Motorcycle Insurance After an Accident: Most Common Questions Answered

Motorcycle accidents are dangerous, scary, and confusing. That’s all the more reason why every rider should learn in advance what to do in an accident’s aftermath.

Knowing how to deal with insurance companies will help you protect your rights and financial security. It will also save you from additional stress in the process.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about motorcycle insurance bikers have after an accident.

I’ve been in a motorcycle accident. What should I know about insurance companies?

Be aware that insurance companies will likely try to offer you a settlement that is lower than you deserve. The Consumer Federation of America, a non-profit organization advocating for consumer rights, has found that insurance companies regularly use computer programs and shady tactics to produce “low-ball” payouts.  

Without the advice of a qualified injury attorney, you will have no way of evaluating whether the offer from the insurance company is fair or unreasonable. If you left out an important claim or didn’t know the full extent of your injuries, you won’t be able to recover for those items. It may be smart to get in touch with an attorney post-motorcycle accident. 

Always be cautious of what you say and sign. Never give a recorded statement to another person’s insurance company—or your own—unless you’ve consulted with an attorney.

Who pays for my motorcycle repairs?

Insurance laws vary from state to state, so be sure to ask your insurance agent before you’re ever in an accident. Typically, you can fix your bike by going through your own insurance company or the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. 

Dealing with your own insurance company will likely be faster and easier if you’ve purchased coverage that enables you to do so. You should still be able to recover your deductible from the at-fault party later.

You may also be able to go through the other person’s insurance company, if they’re at fault for the accident. Be aware, though, that you may face delays.

I am missing work because of my injuries. What should I do?

Refer to your motorcycle insurance policy to see if you have income loss coverage. You may also want to look into employee disability benefits at work, if available. 

Your insurance policy may also have clauses that cover your car loan, mortgage, or other credit arrangements. It’s crucial that you know exactly what your insurance covers before you get into an accident.

How do I pay for my medical bills?

Again, refer to your insurance policy. Your state law may require medical benefits coverage to be available to you under your motorcycle insurance. If so, you can use that coverage up to the maximum amount you selected to pay your medical bills. 

Otherwise, you’ll have to use other health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. While the at-fault party may, in theory, be liable for your medical expenses, they rarely pay them unless you file a legal claim.