Motorcycle Insurance for Young Drivers: Getting a Cheaper Policy

As a young motorcycle rider in North Carolina you're probably already aware that the cost of buying a motorcycle insurance policy isn't cheap but that it's absolutely required that you carry at least the state minimum of coverage if you're to legally operate your bike on public roads. The alternative, riding your motorcycle without the required amount of insurance, can potentially bring you fines, loss of your registration and even jail time.

North Carolina Minimum Insurance Requirements

Whether you're insuring a car or a motorcycle in North Carolina, the state mandates that you carry a minimum of liability insurance which is meant to cover other drivers and/or property owners that suffer a loss in an accident at which you're found to be at fault. In this state, the minimum liability coverage is:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injury
• $60,000 for all person's bodily injuries (per accident)
• $25,000 property damage

While these minimums are actually higher than those required in some other states, they're still woefully low when you consider the actual costs involved in paying medical bills and replacing damaged or destroyed property caused as the result of a vehicle accident. Plus, this liability coverage only protects dollar losses of “the other guy” in an accident you cause, and will pay nothing toward your own losses, whether you suffer injuries that require medical treatment or bike damage that requires repair or replacement.

You Need More Than Minimum Coverage

That fact is, if anyone needs full insurance coverage it's the individual riding on two wheels in a world of four-wheeled vehicles. Other drivers are often oblivious to your existence on the road, number one, and when an accident occurs (even one that may seem minor when it's car vs. car), you have little in the way of protection on a bike other than your protective clothing and helmet.

Cheap Isn't Always The Best Deal

While the cheapest motorcycle insurance you can purchase is the minimum amount of liability coverage required by law, you should seriously consider adding comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, medical payments coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. Of course, these will all add to the expense of your policy, so make sure to ask your agent about any discounts you may qualify to receive, such as a good student discount or one for attending a driver's education course. As always, getting multiple quotes will help you find the best deal.