Motorcycles Can’t Be Added to Your Basic Car Insurance by Martin Zevin, PA

Personal Injury
Motorcycles Can’t Be Added to Your Basic Car Insurance

Q: I am considering buying a motorcycle for fun. I already own a car with basic insurance coverage. Can I add the motorcycle to my existing policy? Should I get any special coverage to protect me if I am injured while driving the motorcycle?

A: Motorcycles are treated differently than cars under Florida law. Our so-called “No Fault” law requires you as an automobile owner to have insurance which covers property damage liability and Personal Injury Protection (P.I.P.). The property damage liability pays for damage to another driver’s vehicle if you are at fault. The P.I.P. pays for 80 percent of your medical bills and 60 percent of your lost wages if you are injured in any type of car accident. Your P.I.P. covers you as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or bicyclist.

However, motorcycles are specifically exempted from this law. Therefore, you cannot add the motorcycle to your existing policy. In fact, you cannot get P.I.P. coverage at all for a motorcycle.

You definitely should get a separate policy for the motorcycle. This policy should include bodily injury liability and uninsured motorist (U.M.) coverage. The liability part covers injuries to another person if you are at fault. The U.M. insures that you will be protected if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence.

It is estimated that 40-50% of Florida drivers, do not have bodily injury liability insurance. As a motorcyclist, you are particularly vulnerable to being hit by a negligent driver. Therefore, U.M. coverage is extremely important. You should also have private or group medical insurance to take care of your doctor bills. Wear your helmet at all times and good luck: you’ll need it.

For more information regarding car insurance and how to get the most for your dollar, please feel free to contact me. I provide a free personal or phone consultation regarding any issue pertaining to personal injury claims and car insurance coverage. We also provide free consultations regarding Wills, Trusts and Estates.