What Are Alabama’s Motorcycle Insurance Requirements and Laws?

As of 2023, there were nearly 174,000 motorcycles registered in the state of Alabama. With so many scenic routes to travel and an ideal riding climate to boot, our state offers limitless possibilities to motorcyclists and passengers of all ages and experience levels. But what does state law have to say about motorcycle insurance?

Despite being an exciting and popular mode of transportation, motorcycling is not without its risks, making it crucial for riders to adhere to local insurance laws and requirements. Whether you’re a new rider buying your first bike or a seasoned motorcyclist exploring the local terrain, here’s a brief overview of the insurance requirements you’ll need to know before hitting the open road.

Is motorcycle insurance required in Alabama?

The state of Alabama requires riders to adhere to certain minimum insurance requirements in order to operate a motorcycle within the state. Just like drivers of passenger vehicles, Alabama motorcyclists are required to carry liability insurance in order to protect themselves and others in the event of a crash. Liability coverage ensures that if you cause an accident, the other party’s injuries and property damage are paid for, so you can compensate victims for their injuries without putting yourself in major financial jeopardy.

In Alabama, motorcyclists are required to maintain the following amount of liability coverage:

• At least $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
• At least $50,000 total of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• At least $25,000 of liability coverage for property damage

Keep in mind, these minimums are only the tip of the iceberg, and many riders choose to carry higher limits for better protection. Since many motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries and other damages, it’s often advisable for riders to err on the side of having too much coverage rather than not enough.

How dangerous are motorcycle accidents?

The unfortunate reality is that motorcycle accidents can be incredibly dangerous and lead riders to suffer huge personal and financial costs. Here are a few stats you should know if you’re considering buying a motorcycle or looking to choose the right insurance policy for you:

• In 2022, there were 92 fatalities involving motorcycle or moped riders in the state of Alabama.
• 6,335 motorcyclists across the U.S. were killed in 2023.
• Motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash.
• Motorcycle riders and passengers are roughly 5 times more likely to be injured in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants.

All of these statistics highlight the unique dangers posed by motorcycle accidents and underscore the vital role insurance coverage can play in helping offset the financial burden associated with serious motorcycle crashes.

Additional coverage to consider

While Alabama sets forth clear minimum coverage requirements for motorcyclists, many riders find that basic liability coverage doesn’t offer enough protection or peace of mind in the event of a crash. In these cases, riders can rely on a few different kinds of optional coverage to help them offset the costs of an accident or other non-collision event.

Some additional coverage options riders might want to consider include:

• Collision coverage: Covers damage to your bike and damage to your vehicle if it is involved in a collision with another vehicle/object or in the event of a single-vehicle accident.
• Comprehensive coverage: Covers damage caused by theft, vandalism, weather events, or fire.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM): Helps cover your costs if you’re hit by a driver with insufficient coverage or no insurance at all. This coverage can also be used in the event of a hit-and-run accident.

As you may have noticed, these optional coverages are all intended to help cover your own costs after an accident, whereas legally mandated coverage is typically meant to cover another party’s damages. Given that 67% of all fatal motorcycle crashes are found to have been caused by the motorcyclist, it’s important for riders to have resources available to help them cover their own costs. Optional coverage can fill in the gaps and help motorcyclists avoid being saddled with accident-related costs that exceed their ability to pay.

Other must-know motorcycle laws

If you plan on riding a motorcycle in the state of Alabama, insurance requirements are only a fraction of the laws you need to know. Part of the equation. Here is a brief overview of some of Alabama’s other important motorcycle laws:

1. All motorcyclists and passengers must wear a helmet that meets state requirements while riding (DOT-approved will typically qualify).
2. Riders must be at least 16 years old and have a Class M endorsement on their driver’s license to operate a motorcycle within the state.
3. Anyone riding a motorcycle is required to wear shoes during operation.
4. Riders cannot carry anything that prevents them from being able to both hands on the handlebars.
5. Motorcycles must have working headlamps, tail lamps, brakes, mirrors, and horns.
6. Motorcyclists must not pass other vehicles within the same lane of travel.
7. Riders must not operate their motorcycles between lanes of traffic.

Additional requirements and safety recommendations can be found in Alabama’s Motorcycle Manual. If these requirements seem strict or restrictive, that’s because the state wants to ensure the safety of motorcyclists, passengers, and everyone else on the road. Subsequently, violating these standards can lead to consequences ranging from traffic citations and fines to criminal charges and expensive claims of liability.

Motorcycle insurance laws in personal injury cases

Sometimes, even the most careful of riders can find themselves suffering the consequences of a serious motorcycle crash. When these accidents occur, it is all too common for motorcyclists to find themselves facing down claims of liability. Given the fact that bias against motorcyclists runs rampant in the insurance and legal systems, it’s important for riders to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney while navigating the accident claim process.

A trusted legal professional can help motorcyclists push back against erroneous claims of full or partial responsibility and help injured riders collect the damages they need to move forward after a crash. This kind of legal representation is particularly crucial in Alabama, where the contributory negligence system often leaves motorcycle accident victims empty-handed in the aftermath of an accident.

Under this system, if a motorcyclist is found to have been even 1% to blame for their own accident, they will be barred from recovering any compensation via insurance negotiations or personal injury lawsuit. Preconceived notions about motorcyclists can lead insurance companies to allege partial fault even if the facts of the case would suggest otherwise. In these cases, a competent motorcycle accident attorney can counteract common insurance tactics and protect the integrity of a motorcyclist’s claim.

Final thoughts

Alabama’s motorcycle laws are designed to keep roads safer, and motorcyclists looking to protect themselves would be well-advised to stay on top of these requirements. Carrying the right insurance, staying compliant with licensing and helmet requirements, and complying with established traffic laws are all effective ways for motorcyclists to ensure the safety of themselves and others.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident or are curious about how motorcycle insurance requirements might impact your personal injury claim, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Prince Glover Hayes are here to help. With over 40 years of experience serving the local community in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding areas, the Prince Glover Hayes team knows what it takes to push back against anti-motorcycle bias and ensure justice is served in the event of a motorcycle crash.

Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys, and let’s talk about how we can help you protect your rights, preserve your reputation, and stay one step ahead of Alabama’s motorcycle laws and regulations in the event of a crash.