A Question Worth Asking Before an Accident, Not After
“Do I need uninsured motorist coverage on my motorcycle?” It’s a fair question, and one Gessel & Associates Insurance Agency hears from Columbus riders who assume their liability coverage is enough on its own. Here’s why the answer usually leans toward yes.
The Basic Problem
Your liability coverage protects other people if you cause an accident. It does absolutely nothing for you if someone else causes an accident and doesn’t have insurance, or doesn’t have enough of it. For motorcyclists, this gap matters more than it does for drivers in a car, since riders face a higher risk of serious injury in any collision.
Why Motorcyclists Face This Risk Differently
A car-versus-car accident often results in property damage and moderate injuries. A car-versus-motorcycle accident tends to be far more serious for the rider, given the complete lack of a protective frame around them. If the at-fault driver in that accident carries minimal or no insurance, the financial burden of recovery can land entirely on the injured rider.
What This Coverage Actually Does
- Pays for medical expenses when an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident involving your motorcycle
- Can help cover lost wages during recovery from a serious injury
- Applies whether you’re riding solo or have a passenger involved in the accident
- Fills the gap left behind when the at-fault driver simply can’t pay for the damage they caused
Why This Matters in Ohio Specifically
Ohio, like many states, has a meaningful percentage of drivers on the road without adequate insurance. For motorcyclists, that statistic carries more weight given the increased severity of injuries typical in motorcycle accidents.
Checking Before You Need It
Reviewing whether your motorcycle policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, and confirming the limits actually make sense for your riding habits, is worth doing before the next ride, not after an accident reveals the gap. Gessel & Associates Insurance Agency helps riders throughout Columbus, OH make sure this coverage is actually in place. Visit our motorcycle insurance page or call 740-852-7725.
