Are passengers covered?

Guest passenger liability coverage is often optional and must be specifically added.

In the realm of powersports, which includes vehicles like motorcycles, ATVs, and jet skis, passenger safety is a significant concern. While these vehicles can provide thrilling experiences, it's important to understand how insurance covers passengers. Typically, standard insurance policies for such vehicles cover the vehicle driver and may not automatically include passengers. This is where guest passenger liability coverage comes in. Often, this type of coverage is not part of basic insurance plans and needs to be added separately, usually at an additional cost. Guest passenger liability coverage ensures that if a passenger gets injured while riding on your vehicle, there are provisions for their medical expenses or other related liabilities. Without this added coverage, the driver might be held financially responsible for the passenger's injuries, which can lead to substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

Imagine you own a motorcycle and often take friends on rides. One weekend, while cruising through the countryside with your best friend riding pillion, you get into a minor accident. Luckily, no one is severely injured, but your friend requires some medical attention. If you hadn’t opted for guest passenger liability coverage as part of your motorcycle insurance, you might end up paying for your friend’s medical bills directly out of your pocket. Having this coverage means the insurance would take care of these costs, alleviating the financial burden from you.

If you often ride with passengers on your motorcycle, ATV, or any other powersport vehicle, consider adding guest passenger liability coverage to your insurance policy. This can provide peace of mind knowing that you and your passengers are protected financially in case of an accident. Reviewing your insurance policy with an agent can help clarify what’s included and ensure you're adequately covered. It's better to be prepared with proper insurance than to face unexpected expenses later.