Florida Motorcycle Insurance: Safety and Peace of Mind on the Open Road

If you love hitting the open road on your motorcycle, you’re not alone. More than 650,000 motorcycles are registered in Florida. Florida’s scenic roadways and sunny weather make for some fantastic rides, but there are always risks to motorcycle riding. In 2023, motorcyclists were about 28 percent more likely than those in passenger cars to die in a crash, and were five times more likely to be injured.

So before you enjoy the ride, remember these motorcycle safety basics.

Safety and visibility

Keep your motorcycle in good repair, and do a safety check before every ride. Check things like tire pressure and tread, brakes, headlights and signal lights, as well as fluid levels.

Focus on defensive driving. Be aware of other vehicles’ blind spots. Many accidents occur because other drivers don’t see you. Take extra care at intersections since more than 70 percent of motorcycle accidents take place there. Don’t tailgate, change lanes abruptly, or drive between lanes of traffic or on the shoulder. You may also want to keep your headlights on both day and night to improve visibility. (Note: These are just a few basic tips. For a more detailed safety review, see The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse Rider Handbook.)

Wear protective gear. Motorcycle accidents can cause devastating injuries. For safety’s sake, lose the shorts and flip flops in favor of long sleeves, long pants, and footwear that covers your feet to above the ankle. Wear bright colors on your upper body to increase visibility. And don’t forget your helmet!

Motorcycle insurance in Florida

In addition to taking safety precautions, make sure you have adequate motorcycle insurance. Even though you don’t need motorcycle insurance to register a motorcycle in Florida, the state does require proof of financial responsibility if you’re at fault for injuries or damages in a motorcycle accident. The most common way to prove financial responsibility is to carry liability coverage through motorcycle insurance. In addition, if you lease or finance your motorcycle, your lender will probably require that you carry comprehensive and collision coverage. You probably also want coverage for your own injuries. Talk to your insurance agent about which coverages are right for you.

Before your next ride, make sure you have the best motorcycle insurance for your needs. In addition to homeowners, auto, and business insurance, Lakewood Financial Services also carries insurance for motorcycles and other recreational vehicles. Reach out to one of our agents at 941-747-4600, or click here to contact us online. Lakewood Financial Services is a full-service independent agency in Lakewood Ranch, and we also serve Bradenton, Sarasota, and other surrounding communities.