Motorcycle accidents, unfortunately, can cause all sorts of destruction, including financial.

So, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) insists that motorcycle owners prove they're financially responsible enough to handle the possible costs involved by carrying adequate amounts of vehicle liability insurance.

Ways to Establish Financial Responsibility

To comply with the state's mandate, you must have a liability policy containing both bodily injury and property damage coverage that at least meets the required limits.

Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined

While it may be confusing trying to figure out if the DMV categorizes your bike as a motorcycle, you can always ask the agency itself by calling (860) 263-5700 (within the Hartford area or outside the state) or (800) 842-8222 (the rest of the state).

Or, you can read how the state classifies the following vehicles:

• Motorcycle: A motor vehicle, with or without a side car, having not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and a saddle or seat on which the rider sits or a platform on which the rider stands, and includes bicycles having a motor attached, except bicycles propelled by means of a helper motor (moped) as defined in Connecticut State Law Title 14 Sec 14-286, but does not include a vehicle having a completely or partially enclosed driver’s seat and a motor that is not in the enclosed area.

• Moped: A bicycle with a helper motor that includes all vehicles propelled by the person riding the same by foot, or by hand power, or a helper motor having a capacity of less than 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement. It cannot be rated more than two-brake horsepower and cannot be capable of a maximum speed of more than 30 miles per hour, nor cannot be equipped with automatic transmission.

Top Connecticut Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles

The minimum required levels of insurance protection are:

• $20,000 bodily injury coverage for injuries or a death occurring to one person in an accident.

• $40,000 bodily injury coverage for injuries or deaths occurring to more than one person in an accident.

• $10,000 property damage coverage for an accident.

Most insurance professionals, however, advise having more extensive protection. Remember, motorcycle accidents can change your financial future. You can learn more about the need for increased levels of coverage in our Types of Coverage section.

Of course, the cost of this additional coverage is an issue for many. So, try comparison shopping online, or by calling the toll-free numbers established by insurers, to contain the extra cost. You might be surprised at how much coverage you can actually afford.

How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements

Unlike some states, whether you voluntarily wear a helmet while riding doesn't affect your financial responsibility requirements. So, riders who wear helmets must comply with the same insurance standards as those who don't.

Remember, if you're younger than 18, you must always wear a helmet when operating a cycle. If you're older than that, you only need to do so if you're driving with just a learning permit.