Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Other Riders?

Riders love the feeling of freedom that comes with hitting the open road on a motorcycle. But let’s face it, accidents can happen to even the most experienced of riders. That’s why having motorcycle insurance is so important. But have you ever wondered if your motorcycle insurance covers other riders? You’re not alone. This is a common question, so we thought we get you some answers.

Let’s start with the basics

What is motorcycle insurance? Motorcycle insurance is a specialized protection that provides financial protection for damages that can happen when riding your motorcycle. Like car insurance, motorcycle insurance will vary in coverage and cost depending on several factors, including your driving history, the type of motorcycle you ride, and the coverage options you select.

Types of motorcycle insurance coverage

Before we dive into whether or not motorcycle insurance covers other riders, let’s take a look at coverages that are typically included in a motorcycle insurance policy.

Liability Coverage: This is the most basic type of motorcycle insurance coverage. In fact, it’s required in most states. It covers damages that you may cause to other people or their property while riding your motorcycle.

Collision Coverage: This type of coverage pays for damages to your motorcycle if you are involved in an accident.

Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your motorcycle from damages that are not related to an accident, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This type of coverage protects you in the event that you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Does motorcycle insurance cover other riders?

Now that we’ve covered the typical coverages you can get on a motorcycle policy, let’s get to the original questions. Does motorcycle insurance cover other riders?

The short answer is that it depends. Some motorcycle insurance policies will cover other riders who have your permission to operate your motorcycle, while others may not. It’s important to read your policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.

Is there coverage for my passengers?

If you frequently ride with passengers, it’s a good idea to make sure that your policy includes coverage for passengers. Passenger liability coverage is typically included in bodily liability coverage. However, you should confirm this with your insurance agent or carrier before you take passengers. In some cases, you’ll need to purchase separate coverages for passenger liability.

How do I know if I have passenger liability?

Some states require passenger liability to be included in the standard liability coverage. However, some don’t. You can always ask your agent or insurer if it’s required where you live. In states where passenger liability coverage is mandatory, it’ll be included as part of any motorcycle policy, whether or not it’s listed separately. On the other hand, if you live in a state where it’s not required, it will show on your declarations as a separate coverage if you’ve added it.

What if I loan my motorcycle to a friend?

In most cases, your policy will only cover riders who are listed on the policy or who have your permission to ride your motorcycle. As a result, if you loan your motorcycle to a friend, it’s important to understand if your motorcycle insurance allows permissive users. 

If you plan on loaning your motorcycle to a friend, make sure to check with your insurance provider to see if your policy includes coverage for other riders. It may not. If it doesn’t, you may want to consider adding additional coverage to your policy to protect yourself and your friend in the event of an accident.

The bottom line

Whether or not motorcycle insurance covers other riders depends on the specifics of your policy. If you frequently ride with passengers or plan on loaning your motorcycle to a friend, it’s essential to make sure that your policy includes coverage for other riders.

It’s also important to understand the different types of coverage that are typically included in a motorcycle insurance policy and to select the coverage options that best meet your needs and budget.

Remember, accidents can happen to even the most experienced of riders. Having adequate motorcycle insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind while on the open road. If you need to understand more about passenger liability, contact us, or start a quote online.