When you need a motorcycle insurance quote, Louisiana agents should be aware that the state of Louisiana requires more than just liability coverage. In fact, much like other states that mandate high-risk drivers must file an SR22 form, Louisiana requires that the driver of a motorcycle to establish financial responsibility. This is important information to remember when you get a motorcycle insurance quote.

Two-Wheeled Vehicles: Definitions and Requirements

As a resident of the state of Louisiana the driver of a two-wheeled vehicle must first prove financial responsibility before the vehicle can be registered and legally operated. In order to meet this requirement, the owner must obtain at least the minimum in liability coverage from an insurance carrier licensed in the state.

Louisiana defines a two-wheeled vehicle needing to be registered and insured as either a motorcycle or moped. A motorcycle must get more than 1.5 brake horsepower from the motor, an engine larger than 50 cc, and be able to reach a speed of more than 25 mph. A moped is one that has less than a 1.5 brake horsepower motor, an engine smaller than 50 cc and can go no faster than 25 mph. Scooters are not included in this classification as they are not legally allowed on roadways.

In either case, the rider and passenger of any two-wheeled vehicle in Louisiana must wear a helmet. Of course, this is just common sense, but it also provides a benefit of making your insurance cheaper than in other states that do not have this law in place.

What You Need From a Motorcycle Insurance Quote, Louisiana Laws

Before you can go down to the Office of Motor Vehicles and register that motorcycle or moped, you have to have proof of Louisiana motorcycle insurance in hand. The minimum liability limits include:

$15,000 per person for bodily injury

$30,000 per accident for bodily injury

$25,000 for property damage

It is strongly recommended that when a driver obtains a motorcycle insurance quote, Louisiana agents provide more comprehensive coverage and higher limits. In case of an accident, these state-mandated minimums will not provide adequate coverage to ensure you do not end up paying a large amount of out of pocket expenses.

Injuries as the result of a motorcycle accident can be quite debilitating. Often, they require lengthy hospital stays and extensive rehabilitative treatments. You are well-advised to include medical coverage in your policy. For a truly comprehensive motorcycle insurance quote, Louisiana drivers should sit down and discuss all the options with their agent and weigh the extra premium costs against the costs incurred from a bad accident.

What You Need to Know About LouisianaState Motorcycle Laws

Remember that under state law, the Louisiana insurance company is required to provide the OMV with information regarding your policy. If you cancel your policy or it lapses, your motorcycle registration may be automatically suspended.

Although the OMV has the information, you must still carry proof of insurance on your vehicle at all times. This can be in the form of a card you get from your agent, a copy of the actual policy, or a signed letter written on the agent’s letterhead that includes the information about your vehicle. When you obtain a motorcycle insurance quote, Louisiana agents should be able to provide you with a temporary form of proof of insurance immediately.

If you cannot provide proof of insurance to a law enforcement officer who asks for it, you can be issued a citation and even have your motorcycle impounded and the plates confiscated. You will have three days to show proof of insurance to an agent at the OMV office. If you are unable to do so, you must re-register the vehicle and pay for new license plates.

Should your agent cancel the coverage on your motorcycle, you have 10 days to get it replaced or show proof to the state that you no longer own the vehicle, or that is inoperable. Otherwise, your registration will be suspended and you will be fined a hefty amount to re-register the vehicle later.

In the state of Louisiana, insurance and license plates for a motorcycle go hand in hand. You cannot cancel insurance coverage on a two-wheeled vehicle for non-use until the plates have been returned to the OMV office.

Obviously it is in the best interests of the motorcycle rider to keep current on insurance premiums and obtain adequate coverage. Before you set out on your iron horse, make sure you get a motorcycle insurance quote; Louisiana agents will be happy to take the time to sit down with you and provide all the information you need.