Every year in New Jersey, there are about 2,500 motorcycle accidents, according to the Federal Highway Authority. The state of New Jersey requires that all motorcyclists purchase motorcycle insurance. If you’re a motorcyclist in New Jersey, the following provides information regarding your options for NJ motorcycle insurance.
Minimum NJ Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
New Jersey has a minimum amount of insurance coverage that every motorcyclist is required to purchase prior to operating a motorcycle. Each rider must carry liability coverage which covers damages that other parties sustain in an accident caused by that policyholder. If another driver caused your accident, you could file a claim with that party’s liability coverage.
In NJ, motorcycle insurance must include the following types of liability coverage.
- $15,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident.
- and, $5,000 for property damage.
Usually, these minimum coverage options are colloquially referred to as a 15/30/5 when speaking with an insurance agent. However, some elect higher coverage limits to protect them if they cause more serious accidents that result in significant damages to other parties.
Rather than the minimum, some purchase liability coverage options of 25/50/10, 50/100/25, or, 100/300/50. Speak with an insurance representative about the motorcycle insurance coverage options available.
Other Types of NJ Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
Liability coverage is a necessary part of your NJ motorcycle insurance policy, but some motorcyclists elect other coverage options as well. You may also purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects you in the event that a person does not have any insurance, or does not have enough insurance to cover your injuries and damages to property, respectively.
Other types of coverage may also be available – like safety gear coverage, trip interruption, etc. – so discuss your options with the insurance company from which you are purchasing motorcycle insurance coverage. However, PIP coverage – which covers your injuries if you are involved in an accident, regardless of fault – generally does not apply to motorcycle accidents.
Whose insurance pays damages in a motorcycle accident?
If you caused the motorcycle accident, then the other driver may file a claim with your motorcycle insurance to recover damages from your liability coverage. In some cases, you may have to file a lawsuit to recover your damages.
If the other driver caused the accident, you may pursue damages from his or her insurance policy. You may also recover compensation from your own coverage if you have the right coverage, though most NJ motorcycle insurance policies do not contain no-fault PIP coverage. You may be able to use your health insurance if you were injured and require medical treatment. But this requires co-payments and meeting a deductible.
If you were in an accident that caused serious injuries and believe another party is responsible for it, speak with an attorney about your legal options and the value of your motorcycle claim damages.
After a Motorcycle Accident, Speak with Cordisco & Saile LLC
At Cordisco & Saile LLC, our attorneys know how important it is that you’re fairly compensated for your injuries and property damages following an accident. As such, we’ll work to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve from the other party’s insurance company, or via a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
To speak with one of our attorneys to ask questions about your accident and the process of filing a claim, call us now for a free case consultation. Call us at 215-642-2335 to set up a consultation, or use our online contact form to schedule your appointment.
