Motorcycles can bring you a sense of freedom and adventure, riding around the roads of Harnett County. This is the time of year when motorcycle riders are out and about more often, thanks to good weather.
We meet a lot of drivers who don’t realize their motorcycle insurance coverage isn’t adequate. Insurance is confusing anyway, and people tend to choose the cheapest coverages and options. While that might be OK in some cases, motorcycle riders usually get seriously injured during an accident. Here are some things to know about your motorcycle insurance coverage.
Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Required Coverages
First, each state has its own minimum insurance coverage required for your liability in an accident. In North Carolina, those are:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
- $30,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person
- $60,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident
- $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident
However, you should consider buying additional liability beyond these minimums. If you’re sued after an accident, these may not cover all the costs and fees. Creditors may later seek your assets to pay for damages. Also, ask your agent if the bodily injury liability insurance covers your passengers.
Medical Coverage
The next thing to know is your medical payments coverage. Medical payments coverage is for any medical bills, regardless of fault. As mentioned, motorcycle accidents typically result in severe, even life-threatening injuries. Surgeries and a stay at the hospital can cost more than $100,000. While your health insurance may cover some parts of your medical care, it might not cover all of it. Plus, today’s high-deductible health plans might mean you’re paying more by using your health insurance.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Finally, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage should definitely be higher than the minimum amount. About one in every seven drivers is uninsured. This part of your policy will also help if the other driver doesn’t have any insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance and it’s not enough to cover the damages.
Learn more in our video about motorcycle accidents or insurance coverage. Or ask us about your insurance levels.
