Choosing motorcycle insurance is important. The right coverage and insurance provider may make a huge difference if you are ever injured in an accident. The key to selecting the right coverage is to understand the minimum insurance requirements and decide whether optional, additional coverage is necessary.
In New Jersey, drivers in cars may be covered by no-fault, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, but this usually does not extend to motorcycles. As such, you must have liability coverage that meets minimum requirements. To make up for the lack of PIP coverage, you might consider selecting additional insurance coverage options, like MedPay or collision and comprehensive coverage. To keep your insurance costs as low as possible, you should avoid accidents. If you are in an accident, get an experienced attorney to help you prove you are not at fault.
Call Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464 and get a free, private case evaluation from our Jersey City, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer.
How to Choose Your Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
Selecting motorcycle insurance is not easy. There are so many insurance companies and coverage options out there that many people do not know where to begin.
While drivers in New Jersey normally must have no-fault, personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, this does not apply to motorcycles. Rather than no-fault coverage, motorcycle riders are required to carry liability coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
You may decide to purchase additional policies that provide greater coverage than the minimum requirements. For example, certain optional policies may provide coverage on a no-fault basis. In that case, select coverage that is both adequate and affordable.
Additionally, you should go with an insurance company that is communicative and helpful. Insurance companies that take your money and offer little to no help in return should be avoided.
Minimum Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles in New Jersey
As mentioned before, drivers in New Jersey must carry no-fault insurance, but this requirement does not extend to motorcycles, and no-fault coverage might not be available. Instead, you should understand the minimum requirements of liability coverage, which you are required to have, and determine if additional coverage is necessary.
Motorcycle riders must rely on typical liability coverage. They must file third-party claims against the other driver’s insurance to get any compensation. When selecting your motorcycle insurance, you must be aware of the minimum requirements for liability coverage.
In New Jersey, motorcycle riders are required to have liability insurance that covers at least $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. This is the bare minimum, and anything more will likely be more expensive.
When selecting motorcycle insurance, you must decide if the standard, minimum requirements are enough for you. Many riders with minimum coverage find that they cannot adequately cover all the damages, especially in severe cases. If your insurance is insufficient, our Mount Laurel, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer may help you file an injury case to claim damages.
Optional Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
While the minimum insurance coverage might be enough for some motorcycle riders, you may want to explore optional policies. Motorcycle accidents can be very serious, and the damages might be more than the minimum coverage.
You may choose to buy medical payment coverage, often called MedPay, which may cover medical expenses after an accident up to a certain amount. You may file a claim with your MedPay coverage regardless of who is responsible for the accident. This kind of coverage can make a huge difference when medical costs are very high after an accident.
You might also consider purchasing collision and comprehensive insurance policies for your motorcycle. Collision insurance may cover the costs of repairs to your motorcycle after an accident, and comprehensive coverage may help with non-accident damage, like theft or damage due to weather.
What if the Best Motorcycle Insurance Policy is Too Expensive?
If you have examined your options for motorcycle insurance but find that the best insurance for you is too expensive, consider contacting the insurance company. They may be eager to have you as a customer, and they might be willing to come down on the price or offer discounts.
Use your good driving history to your advantage. If you have never had a motorcycle accident before, be sure to let the insurance company know. If you are switching to a new insurance company from a competitor, they might be willing to offer you a deal to get your business.
How You Can Lower Your Motorcycle Insurance Rates in New Jersey
If insurance is too pricey, you might be able to reduce your rates. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer discounts for completing state-approved motorcycle safety training courses. This is somewhat common, and you may be able to get a good deal on better insurance.
You should also focus on maintaining a clean driving record for as long as possible. Your insurance company may offer incentives to stay accident-free, such as discounts for every year of good driving.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, get an attorney to help you. Your lawyer can help you prove to the insurance company that the accident was not your fault, and they might agree not to raise your rates.
How Accidents May Affect Your Choice of Motorcycle Insurance
When selecting motorcycle insurance, it is essential to consider how each insurance company handles claims and accidents. Some companies raise insurance premiums for just one accident. Other companies may be more forgiving.
Insurance companies that are incredibly strict about accidents might not be the best choice. A negligent driver might cause an accident, no matter how careful you are on your motorcycle, and you should not have to pay the price for their negligence. Ask an insurance company about how they treat accidents and if they offer any accident forgiveness programs.
Get Legal Help From Our NJ Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Call Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464 and get a free, private case evaluation from our Cherry Hill, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer.