Do You Need Insurance for a Dirt Bike?

Dirt bikes are built for adventure. But do they need insurance? Well, they are Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs), also known as Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs).

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 100,000 injuries occur each year from off-highway vehicle accidents. In fact, an estimated 10 riders die every month from dirt bike accidents in the United States, as per the Detroit Free Press report.

If you are under 16, you have a 70% chance of sustaining injuries in a dirt bike accident. Most of these crashes could lead to property damage and unexpected medical bills. And if uninsured, you’ll have to pay these bills yourself. Now if the question arises again, do you need insurance for a dirt bike, what would be your answer?

Well, we say, even if dirt bike insurance isn’t required by your state, every rider should carry at least minimum liability and medical insurance coverage for it.

So, read until the end, as this article provides a thorough answer to the question.

Is Dirt Bike Insurance Legally Required?

Motorcycle insurance is required in 49 out of 50 states. The only exception is Florida. But does a dirt bike need insurance? Is it mandatory too?

The answer is no. Dirt bike insurance isn’t legally required by most of the state as it’s not street-legal unless modified/customized. The majority of the states require insurance for street legal motorcycles. However, certain states including California, Idaho, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania explicitly mandate minimum liability insurance for dirt bikes.

In general, dirt bike insurance is required if you ride it on public roads. Some areas such as parking zones, trails, and recreational zones may require insurance coverage for dirt bikes before allowing access.

It is important to note that dirt bikes are lightweight, fast, and designed to tackle rough trails and rugged terrain. That’s why they are unsuitable for street riding.

However, by modifying features like headlights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, and license plates, they can become street legal. Once on public roads, these off-road vehicles are classified as regular motorcycles. Since most states require minimum insurance for motorcycles, you need to obtain insurance for your dirt bike as well.

If you need cheap motorcycle insurance, contact L.A. Insurance today. We offer affordable dirt bike insurance in many states in the USA, including Michigan, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia. Contact one of our agents or call us at (800) 893-9393. Get a motorcycle insurance quote today from the most affordable insurance provider.

Related Article: Is Motorcycle Insurance Mandatory?

Where Is Dirt Bike Insurance Required?

State laws differ for dirt bike insurance requirements. But here are some common situations where dirt bike insurance is mandatory:

• Riding on public roads. If you modify your dirt bike for street use, you need liability insurance like any other motor vehicle.
• State and federal parks. Some areas require proof of insurance coverage before they allow access to trails and recreational zones.
• Competitive racing events. Many motorcycle competitions demand that riders carry an insurance policy for participation.
• Financed dirt bikes. If you take out a loan, lenders typically require bike insurance to protect against total loss or theft. 

When Should You Get Dirt Bike Insurance?

Even when it’s not legally required, dirt bike insurance can be really useful, especially when you’re a teenage rider. Consider coverage for your dirt bike if:

• You’re a male teenager aged under 16. This male age group is most prone to injuries from dirt bike accidents, which is roughly 70% to 80%.
• Your ride in areas prone to theft and vandalism.
• Your dirt bike is expensive or customized.  
• You participate in motocross events or trail riding.
• You want protection against property damage and injury costs.
• You store your dirt bike in a shared garage or trailer. 

Why Should You Get Dirt Bike Insurance?

So many riders think that they don’t need coverage just because dirt bikes aren’t street legal. But the risk exists both on and off the road.

Here are some key reasons to consider coverage for your dirt bike:

• Accidents can happen at any time. The medical bills from a dirt bike accident can be costly, and health insurance might not cover all injuries.
• Protecting the investment is another concern. Theft/vandalism is more common than you think.
• Liability protection is necessary to protect other people and vehicles on the road. If you cause an injury or property damage, you could be sued for damages.  

What Types of Dirt Bike Insurance Do I Need?

There are different types of motorcycle insurance coverage that are available for dirt bikes too. If you simply want to get proof of insurance, liability insurance is enough.

However, when it comes to protecting your own dirt bike against theft, vandalism, collision, accidents, fire, or natural disasters, you should consider comprehensive collision coverage.

Lastly, you might also want to consider PIP (personal injury protection) or MedPay (medical payment coverage) for yourself since injuries are more common for dirt bike riders. And this coverage can cover all the medical expenses on your behalf.

Of note, all motorcycle insurance companies don’t offer specialized policies for dirt bike insurance. So, always try to find the right insurance company. And compare quotes from at least three providers to save money.

Times When You Don’t Need Dirt Bike Insurance?

It's true that dirt bike insurance is crucial for riders, even though it’s not a legal necessity in most states. They offer valuable protection, no doubt about that, too. However, there are situations where coverage may not be necessary. You won’t need to have an insurance policy for dirt if certain conditions apply. Here’s when you might skip it:

1. You Only Ride on Private Property

If you only ride your dirt bike on your own property, you might not need insurance. Unlike public trails or parks, private land doesn’t require liability insurance. However, remember that accidents can still happen, and you could face costs from injury or property damage.

2. Your Home Insurance Covers It

Some home insurance policies may offer limited coverage for off-road vehicles stored on your property. This coverage can protect against damages from theft, fire, or certain disasters. However, standard policies do not cover accidents or injuries that happen while riding. Therefore, it’s important to check with your insurance company before assuming you have full protection.

3. Your Dirt Bike Has Minimal Value

If your dirt bike is old or inexpensive, buying insurance may not be worth it unless it is required by law. Insurance is most useful for high-value motorcycles or bikes purchased with a loan. If replacing your dirt bike wouldn’t cause you any financial burden, it may be reasonable to skip insurance coverage.

4. You Live in a State That Doesn’t Require It

Many states do not mandate dirt bike insurance, especially for off-road use. If you don’t ride on public roads or in areas where proof of insurance is required, you might not need it. However, laws are subject to change. And some states still need you to carry minimum liability insurance for certain riding situations.

5. You Don’t Transport Your Dirt Bike Often

Transporting your dirt bike frequently in a trailer or truck can lead to problems like theft, damage, or total loss. If your dirt bike usually stays in one place, insurance may not be your main concern. However, if you often move it to motocross tracks, trails, or competitions, it's a good idea to reconsider insurance options.

Dirt Bike Insurance Cost

Now that you have decided whether you need dirt bike insurance or not, the next thing you want to learn is how much is dirt bike insurance.

The cost of motorcycle insurance is quite comparable to dirt bike insurance. On average, dirt bike insurance costs around $13 per month for minimum coverage and $66 per month for full coverage. However, in some states, this cost can drop as low as $10 per month for minimum coverage and $54 per month for a full coverage policy.

While shopping for dirt bike insurance, make sure to get estimates from multiple providers. Before you choose one, research the customer reviews and how much time it takes to process the claim. This way, you can not only obtain cheaper dirt insurance coverage but also a reliable one.

Is Dirt Bike Insurance Worth It?

As we near the end of this article, the million-dollar question remains: is dirt bike insurance worth it? The answer is a resounding yes. Dirt bike insurance not only fulfills legal requirements but also offers some key benefits. It provides protection against injury, theft, property damage, and costly repairs.

If you frequently ride on trails, transport your dirt bike, or face the risk of a potential lawsuit, having an insurance policy offers peace of mind and alleviates financial concerns. Even if it’s not legally required or if you only use your dirt bike in restricted areas, opting for dirt bike insurance is surely a wise decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to Dirt Bike Insurance Requirements

What are the myths about dirt insurance coverage?

There are several misconceptions about dirt bike insurance:

• Dirt bikes don’t need insurance since they’re not street legal or used on highways. While this is true in some states, insurance is often required for access to parks, trails, or brief use on public roads.
• Home insurance covers dirt bikes in case of theft, fire, or property damage. While some policies may cover stored dirt bikes, damage during riding requires specific dirt bike insurance.
• Dirt bike insurance is expensive. In reality, it costs the same as motorcycle insurance and may even be cheaper in some states.
• Health insurance fully covers injuries from dirt bike accidents. The truth is many policies exclude extreme sports like motocross, so additional coverage like PIP or MedPay is needed.
• Auto insurance covers stolen dirt bikes. This is false. Dirt bike insurance is required to cover theft specifically.

What states require dirt bike insurance?

If you ride your dirt bike on public roads, insurance is mandatory in every state except Florida. Additionally, states like California, Idaho, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania explicitly require dirt bike owners to have liability insurance, even for off-road use in some cases.

Is insurance required for a dirt bike in California?

Yes, California requires insurance for dirt bikes if they are street legal. You must purchase minimum liability insurance that meets or exceeds the following coverage limits:

• $15,000 bodily injury liability for one person in an accident
• $30,000 bodily injury liability for an accident
• $5,000 property damage liability coverage

Do you need insurance for a dirt bike in Florida?

The answer is no. You don’t need dirt bike insurance legally. In fact, Florida doesn’t require motorcycle insurance. Instead, they require riders to show proof of financial responsibility. And this could be done through an insurance company. Learn more about it. Read the related article: Do you need motorcycle insurance in Florida?

Do you need to insure a dirt bike in Michigan?

It depends on where you ride. Like most states, in Michigan, you need liability insurance for street-legal motorcycles, but off-highway vehicles might not require coverage. Still, it's a good idea to get a dirt bike insurance plan to protect against theft, accidents, or property damage.