​Florida Motorcycle Insurance Laws

Steven A. Bagen | February 3, 2025 | Motorcycle accident

Florida motorcycle insurance laws are confusing at best. The most difficult part lies in the fact that traditional no-fault insurance processes that apply to auto accidents are not applicable to motorcycle collisions.

Unfortunately, this can complicate matters when riders who get into accidents with uninsured or under-insured drivers. Without insurance, an uninsured or underinsured driver’s actions can leave you bankrupt.

If you have questions about Florida’s motorcycle insurance requirements or have suffered injuries in a crash, contact a motorcycle accident attorney about your rights and options.

 

Here are three ways to prove financial responsibility as a motorcycle rider in Florida:

1. Purchase liability insurance: The most common and smartest option for riders is to purchase and carry liability insurance from a licensed Florida insurance carrier. Liability insurance covers any damage caused by your fault to others and breaks down into damage to property and damage to the body of others.
2. Self-insurance certificate: If you can prove to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) that you have sufficient personal financial resources to qualify as “self-insured,” you can get a self-insurance certificate from them. This means you have enough money to pay someone else if you injure them in an accident.
3. Financial responsibility certificate: You can get a financial responsibility certificate from the FLHSMV by submitting proof of a certificate of deposit of $30,000 and power of attorney over that deposit issued to the FLHSMV, as outlined in Florida Statutes 324.161. This can be a great option if you don’t want to purchase motorcycle insurance or lack the funds for a self-insured certificate.

Even though traditional insurance coverage is not mandatory for all Florida drivers and motorcyclists, having the ability to cover losses in an accident is essential if you want to avoid the hardships that come with causing or suffering motorcycle crash injuries. 

What Are the Penalties for Not Having Proof of Financial Responsibility or a Motorcycle Insurance Policy?

If you don’t have the necessary proof that you are financially responsible, you can face stiff penalties, including the suspension of your driving privileges or motorcycle endorsement, the suspension of your motorcycle registration and tag, and having to purchase mandatory liability coverage for up to three years.

Additionally, if you cause damage to the property or person of another, they may seek damages from your assets and get a civil judgment against you. Therefore, you must always have proof of financial responsibility before you hit the road on your motorcycle in Florida.

While this is to manage the financial risks of others on the road, having proper coverage also ensures you have coverage if you suffer injuries. If someone else causes a crash and does not have coverage, you want your own insurance to fall back on.

Furthermore, if your own insurance isn’t enough to cover damages, you’ll be able to partner with a lawyer who can help advocate for a fair settlement for any liable parties involved.

Should You Buy Motorcycle Insurance?

Yes, most will recommend that riders purchase insurance. One recommendation is to have a policy that is 50/100/25, known as full coverage. Having a full coverage policy includes collision and comprehensive coverage and pertains to all riders.

Collision covers repair costs when you are in an accident. Comprehensive covers non-accident damage to your bike, like vandalism, natural disasters, or theft. Without these coverages, you will have to pay for any damage yourself.

You can also purchase liability-only insurance, which covers damages other riders incur during an accident. However, this can leave you vulnerable if you suffer injuries due to another driver with inadequate coverage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Florida motorcycle laws do not require underinsured motorists coverage for any vehicle, but it is important. In recent years, Florida had the sixth-highest rate of uninsured drivers, with more than 20 percent of drivers not having proper coverage.

Insurance minimums are also lower than in other states, leaving injured motorcyclists vulnerable during crashes. If you are in a crash due to an uninsured or underinsured driver, you want the right coverage on your end.

You should get as much coverage as you can purchase and shop around for different options. Since many motorcycle accidents result in exorbitant losses, you want high policy limits that can cover catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage or a blunt force head trauma. 

Additional Provisions

Some insurance companies will offer other benefits within your policy. A popular option is enhanced injury protection, which provides weekly payment for two years if your injury leaves you out of work.

Another optional add-on is total loss coverage. This may provide compensation to replace your bike no older than one model year. You will receive the full manufacturer’s retail price for a new motorcycle. You will get the full payment, excluding your insurance deductible.

No-fault Insurance

Florida operates under no-fault insurance laws for four-wheeled vehicles. Under the requirement, drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage that pays for injuries during an accident regardless of fault.

No-fault insurance coverage, however, does not apply to motorcycles because they only have two wheels.

Instead of the standard no-fault coverage, your best bet is to have motorcycle insurance. With it, you can still file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company seeking compensation if they are at fault for the injuries you have sustained. 

 

How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost in Florida?

The cost of your policy will depend on several variables, making the price an individual calculation.

When giving you an estimate, the insurance companies will consider:

• Age: younger drivers are still learning and gaining experience, so the insurance company will charge them more for coverage.
• Location: where you live or register your bike will impact your insurance rate. Your policy will also vary based on living costs and accident statistics.
• Driving record: clean driving records without accidents, traffic violations, and other harmful items can get you a better rate. This is the most significant factor in your insurance rate.
• Gender: female drivers tend to have a better driving history and will often have lower rates than males.
• Value: if you are buying collision coverage, it covers damage to your vehicle based on its value. A newer bike is worth more and will cost more to insure. Older bikes with lower values will cost less to insure.
• Use: how often you ride will also impact your rates. You pay more when you ride more, meaning daily riders have high rates. If you only ride seasonally or here and there, your rates are likely lower.

Never allow the cost of premiums to prevent you from buying the necessary coverage. Should an accident occur with an uninsured driver, you need the right insurance policy.

Helmet Laws, Equipment, & Motorcycle Insurance: What You Need To Know

If you choose to ride your bike without a helmet, Florida requires that you purchase insurance coverage. You must meet the minimum insurance of 10/20/10 to ride without a helmet. While your helmet usage will impact your insurance requirements, it should not affect your ability to seek damages in an accident claim.

However, what can affect your ability to seek damages or collect maximum compensation when someone else’s negligent actions result in your injuries is not having the legally required equipment, such as:

• Turn signals
• Font and rear brakes
• Horn
• Headlight and brake light
• Rear reflectors
• Mirrors

Without these pieces of equipment, insurance adjusters may move to nullify or diminish your claim. 

If you are unsure whether these requirements are currently affecting or may affect your right to seek compensation after a motorcycle accident in Florida, contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights and legal options.

What Are the Risks of Riding a Motorcycle in Florida?

Florida can seem like the ideal place for motorcyclists, but riding here also has many hazards. Dangerous driving behaviors happen everywhere you look and are a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Heavy traffic is all over the state, especially during the summer when families travel and many people visit Florida.

Since this is a prime vacation destination, many residents can grow frustrated with tourists on the roads and engage in dangerous driving.

Seemingly counterintuitive, the weather is also hazardous to drivers. Florida is the Sunshine State, but the weather is unpredictable, especially in the summer. Midday showers are common, and hurricane season is in full force. The roads will become slick, and that can cause other drivers to lose control and strike you.

Additionally, the sunshine everyone comes for can also be a hindrance. Sunlight can decrease visibility, making it challenging for drivers to see motorcycles. Since bikes have a smaller profile than four-wheeled vehicles, they are often harder to see on clear days. When the sunshine is bright, it only increases the hazards to riders. 

How to File A Motorcycle Accident Claim in Florida?

Filing a personal injury claim in Florida is a complicated and overwhelming process, especially when navigating the intricacies of the state’s no-fault laws. Unlike motor vehicle claims, motorcycle accident claims are not covered by personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.

This means that injured riders must seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver, often involving detailed legal and insurance procedures. For someone recovering from significant injuries, managing this process alone can feel impossible.

The easiest and most effective way to pursue the compensation you deserve without disrupting your recovery is to hire a reputable motorcycle accident injury lawyer. An attorney experienced in handling motorcycle accidents can help by:

• Evaluating the circumstances of your accident to determine fault and liability.
• Gathering critical evidence, such as crash reports, witness statements, and expert evaluations, to strengthen your case.
• Calculating the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure a fair settlement offer is presented.
• Representing you in court if negotiations fail and litigation becomes necessary.
• Ensuring all legal deadlines, such as statutes of limitations, are met to protect your claim.

Recovering compensation after a motorcycle accident is never a straightforward process, but you don’t have to face it alone. By working with an experienced legal advocate, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the complexities of your claim.

Bagen Law | Accident Injury Lawyers Ready To Fight For The Rights of Florida Motorcycle Riders

Florida’s motorcycle insurance laws are anything but straightforward. The lack of mandatory requirements for traditional coverage and the unique financial responsibility regulations leave many riders unprotected and unsure of their rights. 

If you’re dealing with injuries from a crash, this confusion can become an added obstacle on your road to recovery. At Bagen Law, we understand just how frustrating and overwhelming this can feel. 

Our team is dedicated to helping injured Florida motorcycle riders cut through the confusion and find real solutions. Whether it’s pursuing compensation from negligent drivers, handling uninsured motorist claims, or navigating your legal options, we are here to fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Don’t try to make sense of complicated insurance laws on your own. Protect your future by calling xxx-xxx-xxxx or filling out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer today.