Minnesota Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Minnesota law treats motorcycles and snowmobiles a bit differently from other vehicles. It also doesn’t require adult riders to wear a helmet. Minnesota riders need to be proactive about protecting themselves with motorcycle insurance. To understand motorcycle insurance in Minnesota, first we need to understand how Minnesota treats other vehicles.

What Kinds of Motorcycle Insurance Does Minnesota Normally Require?

Minnesota normally requires four different kinds of insurance.

1) Liability insurance with the following minimums:

• $30,000 bodily injury one person
• $60,000 bodily injury for more than one person
• $10,000 property damage

This insurance pays the other party if a claim is made against you because you’re at fault in an accident.

2) Uninsured motorist insurance with the following minimums:

• $25,000 bodily injury for one person
• $50,000 bodily injury for more than one person
  This insurance pays you if the other driver is at fault but is not insured.

3) Uninderinsured motorist insurance with the following minimums:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
• $50,000 for bodily injury to more than one person

This insurance pays you if another driver is at fault but doesn’t have enough insurance to pay a claim.

4) Personal injury protection (PIP) with the following minimums:

• $40,000 total per person per accident
• $20,000 medical expenses per person per accident
• $20,000 lost wages and other economic loss benefits per person per accident

This no-fault insurance pays you for your own injuries and lost wages regardless of who is at fault for an accident.

What Are the Requirements for Motorcycle Insurance in Minnesota and How Do They Differ From the Standard Requirements?

Minnesota law only requires that insurance companies offer motorcyclists a standard policy that includes liability insurance. It does not require uninsured/underinsured motorist and personal injury protection coverage to be automatically offered to motorcycle riders.

What Does Minnesota’s Motorcycle Insurance Law Mean for Riders?

It means two things. First, it means the basic motorcycle insurance policy is minimal and therefore premium costs are likely to be relatively low. Motorcyclists can meet the requirements of the law without buying a lot of insurance.

But it also means that unlike other drivers, motorcyclists don’t automatically have coverage for their injuries when they buy the basic minimum insurance required under law. In essence, Minnesota law allows riders to ride without helmets at their own risk.

If you’re at fault in an accident and you’re injured and you purchased the minimum insurance, no insurance covers your injuries. You need to make sure you purchase PIP and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage separately to get the same protections other Minnesota drivers get.

You are, however, covered by the minimum insurance up to the limits of your coverage if you are injured by another driver, and you’re also covered up to the limits of your coverage if you’re responsible for another driver’s injuries. Because your injuries won’t be covered by your own insurance, however, it may take you longer to get reimbursed for your medical expenses even though you’re not at fault.

As of April 2012, there is a move in the Minnesota legislature to change the way motorcycles are treated under the law. Under the proposal, riders would have to wear a helmet unless they purchased PIP.

Is Damage to My Motorcycle Covered by the Minnesota Minimum Motorcycle Insurance?

No. The minimum insurance only covers injuries. If you want to protect your motorcycle, you’ll need to purchase property damage coverage separately. You can, however, make a claim against the other driver’s liability insurance if the other driver is at fault and carries liability insurance. If the other driver is not at fault, purchasing collision or comprehensive coverage for your motorcycle will protect you.

Are There Penalties for Not Carrying the Minimum Motorcycle Insurance?

Yes. The basic penalty is a fine of at least $200. The court may also impose a jail sentence and may replace the fine with community service. You also lose your driver’s license and motorcycle registration until you produce proof of insurance.

What Constitutes Proof of Insurance in Minnesota?

An insurance ID card, a copy of the insurance policy or a written statement from a licensed insurance agent that verifies your coverage. Carry your insurance ID card with you when you ride and present it to a peace officer upon request. If you cannot produce evidence of insurance upon request, you must produce it by time period stated on your traffic citation.

Other Things to Know:

As in most states, when you shop for motorcycle insurance, you should get competitive quotes from a variety of insurance agents or brokers. In addition, if you buy auto and motorcycle insurance together, verify what your premiums cover in terms of injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident. Do not assume your premiums cover you in the same way for the use of your auto and your motorcycle.

You may be able to get discounts on your motorcycle premiums if you have taken a safety course, belong to a motorcycle association or don’t ride your motorcycle all year round. Again, ask for competitive quotes before buying insurance.