All motorcycles on the road are required by law to have motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle insurance protects a motorcycle and its owner in the event of a loss. The term motorcycle policy encompasses motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, snowmobiles, ATVs, and golf carts.

There are several different types of motorcycle insurance, such as accessory, comprehensive, bodily injury liability, personal injury protection, property damage liability, medical payments, uninsured motorist coverage, motorcycle roadside assistance and underinsured motorist coverage.


Alabama Law on Insurance

The state law requires motorcycle owners to have some kind of insurance so they can legally drive their motorcycles. Residents must properly insure or establish financial responsibility for their two-wheeled vehicles. In case you have doubts whether your vehicle requires registration and insurance, you can call the Mandatory Liability Insurance Unit at (334) 242-3000.

Types of Vehicles Considered as Motorcycles

  • Alabama defines a motorcycle as any motor vehicle with a seat or saddle and no more than three wheels (excluding tractors).
  • Motor-driven cycles are: motorcycles, motor scooters, and every bike with an attached motor: that produce no more than five brake horsepower and don’t exceed 150 cc engine displacement; and that weigh less than 200 pounds.

How to Establish Financial Responsibility

Establishing financial responsibility makes sure you’re able to handle the costs in case of any damages you or your motorcycle might cause in an accident. You can establish financial responsibility when you purchase a traditional liability insurance policy, or when you obtain one of the following:

  • A Motor Vehicle Liability Bond for $50,000 or more.
  • A Certificate of Cash Bond for $50,000 or more.

Motorcycle owners must purchase liability insurance or to obtain a Motor Vehicle Liability Bond or Certificate of Cash Bond, so they can legally operate their motorcycle, street-legal moped or scooter on Alabama state roads. The following must be included in your policy If you choose to purchase liability insurance:

  • $25,000 injury liability for one person.
  • $50,000 for all injuries in one accident.
  • $25,000 property damage in one accident.

Different types of coverage are offered by insurance carriers to make sure you and your motorcycle are fully protected. Be wise and do your research before you purchase the minimum requirements. Do not forget to wear a helmet regardless of how much insurance you have for your motorcycle, whether you’re driving the motorcycle or you’re just along for the ride.

Last updated on Thursday, October 15 2020.