Motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes. Many come with mandatory insurance requirements, and, even for those that don’t, it’s still often a good idea to carry insurance. Here’s what you need to know.
What Insurance Does Arizona Require for Motorcycles?
Arizona motorcycle owners have the same legal insurance obligations as car owners. You need bodily injury liability limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. You also need property liability limits of at least $25,000.
Of course, you can buy coverage over the limits, and you usually want to. Accident injuries and damages often far exceed the minimum liability policy limits, and you could lose your savings or home or have your wages garnished if you didn’t have enough insurance when you were responsible for an accident.
Does Arizona Require Insurance for Mopeds or Scooters?
Under the law, you don’t need to carry insurance for a moped or scooter that is not legally a motorcycle. If your moped or scooter has an engine displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters and can’t exceed 30 miles per hour, you probably don’t need insurance.
If your moped or scooter exceeds either of those limits, it’s probably a motorcycle for legal and insurance purposes. Whether the manufacturer sold it as a moped or scooter instead of as a motorcycle doesn’t matter. Also, keep in mind that different states may have different requirements, so if you’ve moved or bought a moped or scooter in another state, don’t rely on it not needing insurance in that state meaning that it doesn’t need insurance in Arizona.
Do You Still Want to Carry Insurance on a Moped, Scooter, or Dirt Bike?
Even if you don’t have an obligation to buy insurance, you’re still responsible for any injuries you cause. If you strike a pedestrian or another car, you may not have the means to pay the damages.
If you use a dirt bike or other off-road vehicle, the property owner may require you to carry insurance to be allowed to enter their property.
How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost?
Like car insurance, there aren’t fixed prices for motorcycle insurance. Every motorcyclist gets an individualized quote based on factors such as their age, driving history, and type of motorcycle. Your rates may also vary based on whether your motorcycle is your primary vehicle or you only use it for recreation.
What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?
Motorcycle insurance consists of several mandatory and optional coverages.
- The mandatory bodily liability coverage pays for the hospital bills, lost wages, and other expenses of someone you injure in an accident.
- The mandatory property damage liability coverage pays for the repair or replacement of another vehicle that you damage in an accident.
- Optional collision and comprehensive coverage protects your motorcycle. Collision coverage is for crashes. Comprehensive coverage is for thefts, storm damage, and other non-accident causes.
- Medical payments coverage can be used to supplement your primary health insurance.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coveragepays for your losses caused by a driver who didn’t have insurance or had limits below your own.
- Accessories coverage protects any non-standard additions to your motorcycle, such as electronic devices or additional storage. It may also cover damage to your helmet, or some insurance companies offer a separate helmet coverage.
More About Theft
Theft is generally covered if you bought comprehensive coverage and followed any requirements, such as filing a police report. Because motorcycles are more portable than cars and easier to steal without driving them away, comprehensive coverage for motorcycles can be expensive.
You can usually lower your comprehensive coverage premium by adding anti-theft devices to your motorcycle and notifying your insurance company. This might include ignition locks, wheel locks, alarms, or GPS trackers. Ask your insurance company for details.
What is a Lay-Up Period?
A lay-up period is a motorcycle insurance option for motorcyclists who only ride seasonally. During the lay-up period, your insurance covers you for theft and damage in storage, but not if you take it out and get into an accident. This type of policy can be ideal for motorcyclists who don’t ride during the winter or live somewhere else for part of the year and leave their motorcycle behind.
Can a Safety Course Lower Your Insurance Rates?
Many insurance companies do offer a discount if you’ve completed a motorcycle safety course. This might be a permanent discount, or you might need to take a course every few years to maintain your discount. In addition, a safety course helps you learn how to avoid getting into an accident and having your insurance rates go up.
Who Sells Motorcycle Insurance?
Motorcycle insurance is a common type of insurance policy sold by many different providers. Most car insurance companies offer motorcycle insurance policies. If you also need car insurance or other types of insurance, you may be able to save by buying your insurance from a single company. However, since rates can vary between providers, you may be able to find a separate motorcycle insurance company that’s cheaper than going through an insurance company you already use.
Talk to Your Insurance Agent
Guidotti Insurance in Eloy, AZ, can help you figure out what insurance you need to ride in Arizona as well as what insurance best protects your financial status. We also help you quickly get quotes from multiple insurance companies. Contact us now for a free quote or fill out our online quote form.
