Riding a motorcycle in Columbus comes with unique risks. While you’re focused on enjoying the freedom of the open road, other drivers may not be paying attention and may not even have insurance.
If you’re wondering whether uninsured motorist coverage is necessary for your motorcycle, the answer is yes.
We understand how vulnerable motorcyclists are on Ohio roads. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether the other driver has enough insurance coverage to cover your injuries and damages if they cause an accident.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Motorcycles?
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage protects you when you’re injured in an accident caused by a driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages.
This coverage is part of your own motorcycle insurance policy and steps in when the at-fault driver cannot compensate you for:
- Medical bills and hospital expenses
- Lost income from time off work
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to your bike repair or replacement costs
Unlike car insurance, Ohio law does not require motorcyclists to carry uninsured motorist coverage.
Too Many Ohio Drivers Carry Inadequate Insurance Coverage
Approximately 18.5% of drivers in Ohio operate their vehicles without any insurance, despite it being illegal. Even more concerning for motorcyclists is that many insured drivers carry only the minimum amount of liability coverage Ohio law requires:
- Bodily injury liability: Up to $25,000 for injuries per person or $50,000 per accident if multiple people are injured
- Property damage liability: Up to $25,000 for another person’s property
If you’re seriously injured in a motorcycle accident and face $100,000 in medical bills alone, that minimum coverage leaves you responsible for $75,000 in expenses.
For many accident victims, this financial burden can be devastating.
Why Motorcyclists Face Higher Risks
Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than car accidents because riders lack the protective shell of a vehicle. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and severe burns
- Internal injuries
These injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment, lengthy recovery periods, and significant time away from work. The costs can quickly exceed what minimum insurance coverage provides.
Common Scenarios Where Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protects You
Uninsured motorist coverage becomes essential in several situations:
- Hit-and-run accidents: The at-fault driver flees the scene and cannot be identified
- Uninsured drivers: The at-fault driver has no insurance whatsoever
- Underinsured drivers: The at-fault driver’s coverage is insufficient for your damages
- Stolen vehicle accidents: You’re hit by someone driving a stolen car
Without this protection, you could be left paying medical bills, motorcycle repairs, and lost wages out of your own pocket.
What Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cost?
Many motorcyclists try to save money on their insurance premiums. Chances are, you’re already paying for auto insurance and use your car year-round. Getting additional motorcycle insurance coverage isn’t a top priority when you’re cycling a few months each year.
But uninsured motorist coverage is relatively affordable. Most motorcycle owners can add this protection for an additional $50 to $200 per year, depending on their coverage limits and insurance company.
When weighed against the potential financial devastation of a serious accident, this small investment protects you more in the long term.
How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Should You Carry?
GB Law recommends carrying uninsured motorist coverage limits that match or exceed your liability coverage. Consider these factors when selecting coverage amounts:
- Your income level and potential lost wages
- Your assets that need protection
- The cost of quality medical care in Columbus
- The value of your motorcycle
Don’t rely on minimum coverage amounts. If you can afford higher liability limits, they’re worth the extra cost.
I Already Have Full Motorcycle Coverage. Do I Still Need Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
We’ve seen too many situations where motorcyclists believe their full coverage policy is enough to protect them in the event of a crash.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
A full coverage motorcycle policy in Ohio typically combines:
- State-required minimum liability insurance coverage
- Collision coverage (covers damage to your motorcycle regardless of fault)
- Comprehensive coverage (covers damage and events like theft, vandalism, fire, and weather)
Most full coverage policies for motorcycles do not include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages.
If another driver without insurance injures you in an accident, your full coverage policy isn’t going to help you when you need it most.
Even if you have full coverage on your motorcycle, you still should get UIM and UM coverage to protect yourself financially.
It’s also a good idea to add medical payments coverage, especially if you don’t have health insurance.
Does Using My Uninsured Motorist Coverage Raise My Insurance Rates?
If you are not at fault for an accident involving an uninsured motorist, your insurance rates should not go up.
Insurance rates should only go up when insurance companies raise their annual rates.
If your insurance company’s premiums have gotten too high, then it’s time to shop around and switch to another carrier. You aren’t married to State Farm, so you don’t need to stick with them or any other insurance carrier if it’s not working for you.
GB Law: Decades of Experience Protecting Columbus Motorcyclists
At GB Law, we’ve successfully represented motorcyclists in Columbus for decades. We understand the unique challenges riders face when dealing with insurance companies after an accident know how to build strong cases that result in fair compensation.
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay a penny unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your options.
Don’t Wait to Protect Yourself
Every day you ride without adequate uninsured motorist coverage, you’re taking an unnecessary financial risk. Contact your insurance agent today to add this essential protection to your motorcycle policy.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact GB Law today at 614-222-4444 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.
Don’t let an uninsured driver’s poor decisions derail your financial future. Protect yourself with adequate coverage, and know that the personal injury lawyers at GB Law are here to help if the unexpected happens.
Contact GB Law at 614-222-4444 for your free consultation.