When you buy motorcycle insurance, you ask your insurance provider about the various coverage options available in your insurance and their benefits. This helps you to decide the coverages you must buy for maximum protection for your vehicle. The one frequently asked question for insurers by motorcycle owners is whether their motorcycle insurance policy must include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
In this blog, we will discuss whether the inclusion of PIP coverage in your motorcycle insurance is a requirement and, if not, the reasons for its exclusion. Also, you will learn what you must do to ensure that your medical expenses are covered in the event of an accident.
Why Is PIP Coverage Excluded from Motorcycle Insurance?
Personal injury protection or PIP in an auto insurance policy is also referred to as no-fault insurance as it covers your medical bills in an accident regardless of who’s at fault. The state where you live essentially determines whether you need PIP coverage. While in some states, it is a requirement, in others, the coverage may be offered by your insurance provider, but it is optional coverage. However, this insurance coverage, though a part of your auto insurance, may not cover your motorcycle.
Motorcycle insurance is a specialty insurance and is a separate coverage from your car insurance. The driver and their passenger injured in a car accident can file a claim from their auto policy’s PIP coverage, but this option may not be available to a motorcycle rider injured in an accident.
The main reason for the exclusion of PIP coverage from motorcycle insurance is that motorcycle drivers are considered high-risk because they are more exposed to the impact of the collision and suffer more extensive injuries compared to car occupants, resulting in exorbitant medical bills.
Also, they are more prone to have accidents than other vehicle drivers due to the following reasons:
- Less stable than four-wheeled vehicles
- Not easily visible to other drivers and pedestrians
- More vulnerable to weather and road conditions
- Motorcycle riding requires superior dexterity skills and physical and mental coordination
It has been further corroborated by the facts available:
- Very high rates of motorcycle accidents
- Extensive injuries for motorcycle accident victims
- High fatality rate among accident victims
Coverage of Medical Expenses in Motorcycle Insurance
For injuries that you suffer in an accident, your health plan covers the medical treatment costs. However, if your health plan includes high out-of-pocket expenses such as high deductibles or co-pays, it may cause you a financial setback. An even worse scenario is when you do not have any health insurance plan and expect your motorcycle insurance to cover your medical costs. However, if medical expenses are not covered, you can end up in total financial disarray.
Comprehensive Motorcycle Protection with 01 Insurance
For more details on motorcycle insurance coverages available in Astoria, NY, contact us today. At 01 Insurance, our team ensures that we select the best coverage for you based on your unique needs and budget.