When you hit the road on your motorcycle, freedom and adventure await—but so do potential risks. One of the most critical protections you can invest in is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) insurance. Washington law requires insurance companies to at least offer UIM coverage for motorcycles (RCW 48.22.030); however, many riders overlook this type of coverage, assuming basic liability or “comprehensive” insurance is enough. In truth, these types of coverages pay other people, not you.
So, what is UIM insurance? UIM insurance is the safety net that saves you from financial devastation and pays you in the event of an accident. UIM insurance kicks in when you’re involved in an accident with another driver who either has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover the damages they caused you. Given that motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries when involved in an accident, and the rising number of uninsured and underinsured drivers in Washington State, UIM coverage is essential.
- High Medical Costs for Motorcyclists:
Motorcyclists often suffer more severe injuries than car drivers due to the lack of structural protection. If you’re hit by someone with minimal or no insurance, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for hospital stays, surgeries, and even permanent injuries. Lost wages are also a major consideration; and often an aspect of your damages that aren’t covered when the other driver has inadequate insurance. - A Surprising Number of Uninsured Drivers in Washington:
According to recent statistics, nearly 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. is uninsured; and Washington is worse with nearly 1 out of every 4 drivers having no insurance. That means there’s a real chance you could be hit by someone who has no way of covering your expenses; and these figures don’t even include drivers with inadequate/not enough insurance.
UIM insurance ensures you won’t have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s mistake. It covers medical costs, lost income, and even pain and suffering. UIM insurance is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a rider. Make sure you talk with your insurance adjuster about your UIM coverage options.