Motorcycle Insurance Costs

Liability coverage

Liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage you cause to other people. Most states require motorcyclists to carry at least a minimum amount of liability coverage, but the required limits differ from state to state. Check your state’s motor vehicle agency or insurance department for the current requirement.

A state minimum is a legal floor, not a recommendation. Higher limits cost more but protect you better if you cause a serious crash.

Other coverage choices

Collision pays for damage to your own motorcycle in a crash. Comprehensive covers theft, fire, vandalism and weather damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the other party has no or too little insurance. Medical payments coverage and, in some states, personal injury protection help with your own medical costs. Some insurers also offer cover for custom parts, accessories and gear.

If the bike is financed or leased, the lender will usually require collision and comprehensive until the loan is paid off. On an older, lower-value bike, some owners keep only liability and accept the cost of repairing or replacing the bike themselves.

What affects your premium

Insurers look at the rider – age, riding experience, driving and claims record – and the motorcycle – type, engine size, value and theft risk. Where you live and park, how much you ride, the coverage limits and the deductible you choose also matter. Each insurer weighs these factors differently, which is why quotes for the same rider can vary between companies.

Many insurers offer discounts for completed rider-training courses, for bundling with auto or home insurance and for paying in full. Some riders reduce coverage while the bike is stored for winter; make sure full coverage is back in place before you ride.

How to use the calculator figure

The insurance amount in the calculator is a fixed planning estimate per model. It is not a quote and not an average for any state. Get quotes from several insurers for the specific bike, your ZIP code and the coverage you want, then enter the real premium in the insurance field so the rest of the estimate is meaningful.