If you like cruising the open road on your motorcycle, then you'll love Texas. The Lone Star State has the most highway miles of any state in the union, with almost 70% more than second place California. But in order to take advantage of those long straightaways, winding curves, and rolling hills, you'll need to obtain motorcycle insurance for your bike.

Texas Motorcycle Requirements

All motorcycle riders in the state of Texas must carry proof of financial responsibility in case they are involved in an accident. A motorcycle insurance policy satisfies a motorcyclist's legal obligation under state law.

In Texas, there is no difference between acquiring standard auto insurance and getting motorcycle insurance. Most companies who are licensed to provide auto insurance in Texas also offer motorcycle insurance to the state's residents. In both cases, policy premiums are determined by factors such as age, driver's experience, previous driving record, and location.

Texas Minimum Coverage Levels

As with auto insurance, the state mandates certain minimum levels of coverage for individuals who carry motorcycle insurance. These minimum levels are:

• $30,000 bodily injury coverage per person
• $60,000 bodily injury coverage total per incident
• $25,000 property damage coverage per incident

Motorcycle operators may raise or lower their premiums by increasing or decreasing their coverage amounts or deductibles.

Additional Insurance Options

Though the state of Texas does not require additional insurance for motorcyclists, you may want to consider purchasing other policies.

• Uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance will cover your expenses incurred as the result of a hit-and-run accident or a collision involving a driver who does not have any/enough auto insurance.
• Medical payments coverage (also known as no-fault insurance or personal injury protection) will pay for your property damage, medical bills, and funeral expenses incurred as the result of an accident -- as well as 80% of your income if you cannot work, and the cost of a caregiver of one is necessary.

When applying for motorcycle insurance, you'll need to provide an insurance agent with certain information. In addition to your name, address, and phone number, you will need to furnish:

• The year, make, and model of your motorcycle
• The number of miles on your motorcycle's odometer
• Your age, gender, and marital status
• The names of all persons in your household who will be riding the motorcycle
• The length of time you have ridden a motorcycle and whether you have completed an operator's safety course
• The types of anti-theft devices you use on your motorcycle
• Whether you own or lease the motorcycle, and whether it is being used for personal or business use
• The number of accidents, traffic tickets, or alcohol-related violations you have on your driving record
• The number of times you have been victimized by motorcycle theft
• Whether your driver's license has ever been suspended or revoked

Health Insurance and the Texas Helmet Law

While motorcycle operators are not required to have health insurance in Texas, it does affect whether or not they are allowed to ride without wearing a motorcycle helmet. If a person is at least 21 years of age, he or she is not required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle, if the person has a health insurance policy with a minimum of $10,000 in coverage.

The idea behind this rule is to protect a motorcyclist's freedom to ride helmet-free while preventing the state from having to pay for any injuries sustained by that motorcyclist. (In lieu of health insurance, a motorcyclist can also ride helmetless if he or she has completed a state-authorized motorcycle operator's training course.)

If you have any questions about obtaining motorcycle insurance in Texas, you can contact your local Texas Department of Transportation office, or call the main office's customer service line at (512) 465-7611.