Riding a motorcycle through busy Houston streets can be freeing and exciting. However, motorcycles are subject to the same insurance requirements as other motor vehicles. If you own a motorcycle or are shopping for one, it’s important to brush up on the latest Houston motorcycle insurance requirements.
Having the right coverage keeps you compliant with Texas law and provides crucial protection in case of an accident.
What Are the Houston Motorcycle Insurance Requirements?
Houston motorcycle insurance requirements are the same as the minimum coverage limits for automobiles. According to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), you are required to have the following liability protections:
- At least $30,000 of coverage for injuries per person
- A total of $60,000 of injury protection per accident
- At least $25,000 of coverage for property damage
In Texas, this is often referred to as 30/60/25 coverage. Keep in mind that these are liability coverages, meaning they protect the other party if you are at fault in an accident. They do not cover your medical bills, motorcycle repairs, or other expenses.
Technically, you are not legally required to have motorcycle insurance coverage for yourself or your property in Texas. However, it’s a good idea to add those protections to your policy in case you are involved in an accident.
What Is Liability Insurance?
Liability insurance pays for damage or injuries you cause to others in an at-fault accident. You need two types of liability insurance in Texas, which include the following:
Property Damage
Property damage coverage compensates the other party for damage to their vehicle and personal property when you are at fault. The minimum property damage coverage in Texas is $25,000.
Bodily Injury
Bodily injury protection covers the medical bills and expenses of other people if you harm them in an accident. This policy does not cover your medical bills or injuries.
Do You Need Other Types of Insurance?
You are not legally required to have other types of motorcycle coverage in Houston. However, you should strongly consider adding the following:
- Collision Coverage: Pays to fix or replace your motorcycle
- Comprehensive Coverage: Pays for damage from fire, vandalism, flood, or anything other than a collision
- Medical Payments Coverage: Pays you and your passengers’ medical expenses
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other nonmedical costs related to your injuries
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Protects you in hit-and-run accidents or in crashes where the other party doesn’t have insurance to cover your expenses
- Towing and Labor: Covers tow costs
- Rental Reimbursement: Pays for your rental car while your vehicle is being fixed
Talk to your insurance agent about these protections and create a plan that gives you peace of mind.
What Are the Penalties for Riding Without Insurance in Houston?
Riding a motorcycle or driving a vehicle without proper insurance is a misdemeanor in Texas. A first offense is punishable by a fine ranging from $175 to $350. If you have been convicted of operating a motor vehicle without liability insurance before, a subsequent offense carries a fine of $350 to $1,000.
How Do Insurance Claims Work In Houston Motorcycle Accidents?
If you are involved in a Houston motorcycle accident, it’s important to understand how the claims process works. Typically, your insurance company and the other party’s insurance company will work to determine what happened and who is at fault.
If you file a claim with your insurance company, here’s a look at how different coverage types may apply to your case:
- Liability insurance covers damages and injuries to others if you are at fault
- Your own coverage (such as collision and medical) can help pay for your expenses
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance
On the other hand, if you are not at fault, the other party’s liability insurance coverage will cover your property damage and injuries.
What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver
If you are involved in a Houston motorcycle accident and find out that the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, recovering compensation can be challenging. That’s why you should strongly consider adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to your policy as a precaution.
How a Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
A Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether you are eligible to pursue compensation. If the other party acted negligently and caused your injuries, an experienced attorney will help you seek damages. They will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and take your case to trial if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Offer Free Consultations?
Motorcycle accident lawyers typically offer free consultations for personal injury victims. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, a free consultation is a great starting point to learn whether you can seek compensation for your injuries or not.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Personal injury attorneys bill on a contingency basis. You won’t owe anything up front. Instead, if your motorcycle accident attorney wins your case, you will be charged a percentage fee.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Many personal injury claims are settled outside of court. However, a strong motorcycle accident attorney will be prepared to fight for your rights in court if the other party refuses to negotiate in good faith.
Involved in a Motorcycle Crash? Contact Ramsey Law Group
Have you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident? Do you believe that the other party’s negligence caused or contributed to the incident? If so, you may be entitled to compensation.
The Ramsey Law Group has helped countless clients recover compensation from at-fault parties. Our experienced legal team will fight for you at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.