If you are looking to buy a motorcycle in Virginia, then you should be aware of the minimum liability insurance that’s required in the state. As per Commonwealth law, this requirement helps protects drivers and ensures that negligent motorists are held financially liable for any crashes and injuries they may cause.
If you ever have a motorcycle accident and the driver does not have enough insurance coverage to pay you then insurance becomes important so that you get the compensation you deserve.
Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in Virginia?
Yes, motorcycle insurance is required in Virginia. You must show proof of insurance prior to registering your motorcycle. If you fail to do so, then you can end up paying hefty fines and it may even lead to license suspension.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Virginia
If you pay a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee, then you do not have to purchase motorcycle liability insurance. However, in case of a collision, you will not have liability insurance coverage and would have to personally pay for the compensation that’s required from your end.
Here are the minimum coverage requirements:
- Coverage of $25,000 for the injuries of one victim or one fatality per accident
- Coverage of $50,000 for bodily injuries or fatality per accident
- Coverage of $25,000 for damage to property per accident
Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) Fee: An Overview
You have the option of registering an uninsured vehicle for a sum of $500, along with the normal registration fee. However, do keep in mind that paying the Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee does not protect you against any liability. Plus, the UMV is valid for only 12 months. So, one way or the other, it’s better to just get the motorcycle insurance coverage.
Why Should You Consider Paying Additional Insurance Coverage
Paying minimum liability insurance may not be ideal in many situations as it will not sufficiently protect you in an accident happens. You should consider purchasing additional insurance coverage so that you do not have to incur a personal loss if a victim suffers serious injuries. Additional insurance coverage can help you in protecting yourself if another driver injures you in a motorcycle accident.
Here are some situations where minimum liability insurance might not be sufficient:
Your Minimum Liability Protection Isn’t Adequate
If you find yourself in a situation where an accident has happened, there are chances that the necessary minimum liability insurance might not be sufficient to pay for the other person’s damages and losses, such as medical costs, car damage, and property damage. In such situations, you can be held personally liable to pay out of your pocket. This could be a major expense for you and it could have been avoided by taking additional insurance coverage.
An Accident Caused by an Uninsured Driver
Not everyone takes insurance. Not only do they violate the law in doing so, but they also put the other person in danger. When you suffer (or sustain) injuries in a motorcycle accident that occurred because of an uninsured/underinsured motorist, you might not receive compensation for your damages or losses. Yes, you read that correctly.
Even if they have purchased the minimum liability insurance, then $25,000 may not be adequate to cover the cost of your injuries and losses in a serious motorcycle accident. So, additional insurance coverage might come in handy in this situation and even help you in saving money.
Insurance to Cover your Own Injuries
In case of a motorcycle accident, minimum liability insurance will not cover your medical bills or compensate for your income loss while you are unable to work. Minimum liability insurance can only be used to compensate the other party for bodily injury, death, or property damage.
On the other hand, when medical pay is included in your insurance it can help to cover your medical bills regardless of who caused the crash.
Damage to your Motorcycle
If there is damage to your property, then minimum liability insurance in Virginia might not cover it. So, if your motorbike is damaged by vandalism, fire, wind, water, or theft, then Comprehensive vehicle insurance will compensate for your damages and losses. Collision coverage will pay the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle if it were damaged in an accident.
Talk to a Top-Rated Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our legal team understands that a motorcycle accident can cause severe physical, mental, and financial trauma to the victims. That’s why our skilled and compassionate attorneys are here to offer you their legal expertise and guidance. Feel free to call our office today at 800-752-0042 or contact us online. We will be happy to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation for you with one of our seasoned Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers.
References:
https://www.hsinjurylaw.com/library/motorcycle-accident-injury-information.cfm
https://www.hsinjurylaw.com/blog/insurance-injured-motorcycle-passenger.cfm
https://www.hsinjurylaw.com/blog/wrong-way-drunk-driver-injures-motorcyclist-in-newport-news.cfm