that blanket PIP coverage, motorcycle riders who are seriously hurt in a crash can be more at risk financially for paying the bills.
Are There Any Penalties For Not Carrying Motorcycle Insurance?
Florida does not require motorcycle riders to carry insurance. However, it may be a good idea to carry a policy to protect yourself and your finances in the event of an accident.
For example, if you are found at fault for a crash without liability insurance, it could leave you at risk for financial issues and other penalties as well. Specifically, you could be on the hook for bodily injuries to victims and the resulting damage to cars or other property. Furthermore, you could also face:
- Getting sued through the courts by other parties involved in the crash
- Suspension of your registration, tag, and driving privileges
- Mandatory purchase of three years’ worth of liability insurance for bodily injury/property damage
No matter how you were injured in an accident, you are not alone. Personal Injury Attorney Martin Hernandez offers no-cost case reviews to discuss our legal services and how we get clients the compensation they deserve. Fill out the contact form online or call 813.755.9500 to set up yours today.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured In A Motorcycle Accident?
Since no-fault coverage does not apply to motorcycles, you may feel left on your own to cover major accident losses and expenses such as:
- Lost wages for missed work
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering; and
- Damage to your motorcycle and personal belongings
This can be an overwhelming nightmare for injured victims after a crash. If this is the situation you are facing, you may want to hire an attorney, especially if they have solid experience in car accident cases.
Navigating the process of making an injury claim and filing a lawsuit can bring in confusing legal issues. Not to mention, insurance companies have their own priorities which may not match up at all with your own.
The best way to financially recover for your losses and injuries may be to meet with a lawyer who can help you get the best outcome possible. We believe this because it has been our mission for several years to help hurt people get compensation for accidents caused by someone else’s neglect.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident and need help, we are here for you. Call 813.755.9500 or fill out the form to meet with a Fernandez & Hernandez injury attorney about your case.
