Many people mistake that their car insurance policies will automatically cover their motorcycle; however, this is generally not true. If you already have an existing auto insurance policy, you may be able to ask your insurance provider for a motorcycle endorsement, which is simply an extension of your policy that includes coverage for your bike. Alternatively, you can also purchase a separate motorcycle insurance policy. Similar to auto insurance, the basic tenets of a motorcycle insurance policy include liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. Specifically, in North Carolina, motorcyclists are required to carry a minimum level of liability insurance that protects the policyholder from the damage they cause to third parties and their property. In North Carolina, the minimum requirements are as follows:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000
Bear in mind that these figures are only the minimum requirement and are unlikely to provide complete financial protection if you are at fault in a motorcycle accident. In addition to motorcycle insurance requirements, North Carolina also requires that all motorcycle owners have a learner’s permit or endorsement on their regular driver’s license, which can be obtained via passing a motorcycle knowledge test, a road sign identification test, and a vision test. Additionally, you and any passengers are required to wear a helmet that signifies compliance with DOT requirements via a sticker stuck permanently to the back.
At Steiner Insurance Group in Nashville, NC, we can help you navigate the complexities of motorcycle insurance to ensure that you have adequate coverage and are not running afoul of state laws and regulations. Give us a call today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
