motorcycle

Why You Should Not (and Cannot) Split the Lane

Posted on by agentinsure

By "splitting the lane," we mean riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic. Riding between lanes of traffic is illegal in Texas as of 2023, following the passage of House Bill 4122. Violations of this law can result in a fine of at least $175. So, quite literally, stay in your lane in the state of Texas. While motorcyclists are allowed to ride side by side, you may not pass a vehicle that is in your lane. Lane splitting may seem harmless. After all, a motorcycle is small and maneuverable enough to fit in tight spaces. However, just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

Why Lane Splitting Is a Bad Idea

Often referred to as "striperiding" or "whitelining," lane splitting might sound like a clever way to use your motorcycle’s maneuverability to bypass traffic congestion. However, it’s a classic case of haste making waste. You can’t predict what other drivers will do. For example:

  • A door may suddenly open.
  • A driver or passenger may throw something out of a window. (Don’t mess with Texas!)
  • A driver may decide to change lanes, and you could be in their blind spot.

When you take a position in a lane, you need to avoid other vehicles’ blind spots, increase your ability to see and be seen, and minimize exposure to wind blasts from other vehicles. The faster vehicles travel, the greater the risk of an accident. It’s simply too big a risk to take.

Additionally, if you’re found guilty of lane splitting, you may be denied an insurance claim. Play it smart and stay in your lane to protect yourself and others on the road.

Contact Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX

If you’re in Austin, TX, and need motorcycle insurance, Southwest Insurance Center is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about your options and get the coverage you need.

My motorcycle is paid in full. Do I need motorcycle insurance?

Posted on by agentinsure

Not every state requires motorcyclists to carry insurance. However, other circumstances may necessitate insurance, even if your state doesn’t mandate it. For example, if you have a motorcycle loan, your lender will likely require you to carry insurance. At Southwest Insurance Center, we are dedicated to helping both existing and new Austin, TX, clients understand Texas motorcycle insurance requirements and secure the coverage they need.

My Motorcycle Is Paid in Full. Do I Need Motorcycle Insurance?

Even if your motorcycle is paid off, you may still need to invest in motorcycle insurance depending on your state’s laws. Some states do not require motorcycle riders to carry insurance. However, in states where insurance is not mandatory, motorcyclists with loans are typically required to carry insurance to meet lender requirements.

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Driving a Motorcycle in Texas?

Texas law requires all motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance. The liability insurance must meet the state’s minimum requirements, which include:

  • At least $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person.
  • At least $60,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident.
  • At least $25,000 of property damage liability coverage.

Regardless of whether your motorcycle is paid in full, liability insurance is mandatory for all motorcycle riders in Texas. This coverage ensures you are financially protected in the event of an accident.

At Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX, we are committed to helping motorcycle riders understand state requirements and secure the coverage they need. We know that not everyone is familiar with the insurance laws in their state, which is why we prioritize educating our clients and answering all their questions. Contact us today to learn more or to get started with your motorcycle insurance policy.