There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road on your motorcycle during these summer months. Motorcycle insurance in New York isn’t just a good idea - it’s required. Still, there are some specific coverages and seasonal considerations every rider should keep in mind.
What Motorcycle Insurance Is Required in New York?
New York State requires all motorcycle owners to carry minimum liability insurance. Even if you only ride during the warmer months, your policy must remain active year-round. Here's what’s legally required:
- Bodily Injury Liability: Covers injuries you cause to someone else in an accident. Minimum limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: Covers damage to another person’s property, with a required minimum of $10,000 per accident.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Helps pay for your medical costs if you're hit by a driver without insurance. Required limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Motorcycles are not eligible for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in New York. This makes having the right optional coverage even more important.
Optional Motorcycle Insurance Coverage to Consider
To fully protect your motorcycle and yourself, consider adding the following coverages to your policy:
- Comprehensive & Collision: Covers your bike for damage from theft, weather, accidents, or vandalism.
- Medical Payments Coverage: Helps pay for your medical bills after an accident, especially important since PIP isn’t available.
- Accessory Coverage: Insures aftermarket parts, custom upgrades, and personal gear.
- Roadside Assistance: Get help with towing, flat tires, or battery issues while on the road.
- Trip Interruption: Covers travel expenses like lodging and meals if your motorcycle breaks down away from home.
- Carried Contents: Insures belongings you bring on your ride.
Seasonal Tips for New York Riders
Even if you store your bike during the colder months, New York law requires continuous motorcycle insurance throughout the year. Canceling your coverage in winter could lead to fines or registration suspension.
Instead, ask about lay-up motorcycle insurance policies, which allow you to pause liability coverage while maintaining protection against off-season risks like theft, fire, or storm damage.
Protect Your Ride with MetzWood
Before your next adventure, contact us for a free motorcycle insurance quote or policy review. We’ll make sure you have the right coverage, so all you have to think about is where the road will take you.
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