How to Get Motorcycle Insurance
You can get motorcycle insurance through most car insurance companies. Read this guide on how to get motorcycle insurance to learn your policy options.
Written by R.E. Fulton
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you own both a motorcycle and a car, you’ll need a motorcycle insurance policy that’s separate from your auto insurance. You can find the best rates and motorcycle insurance discounts by comparing quotes with Jerry.
Just like with car insurance, premiums and coverage options for motorcycle insurance are determined by your demographics, including the type of motorcycle you own, your age, gender, and credit score. Some of this is within your control; some of it isn’t. That’s why it can help to work with a broker to find the right coverage at the right rate for your budget.
Jerry
is a licensed insurance broker
and a super app for car owners—and motorcycle riders! In this guide, we’ll go over the types of car insurance
coverage you need to purchase for your motorcycle and show you how to get a quote (or several!) in the app. RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
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How much does motorcycle insurance cost?
Jerry users pay an average of $562 a year for motorcycle insurance. However, your specific cost will depend on factors unique to you, such as:
- The state you live in: In some states, likeHawaiiandVirginia, the average cost of motorcycle insurance is well above the national average. But inNew MexicoandUtah, you could pay as little as $300 per year or less!
- The type of motorcycle you own: Off-road sport bikes and dirt bikes have much lower insurance rates than larger motorcycles used on the open road. Bikes with custom parts also cost more to insure because they carry higher replacement costs.
- Your driving history: The cost of motorcycle insurance goes up if you’ve got an accident or violation on your driving record.
- The company that holds your policy:Progressive,Safeco, National General, and Dairyland have some of the best motorcycle insurance rates.
What does motorcycle insurance cover?
Your basic policy will cover
liability insurance
, which pays for injuries and damage you cause to others—up to your limit. Liability also covers some legal costs if you get sued over an accident. Insurance policies are often described in a ratio like 25/50/20, which means:- $50,000 of bodily injury per accident
Motorcycle drivers should carefully consider whether they need a guest passenger policy. Some companies offer this protection as part of your liability policy, whereas others sell it separately. If you frequently ride with a passenger, be sure to ask your insurer about this policy.
Other important coverage options
There are optional add-ons like
uninsured motorist coverage
, medical payments
, towing and labor coverage
, and collision
and comprehensive
coverage. Most drivers opt for at least some level of collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. These types of insurance cover costs to repair your motorcycle if it gets damaged in an accident or other incident, like vandalism or inclement weather. For collision and comprehensive claims, you’ll need to pay a deductible—a set lump-sum payment—before your insurance coverage kicks in.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage covers you if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t carry the required liability insurance (or not enough of it to cover your losses).
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage will cover your medical bills and other costs associated with an accident.
Towing and labor coverage is a great add-on if you plan to use your motorcycle off-road or in any dangerous conditions. If you run into mechanical trouble while driving, this coverage gives you a form of roadside assistance.
What motorcycle insurance is required?
Every state has different minimum requirements for motorcycle insurance. Nearly all states require liability coverage and some states require
personal injury protection
(PIP). Keep in mind that meeting your state’s
minimum requirement
is important, but you may wish to go above and beyond the minimum level. In many states, the minimum will not be enough to cover your costs in the event of a serious motorcycle accident.Look up your state’s laws to see what’s required. Depending on the kind of bike you drive, you may not even need insurance—scooters and mopeds, for instance, don’t need to be insured in some states.
Factors that impact your motorcycle insurance premium
Your insurance premium will vary depending on your personal profile, driving history, and type of bike. If you’re a young driver and have a new, expensive motorcycle, you’ll likely have a higher insurance premium.
Your age
Younger motorcyclists are perceived to be riskier, which means they typically have higher insurance rates. But despite your age, if you’re a new motorcycle driver you may still be considered high risk until you get a good number of miles under your belt.
Your zip code
Urban areas with high crime and lots of traffic are inherently riskier. If you live in one of these neighborhoods, your insurance rate will probably be a bit higher than someone who lives in a quiet suburb or a rural setting.
Your driving history
Your driving history is a record of all the accidents and tickets you’ve ever had, whether you were on a motorcycle or behind the wheel of a car. If you have a clean driving record, you’ll be rewarded with cheaper insurance.
Your occupation
As strange as it might sound, studies show that some occupations are less risky than others. Teachers and scientists tend to have low insurance rates, while those who work in construction pay more. If you commute on your bike, you and your motorcycle face a higher risk of damage—and higher premiums.
Key Takeaway Your insurance rate is based on your driving history and how you plan to use your bike.
How to find cheap motorcycle insurance coverage
Here are a few great ways to help you get the best deal on your motorcycle insurance premium.
Add anti-theft and safety features
You can usually reduce your rate by
adding safety features to your bike
. Anti-theft devices unlock a special discount, and there are lots of aftermarket options that qualify. Even parking your bike in a garage or alarming it can earn you a lower rate.Get enough coverage (but not too much)
Make sure you’re not overpaying for unnecessary coverage. If your bike would only cost $20,000 to replace if the insurance company declared it a total loss, then you shouldn’t be paying for $50,000 worth of coverage.
Reduce your mileage
Low mileage earns you a discount, too. If you only take your bike out for occasional summer rides, tell your insurance company and they should give you a low-mileage discount.
Take a driving class
You can enroll in a specialized motorcycle training course or DMV motorcycle safety course and decrease your rate even further. Just make sure it’s an approved class and keep the certificate—the insurance company will need to verify your participation.
Bundle your policy with auto or homeowners insurance
Many auto insurance companies offer discount rates to policyholders who combine a motorcycle insurance policy with an auto or homeowners insurance policy. These multi-policy discounts could save you hundreds of dollars!
Get trustworthy motorcycle insurance quotes from Jerry
The old-fashioned way to shop around for insurance is to call a bunch of companies and attempt to negotiate over the phone. This can take days and you may not get the best rates.
A smarter way to shop is with
Jerry
. If you want to save money on car insurance
, the Jerry app is a good place to start. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding the cheapest quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price.
What is the best motorcycle insurance on the market?
The best motorcycle insurance for you will depend on your profile, location, and type of motorcycle, but the lowest average rates come from Progressive and Safeco.
Are motorcycles expensive to insure?
Not as expensive as cars—but some motorcycles, such as three-wheel motorcycles or custom bikes, are more expensive than others. The cheapest motorcycle insurance is for off-road bikes like dirt bikes.
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