Motorcycle riders in California are required to carry a certain amount of vehicle liability insurance to legally ride the roads. They must also keep proof of that insurance policy handy for specific situations.
This requirement is enforced in case riders cause an accident that results in property damage or injuries. Victims will need help in recovery. Motorcyclists may also sign up for additional coverage to protect themselves in case they are injured in an accident caused by someone without insurance or struck by a hit-and-run driver.
California Insurance Coverage Requirements for Riders
The minimum insurance requirements for those who travel by motorcycle are the same as for the owners of cars and SUVS. These obligations are laid out on the California DMV webpage.
Anyone who rides a motorcycle must carry this basic level of protection:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person.
- $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
- $5,000 for damage to property.
This coverage applies to any victims of accidents a motorcycle operator could cause. This minimum protection doesn’t provide support to the motorcycle rider.
Other insurance options above the requirement include underinsured/uninsured motorist policies (UIM and UM). Underinsured policies protect injured riders when the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage quickly reaches its limits and doesn’t cover all of the costs of recovery. Uninsured motorist policies protect motorcyclists when they are in an accident caused by someone without insurance or caused by a hit-and-run driver.
Riders can also opt for PIP and Med-Pay Coverage. These policies help with the rider’s medical costs no matter who caused the accident.
Proof of Motorcycle Insurance
The California DMV emphasizes that all operators of motor vehicles must carry proof of their coverage. That evidence of financial responsibility will be requested in several instances and failure to have insurance or proof of insurance can result in citations and vehicle suspension.
You’ll have to show proof of insurance in these instances:
- When requested by law enforcement.
- When renewing vehicle registration.
- The vehicle is involved in a traffic collision.
If You Are in a Motorcycle Accident in California…
California motorcyclists can be placed at risk of an accident by any careless driver they meet. The physical consequences of those accidents are often devastating. The monetary consequences are often financially debilitating and long-lasting for the victim and the victim’s family.
You should trust a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney to make sure you are never left to pay out-of-pocket for your recovery after an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, strives to earn motorcycle accident victims everything they need to recover and return to their bikes. Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation.
