{"id":350,"date":"2022-05-17T18:08:13","date_gmt":"2022-05-17T18:08:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/shapegreatness.org\/?p=350"},"modified":"2024-05-31T17:47:57","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T17:47:57","slug":"can-you-get-motorcycle-insurance-without-a-license","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/shapegreatness.org\/index.php\/2022\/05\/17\/can-you-get-motorcycle-insurance-without-a-license\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you get motorcycle insurance without a license?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nThere\u2019s nothing quite like the freedom that comes from hitting the open road on your motorcycle. Nothing can stand between you and your right to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your bike. Nothing, except maybe a license? Read on to learn why you might want to get motorcycle insurance despite not having a motorcycle license.<\/p>\n

What to know about riding a motorcycle<\/h2>\n

First things first, the rules of the road<\/a> are sacred to cyclists. You don\u2019t want to be a \u201csquid\u201d. A squid is someone who rides without any thought for the safety of others (or their own, for that matter). They ride in shorts and t-shirts, neglect proper safety gear, and tend to view the yellow center line as more of a suggestion than a hard and fast rule. Drivers don\u2019t like them, and other bikers don\u2019t either.<\/p>\n

Is a license a must have? First, let\u2019s look at the steps to getting a motorcycle license.<\/a><\/p>\n

The way motorcycle licenses work<\/h2>\n

There are a few steps you need to take in order to get your motorcycle license. The steps differ from state to state, but these are the basic requirements:<\/p>\n

In many states, getting a learner\u2019s permit<\/a> is required for those under the age of 19. This step is specifically for those who are underaged and do not already hold a state driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\n

A permit is basically legal permission to learn to operate a motorcycle. The operative phrase in the last sentence is permission to learn. You\u2019re very much still learning and need to take this period slow, with good instruction and supervision. On average, minors under 19 hold their permit for nine months before taking the road test.<\/p>\n

Getting your permit will usually include a short written test followed by limited permission to ride. After the requisite time has passed, you will then be able to take your official road test before getting your license. In case tragedy strikes and you do not pass on your first go, worry not, as you\u2019ll be able to take your test again, usually after a waiting period.<\/p>\n

Onward to the license!<\/h3>\n

Remember: you are absolutely required to either hold a learner\u2019s permit, license, or endorsement before you ever take your motorcycle onto a street. These licenses or license endorsements \u2014 whichever your state requires \u2014 come in different types.<\/p>\n

What kind of license do I need?<\/h3>\n

That depends on the state and the type of vehicle(s) you will be riding. The DMV considers a motorcycle to be a motorized vehicle with an engine size larger than 150cc with no more than three wheels. The number of types and their naming conventions can also vary by state, but basically there are up to three types of motorcycle licenses:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. M \u2013 an M class license allows operation of both two- and three-wheeled motorcycles.<\/li>\n
  2. M2 is restricted to only the operation of two-wheeled motorcycles.<\/li>\n
  3. M3 is restricted to only the operation of three-wheeled motorcycles.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Once you know what type of motorcycle license you\u2019re after, you can either sign up for a motorcycle safety course that leads to an endorsement or a license at the end. Now, if you already know how to ride and would prefer to take the written and driving tests, those options are also available to you. Depending on the state, you might also have to prove you own certain safety equipment or have a certain amount of driving hours logged.<\/p>\n

    Why do I need motorcycle insurance?<\/h2>\n

    You can technically own a motorcycle without insurance, but if you plan to ride it legally, you\u2019ll need motorcycle insurance in almost every state \u2014 48, to be exact. The only two states that don\u2019t mandate it are Florida and New Hampshire.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat\u2019s the big deal?\u201d you might ask, \u201cWho would ever find out?\u201d Well, for starters, in the 48 states that legally require you to buy motorcycle insurance, you can\u2019t register your motorcycle without proof of insurance. Even if you risked not getting insurance or registering your motorcycle, getting caught without insurance or not having the proper coverages<\/a> (i.e. if you\u2019re pulled over for a traffic violation<\/a> or are in an accident), you could be faced with a range of serious consequences, such as:<\/p>\n