Do I Really Need Motorcycle Insurance?

The short answer is YES!

Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on the road. Unlike a passenger in a car, a motorcyclist doesn’t have a lot to protect him from the dangers of the road in case of an accident.  A passenger in a car has airbags, a seatbelt, and the frame of the car.  A motorcyclist has very little between him and the road – usually just a helmet and other protective gear. As a result, a person involved in a motorcycle accident is likely to have severe injuries and motorcycle insurance can help to protect the motorcyclist if he is hit.

Most auto insurance policies do not extend to cover motorcycles, a fact many drivers don’t know. Here are a few things to consider as you research and decide upon motorcycle insurance:

Medical Expense Benefit

Medical Expense Benefit acts like additional health insurance on your motorcycle.  If you don’t have health insurance, this coverage will pay your medical bills, and if you do have health insurance, it will reimburse you for what you pay out of pocket and what your health insurance paid on your behalf.  Medical Expense Benefit will pay out even if you are at fault for an accident.  Even if you have this coverage on your car, it likely does not cover you if you’re injured while driving a motorcycle, so make sure it is added to your motorcycle policy.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage will protect you if you’re not at fault for an accident and the person who is at fault doesn’t have enough insurance coverage to cover the cost of your injuries.  Uninsured Motorist Coverage will also cover you if you don’t know the identity of the person who hit you, such as a hit-and-run.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Similar to Uninsured Motorist Coverage, this coverage protects you if the person at fault for your injuries is underinsured, meaning they have insurance but not enough insurance to pay for your injuries.  This may be one of the most overlooked coverages when you buy insurance, but it is important to make sure that you are protected in the event that the person who hurts you only has a small policy.

Motorcycle injuries are often severe and can involve an inpatient hospitalization, or at least a battery of diagnostic tests checking for broken bones and internal bleeding.  Hospital bills add up quickly. In order to make sure that you and your loved ones are protected in the event of a motorcycle accident, check your insurance coverage and make sure that your coverage is as high as you can afford.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, the attorneys at Allen & Allen understand and want to help. We have the experience to help you pursue full and fair compensation. For a free consultation, call The Allen Law Firm at 1-866-388-1307.