No one loves spending money on vehicle insurance, but because it’s possible for all drivers to be involved in a crash, it’s an important part of protecting yourself on the road. Insurance is especially important for motorcyclists, who are more likely to suffer serious injuries in an accident. So, it’s critical to understand the types of coverage available, state law requirements, and what policies can best protect you if you’re injured.
Many Myrtle Beach motorcyclists think that carrying the minimum insurance is enough, but the our experience has been that 95% of the time these limits just simply aren't enough.
South Carolina Motorcycle Insurance Laws
In South Carolina, motorcyclists are required to carry the following three types of insurance for their motorcycles:
Bodily Injury
Bodily injury insurance covers others who are injured in an accident you cause. It provides compensation medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The state requires a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 for all people injured in one accident.
Property Damage
Property damage insurance covers the repair or replacement of any property damaged in an accident you cause, including other vehicles and vehicle contents, as well as property such as fences, buildings, or equipment. The state minimum for this coverage is $25,000.
Uninsured Motorist
South Carolina also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which provides protection for the policyholder if he is involved in a hit and run or in a crash with a driver who does not have insurance. Minimum coverage for this insurance is equivalent to the minimum amounts of bodily injury and property damage (25/50/25).
Underinsured Motorist Insurance Can Protect Motorcyclists After a Crash
In addition to these minimum requirements, insurance companies do offer other types of coverage. underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is important to consider. Similar to uninsured motorist coverage, UIM protects the policyholder when he is injured in a crash with a driver whose insurance is not sufficient to cover the damages suffered.
For example, if a motorcyclist’s medical treatment related to the crash totals $200,000, and the at-fault driver only has the state minimum of $25,000 in coverage, the underinsured policy would kick in to cover the gap (or a portion of it, depending on the level of UIM coverage purchased). This can be particularly important for motorcyclists, as they are more likely to suffer a serious injury in a crash, which can lead to high medical bills, significant time away from work, loss of income, and necessary home and vehicle modifications.
Other Insurance Considerations for SC Motorcyclists
There are also a number of other insurance options that motorcyclists can consider to address a range of damages that can occur in a crash. These include:
Comprehensive and Collision
These coverages provide compensation for the policyholder’s own vehicle if it is damaged in a crash or by some other means such as a theft or weather events.
Custom Equipment
Custom equipment insurance covers any aftermarket parts installed on the motorcycle.
OEM Endorsement
This type of endorsement requires that if the motorcycle can be repaired, only new parts from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) be used.
Have You Been Injured In A Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Accident?
If you've been injured in motorcycle accident you need to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Myrtle Beach, South Carolina office directly at 843.488.3165 to schedule your consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Conway, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
