As of 2010, motorcycle liability auto insurance is required in every state, with the exception of Florida, Montana and the state of Washington. Alabama and Maine are tied for the highest minimum liability requirements in the country, or $175,000 in combined coverage per motorcycle, although Maine also requires personal injury protection.
Auto Insurance for Motorcyclists
All motorcyclists in Alabama must purchase the state's minimum liability auto insurance, which covers any damage your bike causes to other drivers, bikes or property on the road. Liability will kick in if you are at fault in an accident, but it will not pay for any repairs to your own motorcycle, or any medical costs for personal injuries. To protect against bike theft, medical bills due to accidents or collision repairs, the website Bankrate.com recommends tacking on an economy or full-package insurance policy to your minimum liability requirement.
State Liability Requirements
In order to drive a motorcycle in the state of Alabama, each bike must be covered for $175,000 in liability, which breaks down to $50,000 if you injure one person, $100,000 if multiple injuries occur and $25,000 in property damage. Alabama bikers pay more than quadruple the liability insurance minimums of some states, according to the website Insure.com. For example, neighboring Florida and Louisiana motorcyclists pay only $40,000 per bike, as state requirements vary based on state-specific driving laws.
Finding Motorcycle Insurance
The website Automotive.com states that three companies offer motorcycle insurance in Alabama, including AllState, Mitchell Insurance Agency and Holt Insurance Agency. For a link to each company's website, which provides contact information and rates, see Resource section.
Tips for Keeping Costs Down
Just like auto insurance, motorcycle insurance offers plenty of hidden discounts if you know what questions to ask. The website Bankrate.com recommends asking for a special discounts on classic, 25-year-old or older bikes, motorcycles that are stored indoors or in a private garage, bikes with anti-theft features, and those that may not be in use in the winter months of December, January and February. If you are a safe driver with a good driving history, you can expect the same type of savings you would receive with car insurance.
Tags: auto insurance, minimum liability, Bankrate recommends, Insurance Agency, liability auto, liability auto insurance
