Do I Need Motorcycle Insurance in Florida?

Florida’s delightful weather and scenery make it a hotspot for dreamy motorcycle rides. Whether you enjoy a quiet ride along US-41 or prefer a coastal route, the number of sunny days and endless stretches of pristine views attract motorcycle riders from across the country. If you ride a motorcycle in Florida, it’s crucial to understand the laws surrounding motorcycle insurance in the Sunshine State, no matter your skill level.

Florida’s motorcycle insurance laws are unusual compared to those of the 49 other states. Typically, states have insurance requirements for motorcycles that are similar to those for automobiles. Florida is the only state in the U.S. that does not require motorcyclists to have proof of motorcycle insurance when registering their bikes. Additionally, riders do not need to purchase an insurance policy for their motorcycles at any time. This lack of coverage can leave unprotected riders in a bind when they’re involved in an accident, big or small.

If you’re a devoted rider, you’re highly encouraged to seek motorcycle insurance coverage despite it not being legally required in Florida. Having motorcycle insurance coverage will protect you from lawsuits that can tap into your personal finances if you’re ever considered at fault for a motorcycle crash.

Florida No-fault Laws Don’t Apply to Motorcycles

Florida’s no-fault insurance laws protect drivers by allowing them to file a claim with their own insurance companies immediately after an accident, providing a relatively simple means to resolve their damages quickly. However, these laws do not help motorcyclists involved in a collision. As a result, many motorcyclists find themselves in a troubling situation when they experience a crash.

Without motorcycle insurance coverage, motorcycle riders who have been hurt in a crash must seek compensation from the other motorist’s insurance coverage to cover the costs of things like:

Medical bills
Lost wages and the ability to work
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and trauma
Household assistance, if disabled
Costs of transportation to and from doctor appointments
Other related expenses

If the at-fault driver isn’t covered by their own liability insurance, then the rider would need to cover his or her own expenses out-of-pocket, or file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and hope they have recoverable assets. Furthermore, riders considered at-fault for accidents also open themselves up to lawsuits which might lead them to have to pay for another party’s losses. Motorcyclists can avoid these scenarios by taking it upon themselves to seek proper coverage on their own insurance policy.

Motorcycle Insurance Options in Florida

Ultimately, Florida puts the burden of obtaining motorcycle insurance on the owner of the bike. While you aren’t required to have coverage when registering your bike, you may be held liable for damages if you’re found at fault for a crash that led to damages.

If you’re interested in obtaining motorcycle insurance, you might be wondering what insurance policies are available that would best protect you while riding in Florida? Keep the following guidelines in mind when shopping for effective coverage:

Purchase a liability policy from a licensed insurance carrier
Get a Financial Responsibility Certificate from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles by obtaining a surety bond with a licensed company
Prove that your net worth can cover your financial responsibility by getting a Self-Insurance Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility
You will still need to decide the best amount of coverage; however, using the state’s liability minimum requirements for regular auto drivers is a good starting point. Currently, those amounts are:
- $10,000 for an injury claim
- $10,000 per accident for property damage liability

What Could Happen if you Don’t Carry Motorcycle Insurance?

Although no law currently requires motorcyclists to carry insurance when registering a motorcycle, penalties for having an uninsured accident can be severe. Bikers who are charged with causing an accident are financially responsible for the damages and injuries related to that crash. In the worst cases, you might face the following penalties if you lack insurance coverage at the time of the accident:

Suspension of driving privileges
Civil judgments
Jail time
Probation
Community service requirements
Driver education courses
Suspensions of your registration and tags
Court ordered to carry liability coverage for a certain length of time
A permanent record of your charge

Bottom line, until you cause or are involved in an accident, you may think the coverage isn’t necessary, but it should be purchased to protect yourself.

St. Pete Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Aggressively Fights for Deserved Compensation

If you or a loved one were recently involved in a motorcycle crash and lack insurance coverage, we understand the challenges. Motorcycle accidents are often tragic and catastrophic events that can potentially devastate a person’s quality of life. If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, Frank P. Marsalisi will do everything in his power to help you recover compensation for your monetary and personal losses.

Marsalisi Law is a boutique law firm that ensures each client receives close and personal attention from Frank P. Marsalisi himself. Working alongside Frank will help you understand your options for recovery after a crash. He will help you navigate what might be a confusing and stressful process.

Marsalisi Law is a leader in representing motorcycle accident victims in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Area. Often, our clients have difficulty traveling, so Frank will go to them to help with their case and explain the personal injury process. As a member of the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association, our expertise has benefited thousands of victims who have sought compensation for their losses. Call (727) 800-5052 for a free case evaluation or complete our contact form. Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Insurance in Florida

Do I need motorcycle insurance in Florida?

Florida does not require motorcyclists to have proof of motorcycle insurance when registering their bikes. Additionally, riders do not need to purchase an insurance policy for their motorcycles at any time. This lack of coverage can leave unprotected riders in a bind when they’re involved in an accident, big or small.

What are motorcycle insurance companies in Florida?

Most insurance companies that offer auto insurance also offer motorcycle insurance. For example, you can get motorcycle insurance with Progressive, Geico, and Allstate.

What do I need to register my motorcycle in Florida?

Florida is the only state in the country that doesn’t require motorcyclists to have proof of motorcycle insurance when registering their bikes. Riders also don’t need to purchase an insurance policy for their motorcycles at any time. This lack of coverage can leave unprotected riders in a difficult position when they’re involved in an accident, big or small.

How much is motorcycle insurance in Florida?

If you’re looking for motorcycle insurance in Florida, you should purchase a liability policy from a licensed insurance carrier. For the best amount of coverage, Florida’s liability minimum requirements for regular auto drivers is $10,000 for an injury claim and $10,000 per accident for property damage liability.