Compare motorcycle insurance in Florida

Florida motorcyclists have few insurance laws which can keep their riding costs low. However, you may want more coverage than required because of the high motorcycle crash rate here. But more protection comes at a higher price.

Average motorcycle insurance rates in Florida

This state is known for high motorcycle premiums, with an average of $689 per year or $57 per month. That’s a few hundred dollars higher than you’ll find in most states, which usually range from $300 to $500 annually.

The high cost makes sense since Florida has the highest motorcycle fatality rate of any US state, with 550 deaths in 2017. Plus, low insurance requirements could mean that more riders have less insurance than they need, making options like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage more costly choices.

Minimum motorcycle insurance requirements in Florida

Unlike other states, Florida doesn’t require liability coverage. Instead, this state requires you to have at least $10,000 of medical payments coverage that you can carry through health or vehicle insurance.

This is not to be confused with personal injury protection (PIP), which isn’t available to motorcyclists in the state.

The state recommends keeping liability coverage to avoid being held financially responsible if you cause an accident. To ensure financial responsibility:

• Purchase bike insurance. A good rule is to keep the same liability coverage as other drivers: $10,000 for bodily injuries per person, $20,000 for bodily injuries per incident and $10,000 for property damage liability.
• Show proof of financial responsibility. You’ll need both a surety bond from a licensed company and a security deposit with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
• Apply for self-insurance. Prove you have a certain amount of accessible funds or assets and you can apply for a self-insurance certificate with the Bureau of Financial Responsibility.

How to save on bike insurance in Florida

Because Florida has minimal bike insurance laws, you can get by with little coverage and a low premium upfront. However, consider these easy ways to save:

• Use health insurance for injury protection. If you have at least $10,000 of health insurance coverage, you may not need personal injury protection from a bike insurer. And you’ll be covered for more than just bike accidents.
• Take a motorcycle safety course. You could get a discount by completing an approved safety course.
• Lower coverage. You can go with the lowest insurance protection here without any state liability laws. But keep in mind that you’ll have to pay out of pocket if an accident occurs.

Bottom line

Florida might have stellar views that make riding a fun mode of transportation, but the state also has many severe bike accidents. Despite its low insurance requirements, consider bike insurers who offer helpful liability and physical damage coverage.

Frequently asked questions about Florida motorcycle insurance

• Do I need insurance to register my motorcycle in Florida?

  No, you can register your motorcycle without insurance in the state.

• What are the penalties for not having motorcycle insurance in Florida?

  If you’re at fault in an accident and don’t have insurance, you could face a driving suspension, registration suspension, civil judgments and required SR-22 coverage for up to three years.

• Do I need proof of insurance to ride my motorcycle in Florida?

  Yes, you do need your insurance card or other proof of financial responsibility in case you’re involved in an accident.