Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart | May 24, 2023 | Florida Law
Florida law regarding motorcycle insurance is different from other states. This means that bikers need to take the time to learn the law. If you’re involved in a Florida motorcycle accident and are unaware of your legal obligations, you can face fines and financial liability for both your own and the other person’s injuries.
Learning the laws about motorcycle insurance coverage in the Sunshine State can save you from a legal and financial nightmare in the event of an accident.
Florida Laws About Motorcycle Insurance
Florida is the only state in the country that doesn’t require motorcycle riders to carry motorcycle insurance.
New motorcycle owners, in particular, are often confused about exactly what type of coverage they’re expected to carry. After all, motorcycles are considered motor vehicles — and Florida state laws do require motor vehicle insurance coverage.
However, Florida makes a distinction over the number of wheels a vehicle has. The driver of a vehicle with four or more wheels is legally required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and property damage liability (PDL) coverage. But vehicles with fewer than four wheels – including motorcycles – have no such requirements.
This doesn’t mean that Florida bikers are free to ride without concern for the financial fallout of an accident. While the law doesn’t require bikers to carry insurance specifically, you will still need to be able to demonstrate financial responsibility.
Florida motorcycle law allows a few different options to prove financial responsibility in order to ensure that bikers and other drivers are protected in the event of a crash.
Florida Motorcycle Liability Coverage Options
Florida offers motorcyclists three ways to show financial responsibility. The first option is to simply purchase motorcycle insurance coverage through an insurance provider.
While personal injury protection (PIP) isn’t an option, bikers can still choose from other options, such as liability coverage.
The other two coverage options require the ability to pay for damages out of pocket.
You can complete the Certification of Financial Responsibility form, which requires making a cash deposit or posting a surety bond for a minimum of $30,000 for each insured vehicle.
Alternatively, you can provide proof of self-insurance. This option requires providing proof that you have sufficient assets to pay for any damage that might come out of a crash.
Most Florida motorcyclists find that the easiest, safest avenue is to simply opt for coverage through a motorcycle insurance provider.
Penalties for Breaking Florida’s Law About Financial Responsibility
Florida law regarding motorcycle insurance may be different from those in other states, but bikers are still held legally responsible for the financial damage that comes out of a crash.
A driver involved in a Florida motorcycle accident who hasn’t completed any of the three insurance coverage options faces a variety of possible repercussions. These range in severity from inconvenient to life-altering.
Consequences for a motorcycle driver unable to demonstrate financial responsibility in a Florida accident include:
- Suspension or loss of motorcycle license
- Suspension of motorcycle registration and tags
- Suspension of all driving privileges
- Legal fines
- Being required to purchase insurance for at least three years
- Risk of a civil lawsuit
- Financial responsibility for the other driver’s injuries
Purchasing motorcycle insurance can protect you from these consequences.
Motorcycle Insurance Is a Wise Investment
Motorcycle riders have little protection against the size and weight of larger vehicles. This means that a motorcycle accident brings an increased chance of serious injury, like a traumatic brain injury. As a result, when you ride uninsured, you are left at higher risk of paying for both your own injuries and another person’s in the event of a crash.
It’s important for every Florida motorcyclist to maintain some form of coverage and drive legally. The cost of an insurance premium is a small price to pay for the financial security it brings.
Contact KW Stuart Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact the Stuart motorcycle accident law firm of KW Stuart Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Martin County and its surrounding areas in Florida:
KW Stuart Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers – Stuart
73 SW Flagler Ave
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000