Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Motorcycles offer freedom, speed, and fun—but they also come with higher risks. In Oklahoma, where roughly one in four drivers doesn’t carry insurance, those risks can quickly become financial burdens. If you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough of it, what happens next depends on your policy.
That’s where Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage comes in. For motorcycle owners, this coverage could mean the difference between getting the care you need and paying out of pocket for expenses that aren’t your fault.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage steps in when the driver who caused the crash has no insurance at all. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage helps when the at-fault driver has insurance, but it’s not enough to cover your medical costs, lost income, and other damages.
Both types of coverage are optional in Oklahoma, but are often included in auto and motorcycle policies—if you request them. They’re part of what’s known as first-party coverage, meaning they come from your insurer, not the other driver’s.
In Oklahoma, motorcycle owners are not legally required to carry UM or UIM coverage. But here’s the catch—insurance companies are required by law to offer it to you, and if you don’t want it, you must reject it in writing.
That written rejection form is essential. If you didn’t sign one, you may still have coverage. If you did sign it, you likely waived your right to use UM/UIM—even if you were told you had “full coverage.”
Oklahoma law requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage, but motorcycle owners must actively accept or decline it in writing. – Oklahoma Statutes Title 36 § 3636
This coverage becomes critical in several real-world situations. If you’re riding your motorcycle and:
In any of these cases, UM/UIM can help cover:
Motorcycle crashes are 28 times more likely to result in death or serious injury compared to car crashes. – NHTSA, Motorcycle Safety Report.
Motorcycle policies are often less expensive than car insurance, and UM/UIM coverage usually adds only a small amount to your premium. Yet many riders skip it to save a few dollars, only to regret that decision later.
Even a moderate motorcycle crash can result in medical bills far above $25,000, especially if surgery, rehab, or extended time off work is needed.
Nearly 25% of drivers in Oklahoma are uninsured, one of the highest rates in the United States. – Insurance Research Council, 2023
If your current policy doesn’t show UM/UIM coverage, contact your insurance company and request a declarations page. This page lists all coverages, limits, and premiums for each part of your policy.
Many riders think they’re protected because they asked their agent for “full coverage.” But there’s no official definition of what “full coverage” includes.
You could have collision and liability coverage, but no UM/UIM. Alternatively, you may have skipped Medical Payments Coverage, which helps cover medical bills regardless of who is at fault.
There is no such thing as ‘full coverage’—ask your insurer for your policy’s declarations page to see what’s actually included.
Always verify that UM/UIM and MedPay are listed separately on your policy, each with its premium amount. If they’re not, you don’t have them.
Medical Payments Coverage (MPC or MedPay) is another optional add-on. It pays your medical bills after a crash, regardless of who was at fault.
For motorcycle riders, MedPay is especially helpful if you have:
Unlike UM/UIM, MedPay applies even if you are at fault for the accident. It won’t cover lost wages or long-term pain and suffering, but it can be a lifesaver for covering urgent medical costs.
| <pCoverage Type | Required by Law | Covers Medical Costs | Applies if You’re at Fault | Applies if Other Driver Has No Insurance | <pRecommended for Riders? |
Liability | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes (minimum required) |
Uninsured Motorist (UM) | No | Yes | No | Yes | Strongly recommended |
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) | No | Yes | No | Yes (if other driver’s limit is low) | Strongly recommended |
Medical Payments (MedPay) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional but helpful |
No, you are not required to carry UM/UIM coverage. However, your insurance company must offer it to you, and you must reject it in writing if you don’t want it.
If you don’t have UM coverage, your medical bills and other expenses may come out of your pocket, even if the other driver caused the crash.
Review your policy’s declarations page or call your insurance provider. Look for “Uninsured Motorist” or “UM” coverage listed under bodily injury protections.
No. MedPay covers your medical costs no matter who caused the crash. UM/UIM only applies when the at-fault driver lacks proper insurance.
Yes. You can contact your insurance provider at any time to add UM/UIM coverage by signing a policy endorsement and paying the additional premium.
Yes. Even if you ride a few times a year, the risk of injury in a motorcycle crash is high. UM/UIM helps protect you when the other driver is unable to.
Oklahoma’s high rate of uninsured drivers makes it especially risky for motorcycle riders. A serious accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver may leave you with medical bills, lost pay, and no easy way to recover costs.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage isn’t required, but it can make all the difference after a crash. It’s a small investment for a big safety net. Riders who believe they have “full
coverage” should double-check their policies to ensure that UM/UIM and MedPay are included.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a driver without insurance, Graves McLain Injury lawyers may assist you in understanding your choices. Alternatives. We represent injured motorcyclists across Tulsa and handle insurance claims with care and experience.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
