Pennsylvania Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Mandatory Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania
The minimum coverage amounts protect both motorcyclists and motorists or pedestrians in the event of an accident involving a motorcycle. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles, the minimum insurance coverage amounts for motorcyclists are listed below.
- bodily injury liability for one person of $15,000.
- bodily injury liability for one accident of $30,000.
- and, property damage liability coverage of $5,000.
Liability insurance covers damage other motorists incur if you cause the accident. If you are injured in an accident that someone else causes, you may pursue a claim with the other driver’s liability coverage. When speaking with an insurance agent, he or she may refer to the minimum coverage as 15/30/5 coverage. Operating a motorcycle without the minimum coverage requirement is illegal in the state.
Rather than having bodily injury liability coverage of only $15,000 and $30,000, you may want to consider purchasing an insurance package option that offers more coverage. You can purchase higher levels of property damage liability coverage. This protects you in the event you cause an accident that results in higher amounts of damages.
Medical Benefits Insurance Not Required for Motorcyclists
Other motorists must carry medical benefits coverage that pays for medical expenses the policyholder suffers in the accident, regardless of fault. But according to §1714 of Pennsylvania law, motorcyclists are not eligible for first-party insurance benefits.
Full Tort Coverage for Motorcyclists
Fortunately, while other motorists may choose between limited and full tort liability coverage that determines ability to pursue a tort claim against an at-fault driver for pain and suffering, motorcyclists are automatically full tort.
This means that regardless of injury severity, the motorcyclist’s ability to file a tort claim against an at-fault driver is not limited. So if another driver caused your accident, you can pursue a tort claim against him or her for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage Options
Other types of insurance coverage that may be wise to purchase as a motorcyclist are uninsured and underinsured coverage. Uninsured coverage will protect you in the event that a driver who does not have insurance hits you, or if you are in a hit-and-run accident. Meanwhile, underinsured coverage will protect you in the event that an at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover the full extent of your damages.
Other Insurance Coverage Options
Motorcyclists have a range of other types of insurance coverage options that other motorists do not. For example, you can purchase trip interruption coverage, which is intended to help you in the event that you experience a mechanical breakdown while on your motorcycle; comprehensive coverage, for accidents that aren’t collision related, such as hail that damages your bike; and collision coverage, which covers repairs in the event of an accident, regardless of fault.
Hiring an Attorney after a Motorcycle Accident
Unfortunately, some motorcyclists may have difficulty recovering compensation for the motorcycle accident from their insurance policy or that of an at-fault driver. If you’re involved in an accident and sustain injuries that another driver caused, our motorcycle accident attorneys based in Bristol, Bensalem, and other locations throughout Pennsylvania, can be your best resource for compensation.
The attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC know what you’re up against. If you need help fighting an insurance claim or filing a personal injury suit to get you the money you need to pay your medical bills and property damages, we’re ready to take on your case. To set up a free case consultation, call Cordisco & Saile today at 215-642-2335 to get started.
