As a motorcyclist in North Carolina, safety and legal compliance are top priorities before hitting the open road. In this blog, we’ll break down the motorcycle insurance requirements in North Carolina and explore why proper coverage is essential for every rider. Whether you’re a seasoned or new rider, understanding these requirements is crucial for staying safe and financially protected.
Why is Motorcycle Insurance Important in North Carolina?
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand why motorcycle insurance is not just a legal obligation but a smart choice for every rider. Accidents can happen anytime, whether you’re a cautious rider or not. From minor fender benders to major collisions, motorcycle insurance protects you financially in case of an accident, damage, or injury.
In North Carolina, like in many other states, the government mandates certain types of coverage to ensure that riders are adequately protected. While motorcycle insurance may seem like just another expense, it’s essential to responsible riding. In fact, not having the right coverage could leave you with out-of-pocket hefty expenditures or even legal trouble.
What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements in North Carolina?
North Carolina law requires that all motorcyclists carry specific types of insurance before operating a motorcycle. These requirements help ensure that riders, passengers, and others on the road are protected in the event of an accident. Here’s a breakdown of the minimum insurance coverage required for motorcyclists in the state:
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is the minimum mandatory coverage for all motorcyclists in North Carolina. This type of insurance helps cover damages and injuries you cause to others in the event of an accident. Liability insurance is divided into two main components:
Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): This helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses if you’re at fault in an accident and cause injury to someone else.
Property Damage Liability (PDL): This covers the repair or replacement costs of property you damage in an accident, including vehicles, structures, or other personal property.
As of July 2025 in North Carolina, the minimum liability insurance requirements for motorcycles are:
- $50,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $100,000 for bodily injury to more than one person
- $50,000 for property damage, per accident
This coverage ensures that the other party’s injuries and property damages are covered up to the stated limits if you’re at fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with someone who either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages.
In North Carolina, all motorcyclists are required to have:
- $50,000 for uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 for uninsured motorist property damage per accident
Approximately 1 in 10 North Carolina drivers are uninsured, so having UM/UIM coverage could save you from significant out-of-pocket expenses in an accident caused by an at-fault, uninsured motorist.
We cannot emphasize enough that, as motorcyclists, choosing the highest available amount for UIM coverage is strongly encouraged. The injuries from a motorcycle collision are often severe and require expensive treatment that you want to be certain you’ll have the coverage to address. The legal lowest required amounts are often insufficient to cover medical expenses involving motorcycle collisions. So, speak to you broker to ensure you’ve purchased sufficient coverage.
Because motorcycles can lead to more severe injuries in crashes, carrying adequate insurance isn’t just smart — it could be the difference between manageable recovery and financial disaster.
Motorcycle Injury Protection (Optional)
Unlike car insurance, North Carolina does not require personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) insurance for motorcycles. However, many riders opt for this type of coverage for peace of mind. If you’re injured in an accident, motorcycle injury protection helps cover medical expenses that your health insurance might not fully address.
Though it’s not a legal requirement, injury protection can be a good investment for those who want to ensure they’re financially covered in case of an accident. Purchasing this type of additional protection is strongly encouraged.
Additional Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Options
While the minimum coverage described above meets the legal requirements, many riders purchase additional insurance to provide extra protection. Here are some common types of optional coverage to consider:
- Collision Coverage. This coverage helps pay for the repairs to your motorcycle if it’s damaged in a collision, regardless of who is at fault. While not required by law, it can be a valuable addition to ensure your bike is protected in the event of an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage. Comprehensive coverage helps cover non-collision-related incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or damage from natural disasters (storms, hail, falling objects). Comprehensive coverage may be worth considering if you’re concerned about potential risks other than collisions.
- Roadside Assistance. If you’re ever stranded on the side of the road due to a mechanical failure or flat tire, roadside assistance can help. Some insurance policies offer this as an add-on feature to provide support in case of a breakdown, giving you peace of mind during long rides.
- Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage. If you’ve invested in aftermarket parts or customizations for your motorcycle, you may want additional coverage for those upgrades. This type of coverage can protect your custom parts from theft, damage, or accident-related losses.
How to Save on Motorcycle Insurance in North Carolina
While motorcycle insurance is necessary, there are ways to reduce your premium and ensure you get the best deal. Here are a few tips:
- Complete a Motorcycle Safety Course: Many insurance companies offer discounts to riders who have completed an approved motorcycle safety course. These courses make you a safer rider and reduce your insurance rates.
- Maintain a Clean Riding Record: If you have a history of safe riding with no accidents or violations, you may be eligible for discounts on your motorcycle insurance.
- Bundle Policies: If you have other insurance policies, such as auto or home insurance, consider bundling them with your motorcycle policy. Insurance companies often offer discounts for multiple policies.
- Increase Your Deductible: If you’re willing to pay a higher deductible in the event of a claim, you can reduce your monthly premium. Just be sure you can afford the deductible if you need to file a claim.
Stay Safe and Covered On the Road
As a responsible rider, you understand that the freedom of the open road comes with responsibility. Ensuring that your motorcycle insurance meets North Carolina’s legal requirements is the first step toward keeping yourself and others safe while riding.
Make sure to review your motorcycle insurance regularly, consider additional coverage options for your peace of mind, and stay safe out there. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident due to negligence, the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at GTA Law Riders are here to help. We’re ready to treat your case like we would our own and fight to secure the maximum compensation you could be entitled to by law. Speak with us for free today.
