Many people ride motorcycles in Florida, due to the almost year-round nice weather. An important consideration for a rider to make is whether she will be purchasing motorcycle insurance in Florida. It is not required, but there are certain requirements that must be met in order to drive without motorcycle insurance.
While carrying motorcycle insurance in Florida is important, it is not required. Riders who do not carry motorcycle insurance may not be covered under any insurance unless they meet the requirements and qualifications determined by the state.
Motorcycle insurance, much like vehicle insurance, covers the rider in the event of an accident, if the rider causes the accident and causes damage to someone else or another person's property, and may even cover a rider.
A rider can get a motorcycle insurance policy through many vehicle insurers. The policies differ depending on what the rider chooses and is willing to pay for. A rider may elect no motorcycle coverage. In this case, the motorcycle must be paid for (it cannot have a lien holder on the title) and the rider must have a vehicle policy in place on a vehicle registered in his name.
If a rider chooses to not have motorcycle insurance, she must live in the state of Florida. Other states may have different rules regarding motorcycle insurance. A Floridian may also be required to purchase motorcycle insurance if she rides outside of the state of Florida. This depends on the insurance company the rider's 4-wheeled vehicle is registered with. It may also be dependent on the state the rider is driving through. Not all states recognize Florida's motorcycle insurance rules.
If you choose not to have motorcycle insurance on your bike, your vehicle insurance must cover the motorcycle. Always read your insurance policy carefully, as some policies will not cover you if you get in an accident on your bike rather than in the car insured with the insurance company. If you are riding a motorcycle with a lien holder, you must always have a separate motorcycle insurance policy--and it is a good idea to have one, even if your motorcycle does not have a lien holder on the title. With the way insurance companies change policies, you may end up without the coverage you thought you had.
