Most motorcyclists love the feeling of freedom that riding a motorcycle brings. The wind in one’s hair, the loud blast of horsepower coming from the engine and picturesque views as they travel. However, it is not all freedom when it comes to owning a motorcycle and more so when it comes to accidents relating to motorcycles. This article will discuss the need for motorcycle insurance in Alaska and the financial responsibility associated with motorcycles.

In accordance with state law in Alaska it is a requirement to carry some form of liability insurance on your motorcycle, or at least, to be able to demonstrate proof of your financial responsibility should you be involved in a motorcycle accident. While motorcyclists know that safety is key, the reality is that accidents happen. Therefore, in order to protect riders from high costs associated with accidents, Alaska requires motorcycle owners to adhere to the same laws that are in place for car insurance in Alaska.

Motorcycle owners must be insured before they take their motorcycle on the road. An attorney stated that, “motorcycle insurance is a provision to protect the owner of the motorcycle as well as the motorcycle in case of an accident. Therefore, motorcycle insurance serves as a protection to the rider and the property”. It is important to note that some optional insurance for motorcycles include: 

1. Medical payments - this coverage will help pay for injury related costs after a motorcycle accident, despite who was at fault for the accident.

2. Comprehensive - this will help cover damages to your bike from accidents that do not involve car accidents. For example, weather or fire damage.

3. Collision – this cover it will help pay for damages for your motorcycle after a collision.

4. Roadside assistance – this cover can help with the pain of roadside breakdowns by providing financial support for roadside assistance.

In Alaska, motorcycles are defined as ‘any vehicle that has a motor and not more than 3 wheels’, therefore these include:

- Motorized scooters (Vespas)
- Mopeds (motorized bikes)
- Motorcycles - that is bigger than 50 cc engine
- A three-wheel motorcycle that is not a tractor or ATV

Financial Responsibility

Motorcycle insurance is no different from car insurance. There are three ways that each motorcycle owner can prove that he or she is financially responsible enough to drive a vehicle, these are:

- Self-insure
- Post a bond with the DMV
- Buy insurance 

It is important to note that any type of motorized vehicle must be insured and registered unless the owner is a resident in an exempted area.

In Alaska, the minimum insurance requirement is:

- $50,000 a person for bodily injury
- $100,000 accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage liability

An attorney from Crowson Law Group stated that, “while motorcycle insurance serves as protection with respect to motorcycle accidents, it is important that motorcycle riders protect their heads from injury. Head injuries for motorcyclists are the most common injuries and the head is the most vulnerable part of a driver. While a helmet is not a legal requirement for people over the age of 18 riding a motorcycle, it must be noted that when making a motorcycle personal injury claim involving head injuries, a rider’s failure to wear a helmet is a form of negligence on their part.” 

For a free case evaluation regarding a motorcycle related injury, seek out a motorcycle personal injury lawyer in Anchorage.