Motorcycle accidents happen all the time, and if one happens to you, the financial ramifications can be harsh. Due to the possible expenses involved, the Secretary of State’s (SOS) office demands that you be able to show a certain level of financial responsibility before allowing you to register your cycle. And, the only way to do this is by having a motorcycle insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum requirements.

 

Michigan law now allows motorcyclists to decide for themselves, if certain conditions are met, whether or not to wear a helmet.

 

To legally not wear a helmet, a motorcycle operator must:

 

• Be at least 21 years old.

• Have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits.

• Have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years, or have passed an approved motorcycle safety course.

 

The law also allows for motorcycle passengers to not wear a helmet. Passengers also may not wear a helmet as long as they:

 

• Are at least 21 years old.

• Have at least $20,000 in first­ party medical benefits insurance in addition to the insurance that is required of the motorcycle operator.

• A person younger than 21 years old still must wear a helmet approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation when operating or riding on a motorcycle. The requirement that an individual younger than 19 years old must wear a helmet if operating a moped on a public roadway is unchanged.

 

As you get your motorcycle insurance quotes, remember, these are just the state minimum amounts of insurance. To be better prepared to handle the possible costs associated with an accident-especially since you’re not protected by the state’s no-fault policy-you might want to consider much higher levels of coverage.

 

Smart consumers know they can obtain a lot more coverage for not that much more money by comparison shopping online (or by phone) to find the cheapest motorcycle insurance rates.

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