Why You Need High Liability and Uninsured & Underinsured Coverage Limits for Motorcycles

By Brad Davis, CIC (July 31/2025)

Riding a motorcycle in South Carolina offers a unique kind of freedom—whether you’re cruising along the Grand Strand or heading through the backroads of the Lowcountry. But with that freedom comes serious responsibility. One of the biggest mistakes motorcyclists make is underestimating how important it is to carry the right kind of insurance—especially when it comes to liability and uninsured & underinsured limits for motorcycles.

In this post, we’ll explain why motorcycle insurance in South Carolina isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s your first line of financial protection. And we’ll show you why carrying high limits of coverage matters more than you might think.

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The Truth About Motorcycle Accidents in South Carolina

Motorcycle accidents are far more dangerous than car accidents. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, in recent years:

• Motorcycle riders were involved in over 2,000 crashes annually

• There were over 100 motorcycle fatalities each year

• Riders were 26 times more likely to die in a crash than those in passenger vehicles

And here’s the part most people don’t think about: motorcyclists often aren’t at fault. Many accidents happen because another driver didn’t see the bike, turned in front of it, or merged without checking a blind spot.

This makes having the right kind of coverage absolutely critical—not just to cover damage you may cause, but to protect yourself if another driver hits you. That’s why uninsured motorist protection for bikers is one of the most important coverages you can carry.

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Liability Coverage: It’s Not Just for Cars

Many riders assume that because motorcycles are smaller, they pose less risk. But that’s simply not true.

If you hit someone with your motorcycle:

• You could injure them just as badly as you could with a car

• You could cause major property damage (vehicles, fences, storefronts, etc.)

• You could be sued for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

And if your liability limits are too low, your personal assets could be on the line.

South Carolina’s Minimum Liability Limits:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person

• $50,000 bodily injury per accident

• $25,000 property damage

These are the bare minimums—but in today’s world, a single accident can easily exceed those limits.

At Davis Insurance Associates, we strongly recommend carrying at least 100/300/100 limits—or even higher if your budget allows. It’s one of the smartest steps in making sure you’re properly protected under liability and uninsured & underinsured limits for motorcycles.

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Why You Need Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Here’s a scenario we see far too often:
You’re riding safely, and another driver runs a red light and hits you. You’re injured and your bike is totaled.

But then you find out the driver either:

• Has no insurance at all, or

• Only carries the state minimum limits, which don’t come close to covering your medical bills

This is where UM and UIM coverage becomes a financial lifesaver.

✅ Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

Covers your injuries and damages if the other driver has no insurance. South Carolina requires some UM coverage, but you can—and should—buy more than the minimum.

✅ Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage

Covers the gap if the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to pay your total costs. This is optional in South Carolina, but we highly recommend adding it.

Injuries in motorcycle crashes often lead to:

• Surgery and hospitalization

• Physical therapy

• Lost wages during recovery

• Long-term medical costs

Even a moderate injury can exceed $50,000 in medical expenses. Don’t assume other drivers have enough coverage to protect you. This is exactly why motorcyclists need good insurance—especially uninsured motorist protection for bikers.

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Real Talk: You’re More Exposed on a Motorcycle

Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles don’t offer a steel frame, airbags, or much protection at all. That’s why the injuries are often more severe—even in “minor” accidents.

In our experience working with riders across South Carolina, we’ve seen:

• Broken bones

• Road rash that requires skin grafts

• Spinal cord injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries—even with a helmet

You may not be able to control how other drivers behave on the road, but you can control how well you’re insured.

Learn more from these motorcycle safety tips from the NHTSA to reduce your risks.

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Cost vs. Coverage: It’s More Affordable Than You Think

One of the biggest objections we hear is:

“But I don’t want to pay more for insurance than I have to.”

And that’s fair. We all want to save money. But the truth is, bumping up your liability and uninsured & underinsured limits for motorcycles is usually very affordable—especially compared to the cost of an accident.

For many South Carolina riders, increasing coverage may only cost a few extra dollars per month. And it could save you tens of thousands down the road.

As an independent agency, we work with multiple insurance companies so we can help you:

• Compare rates

• Bundle motorcycle insurance in South Carolina with home or auto

• Customize coverage for your needs and budget

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What Else Should Motorcycle Insurance Include?

Along with liability and UM/UIM coverage, here are a few additional protections to consider:

✅ Collision Coverage

Pays for damage to your bike if you hit another vehicle or object—even if it’s your fault.

✅ Comprehensive Coverage

Covers non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, or a tree falling on your parked bike.

✅ Medical Payments (MedPay)

Covers small medical bills for you and your passenger, regardless of fault.

✅ Accessory Coverage

Helps pay for damage to custom parts, helmets, saddlebags, and other add-ons.

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Final Thoughts for SC Motorcycle Riders

If you own a motorcycle in South Carolina, don’t settle for minimum coverage. You’re taking more risk on the road—and you deserve motorcycle insurance in South Carolina that actually protects you.

At Davis Insurance Associates, we’re not here to scare you. We’re here to help you ride with confidence, knowing you’ve got the right liability and uninsured & underinsured limits for motorcycles in place.

We’ll walk you through your options, explain the coverages in plain language, and find a policy that makes sense for how and where you ride.

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🏍️ Ready to Review Your Motorcycle Insurance?

We work with riders across Myrtle Beach and all of South Carolina. Whether you ride a cruiser, sportbike, touring bike, or trike—we can help.

📍 Based in Myrtle Beach, SC
📞 Call us at (843) 213-0000
🌐 Start a Quote

Let’s make sure you’re covered from every angle—so you can enjoy the open road with peace of mind.