California Motorcycle Insurance
Driving a motorcycle in California
Motorcycle owners must register their motorcycles in the state of California. Without a valid registration, motorcycles cannot be driven in the state. One of the many requirements of motorcycle registration is that it carries a proof of financial responsibility. Maintenance of a proof of financial responsibility is mandatory in California. This is done to ensure that uninsured vehicles including motorcycles do not come out on the roads and that in case of accident compensation is paid irrespective of who is at fault.
Financial responsibility essentially means liability coverage of a minimum of the following amounts per collision:
- $5,000 for property damage
- $30,000 for death or injury to more than one person
- $15,000 for a single death or injury
Financial responsibility may be in one of the following four forms:
- A DMV issued self-insurance certificate
- A surety bond for $35,000 obtained from a company licensed to do business in California
- A deposit of $35,000 with the DMV
- A liability insurance policy
Motorcycle insurance in California
Once a motorcycle owner has followed the abovementioned mandatory insurance laws of the state of California, in addition to other registration requirements, he/she can register and ride his/her motorcycle. In case of an accident, no matter how minor, the owner of the motorcycle, his/her insurance agent or legal representative, must within 10 days of the accident, report the accident to the DMV. The police will not make this report.
Since a proof of financial responsibility must be carried at all times, therefore in case of the following, the driver/owner must be able to produce the same:
- When the motorcycle is involved in a traffic accident
- When the motorcycle’s registration is being renewed
- When requested by a law enforcement officer
The financial responsibility requirement cannot be evaded. In 2006, the state passed a law wherein insurance companies were to electronically notify the DMV on a motorcycle’s insurance status. This has enabled the DMV to take appropriate action against those motorcycle owners whose insurance has expired and who have not renewed the insurance.
Is there a company that that helps registering motorcycle in California?
Yes there are several companies that offer services that enable motorcycle owners register their two-wheelers. This way, you not only get to save time by not having to drive down to the DMV and waiting in lines but also save money on the fuel as well as any late fees that you might incur. Click on other links for more details.
