California Motorcycle Insurance Laws
California law requires that all registered vehicles, including motorcycles, have insurance. The DMV states that "this is to help ensure that drivers and riders are able to pay for damages or injuries they may cause to others in an accident." If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, you have the legal right to seek financial compensation from the person who caused the accident.
Liability insurance
In order to abide by California law, your motorcycle insurance policy must have liability insurance coverage. This is in case you cause an accident. In other words, liability insurance coverage pays for the property damage and bodily injury your negligence results in for others. Here are the minimum liability coverage limits required by California:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person
- $30,000 for total injury/death if multiple people are hurt in the accident.
- $5,000 for damage to property
Motorcycle insurance facts
California is full of surprises — and this includes facts relating motorcycle insurance.
- You need to have proof of insurance on you when riding your motorcycle. A motorcyclist must always carry their insurance card on their person or in a compartment on the bike.
- Typical motorcycle insurance does not cover customized bikes. Talk to your insurance company about getting coverage for customized motorcycles.
- The law does not require you to have insurance for a dirt bike. However, protecting your bike and yourself is never a bad idea.
- Your motorcycle can be impounded if you are caught riding without insurance. What's more, the authorities won’t release your motorcycle until you do in fact obtain the required insurance for it.
- If you are injured in a motorcycle crash and you don’t have motorcycle insurance, you cannot recover non-economic damages. These damages include pain and suffering, disability or disfigurement, and loss of consortium (i.e., the ability to have or enjoy sex).
Motorcycle riding can be a thrilling experience, especially when you are winding in and out of LA traffic. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are also at risk for being injured in auto accidents. If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle that was not your fault, know that California law and the experienced accident attorneys at Ghozland Law Firm are on your side. Contact them today for a free consultation.
