Washington Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Requirements

Motorcycle accidents have a much higher risk of causing severe or catastrophic injuries, regardless of who is at fault. As one old defense attorney told us, “Insurance companies look at it as a matter of not whether you will ‘go down,’ because at some point you will, it is just a matter of when.” Not only can you suffer injuries, but your motorcycle can be damaged or totaled. Know Washington state motorcycle insurance requirements so you can adequately cover your ride. Even if you are lucky enough never to be involved in a motorcycle accident, having insurance is a good safety net. If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle wreck or lost a loved one, consider hiring an experienced personal injury attorney at McPartland Law Offices.

Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance in Washington?

Washington requires motorcycle insurance. Additionally, you must show proof of insurance before registering your bike. You can incur fines and a suspended license for not carrying motorcycle insurance.

What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements in Washington State?

Under the authority of the Department of Licensing, you must have one of these options for liability insurance:

• Option 1: Includes $25,000 for injury or death to another person, $50,000 for injury or death to all others, and $10,000 for damage to another’s property
• Option 2: You can apply for a certificate of deposit to pay for liability insurance
• Option 3: Obtain a liability bond of at least $60,000 by a surety bond company authorized to do business in Washington
• Option 4: You can self-insure if you have 26 or more vehicles. You must also qualify for this option.

Penalties for Not Having Motorcycle Insurance in Washington

Always carry your motorcycle insurance coverage card. If you do not show it when stopped, you could face penalties of up to $450.

Why Should I Opt for More Coverage for My Motorcycle?

If you carry liability insurance at the state’s minimum, it is intended to protect others. Because a motorcycle does not offer the protections of a motor vehicle and is much lighter than other vehicles on the road, medical bills and other damage can be significantly higher.

A full-coverage policy protects your bike not only if you get into an accident but also if it is stolen or vandalized. If you purchase a new bike and have payments or lease a motorcycle, your lender will most likely require you to carry comprehensive and liability coverage.

Combining both types of policies provides you with more protection over your investment. While your premiums will be higher, the advantage over the long term can negate the price difference.

The following are various scenarios for the same incident with different types of coverage, including no coverage at all, which is illegal.

Example: With No Coverage (Illegal)

Even if you are not at fault for an accident, if the other driver takes off (hit and run) or does not have insurance, you won’t have insurance to cover your injuries and other damages. It is easy for damages to be tens of thousands of dollars. Since you do not have insurance, you do not have uninsured coverage and will end up paying for your medical bills and other damages out of pocket.

Example: With Minimum Coverage

In the same situation, you have the state-required minimum coverage for bodily injury liability. You are covered up to the limits on your insurance policy.

Example: With Maximum Coverage

Suppose you have maximum coverage, including higher liability coverage amounts and uninsured coverage. In that case, you have a better chance of recovering your damages and may not have to come out of pocket for anything except your deductible.

Other Insurance Policies in Washington that You Should Consider

When you opt-in for other types of coverage, it can help cover most, if not all, of your bases in the event of an accident.

PIP

Personal injury protection (PIP) pays for your and your passengers’ injuries. You may have to ask for it, as insurance agents are not required to offer PIP to motorcycle drivers.

Uninsured and Underinsured

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you, your passengers, and family members if you are in a hit-and-run or the at-fault driver does not have liability insurance. Underinsured coverage protects you and your family if the at-fault driver’s damages exceed what their insurance will pay. It will also provide coverage if the at-fault driver’s insurance is with a financially irresponsible insurer.

Comprehensive

You can protect your motorcycle from non-accident incidents with comprehensive coverage.

Why Clients Choose McPartland Law Offices

When choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer, motorcycle riders should always look for an attorney with experience with motorcycle accidents. Some parts of these accidents are different from regular motor vehicle accidents, including the severity of injuries.

Client Testimonials

“Bryce and his team were wonderful to work with. They helped us navigate the personal injury claim process, and Bryce always took the time to answer any questions we had. I really appreciated the approach they took with our claim and the outcome was great. I would absolutely recommend this practice to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney!” –Dalari A.

“Bryce and his team were extremely helpful with my insurance claim after I was hit on my motorcycle by another driver. They handled everything for us, which relieved a lot of stress throughout the process. I highly recommend them if you need legal help.” –Chris B.

“My family and I had the opportunity to work with Bryce and his team during a very difficult time in our lives. The service and representation that McPartland Law Offices provided was absolutely exceptional. I was thoroughly impressed by their professionalism, knowledge, and ability to help us understand everything throughout the entire process. To say they left no stone unturned would be an understatement. I will be forever grateful for the compassion and dedication consistently demonstrated by Bryce and his team. I highly recommend McPartland Law Offices.” –Claudia V.

Additional Resources

How to Handle Uninsured Motorist Accidents in Washington: If you have underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance will cover your damages. You can also opt to sue, but you will most likely have to cover your damages if the uninsured driver does not have assets or cash.

Top 5 Reasons People Use a Personal Injury Attorney: People retain personal injury attorneys for many reasons, including insurance companies refusing to offer a fair and reasonable settlement or using tactics to trick you into settling for much less than you deserve.

Washington Statute of Limitations Guide for Car Accidents: The statute of limitations for vehicle accidents, including motorcycle accidents, is three years. If you do not take action within those three years, you will not be able to recover damages.

Insurance is Only the First Step in Making Sure You’re Covered After an Accident

When riding motorcycles, you should do everything to protect yourself. Not only should you have full coverage insurance, but you should also have your motorcycle endorsement, wear a helmet and eye protection, and take a motorcycle safety course.

Call McPartland Law Offices if you have questions about resolving your case. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers will assist you in pursuing the results you desire. Call today for a free consultation at (509) 495-1247 or fill out our online contact form.