Motorcycles are quite popular in California. Warm weather and traffic congestion make motorbikes a popular choice for sports riders and daily commuters too. Before hitting the road, motorcyclists need to make sure they have the proper insurance coverage to protect their property and to cover any liabilities should an accident occur.
The Californian state government requires motorcycle owners to carry insurance and also stipulates specific minimum liability coverage levels. If you ride a motorbike without insurance, you could end up on the wrong side of the law. Get in touch with Manteca Insurance & Financial Services, which serves Central Valley, CA, if you have any further questions!
Understanding Motorcycle Insurance in California
California requires motor vehicle operators to carry specific liability coverage maximums, meaning insurance will payout until a certain amount. Generally speaking, vehicle insurance offers different liability coverages to pay for different costs. For example, property liability costs are separate from bodily injury liabilities.
As for body injury liabilities, when operating a motorcycle in California, you need to have at least $15,000 in liability coverage for injuries to one person and at least $30,000 for two people. Medical bills, especially from a motor vehicle accident, can be very costly, and many drivers choose to increase liability coverage.
Further, California also requires motorcycle drivers to carry at least $5,000 in liability coverage for property damage. If you damage someone else’s vehicle, this coverage will help cover repair or replacement costs.
The above numbers represent minimums. Many California motorcycle owners take out additional coverage to pay more expensive bills. Medical bills from a car accident may exceed $30,000. If someone suffers a permanent injury, such as paralysis, costs can quickly pile up.
Further, the above minimums do not provide coverage for your property. You’ll need to take out additional insurance coverage to protect against damage to your own motorcycle. You may need to purchase additional coverage to cover theft, weather damage, and other things. Also, bodily injury insurance covers other people, but typically not your own medical bills. Again, separate coverage may be needed.
Have questions about motorcycle insurance in California? Contact Manteca Insurance & Financial Services, which serves Central Valley, CA.
