Motorcycle Insurance Rates by Bike Type
| Bike Type | Progressive | Geico | Nationwide | State Farm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Cruiser (750cc) | $320/yr | $290/yr | $340/yr | $310/yr |
| Sport Bike (600cc) | $680/yr | $640/yr | $720/yr | $660/yr |
| Touring Bike | $450/yr | $410/yr | $480/yr | $440/yr |
| Scooter (under 150cc) | $180/yr | $160/yr | $195/yr | $175/yr |
| Dirt Bike / Off-Road | $250/yr | $220/yr | $270/yr | $240/yr |
Motorcycle Insurance Rates by Rider Age
| Rider Age | Avg. Full Coverage (Standard Bike) | Avg. Liability Only | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–24 | $900–$1,400/yr | $200–$400/yr | Highest risk group |
| 25–34 | $450–$700/yr | $100–$200/yr | Experience building |
| 35–54 | $280–$500/yr | $70–$150/yr | Lowest risk, best rates |
| 55–64 | $320–$550/yr | $80–$160/yr | Slightly increasing |
| 65+ | $380–$650/yr | $90–$180/yr | Age risk factor increases |
Top Ways to Lower Your Motorcycle Insurance Premium
- Complete a motorcycle safety course: The MSF Basic RiderCourse or state-equivalent earns 5–15% discounts from most insurers and makes you a genuinely safer rider.
- Choose a less powerful bike: Dropping from a 1000cc sport bike to a 650cc standard saves hundreds per year in premiums while still providing plenty of performance.
- Bundle with auto or home insurance: Multi-policy discounts of 5–15% are available from most major insurers.
- Store securely: A locked garage and an approved alarm system reduces theft risk. Many insurers discount premiums for garaged bikes.
- Maintain a clean riding record: Accidents and violations stay on your record for 3–5 years. Safe riding directly translates to lower premiums over time.
- Consider seasonal suspension: If you don't ride year-round, ask about suspending collision and comprehensive during winter storage months.
- Increase your deductible: Raising your deductible from $250 to $500 reduces your annual premium while maintaining protection for larger claims.
- Shop at every renewal: Motorcycle insurance rates vary significantly between companies. Comparing quotes annually ensures you're always paying the lowest available rate.
Essential Motorcycle Insurance Coverages Explained
Liability Coverage
Required by law in almost every state. Covers bodily injuries and property damage you cause to others. Minimum state requirements are almost always inadequate — carry at least 100/300/100 to protect your personal assets from lawsuits.
Collision and Comprehensive
Collision covers your bike after accidents; comprehensive covers theft, vandalism, and weather damage. Both are essential for any motorcycle with significant value. Motorcycle theft rates are high — comprehensive coverage is particularly valuable.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in accidents with uninsured drivers. UM coverage pays your medical bills and bike repairs when you're hit by a driver without insurance — a scenario that occurs with surprising frequency.
Custom Parts and Equipment
If you've invested in aftermarket accessories — upgraded exhaust, custom paint, saddlebags, audio systems — standard policies may not cover these modifications at full replacement cost. Custom parts coverage protects your investment up to the policy limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most states require minimum liability coverage for motorcycles, similar to auto insurance requirements. Typical minimums are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $10,000–$25,000 in property damage. Requirements vary by state — check your state's DMV for specific minimums.
Motorcycle insurance is typically less expensive than car insurance in absolute terms. However, on a per-mile basis, motorcycles carry higher accident rates and injury severity, making the risk profile different. A full-coverage motorcycle policy averages $500–$700 per year compared to $1,200–$1,500 for a typical auto policy.
Yes. Most major motorcycle insurers offer multi-bike policies that cover two or more motorcycles under a single policy, typically with a 10–15% multi-vehicle discount. This is more convenient to manage and usually cheaper than separate policies for each bike.