Important Insurance Information for Motorcyclists

Last updated on May 15, 2025

We know you’d rather be out on the open road than thinking about insurance paperwork — but if you’re ever in an accident, the last thing you want is to find out your coverage isn’t cutting it. That’s where we come in. As Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorneys, we’ve seen numerous motorcycle accidents that could have had less devastating financial impacts with proper insurance coverage. We at Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler know that insurance policies can be complicated and many motorcyclists do not discover gaps in their coverage until it is too late. Don’t be unprepared! Make sure you and your motorcycle are covered in case of accident.

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What Every Indiana Rider Should Know About Motorcycle Insurance

Who’s Covered to Ride?

If someone else in your household is going to ride your bike, make sure they’re listed on your policy. Don’t assume coverage automatically applies just because they live with you.

Got a Bike? Get it on the Policy

If you own a motorcycle, make sure it’s specifically listed on your insurance policy. If it’s not listed, it may not be covered.

Understanding Insurance Limits

Your policy limits are the maximum the insurance company is obligated to pay—not what you actually need. If damages exceed your limits, you could be personally responsible for the difference.

The Truth about “Full Coverage”

Spoiler alert: there’s no such thing as “full coverage.” People usually mean a combo of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. It sounds complete—but check the details. “Full” doesn’t mean unlimited.

What Motorcycle Insurance Do I Need?

When selecting motorcycle insurance, several coverage types provide critical protection in different situations. Here’s a breakdown of key coverage types.

Bodily Injury Liability

• Covers injuries you cause to others in an accident
• Pays for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering—up to your policy limit
• If damages exceed your coverage, you may be financially responsible for the rest

Property Damage Liability

• Covers damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle or property (phones, car seats, etc.)
• Like bodily injury, anything above your policy limit could come out of your pocket.

Medical Payments (MedPay)

• Covers your medical bills after an accident, no matter who cause it.
• This “no-fault” coverage kicks in right away, but usually has time limits for using it.

Comprehensive Coverage

• Covers repairs to your bike after an accident—regardless of who’s at fault.
• Includes deductible details and how claims are processed.

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorcycle Insurance

The following types of insurance coverage apply when the at-fault driver doesn’t have coverage or doesn’t have enough coverage.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Bodily Injury

• Protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
• Covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain & suffering.
• We strongly recommend at least $250,000 in UM coverage.

Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Bodily Injury

• Kicks in when the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover your damages.
• Fills the gap between their limit and your actual losses, up to your UIM limit.
• Important: Specific steps must be followed to preserve your right to use this coverage.
• We strongly recommend at least $250,000 in UIM coverage.

UM/UIM Property Damage

• Covers your bike if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
• Note: Exclusions may apply (e.g. hit-and-runs, no-contact accidents).