Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Passengers?

It’s always a fascinating experience to have a passenger on your bike, whether it’s your significant other, friend or a family member. But that exhilarating experience can turn into your worst nightmare after a motorcycle accident.  

Just think about it, the person with whom you were riding with is lying down in the hospital bed battling death. As gruesome as the thought is, it can get even more horrifying if you’re responsible for the accident, and you don’t have the right insurance to cover their medical bills.  

This can mount up guilt and frustration as you’re unable to help the person whom you dearly care about. Well, truth be told, accidents are inevitable, but by having the right motorcycle insurance policy for your passengers, you can at least secure yourself from any financial burden.  

In this article, you will learn, does motorcycle insurance cover passengers. Plus, the types of motorcycle insurance policies that cover passengers, and how you can ensure that you are covered by guest passenger liability insurance.  

Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Passengers? 

Whether you have an active motorcycle insurance policy, or you are on the verge of getting one, it’s crucial to know does your motorcycle insurance cover passengers. If not, do you need to get any additional insurance to cover a passenger?  

Well, this can vary depending on your motorcycle insurance policy, some insurers provide passenger coverage with your motorcycle liability insurance, while others require you to purchase a separate policy such as guest passenger liability insurance.  

Other motorcycle insurance policies cover passengers such as personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, medpay insurance, and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance policy.  

So, yes, motorcycle insurance does cover passengers, but make sure to review the insurance policy to ensure that your passenger is covered. If not, it’s best to consider getting policies that cover passengers.  

If you’re struggling to find an affordable insurance agency in the US that provides nationwide cheap motorcycle insurance, consider checking our offers. Or find an agent to help you by providing it based on your zip code.

Types of Motorcycle Insurance That Protect Passengers

First, it’s necessary to know the types of motorcycle insurance that protects passengers. As there are a few different options available, it is important for you to know and understand the types of motorcycle insurance that provides coverage to passengers.  

So, by being fully aware of the types of motorcycle insurance that protect passengers, it will be easier for you to determine which policy best fits your needs. Here are 4 types of motorcycle insurance to consider when it comes to ensuring adequate protection for your passengers.  

Guest Passenger Liability Insurance 

The guest passenger liability insurance is an add-on insurance policy that covers the medical bills of your passenger in a motorcycle accident in which you are at-fault. As this is a type of liability insurance, it only covers your passenger’s cost, not your own.  

If your standard motorcycle liability insurance does not cover your passenger, then you can add the guest liability insurance to your policy. While considering the guest liability insurance, it is important to note that this coverage cannot be purchased as a standalone policy, it must be acquired with an existing motorcycle liability plan.  

In most states, the guest passenger liability insurance is a legal requirement, so if it’s not included in your motorcycle’s standard liability insurance coverage, then you must purchase it as an add-on insurance.  

On the other hand, if it’s optional in your state, anyone who gets on your bike is your responsibility, so even based on ethical grounds, it is highly recommended that you consider ensuring that your passenger is insured.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance

Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is a type of motorcycle insurance that covers your passenger regardless of whoever is at-fault for the accident. The PIP insurance policy covers the medical bills of you and your passengers, along with loss of income, caregiver services, childcare, and even funeral costs.

Typically, it is a no-fault insurance policy, and it is mandatory in the 12 no-fault states which includes Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, and Utah.  

The downside of PIP insurance is, it’s not available in 29 states. So, if you’re living in any of the no-fault states, or optional states where PIP is optional, PIP insurance is crucial for covering your motorcycle passenger.  

MedPay (Medical Payments) Insurance 

Medpay is an add-on insurance policy that covers the medical costs of you, and your passenger in the event of a motorcycle accident regardless of whoever is at-fault for the accident. It is mandatory in 3 states which includes Maine, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.  

Apart from these states MedPay is an optional insurance that’s available in most states throughout the US except Minnesota, New York, North Dakota and Oregon. MedPay is a great insurance policy if you want to ensure coverage for your passengers. So, if MedPay is available in your state, then this is an add-on insurance policy worth considering.  

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

The uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you, and your motorcycle passenger by covering medical bills if the at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks sufficient liability coverage. It will also cover the repair and replacement cost of your motorcycle, along with any property damage.  

With the UI/UM coverage, you can stay financially protected from the burden of carrying any expense that someone else is liable for. While it’s an optional policy, it is highly recommended for every motorcyclist.  

This insurance policy is available across the US, except for Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, and Louisiana due to state specific regulations.  

How to Ensure Your Passengers are Covered?

The most effective way to ensure whether your passenger is covered is to carefully review the terms and conditions of your motorcycle insurance policy. Or you can always talk to your insurance agent and ask whether your motorcycle insurance covers your passenger.  

If it’s a mandatory state requirement to cover your passenger, then it should be included in your liability coverage. If not, then you can ask your insurer to offer you options to purchase additional coverage to ensure that your passenger is covered.

While you’re asking to confirm whether your passenger is covered, it is also important to know the following.

• Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Medical Bills?
• What Does Full Coverage Motorcycle Insurance Cover?
• How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost?  

Bottomline: Ensure Your Passenger’s Safety with the Right Motorcycle Insurance

Remember at the end your passenger’s safety is ultimately your responsibility. So, that’s why it’s crucial for you to ensure your passenger’s safety with the right insurance policy.  

While there are a few different options, it is important to determine which motorcycle insurance coverages are best fit to ensure financial protection for your passengers.  

If you’re unsure which motorcycle insurance policy best suits your needs, our insurance agents are here to help. Contact us today, and one of our agents will guide you in selecting the ideal coverage to protect you and your passengers.

FAQ

Does motorcycle insurance cover another rider? 

It depends on whether your motorcycle insurance policy covers a passenger for an accident you’re responsible for. But if the other driver is at-fault for the accident, then the other driver’s liability insurance will cover your passenger’s medical bills.

Which motorcycle insurance protects passengers?

To financially protect your passenger from a motorcycle accident, review your liability insurance policy to ensure whether it protects your passenger. If it does not, then you should consider getting motorcycle insurance such as guest passenger liability insurance, personal injury protection (PIP insurance), medpay (medical payment) insurance, or uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance.