Pennsylvania Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles

To meet the mandatory insurance requirements, you must have at least the following amounts and types of coverage:

• $15,000 of bodily injury protection for injuries or death occurring to one person in an accident.

• $30,000 of bodily injury protection for injuries or deaths occurring to more than one person in an accident.

• $5,000 of property damage protection for a single accident.

While it may be tempting to get by with these levels of insurance, most financial professionals feel doing so is a mistake.

However, higher levels of protection means higher premiums. You can limit these extra costs, though, by doing your homework. It's easy to comparison shop online (or by phone) and find the cheapest rates and best coverages.

How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements

Unlike some states, Pennsylvania doesn't relax its financial responsibility requirements if you wear a helmet when riding. So, helmeted drivers must adhere to the same standards as everyone else.

Remember, you must wear a helmet unless you're at least 21 and have held your motorcycle license for a minimum of two years, or you've completed a safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

While your insurer must notify PennDOT if you cancel your vehicle liability policy, your new insurer doesn't have to alert PennDOT when you begin coverage with them. So, always be sure to keep your acceptable proof of insurance in your vehicle, such as a copy of your:

• Insurance identification card issued by your provider.

• Policy's declaration page.

• Insurance binder (valid for a maximum of 60 days, after which you'll have to reaffirm your coverage).

• Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan application, signed by your insurance agent.

• Letter from your carrier confirming your proof of financial responsibility coverage, signed by your insurance agent or insurance company representative.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

What if you have no proof of insurance due to you not being covered by an active, acceptable liability policy? You could be assessed with the following:

• $300 fine for driving uninsured.

• Three-month vehicle registration suspension.

• Three-month driver's license suspension.

Plus, your vehicle can't be driven by anyone during its registration suspension.

If your coverage lapsed for less than 31 days, you can prove to PennDOT that you didn't drive your cycle during this time, and you file a non-operation statement, you won't face any penalties.

Reinstating your license and registration means having to show proof of current insurance, and paying at least $50 in fees.