What Insurance Coverage Should I Have as a Motorcyclist?

Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and adventure that’s hard to replicate in any other way. The wind in your hair and the open road ahead create an exhilarating experience unlike any other mode of transportation. However, with that thrill comes an increased level of risk. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road compared to those in enclosed vehicles, making adequate insurance coverage an essential aspect of responsible riding.

Liability Insurance: The Foundation of Protection

Just like with car insurance, liability insurance is a foundational coverage for motorcyclists in Ohio. Liability insurance covers the costs associated with bodily injury and property damage that you might cause to others in an accident. This coverage is legally required in Ohio, with minimum limits set at $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Liability insurance is crucial because it safeguards you from potentially devastating financial burdens if you’re found at fault in an accident. It covers medical expenses, property repair or replacement, legal fees, and other expenses that may arise from a lawsuit.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protecting Yourself

Even though liability insurance is mandatory for all Ohio motorcyclists, not everyone abides by the law. If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you could be left to deal with the consequences on your own. This is where uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage comes into play.

UM/UIM coverage offers protection against situations where the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage to fully compensate you for your injuries and damages. Having this coverage ensures that you’re not left shouldering the financial burden in case of an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Comprehensive Coverage: Guarding Against Non-Collision Incidents

Comprehensive coverage is sometimes referred to as “other than collision” coverage. It provides protection for damages to your motorcycle that result from non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and hitting an animal. Given the value of motorcycles and the risks they face, comprehensive coverage can be a wise investment to safeguard against unforeseen events that might lead to significant repair or replacement costs.

Collision Coverage: Repairing or Replacing Your Motorcycle

Collision coverage steps in to cover the repair or replacement costs of your motorcycle if it’s damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who’s at fault. While this coverage is optional, it can be particularly valuable if you have a newer or more expensive bike. Without collision coverage, you’d be responsible for covering the repair or replacement costs out of pocket.

Medical Payments Coverage: Taking Care of Your Healthcare Costs

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries that require immediate medical attention. Medical payments coverage, also known as MedPay, assists in covering your medical expenses from a motorcycle crash, regardless of who’s at fault. This coverage can be especially beneficial if you don’t have health insurance or if your health insurance has high deductibles and copayments.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Enhanced Medical Coverage

While Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is more commonly associated with car insurance, it can also be an option for motorcyclists in Ohio. PIP provides broader coverage than med pay, extending to cover not only medical expenses but also lost wages, childcare expenses, and other non-medical costs arising from an accident.

Accessory Coverage: Protecting Your Upgrades

Many motorcyclists customize their bikes with various accessories, such as saddlebags, upgraded exhaust systems, and custom paint jobs. Standard insurance policies may not adequately cover these add-ons. Accessory coverage can be added to your policy to ensure that your upgrades are protected in the event of damage or theft.

Gap Insurance: Bridging the Value Gap

If you financed the purchase of your motorcycle, it’s possible that its value could depreciate faster than you’re paying off the loan. In the event of a total loss, you could owe more on your loan than the insurance payout covers. Gap insurance addresses this discrepancy, covering the difference between the actual cash value of your motorcycle and the remaining loan balance.

Roadside Assistance/Towing Coverage: Getting Back on the Road

Breaking down or getting stranded while riding your motorcycle can be frustrating and potentially dangerous. Roadside assistance or towing coverage can provide you with peace of mind by covering the costs of towing your motorcycle to a repair shop or providing roadside services like fuel delivery, jump-starts, and tire changes.

In conclusion, being a responsible motorcyclist in Ohio means not only enjoying the freedom of the open road but also safeguarding yourself against potential risks and accidents. While liability insurance is the minimum legal requirement, additional coverage options can provide you with comprehensive protection for yourself, your bike, and even your passengers. Assess your riding habits, budget, and personal needs to determine which insurance coverage types are the best fit for you. By making informed decisions about your insurance coverage, you can ride confidently knowing that you’re well-protected, rain or shine.

Injured in a motorcycle accident in Ohio, let HMW Law help you recover your entitled compensation. Call 216-369-1352 or contact us online today for a free consultation.