What Is Motorcycle Insurance?
A typical motorcycle insurance policy includes liability coverage for injuries or damages you may cause to others. It can also include first-party coverages for damage to your own bike or your own medical expenses. Your policy will have specific limits, which are the maximum amounts the insurer will pay for a covered claim, and may include a deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket before coverage applies for certain claims.
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Who Might Need Motorcycle Insurance?
Many motorcyclists get coverage to meet state laws or lender requirements. Most states have financial responsibility laws that require riders to have a way to pay for damages they might cause. A liability insurance policy is a common way to meet this rule. Additionally, if you financed or leased your motorcycle, your lender will likely require you to carry physical damage coverages, such as collision and comprehensive, to protect their financial interest in the bike until the loan is paid off.
Note: Requirements vary by state. Nearly every state requires motorcyclists to demonstrate financial responsibility. The most common way to do this is by purchasing a liability insurance policy that meets the state's minimum coverage amounts. Because these minimums vary widely and can change, it's a good practice to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or insurance department for the most current requirements.
What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?
A motorcycle insurance policy is built from several distinct coverage types. While liability is the foundation, you can often add other protections for your bike, your gear, and your well-being. The term "full coverage" is often used to describe a policy with liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, but it's not an official insurance term. The specific insurance coverage options, limits, and features available can vary significantly between each insurance provider and state. When you get motorcycle insurance quotes, you’ll select the coverages that make sense for your situation.
Liability Coverage
If you are found legally responsible for an accident, liability coverage helps pay for the other party’s expenses. It is typically split into two parts: bodily injury liability for medical expenses and property damage liability for repairs to their vehicle or property.
Collision Coverage
This optional coverage helps pay to repair or replace your motorcycle if it's damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. A deductible applies, and coverage is subject to your policy’s limits.
Comprehensive Coverage
Also optional, comprehensive coverage helps pay for covered losses from non-collision events. This can include theft, vandalism, fire, certain weather events like hail, or hitting an animal. A deductible applies to this coverage as well.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist
This coverage may help pay for your medical expenses or vehicle repairs if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your costs. Availability and rules for this coverage vary by state.
Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection
Often called MedPay or PIP, this coverage can help with medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. PIP is a broader coverage that is not available in all states.
Accessories and Custom Parts
A standard policy may offer limited coverage for non-factory parts. This optional coverage, sometimes added as an endorsement, provides higher limits for things like custom paint, exhaust systems, chrome, and riding gear.
Roadside Assistance and Trip Interruption
This optional coverage provides benefits like towing, flat-tire assistance, and fuel delivery. Trip interruption can help with lodging or transportation costs if a covered loss interrupts a planned ride far from home.
What Does Motorcycle Insurance Not Cover?
Every motorcycle insurance policy has exclusions, which are situations it won't cover. While you should always review the policy documents for specifics, common exclusions include:
Normal wear and tear, or mechanical breakdowns.
Damage from racing, track days, or other competitive events.
Intentional damage caused by the policyholder.
Use of the motorcycle for commercial purposes, like deliveries, unless the policy is specifically written for it.
Damage to non-approved or illegal modifications.
Losses that occur while operating the motorcycle without a valid driver’s license or endorsement.
Factors That Can Influence the Cost of Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcycle insurance rates are based on a range of factors that help an insurance company assess risk. Because each insurer weighs these factors differently, the cost of motorcycle insurance can vary from one provider to the next. Elements that often influence your premium include:
Your Location: Rates can differ by state, city, and even ZIP code.
Motorcycle Type: The make, model, value, and engine size of your bike (e.g., a high-performance sport bike versus a small scooter).
Coverage Selections: The types of motorcycle insurance coverage and limits you choose.
Deductibles: The deductible amount you select for collision and comprehensive coverage.
Rider Profile: Your age, riding experience, and claims history.
Training History: Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Annual Mileage: How many miles you expect to ride per year.
Storage: Where you store your bike (e.g., a locked garage).
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Motorcycle Insurance Discounts and Ways to Reduce Costs
Many insurers offer motorcycle insurance discounts that can help lower premiums, though availability and eligibility vary. It's never a guarantee of savings, but some common potential discounts include:
Rider Safety Course: Completing an approved motorcycle safety foundation course.
Multi-Policy: Bundling your motorcycle insurance with another policy like auto insurance, homeowners, or renters insurance.
Multi-Bike: Insuring more than one motorcycle with the same company.
Anti-Theft Devices: Having a professionally installed alarm or tracking system.
Responsible Rider: Maintaining a clean driving record and claim history.
Payment Options: Paying your policy in full or setting up automatic payments.
Types of Motorcycles That Can be Insured
Insurers provide coverage for a wide variety of bikes. When getting quotes, you’ll need to specify your motorcycle’s make and model to get an accurate price. Common types of motorcycles that can be insured include:
Cruisers: Such as models from Harley-Davidson or Indian.
Touring & Sport Touring: Bikes built for long-distance comfort.
Sport Bikes: High-performance motorcycles like a Honda CBR or Kawasaki Ninja.
Standard & Naked Bikes: Versatile, all-around motorcycles.
Adventure & Dual-Sport: Designed for both on-road and off-road use.
Scooters & Mopeds: Smaller, lightweight two-wheelers.
Dirt Bikes & ATVs/UTVs: Some insurers offer specialized off-road policies.
Trikes: Three-wheeled motorcycles.
Custom or Vintage Models: May require specialized coverage from some insurers.
Choosing Coverage Limits and Deductibles
Your coverage limit is the maximum amount an insurer will pay for a covered claim. Choosing higher limits offers more financial protection but typically increases your premium. A deductible is what you pay before collision coverage or comprehensive coverage kicks in.
A higher deductible usually means a lower premium, but more out-of-pocket cost if you file a claim. Many riders use their state’s minimum liability requirements as a starting point, but consider their own financial situation when selecting limits.
How to Compare Motorcycle Insurance Quotes
Getting quotes from multiple providers is a great way to see what different companies offer. To make a true apples-to-apples comparison, it’s important to use the same information for each quote. This helps you understand the differences in pricing and features for the same level of protection. By comparing offers, you can find a policy that balances your coverage needs and budget, giving you a better chance of finding more affordable motorcycle insurance.
Match Coverage Types and Limits
Ensure each motorcycle insurance quote you review has the same liability limits (for both bodily injury and property damage), as well as the same physical damage coverages with identical deductibles. This is the only way to accurately compare costs.
Review Optional Add-Ons
Check which optional coverage add-ons, or riders, are included. Look for things like custom parts coverage, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, or total loss replacement cost, and compare how each insurance provider prices these features.
Check Policy Terms and Eligibility
Confirm that the policy is available in your state and meets any specific garaging or usage requirements. Some policies may have restrictions on annual mileage or offer seasonal terms, so it's important to read the fine print.
Filing a Claim
If you need to file a claim, the process generally follows a few key steps. First, ensure everyone is safe and contact the authorities if needed. Exchange information with any other parties involved. Then, contact your insurance company or agent as soon as it's practical. You’ll need to provide details about the incident and may be asked for photos or a police report. An adjuster will investigate the claim, assess the covered losses, and explain the next steps for repairs or payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is motorcycle insurance required?
Most states require riders to carry at least minimum liability coverage or another form of financial responsibility. The specific amount of coverage the state requires can vary, so check with local authorities.
Are passengers covered on a motorcycle insurance policy?
Your bodily injury liability coverage may apply to a passenger’s injuries if you are at fault. Optional Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage can also help with their medical expenses, where available.
Does a policy cover theft or vandalism?
Comprehensive coverage is the part of a policy that typically covers theft and vandalism. This coverage is optional and subject to a deductible and your policy’s limits.
Can I pause coverage in winter?
Some insurers offer "lay-up" or storage policies that reduce coverage during off-season months. It's important to check with your insurance provider, as lender requirements and state laws may still apply.
Start Comparing Motorcycle Insurance
The best way to understand your options is to compare them side by side. By getting free quotes from participating providers with the same coverage selections, limits, and deductibles, you can see how pricing and features differ. This process empowers you to find motorcycle insurance coverage that aligns with both your protection needs and your financial goals, without any pressure or promises of approval.
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Important Information
Disclosures and Notes
Motorcycle insurance products are offered by third-party providers. Terms, coverages, features, and availability vary by insurer and state. Quotes are subject to underwriting guidelines and may change based on the information you provide. Review all policy documents, including exclusions, limitations, fees, and endorsements, before purchasing. This page provides general information and is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. For personal guidance, speak with a licensed insurance professional.
