Uninsured and Underinsured Motorcycle Coverage in Cicero

Illinois requires drivers to have insurance in case they get into an accident. Despite this rule, some motorists still do not have it, which can pose a problem for you if they cause an accident that totals your car or leaves you injured. Fortunately, there is uninsured and underinsured motorcycle coverage in Cicero to protect you. An attorney could talk to you about motorcycle insurance in Illinois and how you can use it even if the at-fault party cannot provide the compensation.

The Impact of Accidents on Insurance Rates

The law requires motorcyclists to have liability insurance. If they are involved in an accident on their motorcycle and they were deemed liable for it, it will also influence the rate of their automobile insurance. Conversely, getting into an accident while driving their car will raise their motorcycle premiums.

If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident that was not their fault, then it will not adversely affect their insurance premiums. However, if a claim is made against them, even if they are found to be not at fault, it can negatively impact their insurance rates. The insurance company will look at the risk they pose as an insured and set their rates accordingly. The claim history, as well as age, are the two main factors in determining rates for motorcycle insurance.

If the accident is primarily someone else’s fault and no claim is brought against the insured, most insurance companies will disregard whether the accident was partially attributable to their actions or inactions.

What is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

When a rider purchase liability insurance for their motorcycle in Cicero, it typically includes uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured coverage means that their insurance company will compensate them for any personal injuries caused by another driver who does not have liability insurance.

Underinsured coverage is similar but does not apply unless the person who causes the accident has lower limits than what the motorcycle has. If the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance to compensate them, their underinsured motorist coverage can make up the difference to allow them a complete recovery.

If a rider is in an accident with another vehicle which does not have insurance, it is important for them to have uninsured motorist coverage. If they waive this protection, it could mean no recovery if they were struck by an uninsured motorist.

How Much Should Someone Purchase?

When someone purchases liability insurance for their motorcycle, it will typically include uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage. This is to fully compensate them if they are involved in an accident with another vehicle. Usually, the local limits for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are the same as the liability limits.

Liability limits means it is the maximum that their insurance company will pay out if an accident is their fault. Because uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is relatively inexpensive compared to liability insurance, it is always advisable to purchase the highest limits allowed.

Hit and Run Incidents

Provided they have insurance on their motorcycle, the fact that a hit and run occurs should not impact a motorcyclist’s ability to make a financial recovery, since a hit and run is considered an uninsured motorist claim. Their insurance company will step in and compensate them up to their limits of uninsured motorist coverage for their injuries.

If their motorcycle is damaged by a hit and run driver, the insurer will pay to repair or replace the motorcycle only if they have full coverage. If they have liability-only and their motorcycle is damaged by a driver who fled the scene, they will receive no money for the damage to their motorcycle.

Discuss Uninsured and Underinsured Motorcycle Coverage with an Attorney

Ideally, any other motorist who hits you would have a big enough insurance policy that can account for your numerous damages. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Consult with a legal professional about uninsured and underinsured motorcycle coverage in Cicero so that you are not left without proper compensation.