In the Commonwealth of Virginia, as a motorcycle owner, it’s important to understand the insurance requirements established by law. These regulations are designed to protect you, other motorists, and pedestrians in the event of an accident.
Liability Insurance Coverage
Liability coverage is a fundamental requirement for motorcycle owners in Virginia. It covers the costs of injuries or damages you might cause to others in an accident. The two key components of liability insurance include:
Bodily Injury Liability
Minimum coverage requirements in Virginia:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person in an accident
- $60,000 for total bodily injuries per accident
Bodily injury liability covers the medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages associated with the injuries sustained by the other party in an accident where you are at fault. It provides coverage per person and per accident, and the minimum limits are defined by state law.
Property Damage Liability
Minimum coverage requirement:
- $20,000 per accident
Property damage liability insurance, on the other hand, provides coverage for any damage your motorcycle may inflict on another person’s property during an accident. This includes, but is not limited to, their motor vehicle, home, or other physical property. Again, the minimum coverage limit is set by state law.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage is a safety net for motorcycle owners. It offers coverage in situations where the at-fault driver either lacks insurance or doesn’t have sufficient coverage to pay for your losses due to an accident. This type of insurance covers medical bills, lost wages, and other damages associated with the injuries sustained. The components of it include:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
This provides coverage for both economic and non-economic damages you may suffer in an accident with an uninsured driver. Economic losses can be quantified and include things like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic losses, on the other hand, refer to damages like pain and suffering that can’t be measured in purely monetary terms.
Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage protects you when the other driver’s insurance coverage limit is insufficient to cover the total cost of your medical bills and other related damages. This coverage is essential for compensating an injured person after an accident with a driver who has limited liability insurance.
Alternative to Insurance: Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee
In Virginia, motorcycle owners have another option besides obtaining insurance: paying the Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee. This fee, which amounts to $500, allows you to operate your vehicle on the roadways without insurance. However, it’s essential to understand that opting for the UMV fee does not provide you with any coverage in the event of an accident. This means that you are personally liable for any damages or injuries you cause in an accident, and you will have to cover these costs out of pocket. It’s a legal alternative to insurance, but it leaves you exposed to significant financial risk.
Optional Coverage
While the aforementioned coverages are mandatory under Virginia law, there are several types of optional coverage that motorcycle owners can consider to supplement their insurance policy. These include:
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage compensates for the repair or replacement costs of your motorcycle if it gets damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage extends to collisions with other motor vehicles as well as non-vehicle objects, such as fences or buildings.
Comprehensive Coverage
Unlike collision coverage, comprehensive coverage protects against damages caused by events other than a collision. This may include fire, theft, vandalism, or damage from natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, or hail storms. It provides peace of mind by ensuring your motorcycle is covered against a wide range of unforeseen events.
Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payment coverage, also known as MedPay, covers the cost of necessary medical treatment for you and your passengers following an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It can help pay for expenses like hospital bills, surgery, X-rays, and more.
Custom Parts and Equipment
If you’ve invested in custom parts and equipment for your motorcycle, such as upgraded engines or custom paint jobs, it’s worth considering custom parts and equipment coverage. This coverage specifically protects the investment you’ve made in customizing your motorcycle, providing funds for repair or replacement if these parts are damaged in a covered event.
Additional Liability Coverage
For added protection, some motorcycle owners may choose to increase their liability coverage limits beyond the state-mandated minimums. This can provide additional financial security in the event of a severe accident where the costs exceed the minimum coverage limits.
Motorcycle Insurance Laws in Virginia
Virginia motorcycle laws mandate insurance coverage to ensure the safety and financial protection of all motorcycle riders and road users. It is essential for every motorcycle owner to abide by these laws to avoid severe implications, such as penalties and license suspension.
Penalties for Non-compliance
Motorcycle owners who fail to comply with the insurance requirements face stiff penalties under Virginia law. The penalties include a fine that could be as high as $600, suspension of your license and registration, and the potential for jail time in some severe cases. Moreover, as discussed above, non-compliant motorcyclists are required to pay a statutory fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles for the privilege of driving uninsured.
Proof of Insurance
Motorcycle owners must carry proof of insurance while riding. In case of a traffic stop or an accident, law enforcement officers may ask you to present this documentation. The proof of insurance should show the effective dates of your policy, identifying information for the insured motorcycle, and the name of your insurance provider. Digital proof of insurance is also accepted in Virginia. Non-compliance or inability to produce valid proof of insurance upon request can result in fines and potential suspension of your motorcycle registration.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? You Deserve Expert Legal Representation
The law firm of Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci is one of the most trusted names in motorcycle accident litigation. Our experienced attorneys are well-equipped to handle your case and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. We understand the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists and have a proven track record of success in representing clients injured in motorcycle accidents. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
