I cannot think of a more boring topic than insurance. However, many motorcyclists pay scant attention to what insurance they have when they put their bike on the road. They only find out the mistakes they made after they're in an accident and need certain insurance coverage they don't have.

I am an attorney and have represented victims of motorcycle accidents for over 30 years. I have seen many clients discover their insurance mistakes when it is too late. So bear with me and give some thought to your motorcycle insurance policy.

No-fault Insurance:
New York State has a law called No-fault Insurance Law. This law requires that an individual's own automobile insurance pay for most medical expenses and lost wages incurred by a driver or passenger in an automobile as a result of an automobile accident. This law does not apply to motorcycles. If you do not have other medical insurance, you have to pay your own medical expenses when you are in an accident. If the other driver is in any way at fault, eventually his insurance company will be responsible for some or all of these and other expenses. Anyone who rides a motorcycle should have the best medical insurance available!

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability:
The first thing you see on your motorcycle bill is the above description. The insurance company agrees to pay any claims against you up to this amount. The minimum amount required in New York State is $25,000. This is the amount that most motorcyclists have. It is totally inadequate to protect you!

This coverage protects you if you are sued because of an accident and a money judgment is taken against you. Let's say that you were sued for $100,000 and they get a judgment against you after the trial for $75,000. If you only have $25,000 in coverage, they can force you to pay from your income or assets the $50,000 that is not covered by insurance. They can take your home, motorcycle, bank account and other possessions until the $50,000 is paid in full. You don't want this to happen. I would recommend that you have as much coverage as you can afford.

Wrongful Death Coverage:
This coverage protects you if, through your fault, you kill someone in an accident. New York requires a minimum of $50,000. Again, this amount is totally inadequate to protect you.

Mandatory Uninsured Motorist:
This coverage is overlooked by most insurance agents. It covers you in case you are struck and injured by someone else who is at fault for the accident and has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your claim (under-insured). New York requires a minimum of $50,000. Again, this is inadequate! Let me give you this example:

Let's say you are injured and your experienced motorcycle attorney obtains a judgment in the amount of $200,000 against a car driver with no assets and only $25,000 in coverage. You are only going to get $25,000 from the other driver. Where can you get the remaining $175,000? You actually get it from your own company if you have Supplementary Un-Insured Coverage of at least $200,000. You must purchase this additional coverage, but it is well worth it.

There are more areas of concern when you buy an insurance policy. I would suggest, particularly if you have substantial assets such as a home, that it behooves you to talk to a reputable insurance agent about enhancing your insurance coverage.

If you need to discuss motorcycle insurance, remember to PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS AND CALL MOTORCYCLING ATTORNEY RICHARD J. ROSCHÉ at 716-741-9802.  Or, if you prefer, you can email Attorney Rosche.