Introduction:
Texas is a great place to ride a motorcycle. There's no better way to experience the Lone Star State with scenic roads and plenty of sunshine. Texas has everything from small towns to rocky mountains and big cities. However, protecting yourself is essential if you are a motorcycle enthusiast or your riding is limited to commuting to and from work. That's where a motorcycle insurance company in Texas comes in.
However, before you take your bike out for a spin, it's essential to make sure you have the appropriate insurance coverage. In Texas, motorcycle insurance is not required by law, but it's a good idea to have it in case of an accident. Getting coverage is a good idea if you plan on financing your bike or want to protect yourself financially in an accident.
This guide will tell you everything you need about motorcycle insurance in Brownsville, including how to get quotes, what coverages are available, and how to file a claim. Let's get started!
Do you need motorcycle insurance in Texas?
The answer is yes; all riders must have motorcycle liability insurance by law. You must show the insurance coverage document when you head towards registering the motorcycle or obtaining the licensee to ride. Unlike other states requiring the rider to have multiple coverages, Texas only requires riders to have liability insurance.
Liability insurance is designed to financially protect you if you are involved in an accident and found at fault. This type of coverage will not pay to repair or replace your motorcycle, but it will help pay for damages caused to other people or property, up to the limits of your policy. If you are found at fault in an accident and do not have liability insurance, you may be subject to penalties, including fines and jail time.
What does Liability Insurance cover?
The liability insurance covers two types of damages firstly, the property damage which is caused to the third party, and secondly, it covers the bodily injury to the third party. The claims could have been made by the drivers and occupants of the other vehicle, pedestrians, or the property owners.
How Much Insurance Coverage Required in Texas?
Texas requires motorcycle insurance for all motor vehicle drivers to avoid the penalties. The liability insurance needed for motorcycle drivers is $30,000 for each injured person, up to $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
These limits are often abbreviated as 30/60/25 coverage. Texas law requires all riders to have this minimum liability insurance coverage to operate a motorcycle legally in the state. However, you can also protect yourself by purchasing higher liability limits and other types of coverage, such as collision and comprehensive insurance.
Some states even require the motorist to carry underinsured/uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can help pay for damages if a driver hits you with insufficient insurance.
Other Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Options:
The standard coverage options for auto insurance also apply to motorcycle insurance. Here are some of the coverages you may want to consider:
Collision Insurance:
This type of coverage will pay to repair or replace your motorcycle less your deductible amount if it's damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. A deductible is an amount you'll need to pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest.
Comprehensive insurance:
This coverage will pay for damages caused by non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, or weather damage. Animal collision is also covered, which means if your vehicle is damaged by hitting an animal, this coverage will pay to repair the cracks.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance:
This type of coverage protects you if you're in an accident caused by a driver who doesn't have enough insurance to cover the damages they've caused. It can also help pay for your medical expenses if you're hit by a driver who flees the accident scene (a hit and run).
Medical payments/personal injury protection (PIP):
This type of coverage can help pay for your medical bills and lost wages if you're injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Some states require this coverage, but Texas does not.
How much does motorcycle insurance cost for most riders in Texas?
Typical motor insurance covering full coverage will cost you roughly 40$ per month, which becomes 480$ per year. This is just a general number, and the insurance premium depends on factors like your motorcycle, credit score, location, driving record, etc. In addition, the rider's performance and past driving history also influence the rate you pay for insurance. Due to these factors, it isn't easy to estimate an average insurance premium for motorcycle riders.
However, the Texas state department pays up to $184 per year for liability-only policies, which is roughly $15 per month, a great way to save on motorcycle insurance.
Discounts on Motorcycle Insurance in Texas:
Most insurers offer various discounts to help you save money on your motorcycle insurance premium. Here are some of the values that may be available to you:
Multi-policy discount:
You may be eligible for a discount if you have more than one policy with the same insurance company (e.g., auto and motorcycle).
Multi-vehicle discount:
You can qualify for this discount if you insure more than one vehicle with the same insurer.
Good driver discount:
Drivers with a clean driving record may qualify for this discount.
Safety course discount:
Completing a motorcycle safety course may make you eligible for this discount.
Discounts for experienced riders:
Riders with several years of experience may qualify for this discount and can avail beautiful percentage off on the premium in comparison to the young, newly licensed driver.
Low mileage discount:
You may be eligible for this discount if you don't ride your motorcycle often.
The Bottom Line:
It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially regarding your motorcycle. Unfortunately, in Texas, you are not required by law to have motorcycle insurance. However, getting coverage is a good idea if you are financing your bike or want to protect yourself financially in an accident.
When shopping for motorcycle insurance in Brownsville, compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rate. Also, be sure to ask about discounts for safety courses or membership in a motorcycle association.
Now that you know all about motorcycle insurance in Brownsville, it's time to start shopping for a policy!