New York is home to many avid motorcyclists. Whether you ride your bike for recreation or as an economical means of transportation, it’s important to have enough insurance coverage. While purchasing motorcycle insurance is required in New York, the minimum liability limits may not adequately cover you in an accident.
Understanding New York’s Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
If you are injured in a car accident in New York, the state’s no-fault insurance rules will apply. You’ll submit your claim to your insurer under your personal injury protection or PIP insurance. Your no-fault insurance provider will cover your medical expenses up to the policy limits. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, however, the no-fault insurance laws do not apply. Motorcyclists do not have PIP coverage on their motorcycle insurance policies. Instead, your insurance coverage will pay for the losses and injuries suffered by others in an accident caused by you. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, you’ll submit your claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
What Are the Mandatory Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists in New York?
In New York, motorcyclists must carry motorcycle insurance carrying at least the following minimum liability limits:
• Bodily injury coverage per person in the amount of $25,000
• Bodily injury coverage per accident in the amount of $50,000
• Property damage coverage in the amount of $10,000
• Death liability coverage per person in the amount of $50,000
• Death liability coverage per accident in the amount of $100,000
This coverage is not available to pay for your injuries or damage to your bike. It is only available to pay for the losses others suffer if you cause an accident while riding your motorcycle.
Types of Coverage to Consider
Motorcyclists should consider purchasing additional types of insurance coverage beyond the minimum liability limits. By purchasing collision coverage, your losses will be covered up to your policy limits if you cause an accident. Comprehensive coverage will pay for damage to your bike caused by other events like fires, thefts, or floods.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to consider purchasing uninsured and under insured motorist coverage. UM/UIM coverage offsets your losses if you are involved in an accident caused by someone who is uninsured or has insufficient coverage to pay for your losses. Finally, if you have a custom motorcycle, you should consider purchasing custom motorcycle coverage. Custom bikes may be worth more than what collision and comprehensive coverage might pay. Ultimately, custom motorcycle coverage can help you replace your custom chopper.
Since the rules for motorcycle insurance in New York are different than they are for other types of vehicles, it can be confusing to know what to do after an accident. Having the right types of coverage can help protect you. If your accident was caused by another motorist, an attorney could help you sort out how to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
