📋 Table of Contents
- Best Motorcycle Insurers Overview
- Progressive — Best Overall
- Geico — Best Rates
- Harley-Davidson Insurance — Best for HD Riders
- Markel — Best for Classic & Vintage Bikes
- Nationwide — Best for New Riders
- What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?
- What Affects Your Motorcycle Insurance Rate?
- Tips to Lower Your Premium
- FAQs
Motorcycle insurance is legally required in almost every state and essential for protecting your investment on the road. Unlike auto insurance, motorcycle policies often include specialty coverages specifically designed for riders — from custom parts and equipment coverage to roadside assistance tailored for bikes, and coverage for safety gear like helmets and riding jackets.
Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies
Progressive is the largest motorcycle insurer in the United States and the benchmark against which others are measured. Its coverage options are the most comprehensive available — including custom parts and equipment up to $3,000, total loss coverage, trailer coverage, and a disappearing deductible for claim-free riders. Progressive insures virtually every type of motorcycle including sport bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, trikes, and scooters.
✅ PROS
- Widest coverage options in the market
- Custom parts & equipment up to $3,000
- Disappearing deductible for safe riders
- Covers virtually all bike types
- Multi-bike discount available
⚠️ CONS
- Not always the cheapest option
- Claims satisfaction below some rivals
Geico consistently offers some of the lowest motorcycle insurance rates in the market, particularly for standard and cruiser bikes ridden by experienced riders with clean records. Its fully digital experience makes getting a quote and managing a policy straightforward, and its 24/7 claims service provides reliable support when you need it most.
✅ PROS
- Lowest average rates for standard bikes
- A++ financial strength
- Excellent digital tools
- Multi-policy bundle discount
- Military discount available
⚠️ CONS
- Limited specialty coverage options
- Less comprehensive than Progressive
- No custom parts coverage by default
Harley-Davidson Insurance, underwritten by Dairyland and backed by H-D's deep understanding of its bikes, offers coverage specifically designed for Harley owners. Custom parts and accessories coverage up to $30,000 — far exceeding what most competitors offer — makes it the clear choice for HD riders with significant aftermarket investments. The Harley Owners Group (HOG) discount adds additional savings for members.
✅ PROS
- Up to $30,000 custom parts coverage
- HOG member discounts
- Designed specifically for HD bikes
- Agreed value coverage available
- Roadside assistance included
⚠️ CONS
- Harley-Davidson bikes only
- Not available in all states
- Higher premiums than standard insurers
Markel specializes in specialty vehicle insurance and is the premier choice for classic, vintage, and collector motorcycles. Markel offers agreed value coverage — meaning you and the insurer agree on the bike's value upfront, and that's exactly what you receive in a total loss — rather than market value, which can significantly undervalue rare or restored bikes.
✅ PROS
- Agreed value coverage for classic bikes
- No mileage restrictions
- Coverage for spare parts
- Flexible storage coverage
- Specialty vehicle expertise
⚠️ CONS
- Not suitable for daily riders
- Lower AM Best rating than top competitors
- Limited availability in some states
Nationwide stands out for its Motorcycle Safety Course discount — offering meaningful premium reductions for riders who complete an approved safety training program. For new riders who take a safety course, this discount can partially offset the higher premiums typically associated with inexperienced motorcyclists. Nationwide's multi-policy discounts also make it attractive for homeowners or renters looking to bundle.
✅ PROS
- Safety course discount for new riders
- Good multi-policy bundle discount
- Strong financial ratings
- Roadside assistance available
⚠️ CONS
- Not available in all states
- Limited specialty coverage
- Higher premiums than Geico
What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?
Liability Coverage
Required in almost every state. Liability coverage pays for bodily injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. As with auto insurance, minimum state limits are rarely sufficient — experts recommend carrying at least 100/300/100 liability limits to protect your personal assets.
Collision Coverage
Covers damage to your motorcycle after a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. Essential if your bike is financed, and worth carrying on any motorcycle with significant value. Applies whether you're involved in a collision on the road or if your parked bike is hit.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage — theft, vandalism, fire, weather damage, and animal strikes. Motorcycle theft is a significant risk; a comprehensive policy ensures you're covered if your bike is stolen, which is one of the most common motorcycle insurance claims.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Particularly important for motorcyclists, who are especially vulnerable in accidents with uninsured drivers. UM/UIM coverage pays for your injuries and bike damage when you're hit by a driver without adequate insurance.
Medical Payments / Personal Injury Protection
Covers medical expenses for you and your passenger after an accident, regardless of fault. Essential for motorcyclists given the elevated injury risk compared to car drivers.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage
Standard policies may not cover aftermarket modifications — custom exhaust systems, upgraded seats, saddlebags, chrome accessories, or performance upgrades. Custom parts coverage protects your investment in these additions, typically up to a set limit ranging from $3,000 to $30,000 depending on the insurer.
Safety Apparel Coverage
Covers the cost of replacing helmets, riding jackets, gloves, boots, and other safety gear damaged in an accident. This coverage is unique to motorcycle insurance and available from Progressive, Harley-Davidson Insurance, and several other specialty providers.
What Affects Your Motorcycle Insurance Rate?
- Bike type: Sport bikes and high-performance motorcycles carry significantly higher premiums than standard cruisers or touring bikes due to higher accident and theft rates.
- Engine size: Larger engines generally mean higher premiums. A 1000cc sport bike costs substantially more to insure than a 250cc beginner bike.
- Rider age and experience: Young and new riders pay more. An experienced 40-year-old with 10 years of riding history pays far less than a 20-year-old who just got their license.
- Driving record: Accidents and violations increase your rate just as they do for auto insurance.
- Location: Urban areas with higher theft rates and more traffic congestion carry higher premiums than rural locations.
- Annual mileage: Low-mileage seasonal riders typically pay less than daily commuters.
- Storage: Storing your bike in a garage reduces theft risk and can lower your premium.
- Safety course completion: Most insurers offer 5–15% discounts for completing an approved motorcycle safety course.
Tips to Lower Your Motorcycle Insurance Premium
- Take a motorcycle safety course: Most insurers offer meaningful discounts for MSF or state-approved safety course completion. New riders benefit most from this discount.
- Choose your bike wisely: If budget is a concern, a standard cruiser or touring bike will cost significantly less to insure than a sport bike or high-performance model.
- Store your bike securely: A locked garage, alarm system, or GPS tracker reduces theft risk and can lower your comprehensive coverage premium.
- Bundle with auto or home insurance: Multi-policy discounts of 5–15% are widely available when you insure your motorcycle and car or home with the same company.
- Consider seasonal coverage: If you only ride during warmer months, ask about suspending collision and comprehensive during storage while maintaining liability coverage. This can reduce your annual premium by 20–30%.
- Compare quotes annually: Motorcycle insurance rates change frequently. Shopping at every renewal ensures you're always paying a competitive rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Motorcycle insurance costs vary widely by bike type, rider age, and location. Liability-only coverage starts at $65–$100 per year for an experienced rider on a standard bike. Full coverage for a sport bike ridden by a young rider can exceed $1,000 per year. The national average for full motorcycle coverage is approximately $500–$700 annually.
Yes, in almost every state. Most states require at minimum liability coverage to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads. Requirements vary by state — some states require both bodily injury and property damage liability, while a few allow financial responsibility alternatives. Florida is a notable exception, not requiring motorcycle insurance but holding riders financially responsible for damages.
No. Auto insurance policies specifically exclude motorcycles. You need a separate motorcycle insurance policy. Some insurers allow you to bundle motorcycle and auto policies for a multi-vehicle discount, but they remain separate policies with separate premiums and coverage terms.
Standard and cruiser motorcycles with modest engine sizes (250cc–750cc) are consistently among the cheapest to insure. Touring bikes also tend to carry reasonable premiums. Sport bikes, especially those with 600cc or larger engines, are among the most expensive due to their performance capabilities and higher accident rates. Vintage or classic bikes covered under agreed value policies can also be surprisingly affordable to insure.