Alabama Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Alabama residents who register a motorcycle do not have to show proof of financial responsibility when the register a bike, but they do need to carry insurance or otherwise establish financial responsibility. Whether you are a first-time rider or have been riding for many years, you should carry insurance. You may think you’re careful while driving, but others tend to not see motorcycles. All two- or three-wheeled vehicles that the State of Alabama considers as motorcycles must carry insurance or provide a form of financial responsibility.

How Does Alabama Define “Motorcycle?”

The State of Alabama defines a motorcycle as “any motor vehicle with a seat or saddle and no more than three wheels.” The definition excludes tractors. Motor-driven cycles are also required to have insurance. A motor-driven cycle is defined as a bike with an attached motor that produces five or less brake horsepower and with 150 cc or less engine displacement. The motor-driven cycle must also weigh less than 200 pounds.

Establishing Financial Responsibility

It doesn’t matter whether you are a new rider or a seasoned rider in the State of Alabama — you can establish financial responsibility instead of getting insurance. It is recommended that a new rider or a rider in congested areas get insurance, though, as that may work out cheaper than paying up in the event of an accident.

If you choose to go the financial responsibility route, you can obtain a motor vehicle liability bond for at least $50,000 or you can obtain a certificate of cash bond for at least $50,000. If you choose one of these methods, you do not have to have insurance, but be prepared to show proof of financial responsibility if you are stopped by the police.

Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Alabama requires an owner/operator to carry liability coverage on a motorcycle if the owner/operator does not provide his or her own financial responsibility via a cash bond or motor vehicle liability bond. The minimum coverage is:

• $25,000 for injury to one person
• $50,000 for injury to two or more people in one accident
• $25,000 for property damage

The cost of the motorcycle insurance premium depends on the insurance company and whether you choose to purchase more than the minimum coverage. It also depends on other factors including age and riding experience. Check with several insurance companies to find the best premium for you.

Penalties for Not Carrying Insurance or Establishing Financial Responsibility

A person might try to ride without carrying insurance or providing financial responsibility. If caught, you will face penalties, even suspension of your registration.

The first offense for not carrying insurance or providing proof of financial responsibility will cost you a $100 reinstatement fee after you’ve provided proof that you have insurance or can provide financial responsibility.

The second offense gets your registration suspended for four months, plus, after you provide proof of insurance or financial responsibility, you’ll have to pay a $200 reinstatement fee.

Additional State-Mandated Requirements

The State of Alabama also requires motorcycle riders to abide by certain rules. Depending on your insurance company, it could decide not to pay if you are at fault for an accident because you did not follow the laws.

• The State of Alabama requires every driver and rider to wear helmets.
• Eye protection is not required, but is recommended.
• You must have a passenger seat and passenger footrest if you are carrying a passenger.
• There are no restrictions for helmet speakers.
• Your motorcycle must have at least one mirror.
• The handlebars cannot be higher than 15 inches above the seat.
• For off-road riding, there are no restrictions for age, helmets, eye protection or other restrictions. Be sure to find out from your insurance company if it covers accidents where off-road bikes are involved, and if you are participating in a sport, which sports will the insurance company cover. It may not cover an injury sustained while dirt-bike racing or jumping.