| Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
| Progressive | $697 |
| Geico | $1,088 |
| Allstate | $961 |
Factors Influencing Cost
Age and Experience
Motorcycle insurance companies consider your age when setting your premiums because older drivers tend to have more experience on the road. Teen drivers are especially expensive to insure because they’re more likely to be in an accident relative to any other age group. Rates generally decrease until you reach your 70s, at which point your rates may increase slightly.
However, insurers will also consider how long you’ve had your motorcycle license. If you’re a new rider, you’ll pay a higher rate. In some cases, older drivers who are new to motorcycles may pay higher rates than younger drivers with more experience.
Location
Motorcycle insurance costs vary depending on where you live. That’s because minimum coverage limits vary based on state law. Colder states also have shorter riding seasons, which means fewer opportunities for crashes. Furthermore, premiums vary from one ZIP code to the next. Busy urban areas have higher rates of theft and vandalism which leads to higher premiums, and more traffic often means more accidents.
Driving Record and Claims History
If you have violations such as speeding tickets or a DUI on your driving record, that signals to insurance companies that you may not be taking safety precautions when you ride. As a result, insurance companies will charge you more to account for the risk. If you’ve been in an at-fault accident or filed a claim in the past, your premium may be negatively impacted as well.
Age and Type of Bike
The average cost of motorcycle insurance can vary depending on whether you ride a cruiser, sport bike, or custom motorcycle, for example. Sport and touring bikes tend to cost more than scooters and cruisers. Insurance companies will also consider the age of the bike when setting your rate.
Credit Score
Insurance companies in most states will check your credit-based insurance score when setting your motorcycle premiums unless it’s prohibited by law in your state. This score is based on information in your credit report, such as your payment history and debt utilization, and it’s another way for insurers to evaluate risk. That’s because research shows that people with poor credit account for more claims payouts. Applying for motorcycle insurance won’t impact your credit score, however.
Choice of Coverages and Deductible
The coverage types and limits you choose will impact your rate. For example, liability-only insurance is generally cheaper than full coverage insurance. If you opt for higher liability limits or add optional coverages such as roadside assistance or accessory coverage, that will raise your rate.
Furthermore, if you choose comprehensive and collision coverage, the amount of your deductible will also impact your premium. You can choose a higher deductible to lower your premium, but you should make sure you have enough saved to cover the deductible.
How to Save Money on Motorcycle Insurance
- Choose a high deductible: Raising your deductible will reduce your motorcycle insurance premium since you’ll be required to pay more out-of-pocket if you file a claim.
- Choose liability-only coverage: You can save by forgoing full coverage, but you should only consider this if your annual premium for full coverage would be more than the value of your bike. Without comprehensive and collision coverage, you’ll be on the hook if your motorcycle is stolen or gets damaged when you cause an accident.
- Bundle with another policy: Many insurance companies offer generous multi-policy discounts, so consider bundling your motorcycle insurance with your auto or homeowners insurance.
- Take a safety course: Some training courses, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s MSF Basic RiderCourse, will earn you a premium discount at some companies.
- Compare quotes: Every insurer evaluates risk differently, so some companies may be able to offer you a cheaper premium than others for the same coverage. Collect a handful of motorcycle insurance quotes to ensure you get the best price.
- Ask about other discounts: Payment discounts, association discounts, and responsible driver discounts may offer other opportunities for you to save money. Ask your insurance agent what’s available in your area.
How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Insurance
Decide Which Coverages You Need
A standard full-coverage insurance policy may be sufficient for many riders, but if you have a brand new bike or expensive safety gear or equipment, you may need certain add-ons to maximize your protection. For example, if you’re looking for gap coverage, you can start by narrowing down your options to companies that offer it.
Compare Quotes
Make sure to collect quotes from different insurance companies, since every insurer prices its policies a little differently. You might consider both local and national motorcycle insurers. Make sure to compare quotes apples-to-apples, getting estimates for the same liability limits across companies. But remember that price isn’t the only factor to consider.
Consider Discounts
If you already have an auto insurance policy, consider getting a quote from your provider. Most car insurance companies that provide motorcycle insurance offer multi-policy discounts. You can ask about other discounts as well, such as safety course discounts, payment discounts, and affinity discounts.
Evaluate Third-Party Ratings and Reviews
Look at financial strength ratings from independent rating agencies such as AM Best and S&P Global. Also check out J.D. Power studies, such as the 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
You may want to check out customer reviews on third-party websites such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but keep in mind that most auto insurance companies receive low average ratings on these sites. Still, you can look for patterns of complaints that are concerning. You can also check the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index for companies you are considering. However, bear in mind that the NAIC doesn’t categorize motorcycle insurance complaints separately from private passenger auto.
Consider Digital Tools
If it’s important for you to have certain features, such as a mobile app that displays your insurance card or an online claims portal, you should determine which companies offer the tools you want. See what’s available from each company and look up mobile app ratings on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Is Motorcycle Insurance Expensive?
Motorcycle insurance is generally less expensive than auto insurance, but it can still set you back. The average national cost of liability-only motorcycle insurance is $68 per month, but some states have much higher average rates. Your premium will also depend on such factors as your age and driving history.
How Much Is Motorcycle Insurance in California?
The average monthly cost of motorcycle insurance in California is $92 per month, according to Insurify. But it’s possible to get cheaper rates in California. The California Department of Insurance offers an online tool you can use to compare quotes from different companies.
Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance?
Unless you live in Hawaii, Michigan, Montana, or New Hampshire, you’re required by law to have insurance if you ride a motorcycle. Many states impose strict penalties for riding a motorcycle without insurance. Even if your state doesn’t require it, motorcycle insurance provides essential financial protection from the high costs of lawsuits, medical bills, and repairs that may result from an accident.
Can I Get Motorcycle Insurance Without a License?
Many insurance companies won’t issue a motorcycle insurance policy to someone without a license. That’s why most people get a license before buying a bike.
The Bottom Line
Motorcycle insurance is essential to cover unexpected costs related to injuries in an accident or as a result of theft or damage. Laws vary by state regarding both how much insurance you need and how insurers can set their premiums. On average, you can expect to pay about $148 per month for motorcycle insurance, but those costs can vary widely by location and insurer.
