Attorneys
Last Updated: 2/1/2024
Iowa motorcyclists who don’t carry motorcycle insurance can lose their licenses if pulled over by a policeman, per the Iowa Financial and Safety Responsibility Act. Additionally, a biker can be held responsible for the full cost of all repairs and medical bills if at fault for an accident. To ensure a carefree riding experience, investigate what the motorcycle insurance company has to offer. It is more than just bodily injury and property damage liability.
A little extra money on the front end could save you thousands later when you don’t have the means to make extra cash after a motorcycle crash. The following provides some optional vehicle coverage options worth considering.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
While you may carry insurance, not all drivers do. And, if you’re in an accident caused by another driver, the other driver’s insurance may not be enough to pay for your injuries. By purchasing an uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage policy, you can help to ensure that your damages are paid in the event of an accident caused by someone else.
Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for damages that occur to your bike for things other than a motor vehicle accident.
- Flood
- Fire
- Vandalism
Collision coverage, on the other hand, helps cover the cost of repairs in the event that you’re involved in an accident that’s caused by colliding with another object, not another motor vehicle.
Medical Expense Coverage
Medical expense coverage is one of the most valuable types of coverage options to have, as it will pay for the medical expenses of both you and any of your passengers in the event of an accident, no matter who caused the motorcycle wreck.
Roadside Assistance Coverage
If you have an accident while on a ride, run out of gas, or experience a breakdown, roadside assistance coverage provides you with free towing. Excursion diversion insurance, sometimes called interrupted trip insurance, pairs well with roadside assistance coverage, as it provides riders with lodging, food, and transportation in the event of an accident that occurs more than 100 miles from your home. If you follow this pre-ride checklist for bikers, you may not need to use roadside assistance with any frequency.
When Damages are So Severe that Insurance Coverage is Not Enough
Despite the many types of auto insurance options for motorcyclists available, sometimes, the damages that result from an accident are so severe that insurance alone is not enough. When this happens, you should consider filing a personal injury lawsuit for damages to recover the total cost of all damages incurred. In Iowa, a claim must be filed within two years’ time under Iowa Code 614.1.
At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our motorcycle accident attorneys can represent you in dealings with your insurance company, or when filing a personal injury claim. Set up your consultation now by calling (888) 435-9886.
