Do life insurance policies cover motorcycle accidents?

Asked by: Luna Witting  |  Last update: January 24, 2026
Score: 5/5 (6 votes)

Yes. Telling your insurer you're a motorcyclist is in your best interest, whether you ride for fun or as a career.

Are motorcycle accidents covered by life insurance?

Accidents. Your life insurance policy will pay death benefits to your beneficiaries if you die from a motor vehicle accident, drowning, poisoning, a fire, or another tragedy.

Under what circumstances will life insurance not pay?

Life insurance may not pay out if the policy expires, premiums aren't paid, or there are false statements on the application. Other reasons include death from illegal activities, suicide, or homicide, with insurers investigating claims thoroughly.

What happens if someone wrecks my motorcycle?

Under California Vehicle Code 17150, there is a general rule regarding permissive vehicle or motorcycle use in California. If your friend was operating your motorcycle with your express or implied permission, you as the owner are generally liable for the accident.

What type of death is not covered by life insurance?

Life insurance doesn't typically pay out in these circumstances: Murder: If your beneficiaries murder you or are closely tied to your murder, they won't receive the death benefit, per the slayer rule. Suicide: A payout won't apply if you commit suicide within the first two years of purchasing your policy.

What Insurance Covers a Passenger on a Motorcycle?

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What voids a life insurance policy?

Instances of lying, criminal activity, or dangerous behavior that's not disclosed upfront could all be reasons life insurance won't pay out.

Is a stroke considered accidental death?

Natural causes: Is a heart attack, stroke, cancer or dying from other illnesses considered an accidental death? Dying a natural death, or of natural causes, is not considered an accidental death.

Does insurance cover motorcycle accident?

The Motorcyclist's Insurer: California is a fault-based state, meaning that the insurance provider of the party who caused the accident must pay for all injuries.

Who is responsible for most motorcycle accidents?

A car or truck driver is more likely to be at fault for a motorcycle-related crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents happen when another driver doesn't see a motorcycle rider.

What will deny life insurance?

People are typically denied life insurance because they fall into a high-risk category. This is often due to health challenges like diabetes, obesity or a previous diagnosis of serious disease.

What is the average death benefit payout?

The average life insurance payout in the U.S. is about $168,000, according to Aflac. However, the payout of your life insurance policy will depend on the face amount (death benefit) you choose and any money accelerated, borrowed against or withdrawn from the policy prior to the payout.

Why won't life insurance pay out?

there is an exclusion clause in the policy which means that you can't claim for what's happened. you've missed some of the instalments of your premium. you didn't tell your insurer about a change in your circumstances. you haven't followed the claims process correctly.

Does life insurance go up if you ride a motorcycle?

Riding a Motorcycle Won't Affect Your Life Insurance Rates, But These 12 Things Will | JRC Insurance Group™

What deems a motorcycle totaled?

A motorcycle is considered totaled when it needs repairs that exceed its actual cash value.

How serious are motorcycle accidents?

Per vehicle miles traveled in 2022, motorcyclists were about 22 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 4 times more likely to be injured.

What kills motorcyclists the most?

Driving too fast contributes to 34% of motorcycle fatalities. Speeding is a particular concern for riders in the 25 to 29 age group because 45% of their fatal crashes involve excessive speed.

What is a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents?

Head injury is a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents. The Insurance Information Institute reports that helmets save the lives of many motorcyclists and that universal helmet use by motorcycle operators and passengers could save hundreds of more lives every year.

What age do most motorcycle accidents happen?

Just under half (49.1%) of the reported crashes were single vehicle events involving only the motorcyclist. The percentage of single vehicle crashes was highest among younger riders. Percentages were: 54.3% (ages 16–24); 50.5% (ages 25–34); 44.4% (ages 35–44); and 46.3% (ages 45+) (p<. 0001).

Does life insurance pay out for motorcycle accident?

Yes. Telling your insurer you're a motorcyclist is in your best interest, whether you ride for fun or as a career. It might be tempting to lie about your activities, but doing so is not the right move.

Does accidental death insurance cover motorcycle accident?

An insurance policy with an accidental death benefit may have to pay a death benefit to a motorcyclist who dies in an accident, even if the motorcyclist was drunk and speeding.

Should I get a lawyer for motorcycle accident?

Yes, you should get a lawyer for a motorcycle accident in California when filing a claim to: Handle the paperwork and deadlines, making sure everything is done right. Negotiate with insurance adjusters to get you the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and damage.

What death is not covered by life insurance?

Life insurance typically does not cover deaths resulting from suicide within the policy's waiting period, participation in hazardous activities, self-inflicted injuries, criminal activities, war or acts of terrorism, and deaths outside the policy coverage period.

Does life insurance pay out if you have a stroke?

Most life insurance policies only pay out upon the death of the policyholder. But in cases where a terminal illness diagnosis is made with less than 12 months to live, the policy may pay out early. This can include strokes that are classified as terminal status strokes, leading to death within months.

What qualifies as accidental death for life insurance?

Accidental death insurance is a form of life insurance that pays indemnity of the insured dies in an “accident.” The most generally accepted definition of what constitutes an “accident” is that death is both sudden and unexpected. Common examples include automobile accidents, drownings, and fatal falls.