Motorcycle insurance is a must-have if you own a motorcycle. Even if you only plan on taking it out a few times a year, you need a policy that covers any potential accidents you might have on the road. The cost of insurance policies for teenage riders is usually higher than those for adult riders. Whether you are an adult or a teenager with a passion for motorcycles, you’ll want to learn more about motorcycle laws in Massachusetts and how to get a license before you look at the overall cost.
What do you need to do to get a motorcycle license in Massachusetts?
Anyone who operates a motor vehicle with up to three wheels must have an M license in Massachusetts. You need to first apply for a permit, which requires proof that you live in the state and that you have a social security number. You also need to meet certain medical requirements such as having strong vision. Those applying for a permit who are 16 and 17 years old must also have a parent’s permission. You can take the permit test either online or at a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles location.
Once you have your motorcycle permit, you can legally operate a motorcycle on Massachusetts roads. You can use your permit to apply for a full motorcycle license. This requires that you take an exam that tests your knowledge of safe riding. You also need to pass a road test.
Does Massachusetts have motorcycle insurance minimum requirements?
Massachusetts wants to make sure that everyone on the road is safe, which is why the state has minimum liability coverage requirements for both motorcycle riders and automobile drivers. You need a minimum of $40,000 in coverage per accident for bodily injury along with $20,000 in coverage per person. Bodily injuries include any injuries that occur as a result of your driving style such as a person on another bike who suffers a concussion.
Massachusetts also requires a minimum of $5,000 in property damage. If you crash your motorcycle into an individual’s fence, they can go after your insurer for the cost to fix the damage.
How much is motorcycle insurance for teens in Massachusetts?
MAPFRE works with Massachusetts insurance agents all over the state. When you compare MAPFRE motorcycle insurance products, you can find out more about the different types of motorcycle insurance and get help choosing the coverage that you need.
Though you can get motorcycle insurance for an inexperienced driver, you’ll find that the cost is high. Teen drivers and teen riders have less experience, which makes them more prone to accidents. Teenagers can usually save money when their parents add them to their policies, but they can also get separate policies that cover them and their bikes. While liability coverage can range in price, having higher levels of coverage on your policy will often pay for most property damage or injuries that you cause. Setting higher levels of protection is usually a good choice for new riders, or any riders for that matter.
A full-coverage or comprehensive policy is another option you can look into. Do you have a teenager who spent a lot of time saving for a motorcycle and studying for the license exam? With a full-coverage plan, you cover anything that might happen to their bike, including incidents of theft or vandalism. The cost of motorcycle insurance often drops when the rider reaches the age of 20 and usually drops again when they turn 25 assuming they maintain a safe driving record. Young riders can also save when they have a clean driving record as many companies offer discounts for customers who go a year or longer without filing a claim.
Looking at the Massachusetts motorcycle insurance requirements is the best way to see what your minimum insurance requirements are before you hand over the motorcycle keys to a teen. Contact your independent agent for more details on how to qualify for the discounts and what steps need to be taken to put a teen driver on a motorcycle insurance policy.