Just like auto insurance, the state of Alabama requires you to carry valid liability insurance on your motorcycle.
The Alabama Mandatory Liability Insurance (MLI) law provides that no person shall operate, register, or maintain registration of a motor vehicle designed to be used on a public road or highway unless it is covered by a liability insurance policy. The law was passed to protect consumers when they are involved in an accident. Liability insurance policies must be issued by insurers licensed to do business in Alabama for no less than: 25/50/25
25 / 50 / 25
$25,000 of Bodily Injury Coverage to one person
$50,000 of Bodily Injury Coverage per Incident to 2 or more people
$25,000 of Coverage for Damage or Destruction of Property
Minimum Liability Insurance is required on all self-propelled motor vehicles. Keep in mind, these are only the minimum limits. Increasing these limits can help protect you in the case of a more serious accident or an accident with a vehicle worth more than $25,000.
Liability coverage only pays for damage and injuries that you cause to another vehicle and driver. So, Wiggins recommends you also protect your bike with these coverages:
LIABILITY COVERAGE
Liability coverage pays for property damage and/or injuries to another person caused by an accident in which you're at fault. This coverage is required by most states to legally drive your vehicle. Liability coverage is broken down into 2 parts: property damage and bodily injury.
COMPREHENSIVE & COLLISION COVERAGE
Comprehensive coverage helps cover the cost of damages to your vehicle when you're involved in an accident that's not caused by a collision. Comprehensive coverage covers losses like theft, vandalism, hail, and hitting an animal. For example, if you are driving and hit a deer, the damage would be covered under comprehensive coverage. However, if you swerve to miss the deer and hit a tree, comprehensive coverage doesn't apply because this type of accident is considered a collision with an object.
Collision coverage helps pay for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle. It may also help with the cost of repairs if you hit another vehicle or object. That means you can use it whether you're at fault or not. Unlike some coverages, you don't select a limit for collision. The most it will pay is based on the actual cash value of your vehicle. You will be responsible for paying your selected deductible.
And because research shows that injuries occur in 80% of reported motorcycle crashes, Wiggins strongly encourages you to obtain these protections:
UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UM or UMBI). This coverage pays for your bodily injuries and those of your passengers if you are hit by a hit-and run driver or an uninsured driver who is at fault.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage. This coverage pays for damage to
your car if you are hit by a hit and-run-driver or an uninsured driver who is at fault.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage. This coverage pays for your bodily
injuries and those of your passengers if you are hit by an underinsured driver
who is at fault. “Underinsured” will be defined by your state law or by your
insurance policy. That means this coverage can vary by state or by insurance
policy.
MEDICAL PAYMENTS COVERAGE
Medical payments coverage is optional in some states and required in others. Medical payments, also known as med pay, helps pay medical bills resulting from injuries from an auto accident. This optional coverage (in most states) can be used regardless of fault for accident related medical treatment.
