As every biker knows, riding a motorcycle can cause some serious damage. Horrendous accidents are certainly an issue. As such, motorcycle insurance isn’t optional.

Motorcycle insurance is required in North Carolina. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles demands that all cyclists prove they can handle expenses associated with riding a bike.

What Does this Mean?

If you’re riding a motorcycle in North Carolina, you must have the minimum levels of motorcycle insurance. The easiest way to be properly cvered is to purchase a liability policy that meets North Carolina’s minimum coverage requirements.

Does It Count?

In North Carolina, you’ll need to define whether your two-wheeled vehicle qualifies as a motorcycle or not. To find out if you need to insure your cycle, you’ll want to get in touch with the DMV in North Carolina.

Understanding North Carolina Motorcycle Insurance

North Carolina has mandatory motorcycle insurance requirements and laws. You’re required to at least have motorcycle insurance if you’re riding a bike. As well, any motorcycle must be registered.

If you maintain the following levels of motorcycle coverage, you’ll hit mandatory requirement levels:

• $25,000 property damage coverage stemming from a single accident
• $30,000 death or bodily injury coverage for one person in one accident
• $60,000 bodily injury or death to more than one person in one accident

Before you get coverage, it’s important to note that these numbers are simply minimums. You can purchase higher levels of coverage if you desire extra financial coverage.

Optional Motorcycle Coverage

Liability certainly isn’t the only motorcycle coverage you can get. There are a variety of optional coverage types that can cover costs associated with bike damages and injuries. A few popular optional coverage choices include:

• Towing and Labor: This coverage pays for emergency roadside assistance, labor, and more in the event of an accident or breakdown.

• Medical payments: This coverage pays for medical expenses of 3^rd parties.

• Collision: A coverage type that pays for damages to your bike after any accident.

• OTC (other-than-collision) This coverage pays for damages to your motorcycle that occur, but are not related to an accident.

What Happens If You Don’t Maintain Financial Responsibility?

If you have an insurance lapse in North Carolina, there can be repercussions. Even if you don’t get into an accident without coverage, you’ll may still have issues.

First, your insurance company will be forced to notify the DMV. If your vehicle is still registered, but you don’t have motorcycle insurance – you’ll receive an FS 5-7 form from the DMV.

This form requires you to reaffirm coverage and pay a fine. You’ll need to mail the completed form back within ten days. Often, you’ll pay a fine of at least $50 along with a $50 service fee in the state of North Carolina.

Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in North Carolina?

Yes, you must have motorcycle insurance in North Carolina. It is not optional. Your financial responsibility must be covered. Don’t take the risk. Make sure you have state minimum coverage before you get on a bike.