You’ve spent two winters upgrading your bike: new exhaust, saddlebags, custom seat, and a paint job you’re proud of. Then someone backs into it in a parking lot, or worse, it’s stolen from your driveway. Your policy pays for the bike, but what about the thousands you put into it? That’s where the details of motorcycle insurance really matter.
Quick takeaway
- Motorcycles with motorcycle plates fall under Tennessee’s Financial Responsibility Law.
- Custom parts and riding gear often have separate limits.
- Passenger injuries may need guest passenger liability, depending on the policy.
- Tennessee requires helmets for all motorcycle operators and passengers.
Tennessee motorcycle insurance requirements
According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, vehicles with a regular passenger or motorcycle license plate must meet the same Financial Responsibility Law requirements, and an auto liability policy is the most common way to do that. The minimum liability limits listed by the Department are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, plus $25,000 for property damage. Many riders choose higher limits.
What motorcycle insurance typically covers
Coverage varies by policy and carrier, but common pieces include:
- Bodily injury and property damage liability: injuries and damage you cause to others.
- Collision: damage to your bike from a crash, minus your deductible.
- Comprehensive: theft, vandalism, fire, hail, and hitting an animal.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist: protection if a driver with little or no insurance hits you.
- Medical payments: your medical bills after a crash, where available.
- Custom parts and equipment: aftermarket add-ons, up to a limit.
- Riding gear: helmets, jackets, and protective gear on some policies.
5 questions every rider should ask
- What’s my custom parts limit? Many policies include a base amount; if you’ve invested more, you may need to raise it.
- Is my passenger covered? Some policies limit coverage for passengers unless you add guest passenger liability.
- Is my gear covered? A good helmet and jacket can be expensive to replace.
- What happens in the off-season? Some carriers offer lay-up options that keep comprehensive while reducing other coverage.
- Do I have enough UM/UIM? Riders are vulnerable in crashes; uninsured motorist coverage protects you directly.
What it typically doesn’t cover
- Mechanical breakdown and normal wear and tear.
- Racing, track days, and timed events.
- Custom parts above your policy limit.
- Using your bike for paid delivery, unless endorsed.
Riding in Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee is a favorite for riders. The Natchez Trace Parkway begins just southwest of Nashville, and the back roads around Franklin, Fairview, and Kingston Springs make for good weekend rides. A few Tennessee rules to know:
- Helmets: according to the Tennessee Department of Safety, all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards (TCA 55-9-302).
- Lane splitting: the Tennessee Traffic Safety Resource Service lists lane splitting as not legal in Tennessee.
- Headlights: daytime headlight use is required, per the same source.
Following these rules matters for your safety, and an accident while breaking traffic laws can complicate claims and liability.
Seasonal riding and lay-up
Many Tennessee riders park the bike for part of the winter. Instead of canceling, ask about lay-up or seasonal options. Canceling can create a coverage gap, and theft, fire, or a storage building collapse can happen any time of year.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not telling your agent about upgrades.
- Carrying only state minimum liability when you have assets to protect.
- Skipping uninsured motorist coverage.
- Canceling coverage in the winter instead of using a lay-up option.
- Assuming your auto policy covers your bike. It typically doesn’t.
Questions to ask your agent
- How is my bike valued after a total loss?
- Can I add higher custom equipment limits?
- Do you offer a credit for a rider safety course?
- Does my umbrella policy extend over my motorcycle?
What to do after a crash
Riders face a higher risk of injury, so safety comes first:
- Get to safety and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Don’t remove your helmet if you might have a neck or back injury.
- Call law enforcement when required.
- Exchange information with other drivers: names, insurers, policy numbers, plates.
- Take photos of the bike, other vehicles, your gear, and the scene.
- Gather witness contacts if anyone stopped.
- Get checked by a doctor, even if you feel okay. Some injuries show up later.
- Report the claim to your carrier or agent promptly.
Keep a photo of your custom parts receipts on your phone. It can help support the value of aftermarket upgrades if you ever need to file a claim.
Frequently asked questions
Is motorcycle insurance required in Tennessee?
Motorcycles with motorcycle plates fall under Tennessee’s Financial Responsibility Law, and liability insurance is the most common way to meet it.
Does motorcycle insurance cover passengers?
It depends on the policy. Some limit passenger coverage unless you add guest passenger liability.
Does my car insurance cover my motorcycle?
Typically not. Motorcycles usually need their own policy or a specific endorsement.
Does motorcycle insurance cover my helmet and jacket?
Some policies include riding gear coverage, up to a limit. Ask whether yours does.
Does Tennessee require helmets on motorcycles?
Yes. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards.
Next step
Your bike is personal, and your coverage should be too. Learn more about motorcycle insurance with Eric Henry, Insurance Agent, and ask Eric to compare options that fit how you ride.
Coverage descriptions are general information only; your policy documents determine actual coverage. Availability varies by carrier.
