Why You Need Additional Insurance

When you ride in New York, the law requires you to carry a specific level of motorcycle insurance — and choosing the right optional coverage can make the difference between being fully protected or being financially vulnerable after a crash. Unlike drivers of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists are not covered under New York’s No‑Fault system. That means your insurance choices matter even more.

Below is a clear breakdown of what New York requires, how Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage (S.U.M.) can protect you, what supplemental insurance (such as Aflac) adds to your safety net, and what happens when you file a motorcycle accident claim in New York — whether you are at fault, not at fault, or partially at fault.

Mandatory Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in New York State

New York State requires every motorcycle owner to carry liability insurance with the following minimum limits:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to one person (NOT YOU)
• $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people (NOT YOU)
• $10,000 for property damage (NOT YOUR PROPERTY/BIKE)
• Death benefits: $50,000 (one person) / $100,000 (two or more people)

In New York, motorcycle liability insurance limits (minimums of $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury, $10,000 property damage) are paid to other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians injured by the motorcyclist’s negligence. Motorcyclists are excluded from no-fault benefits, meaning injured riders must sue the at-fault party to recover damages. 

These are bare minimums of coverage to get you out on the road legally.

Medical bills after a motorcycle accident can easily reach six figures. Unlike car drivers, riders DO NOT receive No‑Fault medical benefits, so your medical bills start with your own health insurance, unless you have purchased additional protections.

Why Adding S.U.M. (Supplemental Uninsured

/Underinsured Motorist) Coverage Is Essential

S.U.M. coverage is the most important optional insurance a motorcyclist can carry in New York.

S.U.M. protects YOU if:

• The at‑fault driver has no insurance
• The at‑fault driver has low insurance limits
• You are struck by a hit‑and‑run driver
• A vehicle causes your crash but never makes contact (common in motorcycle accidents)

How S.U.M. Works

If you buy, for example, $250,000 S.U.M. coverage, and the driver who hit you only has $25,000, your S.U.M. policy can provide the difference — up to your purchased limit.

This coverage applies to YOUR Pain and Suffering.

It is inexpensive compared to the protection it provides, and it is one of the most powerful tools to avoid financial disaster after a crash.

What Happens If You’re NOT at Fault in a NY Motorcycle Accident

If another driver causes your motorcycle crash in New York:

1. You can file a claim against the at‑fault driver.

This can include:

• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability damages

2. You do not receive No‑Fault benefits.

Motorcyclists are excluded by law. Health insurance or supplemental insurance fills this gap.

3. If the at‑fault driver has low coverage, your S.U.M. policy can protect you.

This is where having higher S.U.M. limits becomes crucial. Many New York drivers only carry the minimum $25,000 liability policy — not enough for motorcycle injuries.

What Happens If You Are Found Partially at Fault

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule.

That means:

• You can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault
• Your compensation is reduced only by your percentage of fault

Example

If you are awarded $200,000 and are found 30% at fault, you still recover 70%, which equals $140,000.

This protects riders even in situations where insurance companies try to blame the motorcyclist simply for riding.

If you are found 100% at fault – you can’t make a claim, and will use your personal health insurance or supplemental insurance (explained below)

What Is Supplemental Insurance (Aflac) and Why Should Riders Consider It?

Supplemental insurance, like Aflac, pays cash benefits directly to you if you suffer an injury, regardless of who is at fault. This money can be used for anything you need:

• Deductibles
• Lost wages
• Household bills
• Repairs
• Out-of-pocket medical treatment

For riders — who face significantly higher injury risks — these policies can fill the financial gaps that health insurance or basic motorcycle insurance will not cover. Supplemental insurance offers peace of mind by making sure a crash doesn’t become a long-term financial hardship for you or your family, only if you were not at fault, or a even a small percentage at fault.

Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself Before You Ride

Motorcycle accidents can be life‑changing, and the insurance system in New York is especially tough on riders. Carrying only the minimum requirements leaves most motorcyclists dangerously underprotected.

To protect yourself:

• Buy the maximum S.U.M. coverage your carrier offers – Your liability will increase to match this amount
• Consider supplemental insurance like Aflac or something similar to cover income and out‑of‑pocket costs
• Understand your rights if you’re not at fault or partially at fault

Motorcyclists deserve strong protection — on the road and after a crash.

If you ever have questions about coverage or need help after an accident, Motorcycle Mike understands the road, the risks, and the fight you deserve.