Consumer Advocacy
What you need to know
Motorcycle Insurance
  • Motorcycle insurance is required in 47 states
  • Driver training courses can result in discounts
  • Rates are higher for custom and/or vintage bikes
  • Costs vary according to driving history, city, & gender
Our Approach

How we analyzed the best Motorcycle Insurance

Coverage & Additional Benefits
Policies are not a “cookie cutter” product, so we made sure to pick companies with a variety of coverage options and benefits that adjust to different consumer needs.
Financial Strength
An insurance company is only as good as its ability to pay out claims. Our top picks have strong financial ratings across different credit rating agencies.
Discounts
Owning and insuring a motorcycle isn’t cheap, that’s why we favored companies that offer affordable policies and a wide range of discounts.
Claims & Reputation
We chose companies with an excellent track record when it comes to claim processing and customer satisfaction.
We receive compensation from these partners, which impacts the order they appear on the page. That said, the analyses and opinions on our site are our own and we believe in editorial integrity.

Our Top Picks: Motorcycle Insurance Reviews

Dairyland review

Best Physical Damage Protection

 Screenshot from Dairylandinsurance.com. Taken July 3, 2019

Dairyland Insurance, a subsidiary of Sentry Insurance, was founded in 1953. The company is based in Stevens Point, Wisconsin and offers auto and motorcycle insurance policies.

Dairyland’s motorcycle policies include the average bodily injury and property damage liability, comprehensive, guest passenger liability, collision, medical expenses, personal injury protection, and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. However, what really stands out is the company’s Physical Damage Plus coverage.

The Physical Damage Plus coverage is designed to return your bike to mint condition after an accident by paying for genuine original manufacturer replacement parts. While some companies do offer parts replacement coverage, most will only pay for aftermarket parts, which are cheaper, since they’re lower quality than genuine ones. Dairyland’s Physical Damage Plus is optional, but it’s extremely beneficial, especially for those that have rare or vintage bikes, to ensure optimal performance in the future.

Dairyland also offers rental reimbursement coverage, so you can move around if your bike has to stay in the shop for a few days, roadside assistance and equipment coverage, plus 24/7 claims processing.

Rider Group Discounts

 Screenshot from Dairylandinsurance.com. Taken July 3, 2019

 

If you’re a member of a riding club or association, Dairyland may give you a discount. The specific affiliated clubs and associations are not explicitly listed on the company’s website, but you can see which ones are available in your area during the quote process.

 

The company also gives policy discounts to members of the Harley Owners Group, in addition to loyalty, rider course, homeownership, and multi-cycle discounts. 

Mobile App Available

  Screenshot from Dairylandinsurance.com. Taken July 3, 2019

Dairyland’s website is easy to use and navigate and full of resources and guides to walk you through the policy underwriting process, claims filing, and what to do in case of an accident.

You can request a quote online via the company’s website, over the phone, or by contacting a local agent. Dairyland also has a free mobile app for both Android and iOS devices, allowing you to manage your policy, make payments, and keep track of your claims.

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Farmers review

Best for Custom and Vintage Bikes

  Screenshot from Farmers.com. Taken July 3, 2019

Farmers Insurance Group, simply known as “Farmers,” is a California-based company that provides insurance and other financial products and services. The company was founded in 1928 and services consumers nationwide.

Highly customized and vintage bikes are amongst the most expensive ones to insure. However, Farmers Insurance offers a cost-effective alternative without skimping on coverage. The company’s Custom package is designed for limited edition motorcycles or those that have been modified enough to be considered a collector’s item, offering more than $30,000 in additional coverage. The Vintage package is for motorcycles that are 25 model years or older and are properly maintained. Both the Custom and Vintage packages can be added to any Plus or Elite Policy.

Besides Custom and Vintage specialty coverage, Farmers has Low Speed and Street Legal ATV packages for smaller bikes that are only driven around the neighborhood or private roadways, and for registered ATVs, respectively.

Three Protection Packages, Including Track Days

  Screenshot from Farmers.com. Taken July 3, 2019

While Farmers Insurance allows consumers to add specialty coverage to their policies based on the type of bike they own, this must be combined with one of the company’s pre-packaged plans--the Saver, Plus, and Elite.

The Saver policy includes $500 in safety apparel coverage and first accident forgiveness, in addition to comprehensive, liability and collision coverage, optional equipment, towing, and roadside assistance. The Plus policy offers $1,500 for safety apparel, $3,500 optional equipment coverage, total loss settlement for two years, trip interruption and track day coverage, roadside assistance, and coverage for towing expenses. The Elite policy is the company’s most comprehensive plan, with $2,500 for safety apparel, $5,000 for optional equipment, $2,000 for personal effects, total loss settlement for five years, enhanced rental coverage, diminishing deductible and waiver. You can also add medical payments, increased liability limits, and uninsured motorist coverage to any policy, among other components.

Free Consultation

  Screenshot from Farmers.com. Taken July 3, 2019

Farmers Insurance’s strong suit is its customer service. Unlike most companies that only offer support via email and over the phone, Farmers Insurance also offers assistance via live chat, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. CST. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, where it holds an excellent A+ rating, and has been rated “Better than Most” on J.D. Power for overall customer satisfaction, which is impressive, since most companies of its size have an “About Average” rating due to a high number of complaints.

Although the company does offer online quotes for its other insurance products, it does not appear to have this option for motorcycle policies. Regardless, its website features an agent-finder tool, that allows you to search for the nearest agent in your area for a free consultation.

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Harley-Davidson Insurance review

Best for New Riders

   Screenshot from Insurance.harley-davidson.com. Taken July 3, 2019

Founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson is a leading motorcycle manufacturer famous for its customized choppers. Over 20 years ago, the company decided to expand its product range and delve into the insurance industry, with the Harley-Davidson Insurance for motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson (H-D) is a good option for new riders. On top of its policies, the company offers extended service plans, theft and appearance protection, planned maintenance, bike loans, and a Visa rewards card that allows you to redeem points on H-D gear, especially beneficial for someone who just got their first bike. 

The company has its own academy with riding and safety courses and, upon successful completion, consumers can use this to obtain a price reduction on any motorcycling policy. Consumers can also get a reduced rate through the company’s experienced rider, H.O.G. member, home ownership, motorcycle endorsement, new bike, homeownership, loyalty, multi-cycle, prompt payer, anti-theft, claim-free renewal, and bundled protection discounts.

 

<h4>Protection for All Types of Bikes</h4>

   Screenshot from Insurance.harley-davidson.com. Taken July 3, 2019

Harley-Davidson Insurance is not just meant for Harleys. The company insures most types of bikes, from trikes to cruisers to scooters and mopeds.

The company’s standard policy includes bodily injury and property damage liability, comprehensive, collision, guest passenger liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage both for injuries and property damage, personal injury protection and medical expense coverage, which is the norm among most insurers. However, all policies are customizable, and you can build your own plan with any of these options, plus rental reimbursement, vacation rental coverage, bike replacement cost, and roadside assistance.

Harley-Davidson Insurance coverage can also include optional equipment and optional equipment replacement cost. The optional equipment coverage protects any modified equipment in your bike, while the optional equipment replacement cost will pay for any modified equipment that was lost when your motorcycle was totaled.

Consumers can request a quote online or over the phone by providing their contact details and other personal information, as well as their bike’s details.

Report Claims Online

   Screenshot from Insurance.harley-davidson.com. Taken July 3, 2019

One thing we really liked about Harley-Davidson Insurance is its way of handling claims. Clients can report a claim online or over the phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and an expert will contact them as quickly as possible to expedite the process.

The company’s website also offers a complete guide on what to do in case of an accident and steps to follow when reporting a claim.

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Markel review

Best Personal Coverage

Screenshot from Markelinsurance.com. Taken July 2, 2019

Markel Specialty Insurance, a subsidiary of Markel Corporation, provides customized motorcycle policies for consumers nationwide. The company is based in Glen Allen, Virginia and offers customer support via email and over the phone.

 Like most other companies, Markel’s policies include bodily injury and property damage, medical payments, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured property damage and passenger liability coverage. However, the company’s personal protection options-- the uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and funeral expense coverage--are remarkable, since they add an extra layer of protection in worst-case scenarios.

Something we liked about Markel is that you can build your own policy, only paying for what you need. You can personalize your policy by adding coverage for accessories, mechanical breakdown, roadside assistance, trailer, and rental reimbursement. Quotes can be requested online or over the phone.

Around-the-clock Claims Processing

Screenshot from Markelinsurance.com. Taken July 2, 2019

Markel lets you file a claim online by submitting a form including your policy number, motorcycle information, description of the accident, your bike’s current location, photos, police reports, receipts, and statements. You can also file a claim over the phone at any time, and an examiner will contact you with further details on the next business day. 

Markel offers three claim settlement options for those who purchase comprehensive or collision coverage: actual cash value, replacement cost, and agreed value. The first is the most popular option, in which you’ll receive an amount equivalent to your motorcycle’s current retail price. Replacement cost is for motorcycles that are no older than three model years. With this type of settlement, you’ll receive the money to buy a new motorcycle, with no deductions for depreciation. Agreed value is designed for people with custom or vintage bikes, since the amount you’ll get will be based on an amount determined by an appraisal (agreed-upon price) before the policy starts.

Something worth mentioning is that Markel’s website has a step-by-step guide on how to file a claim, what to expect from the process and plenty of tips and information, to ease and speed up the process.

Up to 35% on Discounts

          Screenshot from Markelinsurance.com. Taken July 2, 2019

Besides its affordable policies, Markel allows consumers to save an additional 35% on their premiums through different discounts and an accident forgiveness program. The company’s discounts include safe driver, safety course, renewal, multi-unit, anti-theft alarm and anti-lock brakes, in addition to a 10% reduction just for switching from another company, and a diminishing deductible that can be as low as $0 after four years without an accident.

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Progressive review

Best Overall

Screenshot from Progressive.com. Taken July 2, 2019

When it comes to motorcycle insurance, Progressive has a lot to offer. Founded in 1937 and headquartered in Mayfield Village, Ohio, the company features a wide range of property and casualty insurance products.

Progressive’s basic motorcycle insurance policy includes a laundry list of coverages such as bodily injury and property damage, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments, comprehensive and collision, plus full replacement cost and no depreciation, accessories, and custom parts/equipment or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. This is quite impressive, as most insurers only include liability insurance on their basic policies and everything else is considered extra. 

The company’s full replacement cost and no depreciation coverage particularly stands out, as it ensures consumers that if their bike is totaled, Progressive will give them the actual retail price for a new model. If the bike isn’t eligible for total loss coverage at renewal time, the company will still give you its actual cash value if it's totaled.

Aside from everything included in the company’s standard policy, consumers can also purchase additional coverage such as total loss replacement for a new bike, roadside assistance and trip interruption, carried contents, enhanced injury protection and disappearing deductible, where they get 25% off for every claim-free motorcycle policy.

 

<h4>Online Quotes</h4>

Screenshot from Progressive.com. Taken July 2, 2019

Unlike other companies that allow customers to request a quote online, but must then wait for a representative to call them, Progressive actually allows them to both get a quote and purchase their policy online. You can get a quote by entering a few simple details, including your name, date of birth, address, motorcycle information, and the number of vehicles you’d like to add. The process only takes a few minutes, which is highly convenient, especially for those with a busy lifestyle. You can also request a quote over the phone or through the company’s mobile app.

Plenty of Ways to Save

Screenshot from Progressive.com. Taken July 2, 2019

Progressive’s motorcycle policies start at $75 per year, which is one of the lowest prices in the industry. The company also has plenty of discounts available for its customers, including multi-policy, association member, quote in advance, motorcycle endorsement, safety course, switch or transfer from another company, responsible driver, pay in full, pay on time automatic bill-pay and two levels of accident forgiveness.

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What is motorcycle insurance?

Feeling the wind while cruising scenic views, the adrenaline of track days, the convenience of moving quickly through traffic—these are some of the reasons why Americans love the motorcycling lifestyle.

In 2018, the Motorcycle Industry Council Owner Survey revealed that over 10 million U.S. households reported having at least one bike—the highest number recorded in decades. Men still dominate the scene accounting for 81% of owners. However, the Motorcycle Industry Council director of communications, Andria Yu, states that the demographic is shifting, since more women are stepping into the scene and, in her opinion, female ownership could soon reach 25%.

 

Motorcycle User Data

Despite their increasing popularity, motorcycles are still 28 times likelier to be involved in fatal crashes than other vehicles, as per the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration’s latest publication--and models with larger engines accounted for the majority of all fatalities.

Wearing protective gear, such as a helmet and flame-resistant apparel has proven to save many lives and reduce the risk of severe injuries, but beyond the physical damage, being involved in a motorcycle accident could also mean some serious financial consequences.

Motorcycle insurance is designed to provide financial protection in case of an accident, for both injuries and property damage. While the amount of coverage you’ll need will be based on several factors, including the type of bike you own and the state you live in, a motorcycle is an investment. As such, it’s important to keep it safe, so getting the right policy should be just as important as finding the right bike.

What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

Whether you get into an accident, your bike is stolen, or it gets damaged while in storage, motorcycle insurance can help defray some of your costs. Like car insurance, the standard coverage offered by most motorcycle policies includes:

  • Bodily injury liability – this type of coverage is required by most states. It pays for any medical bills and loss of wages resulting from injuries or death caused by an accident where you’re at fault.

  • Property damage liability – this covers any damages caused to someone else’s property (car, trailer, fence, etc.) in an accident where you’re legally liable.

  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist – this offers protection for any injuries or death-related expenses you incur in an accident with someone who has insufficient coverage or no insurance at all and is considered at fault.

  • Medical payments – this pays for any medical expenses you or your passengers may have, regardless of who’s at fault. Although this type of coverage is included in most policies, it’s still considered optional for motorcyclists.

  • Collision – this covers the costs of any repairs or replacements if your motorcycle hits or gets hit by another vehicle.

  • Comprehensive – this covers your motorcycle from losses or damages resulting from theft, vandalism, and other incidents other than collision. 

Besides these six essentials, you can also customize your plan by adding things like:

  • Guest passenger liability – this covers the medical expenses of any injured passengers if you’re at fault in an accident.

  • Total loss replacement – this is usually available for bikes that are no older than one model year at the time the policy is underwritten. If your motorcycle is totaled, the insurer will give you the full manufacturer’s retail price, minus any deductibles or applicable fees, allowing you to purchase another one.

  • Custom parts and accessories coverage – just like its name suggests, this will pay for any repairs or replacements to custom parts or accessories in your bike, like paint, rims, radios, and winches.

  • Carried contents – depending on the insurer, this may cover everything stored in your bike, from phones to camping or hunting gear, if they’re damaged or stolen.

  • Roadside assistance – if your bike breaks down on the road, this service can provide towing assistance, battery replacement, and fuel, among other minor fixes.

  • Trailer coverage – this protects the trailer you use to transport your motorcycle against any damages.

  • Trip interruption and rental coverage – if your bike breaks down away from home and it takes a few days to repair it, some insurance companies will pay for any lodging, food, and rental expenses.

A number of companies also offer what’s known as a “lay-up” policy. Some riders, especially those living in cold-weathered states, don’t ride their motorcycles during the winter season. Instead of canceling their policies during those months (a fairly common practice), they may opt for a lay-up policy. This type of policy temporarily stops the liability, collision, and medical payments part of your coverage, leaving only the comprehensive part. This allows you to save money on your premiums, while protecting your bike against theft, vandalism, or any damage caused by natural disasters.

How Much Insurance Do You Need?

The amount of protection you’ll need will be based on four main factors: state regulations, ownership, use, and the type of motorcycle you own.

State Regulations

Liability requirements for auto insurance vary from one state to another. For example, California’s minimum liability requirements are 15/30/5, while Louisiana’s minimum liability requirements are 15/30/25, as per the 2019 Automobile Financial Responsibility Laws by State table found on the Insurance Information Institute’s website. The first number represents the bodily injury liability limit per individual, the second one refers to the maximum bodily injury liability allowed for all the persons involved in an accident, and the third one represents the property damage liability limit. In other words, if Louisiana’s minimum liability requirements are 15/30/25, this means that you have up to $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage for all of those involved in the accident, with a limit of $15,000 per individual and $25,000 for property damage.

In most states, motorcycle insurance requirements mirror the auto insurance minimums. The exceptions are Alabama, Iowa, and Kansas, which have different requirements for each, and Florida and Montana, which don’t require motorcycle insurance at all. Still, if you’re involved in an accident and you’re found liable, the state of Florida will require that you purchase bodily injury and property damage liability insurance and keep it for three years to avoid license or registration suspension, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

After July 28th, 2019 motorcyclists in Washington State will no longer be exempt from the state’s mandatory auto insurance law and will have to show proof of insurance, as stated by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

In short, your state requirements will determine how much coverage you’ll need to purchase, but even if it’s not required, having insurance is always a good idea to keep you safe--no matter what.

Ownership

Although a lot of people overlook this, whether you own your bike or are still paying for it will play a big role in how much insurance you’ll need. If you own your bike, you’ll only have to abide by the state’s minimum requirements, plus any additional coverage you might see fit.

On the other hand, insurance is mandatory if you’re financing your bike, with the bike acting as collateral in case of default. The type of policy you’ll need will be conditioned to the lender’s requirements, but the deductible will be up to you.

Use

If you’re an occasional rider, or only ride seasonally, you probably won’t need as much coverage as someone who uses their motorcycle on a daily basis. Also, if you use your motorcycle to go on long road trips, you’ll need a more robust policy than someone who just uses it to cruise around town.

Type of Motorcycle

 

Motorcycle Types

If you have a Triumph Thunderbird Storm with a powerful 1699 cc engine, you’ll need greater protection than someone who owns a Vespa GTS SuperSport with a 300 cc engine, since a big cruiser can cause more damage and worse injuries than a scooter.

Additionally, some states, like Washington, don’t require insurance for smaller bikes like scooters or mopeds. Still, if you’re actively using it to commute or as your primary mode of transportation, you should at least purchase a bare-bones policy, just in case.

How is Motorcycle Insurance Priced?

Motorcycle insurance is a customizable product, and its overall cost will be based on several factors, including your age, gender, location, bike model, usage, driving record, claims history and credit.

Age

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported on its Traffic Safety Facts note that those between the ages of 20 to 29 represented the largest group of injured motorcyclists in an accident. If you’re a seasoned rider, chances are you’ll get a better rate than someone who’s young and hasn’t been riding for a long time.

Gender

Believe it or not, gender does matter when it comes to insurance prices (and that goes for cars too!). The NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts note revealed that approximately 85% of the motorcyclists injured in crashes each year are men. This direct correlation between high accident incidence and gender has caused insurers to charge male riders heftier premiums.

Location

Apart from the state’s minimum liability and insurance requirements, insurance companies also look at your city’s crime rates, overall weather, and history of natural disasters. Living in a city with soaring crime rates can also cause your premiums to increase substantially since you have more chances of getting your bike stolen or vandalized. Conversely, if you live in a cold-weather state, insurers assume that you won’t be riding your bike during the wintertime, resulting in lower premiums. 

Bike Model

If you have a customized bike, it’ll be more expensive to insure than one that hasn’t been modified, since you’ll need specialized accessories and parts coverage. Motorcycles with engines over 1000 cc also cost more to insure than those with smaller engines, as insurers consider them more dangerous.

Usage

This probably doesn’t come as a surprise, but the way you use your bike also influences its insurance cost. If you only ride your bike on the weekends, you’ll need less coverage than someone who uses it every day.

Driving Record

If you have a history of speeding tickets and other traffic violations, you’ll probably end up paying more for your insurance. And if you’ve only had your license for a year, your policy will be more expensive than a rider who’s had a license for four years.

Claims History

Those with a long history of claims usually end up paying higher premiums. Claims should only be filed in case of an emergency. If your bike had a mechanical breakdown that’s easy to fix, it’s better to cover the costs out of pocket than to file a claim.

Credit

Although not all companies do this, some may consider your credit score when pricing your premiums. Since a poor credit score is considered an indicator of bad financial habits, insurers take this to mean you have a greater chance of defaulting on your payments than someone with a higher credit score. For that reason, low credit scores generally translate to higher payments so insurers can protect themselves financially.

Regardless of all these factors, the company you choose will also have an impact on how much you’ll pay for your insurance. That’s why we always recommend comparing quotes from at least three insurers prior to purchasing a policy.

Saving Money on Motorcycle Insurance

Regardless of your bike’s model, how frequently you use it, or state and city you live in, you can still save money on your premiums through different discounts. Discounts vary from one insurer to the next, but the most common ones are:

  • Multi-policy – if you already have auto, homeowners, or another type of insurance with the same company and decide to get motorcycle insurance from them, you’ll get a discount just by bundling policies.

  • Paperless – enrolling in electronic communications can help you save money on your policy while helping the environment by reducing the paper trail.

  • Experienced driver – this discount is available for riders who’ve had their license for a good number of years without any suspensions.

  • Pay in full – a lot of companies will knock off a few bucks when you opt for a single annual payment instead of splitting it into monthly payments.

  • Automatic payments – similarly to paying in full, insurers will also give you a premium reduction when you schedule automatic payments.

  • Safety course – even if you’ve been riding for years, you can still get a discount by completing a safety course.

  • Anti-theft device – installing anti-theft devices like a security cable or a disk lock with an alarm not only saves you money, but it can help you keep your bike protected.

  • Membership – some companies will give you a discount for being a member of an association, such as the Harley-Davidson Owners Group, the Road Riders Association, or the American Motorcycle Association.

A Note on Safety

 

A Note on Safety

Motorcycle insurance can be a safety net in case of the worse. That being said, there are some precautions you can take to minimize the risk of accidents, injuries, or mechanical breakdowns.

  • Use proper gear – María A. Otero, a registered nurse who’s worked in Emergency Rooms for over 40 years, has seen a fair share of injured motorcyclists. “Most of them arrive at the ER with serious injuries, like severe road rash, bone and cranial fractures,” says Otero. Not wearing enough gear is often to blame. She advises motorcyclists to never leave the house without the proper protective garments, including gloves, a sturdy leather jacket, thick jeans, boots and a helmet certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

  • Regular maintenance – just like any other vehicle, motorcycles need regular maintenance to function properly, especially when it comes to their tires. Jorge Pratts, who owns a cruiser and a street bike, and has been riding for approximately six years without any incidents, says that “tires get worn rather quickly. Depending on how much you use your bike, you might end up changing them every three to four months.” According to Pratts, worn tires can cause your motorcycle to give way, especially when turning, thus increasing your chances of crashing. That’s why it is extremely important to change them frequently, particularly if your bike is your primary mode of transportation.

  • Check the weather – this may sound old-school, but yes, checking your local forecast prior to riding can spare you some headaches. Sure, a few showers have never stopped anyone from riding, but what happens when these “showers” turn into a torrential downpour? Things like the Motorcycle Weather app can help you with this task, providing you personalized hourly updates that allow you to see if the weather is right for riding.

  • Alert other vehicles – motorcycles are much less visible than cars on the road. If you see another vehicle getting too close, Pratts recommends alerting them by honking or waving your arms, to let them know you’re there.

What to Watch Out For 

Canceling Your Policy

If you only use your bike seasonally, you might be tempted to cancel your policy during the months you won’t be using it to save money. While a lot of riders do this during the winter months, it’s not a wise practice. If you cancel your policy and your bike is damaged while in storage, you’ll have to pay for everything yourself.

In states where insurance is required, some riders have reported receiving notices from the DMV stating that if they don’t show proof of storage during the months when the policy was inactive, they could face fines and other penalties. Also, if you have a custom or a vintage bike and cancel your policy, you would need to go through the appraisal process again when getting another policy. This could potentially lower the original agreed-upon-value due to depreciation, meaning that if your bike is totaled, you will receive less money than before.

When you cancel your policy and sign up for insurance again, you’re also treated as a new client, even if it’s the same company you already had with. This means that you’ll lose any renewal discounts or diminishing deductible.

 Instead of canceling your policy, you can always opt for a lay-up policy or call your insurance to reduce your liability limits, to save money during the months you won’t be riding your bike. If you opt for a lay-up policy, always ask if the company offers a “sunny day clause,” which simply means that you’re allowed to ride your bike during an unusually warm winter day and still be covered under the policy.

Track Days

Before riding your bike on the track, always ask your insurance company if it’ll cover any damages or injuries in case of an accident. Some companies will cover track days as long as it is not a race, a timed event, or there are money prizes involved. If your insurer doesn’t cover track days, you can always check for companies that specialize in insurance for racing and sports events, and purchase a short-term policy from them.

Not Wearing Enough Gear

 

Gear

As previously discussed, wearing the right gear can save your life during a motorcycle accident, but beyond safety, some gear, like DOT-certified helmets are required by law in most states. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 47 out of the 50 states, have mandatory helmet laws. The exceptions to this rule are the states of Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire, where there are no laws that regulate helmet use.

If you crash your bike on one of the states that require the use of helmets for motorcyclists, one of the first things your insurer will look at is if you were wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. If you weren’t wearing one or used one that wasn’t DOT-certified, this could reduce the amount of money you’ll receive when filing a claim. Also, the insurance company could completely deny your claim, since you weren’t complying with state laws.

What's important to know about motorcycle insurance

Can I purchase motorcycle insurance even if my state doesn’t require it?

The short answer is yes. Even if your state doesn’t require motorcycle insurance, you can still purchase it, but there are some restrictions. For example, although Montana doesn’t require motorcycle insurance as stated by its Legislative Audit Division, if purchased, it needs to have the same minimum liability coverage as other vehicles, which is 25/50/10. Florida doesn’t require motorcycle insurance either but, if you’re found at fault in an accident, you will be financially responsible for any costs associated to damages or injuries caused to others. Additionally, if you get into an accident and don’t have insurance at the moment, you’ll have to purchase it afterwards and keep it for three years.

Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to purchase insurance?

No, you don’t need a motorcycle endorsement or license to purchase insurance, but it doesn’t hurt to have one. If you ride a motorcycle without a license or endorsement and get pulled over, your motorcycle could be towed away and you could be fined, or even face jail time. Having a motorcycle license makes getting insurance easier, as there will be less blanks to fill in, plus some insurance companies will give you a discount just for having it.

Does my motorcycle insurance cover other riders?

It depends. If the person operating the bike is not listed in your policy, the insurance company could deny the claim and you’d be liable for any damages. Some companies will approve your claim, but will reduce the awarded amount if you weren't riding the bike. In any case, you should contact your insurance agent prior to loaning the bike, to see what’s covered. Also, ask the person in question if they have motorcycle insurance, and if their insurance will cover any damages to your bike, even if it’s not registered under their name. If it’s a long-term loan, you could try adding them to your policy, to avoid any issues.

Popular Comparisons

Our Motorcycle Insurance Review Summed Up

Company NameThe Best for
Allstate Motorcycle InsuranceComprehensive Collision Coverage
Markel Motorcycle InsuranceBest Personal Coverage
Progressive Motorcycle InsuranceAccident Forgiveness
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle InsuranceBest for New Riders
Farmers Motorcycle InsuranceBest for Custom and Vintage Bikes
Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance Best Physical Damage Protection
We receive compensation from these partners

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