Whether you’re riding through mountain passes, cruising wide-open highways, or taking the scenic route home after work, a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom that’s hard to match.
But before you hit the road, there’s one question you need to answer: Is motorcycle insurance required in Montana?
Yes, Montana law requires most motorcycle owners to carry liability insurance before riding on public roads. Driving without insurance can lead to fines, license suspension, and financial consequences if you’re involved in an accident. Here’s what every Montana rider should know.
Montana’s Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Motorcycles are treated as motor vehicles under Montana law. That means they must meet the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
Your policy must include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 for property damage
This coverage is often referred to as 25/50/20 liability insurance.
Liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage you cause to someone else if you’re responsible for a crash. It does not pay to repair your own motorcycle or cover your own medical bills.
What Happens If You Ride Without Insurance?
It can be tempting to think about taking a quick ride. Unfortunately, accidents do not wait for long trips.
If you’re stopped by law enforcement or involved in a collision without insurance, you could face:
- Traffic citations and fines
- Suspension of your driver’s license or registration
- Difficulty registering your motorcycle in the future
- Personal responsibility for injuries and property damage
If another person is seriously injured, those costs can easily reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, those expenses could come directly out of your own pocket.
Is Minimum Coverage Really Enough?
The state minimum satisfies the legal requirement. But that doesn’t mean it provides enough protection.
Medical care is expensive. Unfortunately, motorcycles offer less protection than passenger vehicles. Even a low-speed collision can result in substantial injuries, lengthy hospital stays, and lost income.
Many riders choose to purchase higher liability limits. This can protect their savings, home, and future earnings if they’re found responsible for a serious accident.
While higher limits mean a slightly higher premium, these policies can provide more financial protection when it matters most.
Additional Coverage Worth Considering
Liability insurance is only one piece of the puzzle. Depending on your motorcycle and how often you ride, additional coverage may make sense. Some other options include:
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your motorcycle after an accident, no matter who caused it.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive insurance covers damage from events other than collisions, including:
- Theft
- Fire
- Vandalism
- Falling objects
- Wildlife collisions
- Severe weather
With Montana’s wildlife and changing weather conditions, comprehensive coverage is a way to provide valuable peace of mind.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Not every driver follows the law. If someone without adequate insurance causes your crash, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for your injuries and other losses.
While this coverage may not always be required, many insurance professionals recommend carrying it.
Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments coverage can help pay medical expenses for you or your passenger after an accident. Once again, you can get coverage no matter who caused the crash.
What If Someone Else Causes Your Motorcycle Accident?
Even if you’ve done everything right by purchasing insurance and riding safely, another driver’s negligence can change your life in an instant.
Motorcycle crashes can leave riders with broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash requiring skin grafts, or months of rehabilitation.
When another driver’s careless actions cause those injuries, you may have the right to pursue compensation.
Protect Yourself Before You Ride
Is motorcycle insurance required in Montana? The answer is yes. You want to make sure your coverage reflects your needs, not just Montana’s minimum legal requirements.
And if you’ve been injured because another driver’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, AFJ Law PLLC – Personal Injury, Car Accident, and Insurance Law is ready to assist.
Click here to visit our Montana Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions page.
Click here to visit our Commercial Trucking and Semi-Truck Accident practice area page. Contact us if you still have questions about your Montana car accident case.