Do Motorcycles Need Insurance?
It is a legal requirement for most motorcycle riders in the US to have motorcycle insurance. The minimum coverages vary from state to state and year to year, so it is best to learn about your state’s motorcycle insurance requirements before purchasing a bike. Motorcycles are unique vehicles that present unique risks; liability coverage is significant for bike riders. Liability coverage provides financial support to motorcycle riders injured in a car accident. Other drivers will not be responsible for their injuries if they are riding a motorcycle.
What are your reasons for getting motorcycle insurance?
Motorcycles are usually much smaller than cars, and they involve even smaller risks. It means that motorcycles do not enjoy the same level of protection under insurance requirements as cars do. A car is at least as big as a motorcycle and three times as big in some cases. This size difference increases the risk of accidents for motorcyclists when they hit a car.
Washington State law requires all motorcyclists over 16 years of age to have a motorcycle endorsement on their automobile. A Washington motorcycle endorsement lets other drivers know that the rider is certified by Washington to drive. When a motorcycle rider has this kind of insurance, other drivers will take the motorcycle out of the garage or parking area. They will pay to let the driver ride it. In the meantime, the rider can enjoy the ride knowing that the motorcycle is being insured and protected by Washington motorcycle laws.
Each state has a different minimum coverage level for motorcycles as well. Motorcycle insurance requirements will vary by each state’s motorcyclists’ law. For example, in Washington State, riders will always need to have a Washington motorcycle endorsement. Some states may require no motorcycle endorsement or a minimal one at best. Washington motorcyclists are encouraged to obey all state laws.
Do you have what it takes to insure your motorcycle?
According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, riders who own more than one motorcycle may be required to obtain proof of liability. The driver must be protected against certain accidents or traffic infractions before being approved for a new motorcycle license. The new law also requires that owners of motorcycles have at least one non-motorized vehicle on the premises. Those who do not have non-motorized vehicles on their premises but do rent motorcycles can get a form from the rental car agency or the Department of Licensing. It is for the rider to show that they are renting motorcycles and not driving the rented vehicle. Suppose riders fail to comply with these insurance requirements. In that case, the authority will punish them according to Washington Motor Vehicle Code Section 2850.
Even though Washington State motorcycle insurance requirements vary from state to state, there are some things that all motorcycle laws and requirements have in common. Motorcycle riders should be aware of the road rules and laws in their state and be prepared to abide by those laws. Suppose a motorcycle rider is caught without insurance. In that case, a penalty may be imposed, up to and including the license suspension. Drivers involved in an accident due to their failure to carry insurance are not usually eligible for any compensation if their fault was responsible for the accident.
To keep customers happy, all motorcycle insurance providers in the Washington State area should provide extras that are not found in other areas, such as an extended warranty plan that covers more than just parts. When it comes to providing coverage for a replacement bike, all motorcycle insurance providers in Washington State should include that service in their policies. Some policies may require up to three years of cover for bike repairs and an additional one year for parts. An extended warranty can save the customer quite a lot of money over the life of a bike. All motorcycle insurance providers in Washington State should offer this type of policy if they do not already provide it.
Suppose a motorcycle insurance provider in Washington State does not provide an extended service plan. In that case, an acceptable policy should include roadside assistance. Most states allow for a customer satisfaction bonus that is tied to roadside assistance. Any provider of motorcycle insurance in Washington State that does not offer this service should be considered inferior. Roadside assistance plans can provide a customer satisfaction bonus that can be quite substantial. Insurers who do not offer this type of roadside assistance plan do not offer their customers anything more than the bare minimum.
