When thinking about whether do you need insurance for a dirt bike, it’s essential to consider where you plan to ride. Dirt bike insurance is often optional if your bike is only ridden off-road. However, many states require dirt bike insurance if you want to drive on the road. The coverage for dirt bikes is quite different from that of homeowners, cars, or even motorcycle coverage.
Even without insurance, you can still participate in any dirt bike competition. However, be aware of the dangers posed by using dirt bikes on roads and highways. Many states have passed laws banning them from roads due to their nature. Dirt bikes don’t typically fall under normal insurance coverage unless you modify them for road use by adding features like taillights.
Off-road riding presents its own set of problems, and dirt bikes are often not effectively covered by motorcycle insurance. In states that do not require insurance or registration for dirt bikes, riders might need to provide proof of insurance to gain access to certain areas, like state parks.
This means that while you might be able to skip insurance in some states, it could limit where you can legally ride. I’ve found that having insurance gives peace of mind and can open up more riding opportunities, especially when exploring new areas or participating in organized events.
Related: Can You Ride Dirt Bikes on the Road?
Why You Need Dirt Bike Insurance
When thinking about whether you need insurance for a dirt bike, it’s crucial to consider various situations. Dirt bike crashes often involve the ground, the rider, and the dirt bike itself. Sometimes, a yard sale crash can involve other riders, property, or even bystanders.
For instance, a first-time rider might roll the throttle too hard, sending the dirt bike into a nearby car. Other times, someone might be screwing around in areas they shouldn’t, or a careless rider in the pits or near a campsite where cars and dirt bikes mix could end up doing a header into the side of a truck.
If you end up riding your dirt bike into a vehicle, a person, or property, and it’s determined you’re at fault, you’ll be expected to pay for the damages. Whether you carry liability insurance or not will determine how you pay.
Similar to causing a car accident with your vehicle, your dirt bike insurance company will cover the damage you caused by riding into another car or, worse, a bystander. Your premiums might rise, but at least your bank account remains safe.
Another important reason to get dirt bike insurance is to protect against theft. As highlighted in our Dirt Bike Theft Prevention Tips, theft happens more often than you’d think.
If you have an expensive ride with the best aftermarket parts, it pays to have dirt bike insurance. While vigilance is crucial, a determined thief might still get away with your dirt bike. Being insured allows you to recover some of the financial loss and rebuild.
Additionally, insurance can cover damage to your dirt bike from crashing, track mishaps, or even during transportation. Accidental damage, such as knocking over your bike, can be costly.
Fire protection is another aspect to consider. Having insurance against damage ensures you get back to riding sooner rather than later. If you are financing a dirt bike, your bank or the finance company might require insurance coverage and proof before approving the loan.
Related: How Much for Dirt Bikes
Why You Don't Need Dirt Bike Insurance
Understand that getting insurance for your dirt bike adds to the cost of your hobby. In general, dirt bike insurance premiums are quite affordable, and some insurers may offer discounts if you bundle it with an existing policy. Most dirt bike riders don’t think dirt bike insurance is necessary, but when the time comes, they often wish they had it. Unlike car insurance, dirt bike insurance is not required by law in every state.
Dirt bike insurance is different from motorcycle insurance since one is street-legal and the other is not. If you have a street-legal dirt bike, you must follow the same guidelines as a motorcycle, making insurance a legal requirement.
Keeping your bike solely on the track can help you avoid paying for liability insurance because it’s considered a closed-course racing situation. You wouldn’t be held responsible for crashing into other riders or spectators during a race.
However, if you trail ride and accidentally hit a passerby, you could face a lawsuit. For damage coverage, dirt bikes often get banged up from crashing on the track or trails. Scratches and dents typically aren’t covered. The only time damage coverage matters is if the bike is a total loss, and the insurance payout might not be worth the monthly payments.
In the end, getting dirt bike insurance is up to you. It can offer peace of mind for those who worry, but if you have tight pocketbooks, you might see it as an unnecessary cost. Most riders take their chances and skip the extra expenses and hassles of dealing with insurance companies.
It’s something you might never need, but when you do, you’ll be glad to have it. Always stay vigilant and check with your local DMV or your car and homeowner’s insurance carrier for information about coverage in your state. Websites like DMV.org also offer additional insight, including motocross-specific insurance.
What if I don’t have insurance?
Riding dirt bikes off the roads can be risky, even for experienced drivers. Accidents can damage the bike body, steering, and tires. Sometimes, these incidents involve other riders, but often, they can also affect property or innocent spectators. This is especially common when the rider is a novice or just beginning to ride. Driving carelessly in potholes or in a camp where cars and motorcycles gather can lead to accidents.
If you don’t have liability insurance, you will have to pay for the damages out of pocket if you crash into another car, person, or property. With liability insurance, your insurance company will cover the damage caused by the accident. Although your premiums might increase, your bank accounts will be protected from large expenses.
Related: How Much Are Motocross Bikes?
The importance of dirt bike insurance
One of the important reasons to get dirt-bike insurance is to protect against theft. By insuring your bike, you can recover some of the financial loss if it gets stolen. Additionally, you can also get coverage for damage to your DIRT BIKE. Accidents, injuries during transport, or even an accidental fall can cause costly damage that you might not be able to pay for out of pocket.
Another situation where insurance becomes essential is when you’re financing a dirt bike. Your bank or financial company providing the funds for your loan will likely require you to have insurance coverage and to provide proof of it. Having dirt-bike insurance also offers peace of mind in case of litigation following an accident or injury. This way, you can enjoy your riding experience without worrying about unexpected expenses.
Dirt bike insurance cost
One of the main concerns when getting dirt bike insurance is the cost. Generally, coverage for dirt bikes costs less than motorcycle insurance. The insurance amounts can vary from one company to another, but the average policy can be less than $100 a year. This affordability means you can get a dirt bike policy that will protect you from liability, damage, and damage to your engine without breaking the bank.
Not all insurance companies offer dirt bike insurance, but those that do often provide discounts. These can include bundling insurance with other policies, having an anti-theft system, or even using GPS locators and walkie-talkies. Some companies may offer a discount if the rider completes a safety course.
To find the best deal, try contacting your existing car and homeowners insurance companies for package discounts. It is also wise to call several insurance companies to compare prices, as you may be surprised at how much you will be saving. By doing a bit of research, you can ensure you get the best coverage for your needs while keeping costs low.
Conclusion
In the end, while dirt bikes are often cheaper than motorcycles, and many riders choose to skip bike insurance, the possibility of injury to yourself or other riders, and potential damage to your bike, makes insurance a smart choice. Some companies offer specific protection and policies tailored to dirt bikes due to their specific requirements. Arranging dirt bike coverage ultimately depends on you, but having insurance can certainly provide peace of mind.
