What Insurance Do I Need For a Motorcycle in Florida?

You need motorcycle insurance if you own or ride any type of motorcycle in Florida. Motorcycle insurance in Florida is available for all types of motorcycles, including standard, sports, touring bike, cruiser, off-road, and dual-purpose bikes. Florida motorcycle insurance can also protect three-wheel motorcycles - popular in the Sunshine State.

With the average price of $55-$100 per month for full coverage (depending on the type of motorcycle), or $100-$130 per year for liability-only, motorcycle insurance is available from various insurers. Here are the most popular insurance companies that are licensed to provide motorcycle insurance coverage to the residents of Florida:

Like regular auto insurance, motorcycle insurance has different types of coverage, each of which protects against specific perils. The different types of coverage include motorcycle collision insurance, comprehensive coverage, coverage for custom parts, and medical payments coverage. Others include roadside assistance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, motorcycle repair insurance, and total loss coverage. Florida residents purchase motorcycle insurance for various reasons. Still, the major reason is to protect themselves from the financial burden of having to repair or replace a damaged or stolen bike.

Typically, Floridians purchase motorcycle insurance coverage policies that suit their exact needs. For instance, a person in Florida who resides in a county with a high crash rate (such as Miami Dade, Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, and Orange) will likely want to get collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and medical payments coverage.

What is Motorcycle Insurance in Florida?

Motorcycle insurance, sometimes called bike insurance, is a stand-alone coverage structured to provide adequate coverage for diverse motorcycles and related vehicles, like trikes, mopeds, scooters, golf carts, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, V-twin, and all-terrain vehicles. Motorcycle insurance typically covers two-wheeled land motor vehicles and three-wheeled motorcycles designed primarily for public roads. While motorcycle owners/riders can add their motorcycles to the personal auto policy (PAP), coverage gaps can occur, hence the need for motorcycle owners to get this coverage to reduce or eliminate such gaps. The cost of repairing or replacing a damaged motorcycle can be expensive, depending on the type, model, make, and age of the motorcycle. Whichever the case may be, Florida motorcycle insurance can help deal with the motorcycle’s associated repair/replacement costs, so the owner does not have to pay out of pocket for such unplanned expenses.

When Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance in FL?

In Florida, you are not mandated to have motorcycle insurance if you own a motorcycle, except if you choose to ride it without a helmet (like a regular helmet, smart motorcycle helmet, or motorcycle helmet with a heads-up display). In such a case, you will be required to purchase a minimum of $10,000 in proper health insurance or medical payments coverage. Riders or passengers under the age of 21 are required by law to wear a helmet in Florida. Motorcycle casualties have been rising since 2018, as examined in a three-year trend recorded by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The trend continued in 2021.

If you get into an accident on a motorcycle, you will get injured 85% of the time. Make sure to carry enough medical coverage and/or health insurance, in addition to property coverage.

Source: Florida Crash Portal

As detailed in a report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), other motorcycle casualties were also reported. Most crashes ended with totaled motorcycles, especially high performance motorcycles, supersport, and sport bikes. With the high rate of motorcycle crashes in Florida, having motorcycle insurance is necessary to ensure you are protected from financial losses in the event of an unforeseen circumstance involving your motorcycle. Motorcyclists between ages 15 and 34 account for over 40 of all riders injured and killed in motorcycle crashes in Florida. However, the average age of fatally-injured motorcycle riders is 40. In addition, counties like Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Miami-Dade, Orange, and Volusia have track records of high rates of motorcycle casualties as recorded by the FLHSMV. If you are based in any of these counties or other areas with high rates of motorcycle crashes, you should consider getting higher policy limits on your motorcycle insurance. Overall, many of the most severe motorcycle accidents in the country occur in Florida. Therefore, purchasing a motorcycle insurance policy is important to ensure you are protected in the event of a crash.

To determine whether you need motorcycle insurance, contact a Florida-licensed insurance agent who can assess your needs and guide you on how to get motorcycle insurance. A knowledgeable Florida-licensed insurance agent who represents multiple insurance companies can help you find all the information about the best motorcycle insurance that will suit your needs.

You need motorcycle insurance during 3 times of the bike ownership:

• Buying - insurance is required by the financial institution that is funding the loan for the motorcycle. Without a loan, Florida allows you to register a motorcycle without proof of insurance.
• Riding - Florida law requires proof of financial responsibility AFTER you get into an accident. This can be done using the surety bond, self-insurance certificate, or through motorcycle insurance. Besides protecting others from your actions, do not forget about the damage that the rider and the bike may receive in an accident. Additionally, when you eventually get a flat tire on the side of the road or a mechanical breakdown - you can rely on your motorcycle insurance’s towing coverage.
• Storing - While the bike may be stored during some parts of the year, besides changing the fluids, you should have it insured for theft protection. Motorcycle thefts frequently happen while it is parked and not being used daily.

Get a free motorcycle insurance quote from a company of your choice.

How Does Florida Motorcycle Insurance Work?

In Florida, motorcycle insurance is designed to provide insurance to all types of motorcycles, including standard, sports, touring, cruiser, off-road, and dual-purpose bikes. It works by providing all-year-round coverage for the insured motorcycles and their owners at a cost known as a premium. The premium is determined by the motorcycle insurer. Motorcycle insurance companies in Florida provide several coverage policies so that in the event of a peril, the insured will not have to bear the financial liability alone. Some motorcycle coverage types in Florida are liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Other types of coverage that are specific to only motorcycle insurance are guest passenger liability insurance, accessories or added equipment coverage, carried contents coverage, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts coverage, and motorcycle roadside assistance. Each motorcycle insurance policy has various coverage types and offers different types of protection that protects the insured from the costs of causing an accident while riding a motorcycle.

Before motorcycle insurance is issued, you will need to speak with a knowledgeable Florida-licensed insurance representative to assess your needs and determine what coverage types you need. Motorcycle insurance also requires that you have a deductible, which is part of the factors that will determine your insurance rate. A deductible is the fixed amount of money you agree to pay to repair or replace your motorcycle in the event of a peril covered by your policy before your insurance pays what is left. For instance, if you have a $300 deductible and your bike incurs losses amounting to $1,500, you will be required to pay $300 while your insurer pays the remaining $1,200.

Read more motorcycle insurance FAQs on: What motorcycle insurance covers in Florida.

What Are The Differences Between Auto Insurance and Motorcycle Insurance in Florida?

Auto insurance and motorcycle insurance are quite similar, being that they work in the same way, although they have different coverage limits and requirements. Some of the differences between auto insurance and motorcycle insurance in Florida are listed below:

• Requirement in Florida: Auto insurance is required for all motorcycles in Florida before the vehicle can be registered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. On the other hand, motorcycle insurance is not required for motorcycle riders in Florida; riders can register their bikes with the FLHSMV without proof of insurance. However, note that a rider will be required to have proof of financial responsibility if they get into an accident, so getting motorcycle insurance in Florida is a great idea.
• Coverage limit: In Florida, the minimum coverage required for auto vehicles is $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). In addition, vehicles registered as taxis must carry bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage worth at least $125,000 per person, $250,000 per event, and $50,000 for (PDL) coverage. Conversely, the least coverage that motorcycles must carry is $10,000 in proper health insurance or medical payments coverage, $10,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $20,000 in BIL per accident, and $10,000 in PDL insurance.
• Unique add-on coverage types: Motorcycle insurance has more unique add-on coverage types that can be customized to suit the policyholder’s needs along with the standard add-ons that motorists have available to them. However, auto insurance does not have as many add-on coverage types as motorcycle insurance. For example, motorcyclists in Florida have add-on coverage options like transport trailer coverage and coverage for custom accessories, parts, and equipment like saddlebags and chrome.
• Insurance cost: Although the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles is more than that of motorcycles, motorcycle insurance is generally more expensive than auto insurance because motorcycles are at a higher risk of an accident. However, motorcycle insurance costs in Florida may not be so expensive if the type of motorcycle to be insured is inexpensive, the rider has a good riding record, and is not insuring a sport bike.
• Passenger Coverage: Passenger coverage is automatically offered with regular auto insurance, but motorcyclists will have to purchase guest passenger liability insurance as an add-on insurance policy to protect their passengers. This is because motorcycles are generally regarded as transportation for only one person, so by default, it only covers the rider. Guest passenger liability insurance typically only applies if the insured is not responsible for the injuries to the passengers.

Is Insurance Required for Annual Motorcycle Inspection?

No, in Florida, motorcycle insurance is not required for annual motorcycle inspection. In fact, motorcycles in Florida are exempt from going through an inspection.

How Much Damage Does It Take to Total a Motorcycle?

There is an 80 percent rule in Florida. This rule implies that if a motorcycle’s damages exceed 80 percent of its total value, it is considered a total loss, which means that the motorcycle was damaged terribly and is not worth repairing. Therefore, if your motorcycle is totaled, your insurer is obligated to pay you the fair market value, or actual cash value (ACV) of the motorcycle, in addition to sales tax.

What Happens When an Insurance Company Totals a Motorcycle?

An insurance company totals a motorcycle insured in Florida after an adjuster has investigated the damage and found out that the cost of repairing the motorcycle plus the salvage value exceeds its actual cash value (ACV). The actual cash value is the replacement cost plus depreciation. Generally, the ACV is determined by the fair market value, which is the amount a person would pay for the bike if it were in good condition. Some factors considered are the bike's appearance, how well it was maintained, its mileage, history, and local supply and demand.

After an insurance company totals a motorcycle, the insured will sign off on the title and/or bank signs off (if there was a loan). The insurer may then sell off the totaled motorcycle to a salvage yard. However, if the vehicle is rebuildable, it will be sold to dealers and the general public at an auction. This way, the insurer gets to recover some of the money they paid out during the claim. If the bike is completely damaged beyond repair and cannot be rebuilt, the usable parts are stripped for resale to recover some of the insurer's costs and the salvage yard's work. Typically, totaled bikes are rarely rebuildable. Rebuilding a salvage motorcycle is usually not advisable, especially if there is any frame damage.

In Florida, if a person is issued a certificate of destruction after their motorcycle has been totaled, it can not be insured, registered, or legally operated on the streets or highways within the state. Therefore, after a person’s bike has been totaled in Florida and their insurer has paid the required claim, they can then purchase another bike instead or rebuild the totaled one, depending on surrounding circumstances. Note that they can only rebuild the totaled bike if they were not issued a certificate of destruction.

How Much Motorcycle Insurance Do I Need in FL?

Although Florida does not mandate motorcyclists to get motorcycle insurance in Florida, it is necessary to have it, judging by the high rate of motorcycle crashes in the state. However, motorcyclists who choose not to wear helmets while biking must carry at least $10,000 in proper health insurance or medical payments coverage. Getting sufficient medical payments coverage is very important because the chances of a fatality in a motorcycle accident are around 30 times higher than in a car. Based on crash data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle accidents have approximately 80% injury or death rate, while car accidents are 20%. In addition to $10,000 bodily injury coverage per person, you need $20,000 bodily injury coverage per accident and $10,000 property damage liability insurance coverage. Florida operates an at-fault system.

The amount of motorcycle insurance you need in Florida is determined by many factors, including:

• Your motorcycle’s fair market value: It is necessary to purchase insurance for your bike using its fair market value, so in the event of a claim where your motorcycle is totaled, your insurer will be able to compensate you for what you have lost, factoring in depreciation. Insuring your bike for a higher cost than its fair market value will potentially increase your premium unnecessarily.
• Motorcycle type: Your motorcycle price and type would determine how much insurance you would need and your motorcycle insurance cost. Generally, sport bikes are the most expensive types of motorcycles to insure because of the repair cost. Standards and dual sports are generally the least expensive types to insure, while cruisers and tourers fall somewhere in between.
• Motorcycle condition: Whether the motorcycle is new or fairly used also determines how much coverage is needed. Generally, a used bike would have depreciated over time and may not require as much coverage as a new bike, which would require full comprehensive and collision coverage, among others.
• Location (zip code): There are areas in Florida that record higher motorcycle fatalities than other areas. For instance, counties like Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Miami-Dade, Orange, and Volusia have track records of high rates of motorcycle casualties as recorded by the FLHSMV. If you are based in these counties or any other county with a high motorcycle crash rate, you will need to consider getting beyond the minimum coverage since the chances of getting into a crash are higher.
• Driving records: If you have a clean driving record, you are less likely to be involved in a crash, so your insurance rate may not be high except if there are other contributing factors, such as you residing in a city with high rates of motorcycle casualties.
• Safety records: The safety records of bikes affect their insurance costs. For instance, sports bikes with mid-size engines designed to maximize speed and agility do not have great safety records, compared to lightweight bikes that run on a smaller engine. Most people who die in crashes in Florida were riding sports motorcycles when the crash occurred. Hence, the amount of coverage required will be higher than normal.
• Risk mitigation measures: Implementing risk mitigation measures can reduce the cost of your insurance. For instance, getting a motorcycle helmet with a heads-up display or a smart motorcycle helmet can help reduce your risk of getting into a crash.
• How often you ride: Your annual mileage determines how much coverage you will need. If you rarely use your bike, you may get the minimum coverage because you are less likely to be involved in a crash, but if you use your bike regularly, then consider getting full coverage.

Florida continually ranks among the top three states in the country for motorcycle-related fatalities. Therefore it is necessary to get the right amount of coverage needed so that you would be fully covered in the event of a claim. To save today, contact a Florida-licensed property insurance agent for the true determination of your needs and to discuss motorcycle insurance discounts that may be applicable to your situation.

(Read more in-depth about how to save money on the Cost of Motorcycle insurance in Florida.)

How to Compare Motorcycle Insurance Quotes

When comparing Florida motorcycle insurance quotes, paying attention to every detail of the quote is necessary to get the most suitable coverage at the best price possible. You should get at least three insurance quotes so you can choose from multiple coverage options. Below are the steps you should take when comparing motorcycle insurance quotes and things you should pay attention to - :

• Choose the coverage types you need: There are various motorcycle insurance coverage types in Florida, which include:

  • Collision coverage
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Coverage for custom parts
  • Medical payments coverage
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
  • Motorcycle repair insurance
  • Total loss coverage

  Select your coverage types based on your needs. Make sure that you only compare motorcycle insurance quotes with similar coverage types so that your comparison will be accurate.

• Compare the coverage limits of each quote: Examine the limits for each coverage you select. The coverage limit is the highest amount your insurer will pay to reimburse you for your stolen bike or for repairs or medical bills after your insured motorcycle has been involved in an accident. Higher coverage limits generally translate to higher premiums. The coverage limits for collision and comprehensive coverage are normally up to your motorcycle's actual cash value, and the typical coverage limit for medical payments coverage is $10,000 in Florida.

• Choose the same deductibles: A deductible is the set amount you are obligated to pay out of pocket toward a claim. It is usually decided before a policy launches. For coverages with deductibles, such as collision and comprehensive coverages, pick the same deductible for each quote you get. In most cases, if you choose higher deductibles, your premiums will be less expensive, but you will have to bear most of the loss if a covered event occurs. However, if you pick a low deductible, your premiums will be more expensive.

Note that the best way to compare motorcycle insurance quotes in Florida is to engage the services of a well-connected and knowledgeable independent insurance agent. You will need to provide certain details like your motorcycle type and zip code. Licensed insurance agents are familiar with the Florida motorcycle insurance quote market and know where and how to get the best motorcycle insurance policies that suit your needs and where you may be able to get a discount based on your particular set of circumstances.

What Is the Best Motorcycle Insurance?

The best motorcycle insurance any rider can buy in Florida is motorcycle comprehensive insurance coverage, especially if the bike costs more than $5,000 or is a classic. Comprehensive insurance is considered the best motorcycle insurance in Florida because it goes beyond providing coverage for damage done to a third party’s bike. It also covers damages done to your bike in accidents that did not result from a collision. It covers theft, damage caused by vandalism or falling objects (like a tree or hail), and natural sources (e.g., fire, flood, bad weather). With comprehensive insurance, motorcycle riders who reside in areas with high rates of motorcycle casualties like Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, or Orange are covered because if a crash occurs, they will receive compensation for medical treatment and their bike damage. The table below shows a ranking from the best to worst motorcycle insurance in Florida:

Why Is Motorcycle Insurance Important?

Motorcycle insurance is important for various reasons, including:

• It ensures financial protection in the event of a motorcycle crash.
• It pays for repairs or replacement of the insured bike and other properties damaged in the crash within the policy’s limits.
• It pays for the medical expenses of persons injured in a motorcycle accident.
• It covers replacement costs if your motorcycle gets stolen or totaled, depending on your coverage policy.
• It may provide compensation for an insured, or the victim’s lost wages when they miss work as a result of a motorcycle accident.
• It provides you with peace of mind knowing that you have protection in the event of a perilous event involving your bike.

Who Has the Best Motorcycle Insurance in Florida?

Florida has many good motorcycle insurers based on the quality of services offered at relatively affordable rates. Most of these companies also provide high-quality customer services. However, based on factors like cost, coverage, and customer ratings, the best three motorcycle insurers in Florida are Progressive, Geico, and Dairyland.

If you merge your car insurance and motorcycle insurance - using the same insurance company, you will typically get some discount off the annual cost. Similarly, if you insure multiple bikes with the same insurer - you end up with a more affordable motorcycle insurance overall.

(Read more about Florida’s Auto insurance and how it works.)