Georgia motorcycle laws require you to have insurance. But what level of coverage meets the legal minimum? Before you take to the road, it’s important that you know the Georgia motorcycle insurance requirements.
Georgia’s Motorcycle Insurance Laws
In this state, motorcycle liability coverage is the legal minimum requirement. Though it costs the least, motorcycle liability coverage offers the least in terms of benefits. It’s a tradeoff, but one that makes sense to many Georgia motorcyclists on a tight budget.
Policies that offer collision and comprehensive cost more, but they also provide the benefit of more financial protection.
You have several options, but this will offer a closer look at the minimum level of motorcycle liability coverage.
Minimum Liability Coverage Explained
As mentioned, motorcycle liability is the minimal level of coverage accepted in the State of Georgia. Without possessing at least this level of coverage, you can’t legally ride on any public road in the state.
The main tradeoff for the low cost is that liability only covers the injuries or property damage of others when you’re at fault for an accident. You can’t file a claim for your own injuries or damages to your bike.
The upside is that, since your insurance will help pay for damages you cause, it won’t all come out of your own pocket. And you’ll be legally roadworthy at the lowest possible cost in premiums.
But what does motorcycle liability coverage actually buy?
Property Damage and Bodily Injury Limits
Your Georgia liability insurance must carry at least $25,000 in property damage protection for each at-fault accident. This covers the damage to other vehicles, buildings, or other property.
Your policy must also include a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, or $50,000 per at-fault accident. This covers medical care, lost wages, rehabilitation, and other costs racked up by other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or others you injure in an accident.
The Consequences of Riding Without Motorcycle Insurance
What if you’re caught riding without insurance in Georgia? It can get expensive. In a lot of ways.
Your initial cost outlay could be a fine of at least $200 for a first offence, with the penalty escalating up to $1,000 for multiple offenses. It’s also possible to receive a jail term of up to 12 months. In some cases, your bike could be impounded, and you’d have to pay an impoundment fee to get your bike out.
You’re also likely to face a license suspension of 60 to 90 days. Your registration might also be suspended. You’ll have to pay reinstatement fees to get both back.
Then, your insurance rates will rise with a license suspension because you’ll be considered a high-risk motorcyclist.
And finally, start to consider the costs if you get into an at-fault accident with no insurance. In addition to all of the above charges and penalties, you could be responsible for thousands of dollars in injuries and property damage for which you’ll be sued. You’ll have to pay for the damages or total loss of your own bike in addition to being held responsible for costs inflicted on others.
Even if your bike is damaged through no fault of your own, you could end up with a totaled bike and no way to pay for repairs or a replacement ride. Such damage could be caused by wildlife, weather-related damage, fire, or countless other causes.
Get the point? It can get very, very expensive if you have no insurance — even if you’re a careful and responsible rider.