Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.
- The average cost of motorcycle insurance for a standard bike is $108 per month or $1,296 per year.
- Premiums are affected by factors like the type of motorcycle, age, experience, location, and policy.
- Compare motorcycle insurance policies to find the best rates on the coverages you need.
The cost of a liability-only motorcycle insurance policy for the standard bike is $68 per month or $816 per year. The cost of a full coverage policy is $148 per month or $1,776 per year, but your personalized quote varies based on individual factors.
Understanding costs before purchasing motorcycle insurance is important for several reasons. First, it allows you to effectively fit this expense into your budget. Second, knowing the standard rates for your profile helps you discover the most competitive rates in the market and save money on insurance. Thirdly, knowing average rates prevent overpaying for insurance based on your risk profile and the coverages you need.
Factors Influencing Motorcycle Insurance Rates
Take a look below for some of the factors affecting motorcycle insurance rates.
Type of Motorcycle
The type of bike you plan to ride also significantly impact how much you'll pay. The value of your bike, the safety features, the crash rate for that model, and the theft rate are factors considered when determining your premium.
Rider's Age and Experience
Like auto insurance, motorcycle insurance for young riders and less experience tends to be more expensive. For instance, 18-year-old drivers with one year of experience usually have higher rates than someone in their 30s with ten years.
Location and Riding Habits
Your location and riding habits heavily influence the cost of motorcycle insurance. For example, drivers in urban areas generally experience elevated rates of accidents and crime. As a result, they'll see increased insurance rates.
Your riding habits also impact your insurance premiums. Those with a history of reckless driving, (i.e., speeding tickets, at fault accidents, and DUI) pay more for insurance than those with a clean driving record.
Coverage Options and Limits
The Insurance Information Institute mentions several coverages that motorcycle insurance providers offer:
- Liability insurance: This coverage that pays for damage you do to others' property or any injuries. Most states require you to carry at least a liability policy to ride on the road.
- Collision insurance: This coverage pays for damages to your motorcycle if you collide with another vehicle or object.
- Comprehensive coverage: This coverage pays for non-collision-related damages, like theft or vandalism.
- Coverage for motorcycle modifications, parts, and accessories: Some insurance policies will cover riding gear (like jackets and helmets), and other types of coverage will pay to repair and replace accessories like trailers, sidecars, or upgraded parts.
- Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage: This policy will reimburse you when an underinsured or uninsured driver damages your bike or injures you.
Deductibles
Your deductible (what you pay before your insurer disburses your claim) directly impacts your premium. A higher deductible results in lower premiums, but you'll pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim.
Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance by State
Comparison of State Rates
As mentioned, the cost of car insurance changes based on your location. The table illustrates the average cost of motorcycle insurance by state.
State | Average Monthly Premium |
Alabama | $144 |
Alaska | $131 |
Arizona | $184 |
Arkansas | $172 |
California | $92 |
Colorado | $159 |
Connecticut | $201 |
Delaware | $184 |
Florida | $258 |
Georgia | $75 |
Hawaii | $120 |
Idaho | $125 |
Illinois | $132 |
Indiana | $104 |
Iowa | $89 |
Kansas | $171 |
Kentucky | $135 |
Louisiana | $287 |
Maine | $81 |
Maryland | $148 |
Massachusetts | $137 |
Michigan | $303 |
Minnesota | $114 |
Mississippi | $111 |
Missouri | $135 |
Montana | $173 |
Nebraska | $195 |
Nevada | $140 |
New Hampshire | $98 |
New Jersey | $229 |
New Mexico | $151 |
New York | $305 |
North Dakota | $132 |
Ohio | $106 |
Oklahoma | $151 |
Oregon | $148 |
Pennsylvania | $134 |
Rhode Island | $136 |
South Carolina | $143 |
South Dakota | $109 |
Tennessee | $83 |
Texas | $186 |
Utah | $130 |
Vermont | $81 |
Virginia | $128 |
Washington | $132 |
Washington, D.C. | $130 |
West Virginia | $110 |
Wisconsin | $110 |
Wyoming | $183 |
Source: Insurify
High-Cost vs. Low-Cost States
Some states are more expensive than others for motorcycle insurance coverage. For example, New York has the highest car insurance cost at $305 per month. Meanwhile, Georgia has the lowest at $75 per month. Like car insurance, state laws and risk factors in your area affect how much your motorcycle insurance costs.
How to Save Money on Motorcycle Insurance
Below are some strategies to find the most affordable motorcycle insurance options.
Choosing the Right Coverage
Choosing the right amount of coverage ensures you're not underinsured. It is also one of the ways to save on motorcycle insurance as it prevents paying for coverages you don't need.
When choosing the right coverage, start by considering your state's minimum insurance requirements. You can usually find the most updated information on your state's DMV or insurance department website. Your insurance agent or broker should also be able to help you with this. Remember, the more coverage your state requires, the higher your insurance cost will be.
Then you'll want to assess coverage needs. If you frequently ride your bike or own a new or high-valued, consider full-coverage insurance. If you have a modified bike, custom parts coverage insures your modifications. If you live in an area with all four seasons, consider seasonal motorcycle insurance to lower your premiums during the winter months when you're not riding.
Check out our guide to the best and cheapest motorcycle insurance providers to find the right coverage for you.
Taking Safety Courses
Even if you've been riding for years, brushing up on your riding knowledge is never a bad thing. Many insurers offer a discount for taking a motorcycle safety class within the past five years.
Bundling Insurance Policies
With the multi-policy discount, It's usually cheaper (though not always) to buy your policy with the same company then buy them separately at different companies. This is because of the multi-policy discount. Policygenius states that policyholders save up to 20% when bundling their car and motorcycle policy. You can also bundle your policy with other products like home or renters insurance.
Maintaining a Clean Riding Record
Insurers offer discounted rates to those with a claims and accident-free record, as you're less likely to file a claim. If you have a moving infraction, consider taking an approved safety course to lower your premiums and improve motorcycle safety.
Comparing Motorcycle Insurance Quotes
Each company considers calculates and prices your policy differently. So, like any other type of insurance, shop around to find the best rates on the coverage you need. A good practice is to obtain quotes from several motorcycle insurers at least once a year to see which company offers you the most coverage for the lowest premiums and deductibles.
Additional Motorcycle Insurance Factors to Consider
Seasonal Riding
In some areas, riders may only want coverage for a limited riding season. This does not kick in automatically. However, you can reduce your coverage in the off-season to cover comprehensive, but not necessarily collision among other things. If you're going to make this move, read your policy carefully as even one ride in the off-season could put you at risk of damages that aren't covered.
Impact of Customizations and Accessories
Similarly, consider any upgrades or customizations. Brands like Harley Davidson customize your bike to your preferences long before you see it. But your insurance will cover the base model only unless you purchase extra coverage for customizations.
Usage-Based Insurance Programs
Usage-based programs track your driving via your smartphone, GPS, or other technology. There are two types of usage based programs.
Driving-based usage programs monitor your driving habits like how fast your ride, how harshly you brake, and the time of day you ride. You typically receive a higher discount on your policy or rewards at participating brands based on how well you ride.
Pay-per-mile insurance also uses telematics data to track your mileage. This program allows riders who use their bike occasionally to save money on insurance by only paying for coverage when you ride.
Motorcycle Insurance Average Cost FAQ
What is the average cost of motorcycle insurance?
The average cost of motorcycle insurance is $108 per month or $1,296 per year. Your exact premium varies based on individual factors, your coverage needs, and the company you purchase a policy with.
How can I lower my motorcycle insurance premium?
Lower your premium by opting for higher deductibles, maintaining a clean riding record, taking safety courses, and bundling policies.
Does the type of motorcycle affect insurance rates?
The type of motorcycle does affect your insurance rates. Sports bikes generally have higher insurance rates compared to cruisers or touring bikes due to their higher risk profile.
Are there discounts available for motorcycle insurance?
Many insurers offer discounts for motorcycle insurance. Some examples include discounts for safety course completion, multi-policy bundling, and good riding records.
Is motorcycle insurance mandatory?
Motorcycle insurance is mandatory in most states. Check your state's DMV or insurance department website for the most up-to-date requirements information.
Alani Asis is a personal finance expert with experience covering insurance, retirement, and credit at both Business Insider and LendingTree. Her work has been published in AARP, CNN Underscored, Forbes, Fortune, PolicyGenius, and U.S. News & World Report.ExperienceAlani is a former insurance fellow on the Personal Finance Insider team. She’s reviewed life insurance and pet insurance companies and has written numerous explainers on travel insurance, credit, debt, and home insurance.She is passionate about demystifying the complexities of insurance and other personal finance topics so that readers have the information they need to make the best money decisions.ExpertiseAlani’s areas of personal finance expertise include:
- Car insurance
- Life insurance
- Home insurance
- Travel insurance
- Pet insurance
- Credit
- Credit cards
- Retirement planning
EducationAlani is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she earned a degree in political science and history.
Top Offers From Our Partners
Chime® Checking Account Set up Direct Deposit and get your paycheck up to 2 days before your coworkers.** No overdraft fees. No monthly fees. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. **Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
