Motorcyclist Insurance in Kansas City

Missouri law requires all motor vehicle operators, including motorcycle riders, to maintain vehicle liability insurance coverage that meets the state law’s requirements.

The state law also requires car drivers and motorcyclists to show proof of insurance upon request. Usually, a motorcyclist must show proof of insurance when registering the bike, when renewing the license plate, and when stopped by police officers.

Being uninsured or underinsured can get a motorcyclist in trouble since Missouri is an at-fault motorcycle insurance state. If a motorcyclist was riding in Kansas City or elsewhere in the state without the right insurance coverage at the time of a crash, the rider will face penalties, fines, and potential jail time.

Fact: An estimated 14 percent of motorists in Missouri do not carry insurance coverage.

It is advised to consult with a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer at Mayer & Rosenberg, P.C., to understand Missouri’s law governing motorcyclist insurance issues.

What is the Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirement in Missouri?

Missouri’s state law imposes the following requirements for minimum limits on insurance coverage:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per one victim;
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death per two or more victims; and
• $10,000 for property damage in the crash.

Although Missouri imposes higher minimum insurance coverage requirements than many other states, those amounts will likely not be enough to pay for the damages associated with a serious injury or fatal motorcycle accident.

What if a Motorcyclist’s Insurance Isn’t Enough?

If a motorcyclist’s insurance coverage is not sufficient to cover the losses and damages in a crash, he or she will be responsible for paying all additional costs out of pocket or by tapping into his/her life savings.

If a motorcycle rider is carrying insurance coverage that cannot pay for all the damages and losses incurred by the victims in an at-fault crash, the biker could be sued for medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, property damages, and other costs incurred by the victims.

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Kansas City can help calculate the total value of damages and losses. Insurance companies in Missouri routinely undervalue claims to cut costs from claims.

Interestingly, according to research by the Value Penguin, motorcycle insurance rates in Kansas City are about 35 percent higher than the state average in Missouri.

Which Types of Insurance Coverage Are Available in Missouri?

While the mandatory insurance coverage for motorcyclists in Missouri only covers liability, a motorcyclist needs additional coverage that would cover the costs associated with his or her own injury or property damage to his or her bike.

• Medical Payments. This type of coverage applies when a motorcyclist and/or their passengers require emergency hospitalization or other medical attention immediately after a crash. A motorcycle rider can tap into this type of insurance coverage regardless of who caused the accident.
• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UIM). Being hit by an uninsured or underinsured car driver in Missouri is a risky endeavor for a motorcyclist unless he or she is carrying the Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage. Without this coverage, a motorcyclist will have to pay for medical expenses and other damages and losses out of his or her own pocket.
• Collision Insurance. By paying a pre-set deductible for the Collision Insurance coverage, motorcyclists can get their insurer to pay for their losses and damages resulting from an accident. This rule applies to both multi-vehicle and single-vehicle crashes.
• Comprehensive Insurance. According to Esurance, approximately 45,000 motorcycles are stolen in the U.S. every year. Unless you have purchased Comprehensive Insurance, there is no way to reimburse the costs of motorcycle theft, vandalism, adverse weather, and other non-accident claims.
• Emergency Assistance. Motorcyclists often find themselves in an emergency situation when they require assistance. Running out of fuel or needing a tow are some of the most common examples of emergency stops. The Emergency Assistance coverage reimburses a motorcyclist for the costs incurred in the process of seeking emergency assistance.
• Custom Equipment. If a motorcyclist modifies their bike, they need to ensure the aftermarket parts, components, and accessories modified or added to the motorcycle.
• OEM Endorsements, which stand for an original equipment manufacturer. This type of motorcyclist insurance coverage ensures that a rider’s bike will be repaired with new and authentic parts from the original manufacturer of the motorcycle.

Let our Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer investigate your case and help you navigate through insurance coverage issues.