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How much does motorcycle insurance cost?
Motorcycle insurance costs depend on several driver and vehicle factors. For example, new bikes in the $15,000 range could start around $200 annually for liability-only policies and extend up to $500 or more for full coverage policies with higher maximums. A bike that’s twice the price could see double the annual premiums.
You’ll also see premium increases if you’re considered a high risk driver, such as if you have multiple accidents or claims on your driving record or you live in an area with high theft rates.
How do I compare motorcycle insurance?
As a young or inexperienced driver, it’s an unfortunate reality that you’ll have to pay more on your premiums. And if you’ve already purchased your bike, you might not have a choice in how much you’ll pay for that model. However, there are some ways to help reduce your premiums.
- Choose the right bike. Larger and more powerful engines are more expensive to insure.
- Keep your bike safe. Keeping your bike in a garage reduces the likelihood of your bike getting damaged.
- Drive safely. Do your best to avoid accidents to build up a no-claims history.
- Reassess the value of your bike. For example, if you’ve insured a brand new motorcycle, then it might be over-insured just a few years later after it depreciates, and you may be paying too much for coverage.
- Choose your payment options. Many insurers will charge less overall for premiums paid annually rather than monthly, or for setting up auto-pay.
- Get discounts. You may be entitled to a range of discounts, including loyalty bonuses, no claims bonuses, discounts for signing up online, multi-policy discounts and others.
- Adjust your coverage. You could be paying extra for policy options that you don’t need or won’t use. On the other hand, you might be able to get helpful perks included from a specialist motorcycle policy.
What insurance do I need for my motorcycle?
To build your policy, start with your state’s minimum liability coverage, then increase your maximums and add any coverage you need to your policy. Want wider coverage? Look for a full coverage motorcycle policy, which includes liability, collision and comprehensive coverage.
Bodily injury liability
Covers costs from injuries you cause to another person, including immediate medical aid, legal help, health care, funerals and pain and suffering.
Property damage liability
Covers damages you cause to someone else’s property/vehicle. It does not cover damage to your own bike. For that, you’ll need collision and/or comprehensive.
Comprehensive
Covers damage to your motorcycle from things like natural disasters, terrorism, explosions and fire, glass damage, falling objects, vandalism, damage from animals and theft.
Collision
This covers damages to your motorcycle if you’re involved in an accident.
Bike accessory
Covers damage to windshields, luggage racks, storage and other personal items.
Medical payments
This covers your medical costs if you’re injured in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
What else should I be looking for in a policy?
Consider the extras available in a policy. These additional benefits may be available to you based on the specific policy and level of coverage you have. For example, accessory coverage for motorcycles or custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage includes coverage for helmets, sidecars, antennas, trailers, custom paint or exhaust and trike conversion kits.
Some extras may include:
- Helmet coverage
- Riding gear and bags
- Loaned insurance
- Tools
- Rental insurance
- Personal items
- Windshield and glass damage
- Total loss
- Trip interruption
- Seasonal & storage coverage
- Passenger coverage
- Death benefit coverage
Do I need motorcycle insurance?
Yes, motorcycle insurance is required in most states, though each state has different motorcycle insurance laws based on the engine size and other factors. If your vehicle has an engine smaller than 50cc or top speeds below 30 mph, it’s likely classified as a moped or scooter. Bikes with an engine over 50cc will be classified as a motorcycle.
Even if you live in one of the states that doesn’t require bike insurance, it’s typically a good idea to buy insurance. Insurance will help protect you in case of an accident, especially if the damages after an accident are more than you can pay.
What affects my motorcycle insurance premiums?
In addition to your age, level of coverage, riding history and how high or low your deductible is, these factors can affect what you’ll pay for coverage:
How do I get scooter and moped insurance?
Moped and scooter insurance are widely available. Motorbike insurance premiums are determined by the vehicle’s engine capacity, so less powerful mopeds and motor scooters have lower insurance premiums than higher-end motorcycles.
Start by checking what kind of engine yours has. Mopeds typically have a very low engine capacity and are almost always less than 225cc, while most but not all scooters are.
225cc and under is the lightest class of motorcycles, and this category of moped or scooter will lower your insurance premiums more than standard motorcycle insurance.
Bottom line
Before insuring your motorcycle, be aware of its nuances and what you can do to save money on your premiums. Check out all your car insurance options to ensure you’re getting the right coverage for your situation.
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