Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle insurance in the Western United States averages $482 a month, although you could pay more or less depending on your specific situation.

Your cost depends on the carrier and various factors, including:

• Your location. You’ll typically pay more for insurance if you live somewhere that experiences a lot of traffic or accidents, a higher crime rate, or severe weather. Motorcycle insurance is also usually more expensive in warm-weather states. That’s because riders in warmer climates tend to take their bikes out more, increasing the risk for accidents and other mishaps.
• Your motorcycle. Bikes with greater horsepower, like sport and touring bikes, are more likely to crash and more expensive to insure than, for example, scooters. You’ll also pay more for motorcycle insurance if you own an expensive bike or one that criminals especially love to steal. On the flipside, if your motorcycle has features to help prevent an accident or theft—like anti-lock brakes, alarms, and ground anchors—you might pay less.
• The coverage you choose. Buying only the minimum liability coverage required by your state can keep your insurance premium low. While full coverage is more expensive, you’ll have greater protection.
• Your driving history. Having a squeaky-clean driving record can save you money on motorcycle insurance. 
• Your claims history. If you file claims, your rate can go up. So it might make sense to pay for small repairs yourself, to keep your premium lower.
• Your age. If you’re younger (under 25 years) or older (over 75 years), your accident risk is typically higher, so your insurance premium might be, too. 
• Your gender. Women riders tend to log fewer miles and take fewer risks than men, so they generally pay less for motorcycle insurance.
• Your relationship status. Married riders pay lower insurance rates than their single counterparts do.

Yes, most states require motorcycle owners to purchase liability coverage. That way, if you get into an accident and injure someone or cause property damage, your insurance can help pay for the repairs or medical bills. 

Here are some ways you can save on motorcycle coverage (discounts, offers, and policies vary by carrier):

• Bundle your policies. Buy motorcycle coverage as well as another type of policy—such as auto or homeowners insurance—from the same insurer.
• Ride safely. Many insurers offer a discount to riders who maintain a clean driving record.
• Insure two bikes (or more). If you have more than one motorcycle, insure them with the same insurance company.
• Build your skills. Complete a motorcycle rider training course.
• Join a club. Belong to a motorcycle riders organization.
• Get credit for your experience. People who are 55 years or older or longtime riders may qualify for a mature rider discount.
• Adjust your coverage. Rethink your coverages or choose a higher deductible to lower your insurance premium.
• Store your motorcycle over the winter. With your bike tucked away, you can lower your liability limits and drop any coverages intended to protect you while riding.

Most major insurers sell motorcycle insurance only to licensed riders. If you don’t have a license and need insurance, though, you can likely find it through a smaller insurance company. That way, if you buy a motorcycle in anticipation of getting your license, your bike will be covered.

Yes, most motorcycle insurance companies cover theft; however, coverage varies by carrier. Check with an insurance agent to confirm your coverage selections.

Comprehensive coverage may help pay for repairs to your bike if it gets damaged by the following perils:

• Theft
• Fire
• Vandalism
• Severe weather
• Falling objects
• Hitting or being hit by an animal

Street: Also called road bikes, street bikes offer fun, easy, comfortable journeys on paved roads. They usually have advanced braking and other safety features for road riding. Standard bikes, cruisers, sport bikes, and touring bikes are all street bikes. 

Standard: A standard or “naked” bike is an understated but versatile entry-level motorcycle with comfortable upright seating and minimal (if any) fairings or windshields. 

Dual sport: Dual sport bikes have great traction and suspension for off-road adventures across rocky terrain, with high handlebars for standing when the ride gets rough. They are also well suited for paved roads.

Cruiser: Cruisers, usually equipped with a powerful V-twin engine, have low seats for laid-back freeway riding. They have a retro vibe with high handlebars and foot pegs near the front of the bike. 

Limited-production cruiser: This luxury cruiser-style motorcycle is made in small numbers. Many are built to order by hand.

Touring: A comfortable motorcycle designed for long-distance travel, touring bikes are equipped with a passenger seat, large fairings, luggage compartments, audio systems, and more. 

Sport touring: This type of motorcycle combines sporty styling with long-distance touring features. It’s usually equipped with a higher-performance engine than a standard touring bike, lots of storage, and detachable saddlebags.

Dirt bike/off-road: A lightweight, agile motorcycle that’s designed for riding on rough or muddy terrain with solid construction and enhanced suspension to handle the jumps and bumps. 

Enduro (or street and trail): Designed for Enduro mountain biking, this bike can handle the most challenging terrain and conditions. It’s built for gaining speed downhill but can climb well. 

Trike: This motorcycle has three wheels—usually one up front, two in the rear—and offers plenty of stability. It typically has generous cargo space and may have a passenger seat.

All-terrain vehicle (ATV): An ATV is a recreational vehicle with three or four large tires and handlebars for steering. 

Segway® Professional Transporter (PT): This two-wheeled, electric-powered, self-balancing vehicle is ridden while standing upright.

Moped: This is a lightweight, motorized bicycle for lower-speed road travel. Mopeds, which are street legal, can be pedaled or driven.

Golf cart: This small two-, four-, or six-passenger vehicle is traditionally used for carrying golfers and their equipment around a golf course, and can be driven in some gated communities. They can be electric or gas-powered and can be insured for use on and off the road.

Snowmobile: This motorized vehicle is equipped with ski-like runners to ride over snowy terrain. There are snowmobiles for riding trails, scaling mountain slopes, hauling cargo, and touring.