Motorcycle Insurance
Coverage for motorcycles including collision, theft, and accessories.
Typical cost: $500 – $2,000 per year
What Is Motorcycle Insurance?
Motorcycle insurance provides financial protection specifically designed for motorcycle owners and riders. Like auto insurance, it covers liability, collision, and comprehensive losses, but it also addresses risks unique to motorcycling—such as higher injury severity, accessory coverage, and riding gear protection.
Why Motorcycle Insurance Is Different from Auto Insurance
Motorcyclists face statistically higher risks of serious injury in an accident. Per mile traveled, motorcycle fatalities are roughly 29 times higher than passenger car fatalities. This elevated risk profile means motorcycle policies often include enhanced medical payments coverage and may cost more per dollar of vehicle value than standard auto insurance.
Key Coverage Options
Beyond standard liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages, motorcycle policies may include accessories and custom parts coverage, which protects aftermarket exhaust systems, saddlebags, and custom paint. Transport trailer coverage protects your trailer, and roadside assistance designed for motorcycles includes flatbed towing rather than standard tow trucks that can damage a bike.
Seasonal and Storage Considerations
If you ride seasonally, many insurers offer lay-up coverage that reduces your premium during months the bike is stored. This maintains comprehensive coverage (protecting against fire and theft in your garage) while suspending liability and collision coverage. Switching to lay-up each winter can save 10–30% on annual premiums.
What's covered
Bodily Injury Liability
Covers injuries you cause to others while riding, including medical expenses, lost wages, and legal defense costs.
Property Damage Liability
Pays for damage you cause to another person's property while operating your motorcycle.
Collision Coverage
Repairs or replaces your motorcycle after a collision with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and animal strikes.
Uninsured Motorist
Protects you if you're hit by a driver who has no insurance or inadequate coverage.
Medical Payments
Pays medical bills for you and your passenger regardless of fault after an accident.
Accessories Coverage
Covers custom parts and equipment like saddlebags, chrome accessories, and aftermarket exhaust systems.
Roadside Assistance
Provides flatbed towing, fuel delivery, and lockout services designed specifically for motorcycles.
Specialized coverage
Explore specific motorcycle insurance options.
Sport Bike Insurance
Coverage for high-performance sport motorcycles.
Cruiser Insurance
Insurance for cruiser-style motorcycles.
Touring Bike Insurance
Coverage for touring motorcycles and long-distance riding.
Off-Road Bike Insurance
Protection for dirt bikes and off-road motorcycles.
Scooter Insurance
Affordable coverage for scooters and mopeds.
Vintage Motorcycle Insurance
Specialized coverage for classic and vintage bikes.
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Tailored coverage addresses unique risks of motorcycling
- Accessories and custom parts coverage protects your investment in upgrades
- Lay-up options reduce costs during off-season storage
- Generally less expensive than auto insurance due to lower vehicle values
- Roadside assistance programs specifically designed for bikes
- Bundling with auto or home insurance yields discounts
- Many policies cover riding gear like helmets and jackets
Considerations
- Higher injury risk can mean expensive medical payments coverage
- Sport bikes and high-performance motorcycles carry steep premiums
- Riders under 25 face significantly higher rates
- Seasonal riding limits may complicate coverage
- Theft rates for motorcycles are relatively high
Frequently asked questions
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