Top pick: Progressive motorcycle insurance
- Starting rates from $75 per year
- Accident forgiveness for small claims
- Long list of discounts
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Compare cheap motorcycle insurance
Find affordable bike coverage with the best perks, discounts and low rates
You can save a lot of money on motorcycle insurance by hunting for discounts, lowering your deductible or considering less coverage. But make sure you still have enough coverage to protect yourself and your bike for an accident.
What's in this guide?
How to get cheap motorcycle insurance
The average cost of motorcycle insurance is $519 per year, or $43 per month, depending on your location. You can consider anything less than this to be cheap insurance.
You can buy a cheap insurance policy in several ways. However, these methods may not protect you from paying out of pocket after an accident:
- Choose a cheap insurance company. Look for the lowest rates when comparing insurance companies, but make sure coverage is equivalent across policies.
- Take a defensive riding course. Whether or not you have tickets or accidents on record, you can take a defensive driving course to prove you’re focused on safe driving.
- Add more security. Antitheft devices or parking in a garage will save on your premiums.
- Ride less. Lower your mileage or let your insurer know you only ride occasionally to save.
- Look for multiple discounts. Some companies offer multiple discounts you might qualify for. When you get an online quote, select every feature and benefit that applies to you.
- Opt for less coverage. Keep your policy simple with basic protection, such as liability and collision.
- Lower your policy limits. You can choose a lower limit that will pay for damages in most situations. For the cheapest insurance, set your minimums to the lowest required for your state.
- Raise your deductible. Give yourself more financial responsibility upfront before your coverage kicks in. But make sure you can pay your deductible after an accident.
- Get a cheap bike for cheaper insurance. A brand new Harley will cost more to insure than a slightly used Kawasaki.
How to get cheap bike insurance for young riders
Unfortunately, insurance companies see young motorcycle riders as higher risk than seasoned pros. Try some of these tactics to get a more affordable deal as a young rider.
- Think before you buy your bike. Brand-spanking new and powerful motorbikes will cost more to insure. Opt for a smaller or older bike to keep insurance costs down.
- Ride responsibly. Keeping a clean record by driving safely and staying within the speed limit will help you cut costs in time.
- Take a driving course. Get a motorcycle certificate to help push your insurance premiums down.
- Pay upfront. Try to pay in an annual lump sum, as insurers hit monthly payers with higher prices.
What are the best cheap motorcycle insurance companies?
- Best for cheap rates: Geico
- Best for free perks: Progressive
- Best for discounts: Harley-Davidson
Best for cheap rates: Geico motorcycle insurance
Optional
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance
New car protection
Accident forgiveness
Geico doesn't just offer low-cost insurance for cars, but for motorcycle insurance too. Expect low starting rates on standard coverage, and see how many 5-20% discounts you can stack to lower premiums even further. Plus, pay on your schedule with upfront, monthly, four, six or nine payments.
- Low base rates for bike insurance
- Save up to 20% with multiple discount opportunities
- Payment flexibility with five installment plans
| States served | All 50 states |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | Optional |
| Pay schedule | 12 months, 6 months, monthly |
| Claims methods | online, email, phone |
| New car protection | Yes |
| Accident forgiveness | Yes |
Best for free perks: Progressive motorcycle insurance
Optional
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance
New car protection
Accident forgiveness
Progressive's suite of coverage with freebies included is hard to find among motorcycle insurance companies. On top of perks like free custom parts and accessories coverage, enjoy forgiveness for qualifying accidents both big and small.
- Free coverage up to $3K for upgrades and accessories
- Full replacement cost included with some coverage
- Repairs original manufacturer parts with originals
| States served | All 50 states & DC |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | Optional |
| Pay schedule | 12 months, 6 months |
| Claims methods | online, phone |
| New car protection | Yes |
| Accident forgiveness | Yes |
Best for discounts: Harley-Davidson motorcycle insurance
Optional
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance
New car protection
Accident forgiveness
This well-known company spreads its specialized knowledge to insurance on many types of motorcycles and brands. Harley-Davidson also offers a long list of discount opportunities for new and experienced riders. Plus, you'll save more and get extra perks for being a Harley Owners Group member.
- Over a dozen insurance discounts
- Specializes in motorcycles, insuring many types
- Extras you won't find everywhere, like gap coverage
| States served | Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | Optional |
| Pay schedule | custom |
| Claims methods | online, phone |
| New car protection | |
| Accident forgiveness | Yes |
Compare cheap motorcycle insurance quotes
Is cheap bike insurance worth it?
Getting a cheap policy on your bike may work for your wallet, but the lowered rate may mean more out-of-pocket costs later.
You might compromise important coverage to get the cheapest policy or pay a high deductible, leaving you responsible for more damage costs out of pocket. Or you may have to cover your own bike’s damage even when another driver is at fault if you forgo underinsured motorist protection.
Who should get the absolute cheapest motorcycle insurance?
Cheap motorcycle insurance works best for drivers who:
- Need standard or minimal coverage only
- Have enough money to cover accident damages on their own
- Ride an older bike that’s worth less than an annual insurance policy
- Have a strict budget or fixed income
What coverage is included with cheap motorcycle insurance?
Cheap motorcycle insurance can include a variety of coverage. However, the more optional coverage you add, the higher your policy will be. In addition, most states require a minimum amount of liability coverage, such as $50,000 bodily injury or $25,000 property damage liability. Start with your state’s minimums in coverage and increase coverage amounts if you can afford it.
Standard insurance coverage for a cheap policy includes:
- Bodily injury liability. Pay medical bills for the other driver and passengers involved in an accident where you’re at fault.
- Personal injury protection. Pay for your own medical bills if you’re involved in a serious crash. Your policy also may pay for childcare, housekeeping services or lost income depending on your state.
- Property damage liability. Take responsibility for vehicle damage to other drivers during an at-fault accident.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist. Get coverage, even if the faulted driver can’t pay for your damages. Required in many states.
What’s not covered?
If you go with cheap liability-only insurance, the cheapest motorcycle insurance policy might not cover certain situations, such as:
- Minor roadside repairs like fluid delivery, battery jumpstart or tire changes
- Major accident damages above your maximum coverage amount
- Medical payments for you or passengers
- Loan or lease payments left over after your new motorcycle gets totaled
- Damage to optional or safety equipment, like extra chrome, new paint or your helmet
- Transport or tow-behind trailer damage
What are the alternatives to cheap bike insurance?
You may get the motorcycle insurance rate you need if you simply find discounts or maintain a clean driving record instead of dropping coverage. For example, instead of going with the absolute cheapest rate with bare minimum coverage, you could get safety discounts at a top-rated company with a little extra coverage.
Cheap motorcycle insurance in action
Sharon needed to keep her motorcycle premium low, so she opted for liability bike coverage with a lower maximum payout amount. She also raised her deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage, whittling her annual premium from $500 to $300 per year.
When Sharon rear-ended a car on the highway, she had enough liability to cover the minor damage to the other driver’s bumper. However, she had to pay all the damage to her motorcycle due to her high collision deductible.
Sharon had enough money in savings to cover the repairs, but she realized that a lower deductible would have saved her money on this claim.
Bottom line
Getting a cheap motorcycle policy works well if you understand the risk you’re taking with reduced coverage. A cheap policy may not protect you from paying expenses out of pocket after an accident. However, you can also obtain a lowered rate through discounts and a clean driving history.
Compare motorcycle insurance that works best for your situation.
Common questions about cheap motorcycle insurance
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