As exhilarating as riding a motorcycle can be in a state as beautiful as North Dakota, not having motorcycle insurance can take the thrill out of any ride. You don’t want to stress out, worrying about everything that could go wrong. You want to enjoy yourself.
Not only can riding without insurance cause a lot of anxiety, but it could also lead to significant legal and financial issues. According to Investopedia, the average monthly cost for motorcycle insurance is $28. Riding without coverage simply isn’t worth the risk.
The following is a look at some of the forms of insurance required under North Dakota law. If you’re ever in an accident on your bike that’s not your fault, get in touch with the attorneys with Sand Law as soon as possible. We’ll protect your rights and fight to get the money you deserve. Schedule a free review of your case by contacting us online or calling 701-609-1510.
Required Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in North Dakota
North Dakota law requires motorcyclists to have liability insurance coverage. The mandatory insurance coverage includes the following:
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily injury liability insurance covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and potential legal expenses if you’re at fault in an accident that causes injuries to others. It helps protect you financially if you’re sued for causing bodily harm to another party while riding your motorcycle.
Property Damage Liability
This coverage will pay for property damage if you’re to blame for an accident. You might, for example, have damaged a driver’s car. Or, you might have hit someone’s fence, home, or building. Property liability will cover the costs of replacing or repairing whatever you’ve damaged.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
North Dakota also requires motorcyclists to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An estimated 7% of motorists in our state aren’t covered. If you’re in a wreck with one of them, your uninsured/underinsured policy will pay for your accident-related costs.
Optional Insurance Coverage for Motorcyclists in North Dakota
While North Dakota law mandates coverage forms mentioned above, motorcyclists can purchase additional coverage for added protection. These optional coverage options include:
Collision Coverage
This covers repairing or replacing your motorcycle if it’s damaged, regardless of fault. It helps cover the costs of repairs to your bike, ensuring you can get back on the road quickly.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision-related damages to your motorcycle, such as theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, or weather-related incidents like hailstorms. This coverage safeguards your investment in your motorcycle against various perils.
Towing Coverage
This reimburses you for towing your motorcycle to a repair facility or another location if it becomes inoperable due to an accident or mechanical breakdown.
Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) Coverage
GAP coverage makes up for the difference between the actual cash value of your motorcycle and the remaining balance on your loan or lease if your motorcycle is declared a total loss. This coverage ensures that you don’t face a financial shortfall in the event of a total loss.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses coverage covers your medical bills and related expenses if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, regardless of fault. It can help alleviate the financial burden of medical costs resulting from injuries sustained in a crash.
Equipment Coverage
This protects any additional accessories and modifications to your motorcycle, such as custom parts, saddlebags, and aftermarket upgrades. It ensures that you receive adequate compensation for the value of your bike’s unique features.
What Happens if I Don’t Have Motorcycle Insurance?
Not having motorcycle insurance can lead to significant consequences and financial risks for riders. Here are some of the potential issues you could face.
Legal Penalties
Riding without insurance can lead to major legal problems. Fines, license suspension, and even vehicle impoundment may be imposed on riders caught without insurance coverage. Repeated violations can lead to more severe consequences and impact a rider’s driving record.
Personal Liability
Riding without insurance exposes the rider to personal liability in an accident. Suppose the rider is at fault in a collision that causes injuries or property damage to others. In that case, they may be personally responsible for covering the victims’ medical bills, rehabilitation costs, property repairs, and potential legal expenses. This can lead to significant financial burdens and possibly bankrupt the rider.
No Coverage for Own Damages
Without insurance, a rider has no coverage for replacing or repairing their motorcycle in case of an accident. Repairing a damaged motorcycle out-of-pocket can be costly, and replacing a totaled bike can be a significant financial setback.
Loss of Personal Assets
If the rider causes an accident and can’t cover the resulting damages and medical expenses, they may face lawsuits from the affected parties. A court judgment against the rider can lead to the seizure of personal assets. These assets include savings accounts, properties, or other valuable possessions.
Limited Access to Medical Treatment
In an accident causing injuries, not having insurance can limit the rider’s access to medical treatment. Without insurance coverage for medical expenses, the rider may face challenges in receiving timely and adequate healthcare.
Impact on Future Insurance Rates
Riding without insurance and being involved in a motorcycle accident can make it challenging to secure insurance coverage in the future. Insurance companies may view the rider as high-risk, leading to higher premiums or even denial of coverage for subsequent policies.
Stress and Anxiety
The constant worry about potential accidents and financial consequences can lead to stress and anxiety for the rider. The lack of insurance protection can cause mental strain, robbing them of the pleasure of riding a motorcycle.
Contact Sand Law to Speak with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Whether you have insurance or not, if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in North Dakota, it’s essential to protect your rights and seek legal advice. Contacting an experienced Sand Law motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, negotiations, and potential legal proceedings.
We’ll work to ensure you receive the compensation you have coming for your injuries, damages, and other losses resulting from the accident, allowing you to focus on your recovery and moving forward.
Call 701-609-1510 or use our online form for a free consultation.