Motorcycle Insurance: Are Motorcycle Riders Exempt From the Liability Insurance Requirement?

Not true.  Although there are special rules, exceptions and options in some states regarding some coverages for motorcycle owners, liability coverage does not appear to be among them.  Every state that requires automobile liability insurance also requires motorcycle liability insurance.  Your liability insurance will protect you from the risk of hurting someone or damaging someone’s property while you are riding your motorcycle.

The exceptions, special rules and options noted above vary from state to state.  For example, in Oregon, there is no Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage available to motorcycle owners, and in Kansas, a motorcycle owner can reject PIP coverage if he or she does so in writing.  In Kentucky and Maryland, insurance companies are not required to offer uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage to motorcyclists, and in Indiana, motorcycle owners can reject UM/UIM coverage.  In New York, a no-fault state, the no-fault provision does not apply to motorcyclists if they are injured in an accident and want to sue the at-fault driver for damages from their injuries.  Their injuries need not be “serious” in order to sue, as is required for auto drivers.

There are many more special rules across the country for motorcyclists, so do check with your insurance agent for the regulations in your state.  As far as liability coverage, though, where it is mandatory for cars, it is mandatory for motorcycles.