If you own a motorcycle or plan to, you need motorcycle insurance. In all but a few states, motorcycle insurance is required by law. The good news is that it’s typically cheaper than car insurance, costing an average of about $60 per month.1 But your premium will vary based on your age, location, driving history, and other factors. We’ll cover what you can expect to pay, how you can save, and how the top motorcycle insurance companies compare. With the right policy for your bike, you can enjoy your ride without worrying about your finances. 

Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance

The average cost for a motorcycle insurance varies by state. In fact, the cost of motorcycle insurance in California is more than five times the average premium in North Dakota. 

Below are average rates for a 45-year-old male seeking full coverage insurance with liability limits of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident, $50,000 in property damage coverage, and a $500 deductible for collision and comprehensive coverage, according to ValuePenguin.1

Motorcycle insurance rates also vary depending on your age. Below are quotes from Progressive based on age for a male rider in Los Angeles with a clean record.

Top Motorcycle Insurance Companies

Below are a handful of popular national motorcycle insurance providers. You can also check out our guide to the best motorcycle insurance companies for more options. 

Progressive

Progressive is the top provider of motorcycle insurance, covering one in three insured riders, and offering liability coverage for as little as $75 per year. You can save with discounts as well, including a multi-policy discount and a homeowner insurance discount. USAA members are also eligible for 5% savings with Progressive. In addition to the standard motorcycle coverages, you can get total loss coverage, carried contents coverage, roadside assistance, and more. Progressive also holds an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating with AM Best, but the company is ranked below average for claims satisfaction in a 2022 study by J.D. Power.2 

Geico

If you already have auto insurance with Geico, getting a quote for motorcycle coverage is quick and easy and will earn you a multi-policy discount. Other discounts are available as well, including a 10% discount for switching from another insurer. Geico offers accessories coverage, helmet coverage, and roadside assistance in addition to standard coverages. Geico has an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating with AM Best and is ranked slightly above average for claims satisfaction by J.D. Power.2

State Farm

State Farm offers few add-ons, but a full coverage policy is comprehensive and includes roadside assistance, trip interruption, and protective gear and equipment coverage. The company doesn’t offer online motorcycle insurance quotes, so you’ll need to speak with an agent to get your price and find out what discounts are available. State Farm has an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best and is ranked above average for claims satisfaction by J.D. Power.2

Allstate

Allstate offers more coverage options than most other motorcycle insurance providers, including rental reimbursement coverage, lease/loan gap coverage, and optional equipment coverage. There are several ways to save money on your policy, including a bundling discount, safety course discount, and full payment discount. Allstate has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating with AM Best and is ranked above average for claims satisfaction by J.D. Power.32 

Farmers

Farmers offers a few motorcycle insurance packages, which include coverages like roadside assistance, safety apparel coverage, and optional equipment coverage. You can also customize your policy with add-ons like trailer coverage. Farmers has a variety of discounts, including multi-policy and safety course discounts, plus a first-accident waiver program for riders with a clean driving record. AM Best gives Farmers an A (Excellent) financial strength rating, and J.D. Power ranked the company above average for claims satisfaction.42 

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.5 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 like 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, like 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 like 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 in the event of 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 net 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 a handful of 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 worth considering. 

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 ratings agencies like AM Best and S&P Global. Also check out J.D. Power studies, such as the 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. 

You may want to check out customer reviews on third-party websites like Trustpilot and the BBB, but just 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 NAIC complaint index for companies you are considering, but 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, like a mobile app that displays your insurance card or an online claims experience, 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.