If you drive a motorcycle in New York, you must carry liability insurance coverage. Many insurance companies will try to sell you motorcycle insurance as a cheaper and better option than car insurance. Don’t be fooled – basic motorcycle insurance may not cover your losses if you are injured in an accident. There are many common motorcycle insurance myths that can lead to confusion and inadequate coverage.
Motorcycle accidents can cause life-threatening injuries. You’ll want a policy that covers various injury-related expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Keep the following in mind when purchasing an insurance policy for your motorcycle.
No-Fault Insurance in New York
If you’ve ever shopped for an automobile insurance policy in New York, you’ll know that New York is a no-fault car insurance state. The law requires you to obtain personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for your vehicle. After an accident, you would make a claim with your own provider, no matter who is at fault. PIP covers injury-related damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Many insurance companies will try to sell you motorcycle insurance as a cheaper and better option than car insurance, but it’s important to understand what each insurance company covers.
PIP Minimum Coverage Requirements
According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, all drivers, including motorcyclists, must carry the following minimum PIP coverage:
- $10,000 for property damage
- $25,000 for bodily injury of a single person
- $50,000 for the death of a single person
- $50,000 for bodily injury of two or more people
- $100,000 for the death of two or more people
No-Fault Laws do Not Apply to Motorcyclists
While you are required to maintain liability insurance coverage on your motorcycle, the no-fault law does not apply to motorcycles. According to the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS), most policies do not provide these no-fault benefits to motorcyclists.
In other words, your liability insurance coverage for your motorcycle only covers damages and injuries that you cause to others. It does not cover any of your own property damages or injuries that you might sustain in a motorcycle accident. This means that the minimum insurance coverage required may not be sufficient to cover all your expenses in the event of an accident.
What This Means for Motorcyclists
When a motorcycle accident occurs on Long Island, the motorcyclist can make a claim with the liable party’s insurer. If you experience an accident with a driver who lacks insurance or does not carry enough to cover your expenses, you may be left footing the bill.
If insurers determine you were at fault for the accident, you will not be able to make a claim for your damages through your own provider if you only carry PIP coverage. Do not assume a basic motorcycle insurance policy will cover your losses. Make sure you inquire about additional forms of coverage. One common motorcycle insurance myth is that basic coverage will be enough to cover all your losses, which is often not the case.
Consider Additional Forms of Coverage for Your Motorcycle Insurance Premiums
When shopping for motorcycle insurance, don’t sign away your rights to the coverage that would benefit you in the event of a motorcycle accident. Instead, you might want to expand your motorcycle insurance coverage. To ensure comprehensive protection, consider expanding your motorcycle insurance coverage beyond the basics.
Collisions can total your motorcycle and cause serious injuries, so think about purchasing additional optional coverage, including:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)/ Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Myths Surrounding Motorcycle Insurance
This coverage is important if you are involved in an accident with someone who either has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover damages. Depending on the limits you decide to purchase, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can really help with medical bills and repairs to your motorcycle.
Medical Payment Coverage
Medical payment coverage can help cover medical expenses associated with the accident.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage can help pay for motorcycle repairs in non-traffic accidents. For example, if your motorcycle is damaged by hail or fire, it may pay for repairs.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage will help pay for repairs if your motorcycle is damaged in an accident.
Towing and Labor Coverage
By purchasing this coverage, you will have access to emergency roadside assistance and towing if your motorcycle breaks down.
Make Sure You See a Doctor After a Motorcycle Accident
If you want to seek damages after a motorcycle accident, you will need to prove you suffered injuries. Medical documentation can provide vital evidence for your case.
Make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you went to the emergency room after the accident. Make sure you also follow through with any treatment plan your doctor prescribes. Having medical payment coverage can help ensure that your medical expenses are covered after an accident.
Work with the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP after a Long Island Motorcycle Accident
If you were in a motorcycle accident, you may have a right to compensation from a liable party. A Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can review the liable party’s insurance policy to see if it will fairly cover your losses. We can file a claim or lawsuit to fight for the awards you deserve. We can also help you understand how the accident may impact your insurance rates and work to minimize any increases.
Even if you bear the fault for the accident, we can review your policy and discuss your legal options. Call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP at (516) 358-6900 or contact us via our contact form. For your convenience, we are available 24/7. Reach out to us as soon as possible since deadlines may apply to your case.
