Motorcycle insurance covers damage you cause to others, along with damages to your bike and your personal injuries, among other things, depending on the policy. Most states require motorcycle insurance coverage and, depending on the rider, bike and location, annual premiums can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
If you don’t have motorcycle insurance, or if you’re looking to switch providers, read on to learn more about the best motorcycle insurance companies on the market.
Our Top Picks for the Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies
- Progressive – Best for Accident Forgiveness
- Harley-Davidson – Best for New Riders
- Foremost – Best for Track Riders
- Markel – Best for Mechanical Breakdown Coverage
- Nationwide – Best for Motorcycle Collectors
- Safeco – Best for Homemade and Kit Bikes
Best Motorcycle Insurance Company Reviews
Why we chose it: Progressive includes accident forgiveness benefits on your motorcycle insurance policy, so your rates won’t increase if you file a claim that’s less than $500.
Progressive policies include accident forgiveness, a promise of receiving Original Equipment Manufacturer parts or custom parts after an accident, depending on your bike, complimentary accessories coverage and deductibles that diminish the longer you remain claim-free.
The company’s accident forgiveness coverage won’t raise your rates if you file an accident claim for less than $500. Plus, if you’re accident free for four years, it won’t increase your premium for your first accident that’s over $500.
Customers in some states are eligible for large accident forgiveness. In this case, drivers who are accident and violation-free for up to five years won’t see their rates increase if they’re in an at-fault accident with a claim that’s more than $500.
Finally, customers can purchase additional accident forgiveness benefits to supplement the small and large forgiveness programs. They’ll have one accident forgiven per policy period.
Why we chose it: Harley-Davidson is our best motorcycle insurance company for new riders. If you’re insuring your first bike, Harley-Davidson offers one-stop shopping for insurance, bike loans and extended service plans.
Harley-Davidson specializes in motorcycle insurance and related products, including parts, bike loans and planned maintenance insurance. New riders can save on these products and services by taking the H-D Riding Academy New Rider Course. Not only will you gain skills to be safe on the road, you’ll also get a discount for completing the course.
The company’s range of covered motorcycle types and discounts offered are among the best on our list — rivaled only by Progressive.
Besides the standard coverage options, Harley-Davidson has a broad selection of add-ons:
- Guest passenger liability so your passengers receive coverage for bodily injuries they may receive while on the bike
- Full replacement cost coverage if your motorcycle is a total loss
- Original Equipment Replacement Cost coverage that replaces any equipment that didn’t come standard with your bike
- Rental reimbursement coverage in case you need to rent another bike or car while your main vehicle is out of commission
Why we chose it: Foremost is our pick for the best motorcycle insurance company for track riders since it’s the only insurer on this list that will cover these particular customers. Track day coverage pays for motorcycle repairs/replacement in case of an accident while on the racetrack.
A subsidiary of Farmers Insurance, Foremost offers many of the same coverages, but with an improved online experience and better terms for insurance products. For example, Foremost offers up to $10,000 in coverage for your transport trailer, whereas Farmers only covers up to $7,500.
The company has three coverage packages — Saver, Plus and Elite — that can be customized to fit your needs. All three plans include first-accident forgiveness and coverage for helmets and safety apparel, in amounts that vary by plan.
The Plus and Elite packages provide track-day coverage, $3,500+ in Optional Equipment coverage and roadside assistance with towing and trip interruption. The Elite plan includes a diminishing deductible and enhanced permissive use (allowing others to drive your bike) rental benefits.
Why we chose it: Markel is the best motorcycle insurance company for mechanical breakdowns, since it’s the only insurer on our list that covers repairs to components that fail, even if a crash doesn’t trigger the failure.
Markel stands out for its accident forgiveness (which includes an option to cover your first at-fault loss after being accident free for four years) and diminishing deductible (get 25% off each year and pay nothing after four years) programs.
The company also offers all the standard motorcycle coverage options of most larger insurers, such as collision, comprehensive, accessory and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Other protections for yourself and others include medical payments coverage, uninsured/underinsured property damage and motorist coverage, funeral expense coverage, passenger liability, roadside assistance and rental reimbursement.
Why we chose it: High coverage maximums and the option to add as many as 12 specialized motorcycles onto a single policy make Nationwide our pick for the best insurer for motorcycle collectors.
Nationwide includes a vanishing deductible feature with its collision and comprehensive policies, so your deductible can decrease by $100 every year you go without filing a claim up to a maximum of $500.
Nationwide is among the few companies that allow you to insure up to 12 vehicles under one motorcycle policy for a maximum coverage amount of $30,000 for custom parts and $50,000 per bike, plus trailer coverage.
Why we chose it: Safeco is our best motorcycle insurance company for homemade and kit motorcycles because it’s the only insurer we found that provides coverage for these bikes.
Safeco is a Liberty Mutual company offering all the standard insurance options for a broad range of motorcycle types, including coverage for homemade and kit bikes. It also includes roadside assistance with all its plans along with guaranteed manufacturer parts repair if you have comprehensive and collision coverage.
Beyond these perks, Safeco offers a few discounts and optional coverages. For example, Safety Apparel Coverage reimburses the replacement cost of your protective gear, and the Harley Davidson Replacement Cost Provision pays the actual cash value of your Harley if it’s involved in a total loss accident.
Since the company is primarily agent-based, you must call in if you want to get a quote or more information on coverage.
Other companies we considered
USAA
USAA is recognized for its excellent customer service ratings and affordable rates. It regularly ranks high by the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey, however, it can’t officially rank because it only serves those with a military affiliation.
Why USAA didn’t make the cut: USAA is only available to military service members and their families. This means that while many people can enjoy the perks of USAA, a larger majority of the population doesn’t qualify.
GEICO
Geico only extends motorcycle insurance coverage to cruisers, sports and touring bikes, custom motorcycles and mopeds. It offers all the standard protection plus roadside assistance and accessories coverage, just like the other companies on this list.
Why G
eico didn’t make the cut: While GEICO offers solid insurance coverage, it doesn’t stand out in any particular area.
Farmers
Farmers offers three pre-packaged yet customizable plans — the Saver, the Plus and the Elite. Each plan comes with a different level of coverage, and options are available for custom, vintage and low-speed vehicles such as golf carts.
Why Farmers didn’t make the cut: When it comes to motorcycle insurance, we prefer Farmer’s subsidiary, Foremost. You can purchase any of Farmer’s plans through Foremost, which does a better job presenting coverage details on its site.
Allstate
Allstate offers insurance for bikes, trikes and scooters but doesn’t state whether it covers other motorcycle types. Besides all the discounts and coverage options you can expect from a motorcycle insurer, Allstate provides loan/lease gap coverage, coverage for damaged motorcycles and off-road transport trailers, extended protection for new motorcycles and first accident forgiveness for eligible policyholders.
Why Allstate didn’t make the cut: Allstate offers coverage benefits that are comparable to our top picks but it excludes antique bikes.
Dairyland
Dairyland’s Physical Damage Plus coverage pays to repair your damaged bike with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts. Besides standard coverage and its Physical Damage plus add-on, it sells bike replacement cost coverage and provides a Harley Owners Group member discount.
Why Dairyland didn’t make the cut: Dairyland’s coverage benefits, while comprehensive, don’t stand out enough compared to other insurers. The insurer’s discount offers are limited.
Voom
Voom’s pay-per-mile model is an affordable motorcycle insurance option for motorists who hit the road occasionally. Instead of paying upfront for a year’s worth of coverage, policyholders pay a base monthly rate plus a few cents for each mile they ride. You must upload a picture of your odometer each month and Voom will calculate the premium based on the most recent reading. Note that Voom will charge you a default amount if you forget to upload your image.
Why Voom didn’t make the cut: Voom insurance is also only available in 17 states; Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin
Motorcycle Insurance Guide
Motorcycle insurance covers damage to your vehicle, your passengers and other property in the event of an accident. Most states — except Florida, Montana and Washington — require riders to hold some type of liability coverage.
However, even if motorcycle insurance isn’t legally mandated where you live, it’s worth the peace of mind to have some coverage, especially considering you could be liable for damages if you’re responsible for an accident.
How does motorcycle insurance work?
Motorcycle insurance works similarly to auto insurance — it serves as a form of financial protection if you’re in an accident or other covered event. Your liability insurance will help cover the cost of bodily injury and property damages the other party experiences in an accident.
If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your policy will help cover your bodily injury and property damage expenses. However, unlike liability insurance, you’ll need to pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in.
Types of motorcycle insurance
To find the best motorcycle insurance policy for your budget and your bike, it pays to understand the different motorcycle insurance options available.
Motorcycle insurance typically includes the following types of coverage:
Bodily injury liability and property damage liability
These policies protect you against bodily injury and property damage liability lawsuits if you’re in an accident involving another person. Some insurers also offer guest passenger liability coverage in their packages or as an add-on.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage will pay to repair or replace your bike if you’re in an accident with another vehicle. This policy does not cover damages you cause to other vehicles or medical payments (whether yours or another driver’s).
Comprehensive coverage
Also known as “other than collision” coverage, this policy covers your vehicle against damages that don’t involve another vehicle. Common covered events include theft, vandalism, fire and natural disasters.
Coverage for custom parts
Most comprehensive and collision policies only cover original factory parts. Coverage for custom motorcycle parts considers permanent additions to your bike, including sidecars, chrome parts and custom paint jobs.
Coverage for accessories
Damage to accessories like saddlebags, trunk boxes, CB radios or other optional equipment added to the motorcycle is not always covered by standard motorcycle insurance. To protect these items, look for accessories or equipment coverage. This also applies to safety apparel like helmets and goggles.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Protects you and your property if you’re in a collision with someone who has insufficient insurance coverage or doesn’t have insurance at all. UM/UIM insurance can cover lost wages, medical bills, and, in some cases, property damage. Some states might legally require you to add uninsured motorist coverage to your policy.
Total loss coverage
If your bike is totaled, the insurance company will help you purchase a new one or pay off the loan on the bike. This is optional coverage with almost all insurers.
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Motorcycle insurance requirements by state
As with car insurance, almost every state has motorcycle insurance liability requirements including property damage and bodily injury liability if you’re in an at-fault accident.
Below, we’ve organized insurance requirements by state.
- Florida, Montana and Washington don’t have minimum liability motorcycle insurance requirements.
- In all other states, you are legally required to carry property damage and bodily injury liability policies.
If you live in a state requiring motorcycle insurance, getting your new bike insured is essential before you hit the open road.
In states where motorcycle insurance is not required by law, you can opt out of insurance. However, keep in mind that you could still be financially liable for any accident you’re involved in.
Also, know that the state’s minimum insurance requirements might not be enough to cover all damages in a vehicle crash if you’re at fault. California and Pennsylvania, for example, have low minimum liability limits: $15K for bodily injury to one person, $30K for bodily injury to more than one person and $5K for property damage.
This is nowhere near enough to cover potential damages, especially in an expensive state like California, so we encourage you to get the greatest amount of coverage you can afford in order to reduce your out of pocket expenses.
No-fault states vs at-fault states
States with “at-fault” or tort laws typically identify who’s responsible for the accident and that party (and their insurance company) must cover the injuries of the other driver and passengers.
In “no-fault” states, there’s no need to identify the responsible party. The drivers involved in the accident must file a claim for personal injuries with their own insurance provider. That said, one driver can still sue the person who’s responsible
for the accident later on. If the lawsuit is successful, the insurance company of the responsible party must pay for damages.
You’ll need personal injury protection (PIP) coverage — also known as “no-fault coverage”— if you live in a “no-fault” state. This benefit helps cover your medical bills, funeral expenses or lost wages no matter who’s responsible for the accident.
States with “no-fault” or “choice no-fault” (the drivers can choose whether “no-fault” or tort laws apply) include:
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
Motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries in a crash involving another car and getting adequate compensation might be an uphill battle — especially if you live in a “no-fault” state. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get fair compensation for yourself or a loved one. Check out our guide on how to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer for more information.
What states require dirt bike insurance?
As a general rule, standalone dirt bike insurance isn’t required if you’re only riding it on private property or a racetrack. If you’re using your dirtbike to ride on public roads, you may be required to insure your bike if the state you live in requires insurance for all road vehicles (such as Arizona.)
You should also keep in mind that not all states allow dirt bikes to ride on public roads. You can check your state’s DMV or DoT website to check if dirt bikes are considered street legal and what is required to make your model compliant if it currently isn’t.
Other important information about motorcycle insurance
The following information can aid you in choosing the right policy and amount of coverage. It also sheds light on state laws regarding helmet use.
Deciding how much motorcycle coverage to get
The coverage you should get for your motorcycle depends on your state’s minimum requirements and your personal needs. Most states require you have two types of liability insurance: bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Other requirements might include personal injury protection, Medpay and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
You can also add other forms of protection that aren’t required by law, including comprehensive and collision protection. Though keep in mind that if you have a lease or loan on your motorcycle, your lender will require comprehensive and collision coverage.
Finding the right motorcycle insurance policy
1. Know what affects your premiums – Your motorcycle insurance rates will depend on factors such as your age, driving history, zip code, the make and year of your motorcycle and the number of miles you drive annually.
2. Look for ways to lower your premiums – Most motorcycle insurers offer plenty of discounts for driving safely, installing anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices, being part of a rider organization and many more. Also increasing your deductible will typically lower your premium. Just be sure you can afford to pay a higher deductible if you’re in an accident.
3. Be careful with bundling – While bundling your motorcycle insurance with your car or home insurance could help you save, buying policies individually may be less expensive in some cases.
4. Consider lay-up policies – If you live in a state where it’s harder to ride during winter, a lay-up policy allows you to pause liability and collision coverage during the winter months while keeping your comprehensive coverage active.
5. Shop around – Compare motorcycle insurance quotes from different providers to find the best deal. Also keep in mind that not all insurers cover every type of bike. While most will cover cruisers, touring bikes, dirt bikes, trikes, sports bikes and mopeds/scooters, some will not insure race bikes or vintage bikes over 25 years old.
Helmet laws for motorcyclists
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%. They also prevent rider deaths by 37% and passenger deaths by 41%. However, helmet laws in the United States vary widely by state.
- 17 states and the District of Columbia require all riders to wear a helmet
- Many other states have various age requirements for riders under 18, 21 or 26, depending on the state
- Three states — New Hampshire, Illinois and Iowa — don’t mandate helmet use for any riders.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, states where helmet laws only apply to some riders have higher injury and mortality rates than those where helmet regulations apply to all riders.
Also, make sure to wear US DOT-approved helmets. In the event of an accident, insurers will inquire about the type of helmet you were wearing. Your insurance provider could deny your claim if you were not wearing a helmet or if the helmet was not approved by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT).
Latest News on Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries in a crash involving another car and getting adequate compensation might be an uphill battle — especially if you live in a “no-fault” state. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get fair compensation for yourself or a loved one. Check out our guide on how to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer for more information.
How We Found the Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies
To find the best motorcycle insurance companies, we looked at:
- Types of coverage – We cataloged motorcycle insurance products from the top insurance companies to identify features that made them stand out from the rest.
- Discount opportunities – We compared the discounts available to riders.
- Customer service – We favored lenders offering 24/7 claims processing and customer service.
- Customer satisfaction and financial stability – We considered J.D. Power’s latest U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study as a measure of customer satisfaction with each company. A.M. Best’s financial strength ratings was also a consideration providing evidence of financial stability and ability to pay out claims.
Summary of Money’s Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies of 2023
- Progressive – Best for Accident Forgiveness
- Harley-Davidson – Best for New Riders
- Foremost – Best for Track Riders
- Markel – Best for Mechanical Breakdown Coverage
- Nationwide – Best for Motorcycle Collectors
- Safeco – Best for Homemade and Kit Bikes