The average cost of motorcycle insurance (2023)

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  • The average cost of motorcycle insurance is $519 per year or $43 per month.
  • The rates vary depending on the type and size of the insurance. Greater coverage increases your costs
  • Due to minimum insurance laws and the length of the driving season, premiums also vary from state to state.

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(Video) The Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance

The average cost of motorcycle insurance in the United States is $519 per year. However, according to data from , costs can fluctuate by as much as $400-$500 based on a number of factorsJD Power. In short, some motorcyclists may pay more than $1,000 a year, while others may pay around $100 a year.

Howcar insuranceMost states have minimum state liability requirements for motorcycle insurance with the option to add additional coverage. Like car insurance, motorcycle insurance becomes more expensive because it provides more coverage and the lower the deductible you have to pay in the event of an accident.

What determines the price of motorcycle insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is cheaper than car insurance. However, prices can vary greatly depending on your insurance company's perspective. In many cases, insurance companies assume that even a minor motorcycle accident will result in large medical bills or the death of the rider (not necessarily property damage). The same data means different insurers charge more or less for the same basic protection.

tire type

In general, motorcycle insurance covers these fivetypes of coverageavailable, according toThe Insurance Information Institute:

  • Liability insurance:Insurance coverage that pays for damage you cause to someone else's property or personal injury. Generally, this is all that a minimum coverage policy will cover. In most states, however, it is a legal requirement to take it on the road.
  • Collision insurance:The insurance covers damage to your motorcycle if you have an accident.
  • Comprehensive insurance protection:covers damage not caused by an accident, such as theft or vandalism.
  • Motorcycle Modifications, Parts and Accessories Coverage:Some policies cover riding equipment (eg jackets and helmets), other types of coverage cover the cost of repairing and replacing accessories such as trailers, sidecars or upgraded parts.
  • Underinsured or uninsured motorist protection:This policy reimburses you if an underinsured or uninsured rider damages your bike or is injured.

INthe state's minimum policymeans that you only buy one of these five types of insurance. If you are underinsured, you can cover these costs out of your own pocket in the event of an accident.

age and sex

such as car insurance,Drivers with less experienceshould expect to pay more for motorcycle insurance. For example, 18-year-old drivers typically have higher odds than someone in their 30s with a clean record.

Gender also plays a role in the price of your insurance. According to JD Power, an 18-year-old male purchasing a policy can pay GEICO $443, while a female may only pay $339 with the same company.

bike type

The type of bike you want to ride also has a significant impact on how much you will pay. The value of your bike, the safety features, the accident rate of that model and the theft rate are factors that are taken into account when determining your premium, according to JD Power.

Also consider any upgrades or customizations. Brands like Harley Davidson can customize your bike to your preferences long before you see it. However, your insurance only covers the base model, unless you purchase additional coverage for customization.

Here are some scenarios of how each bike compares in price, according to JD Power:

(Video) Cost Of Insurance For A beginner Motorcycle Rider!

  • Brand new motorcycles are more expensive to insure than used motorcycles.
  • A tricycle with a sidecar costs more than a single seater.
  • Dirt bikes and sports bikes are cheaper to insure than street bikes. The average cost of dirt bike insurance in the US is $99.

driving record

As with car insurance, speeding tickets can affect the amount you pay for motorcycle insurance. Whether it's in the car or on the bike: a traffic ticket affects the price you pay for motorcycle insurance, according to the calculationProgressive.

if you have oneHistory of making claimsYou can also see your premium increase. If you have registered too many claims, insurance companies may even refuse to cover your motorcycle.

Reitsaison

In some areas, drivers may only have coverage for a limited driving season. This does not happen automatically. However, you can reduce your cover in the low season to cover, among other things, collision damage exemption, but not necessarily collision. If you decide to take this step, read your policy carefully because just one trip in the off-season can put you at risk for injuries that aren't covered.

If you intend to drive year-round, make sure your insurance agent knows that you intend to keep the coverage you purchased active year-round.

Average motorcycle insurance costs per Corporation

Rewards may vary depending on the provider. In the table below, the price of insuring a bicycle is cheapest with Progressive and most expensive with Foremost. However, this rate may vary based on age, location and other factors. Take the time to research each company's credibility and policies to create the best apples-to-apples comparison.

motorcycle insurance companyAverage annual premium
Progressive515 $
Safeco558 $
National General597 $
nation-wide700 $
American Modernism835 $
milk country964 $
Allstate1.028 $
Primarily1.065 $

The there:goose head

Average motorcycle insurance costs per state

Motorcycle insurance is more expensive in some states than others. As with car insurance, state laws requiring insurance coverage can affect the price of your motorcycle insurance.

Another factor that affects the cost of your premiums is the winter conditions in your state. In some parts of the United States, motorcycles are seasonal. Insurance coverage tends to be less expensive in states with severe winters, such as New England and the northern Midwest. The better the weather in your state, the more you'll pay for motorcycle insurance because you'll be on the road more of the year.

Here is the average cost of motorcycle insurance in each state:

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ConditionAverage annual premium for motorcycle insurance

Alaska

578 $

Alabama

369 $

Arkansas

523 $

Arizona

612 $

California

715 $

Colorado

474 $

Connecticut

742 $

District of Columbia

1.404 $

Delaware

586 $

Florida

531 $

Georgia

669 $

Hawaii

1.523 $

Iowa

470 $

Idaho

349 $

Illinois

371 $

Indiana

419 $

Kansas

419 $

Kentucky

581 $

Louisiana

512 $

Massachusetts

532 $

Maryland

363 $

Michigan

658 $

Minnesota

243 $

Missouri

428 $

Mississippi

520 $

Montana

502 $

North Carolina

464 $

Nebraska

365 $

New Hampshire

663 $

New Jersey

506 $

The mexico

294 $

Nevada

856 $

New York

569 $

Ohio

390 $

Oklahoma

599 $

Oregon

345 $

Pennsylvania

371 $

Rhode Island

305 $

South Carolina

516 $

Heart house

297 $

Tennessee

596 $

Texas

591 $

Utah

239 $

Virginia

1.076 $

Washington

367 $

Wisconsin

407 $

The there:goose head

3 ways to save money on motorcycle insurance

Save on motorcycle insurancemay require a little more work, but it may be worth it. Here are three things you can do to lower your motorcycle insurance costs.

1. Look for insurance coverage

As with any other type of insurance, searching can help you find the best price. Each company takes your personal information and needs into account differently, and each insurance company also calculates the price of your policy differently.

Get quotes from several motorcycle insurance companies and find out which company can offer you the most coverage at the lowest premiums and deductibles.

2. Take a motorcycle safety course

Even if you've been riding for years, it's never a bad thing to brush up on your riding skills. Many insurance companies will also give you a discount if you have taken a motorcycle safety course within the last five years.

3. Take advantage of discounts

Some insurance companies offer discounts to members of owner or rider groups, such as the Harley-Davidson Owners Group. Talk to an insurance agent about lesser-known discounts and savings you may be missing out on.

Liz Knueven

Personal finance reports

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Liz was a personal finance reporter for Insider. Before joining Insider, she wrote about finance and auto topics as a freelancer for brands like LendingTree and Credit Karma. She earned her bachelor's degree in writing from Savannah College of Art and Design. She lives and works in Cincinnati, Ohio. Find her on Twitter at@lizknueven.

Alani Asis

Fellow for personal finance reviews

Alani Asis is a Personal Finance Reviews Fellow specializing in life, auto and home insurance. Prior to Insider, Alani was a mortgage assistance specialist and freelance personal finance writer based in Hawaii. You can reach her by email at aasis@insider.com or on Twitter @AlaniAsis.

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FAQs

The average cost of motorcycle insurance? ›

The cost of bodily injury and property damage liability, which are the most commonly required motorcycle insurance coverages, is cheaper for motorcyclists than for car owners because bikers are less likely to cause substantial damage to other motorists and their property.

Why is motorcycle insurance so cheap? ›

The cost of bodily injury and property damage liability, which are the most commonly required motorcycle insurance coverages, is cheaper for motorcyclists than for car owners because bikers are less likely to cause substantial damage to other motorists and their property.

Which motorcycles are most expensive to insure? ›

Sport bikes, known as “supersports” within the industry, are typically the most expensive class of motorcycle to insure. Standards and dual sports are typically the least expensive, with cruisers and tourers falling somewhere in between.

Why is motorcycle insurance so expensive? ›

Motorcycle insurance is expensive due to the higher risks involved in riding. Motorcycles are more vulnerable to accidents, theft, and damage, which leads to more frequent claims. Additionally, riders often lack protection, resulting in more severe injuries and higher medical costs.

How much is motorcycle insurance in NY per month? ›

How much does motorcycle insurance cost for most riders in New York? In New York, the average cost of motorcycle insurance is $124 per year or around $10 per month, which is applicable for a liability-only policy. All riders should have a liability-only policy at the minimum.

Who has the cheapest bike insurance? ›

Nationwide has the cheapest motorcycle insurance in the country, at $49 per month on average. That's $11 less per month than the national average. The average cost of motorcycle insurance is $60 per month in the U.S.

Is it cheaper to insure a motorcycle than a car? ›

Yes, motorcycle insurance is usually cheaper than auto insurance in California. This is to be expected, since bikes are generally worth less than cars.

What insurance should I get for my first motorcycle? ›

Buy as much liability coverage as possible. We recommend a minimum of 50/100/25, but 100/300/100 is better if you can afford it. Keep in mind that riders who have a loan on their motorcycles must carry full coverage insurance.

Are Harleys cheaper to insure? ›

You can get very affordable motorcycle insurance through Harley-Davidson Insurance. On average, liability coverage with this company is about $14 per month, but if you would like to get a more full-bodied insurance policy, you can purchase some excellent coverages with Harley-Davidson.

Are Harleys more expensive to insure? ›

Harley Davidson is arguably the best-known motorcycle company. Despite this, many people may not be aware that Harley Davidson also offers motorcycle insurance policies. Harley Davidson quotes aren't egregiously priced, but they are slightly more costly than motorcycle insurance quotes offered by Geico and Progressive.

What is a lot of miles for a motorcycle? ›

Generally, high mileage on a motorcycle is anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles. For sport bikes, the high mileage number will be on the low end (usually around 25,000), while cruisers and touring bikes typically become high mileage in the 40,000- to the 50,000-mile range.

How common is motorcycle theft? ›

In 2018, approximately 40,832 motorcycles were stolen in the United States. This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of motorcycle theft in the United States.

Why is Harley insurance so cheap? ›

The low cost of motorcycle insurance is partly because motorcycles are less likely to cause significant bodily injury or property damage to other people in an at-fault accident, keeping your liability costs low.

How is motorcycle insurance calculated? ›

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, according to JD Power. Similarly, consider any upgrades or customizations.

Can you register a motorcycle without insurance in NY? ›

Yes. To register a vehicle in New York State you must have New York State issued automobile liability insurance coverage. If you do not maintain the coverage, the DMV can suspend your vehicle registration and your driver license.

Can I get motorcycle insurance without a license in NY? ›

Is it legal to get motorcycle insurance without a license? Yes, you can own a motorcycle and an insurance policy for it without a license. However, you cannot legally drive a motorcycle in any state without either a permit, license or motorcycle endorsement.

Is full coverage on a motorcycle worth it? ›

If your motorcycle is worth more than $5,000 — or is a classic or custom ride — you should strongly consider getting full motorcycle coverage. For bikes of this value, the increased premiums for comprehensive and collision coverage are justified when you consider the potential loss.

Does Geico insure motorcycle? ›

Jevco offers motorcycle insurance in Ontario for riders who are having trouble getting insured.

Are older bikes cheaper to insure? ›

Older motorcycles vary in their insurance costs. While they tend to be less powerful than newer bikes, making them less risky, they can be harder to replace and more expensive to repair. Liability may be lower but comprehensive and collision might be more.

Is it OK to ride motorcycle in rain? ›

Motorcyclists without adequate experience should avoiding riding a motorcycle in the rain as it can be much riskier compared to riding in dry conditions. Riding in adverse weather conditions is generally not safe, and riders should avoid it whenever possible.

How much does it cost to fill up a motorcycle? ›

Motorcycle tanks come in all different sizes. Some can be as little as a 2-gallon tank, while others can be as big as 8 gallons. Let's say your bike holds 5 gallons. You'll spend approximately $20 for each fill-up.

What not to do on a motorcycle? ›

7 Things You Should Never Do While Riding a Motorcycle
  • Don't tie shoelaces in loops. ...
  • Don't watch the speedometer, watch the road. ...
  • Watch the tires of the vehicle in front of you (don't trust brake-lights blindly) ...
  • Don't change speed in the middle of a corner. ...
  • Change gear before an overtake, not during the overtake.
Oct 31, 2020

What should you pay for your first motorcycle? ›

Beginners typically spend around $5,000 to $10,000 for a motorcycle. In 2020, an estimated 780,000 motorcycles were sold in the U.S.

How expensive should your first motorcycle be? ›

Your first motorcycle should cost between $1,500 – $3,000 for a used bike or $4,000 – $7,000 for a new bike. There are exceptions to the rule, and everybody has a different budget to play with. You should also consider the cost of insurance and safety gear, as this will drive up your overall outlay quite a lot.

Does a Harley hold its value? ›

Resale value- Harley-Davidson motorcycles do provide a good resale value. However, when considering a resale, the depreciation rate comes into perspective. A brand new vehicle has a high depreciation rate as compared to a used premium bike. The initial years of a motorcycle face higher depreciation and wear and tear.

What makes a Harley totaled? ›

A motorcycle is considered totaled when it needs repairs that exceed its actual cash value.

Why is motorcycle insurance more expensive than car? ›

There are a few key reasons that motorcycles cost less to insure than cars. Insurance companies also take factors like safety ratings into account when setting their premiums. And while cars are generally considered safer to drive than motorcycles, even cars with top-safety ratings tend to cost more to insure.

Are Harleys more reliable? ›

The lack of regulation in customisation and mechanics, as well as tumultuous ownership in the seventies, meant that some Harleys were of lower quality and reliability. Overall, if correctly maintained, Harley Davidsons are very reliable when compared to other brands.

Are motorcycles more expensive to maintain than cars? ›

Riding a motorcycle can be cheaper than a car largely because motorcycles require less gas, cost less to purchase and maintain and often have cheaper insurance costs.

Why are Harleys so expensive? ›

Harley-Davidson is expensive due to its premium branding as a symbol of independence, style, and adventure. The brand represents individualism, attracting riders willing to pay for the unique experience it offers. The high price reflects the value and prestige associated with owning a Harley.

What is the life expectancy of a motorcycle? ›

A motorcycle would typically travel between 20,000 and 50,000 miles. Most motorcycles are considered old after 50,000 miles.

What are the red flags when buying a used motorcycle? ›

Red flags. Things to look for when buying a used motorcycle include rust or significant scratches, oxidized paint, a rusty chain, smoke from the exhaust when the bike is started and leakage from the engine or transmission. Any of these can signal signs of bigger problems.

How long do motorcycle engines last? ›

Motorcycle values depend on a handful of factors, one of those being mileage, but past accidents, consistent (or not) oil changes, fluid top-offs, and other regular upkeep matter, too. With a clean background, a bike could clock in at 50,000 miles or more without an issue.

What motorcycle is the hardest to steal? ›

Triumph Tiger Explorer: Why it won't be stolen: The biggest adventure bike that weighs 271kg has provisions to fit panniers at the sides making it inches wider than the Gold Wing. Hence, forget stealing it, even owners find it difficult to take it off the stand and ride it.

What motorcycle gets stolen the most? ›

Question: Why is Honda the most stolen motorcycle brand? Because of the sheer amount of Honda motorcycles available on the market. Being one of the most popular motorbike brands in the world means more Honda's are stolen more than the average.

What state has the most motorcycle theft? ›

1. California accounted for 18% of all stolen motorcycles in 2021. California had the most reported motorcycle thefts. Here are the other top states with the most motorcycle thefts: California: 9,345 motorcycles.

How much is a good Harley Davidson? ›

Rolling on new hoops, the Street Bob 114 now costs $15,349 while the Softail Standard remains the budget-friendly option at $13,949. Rounding out the Harley's Cruiser range, the Evo-powered Sportsters return once again with the 2022 Iron 883 retailing at $10,749 and the Forty-Eight going for $11,799.

How expensive is it to own a Harley? ›

The costs of Harley Davidson motorcycles range from $6000 to $440000, meaning the cheapest motorcycle will cost you around six thousand US dollars. You can also find several other affordable models (i.e. priced below $10,000).

How much does a cheap Harley Davidson cost? ›

Harley Davidson bikes price in India starts at Rs 17.49 Lakh for Harley Davidson Nightster, which is the cheapest model. The most expensive Harley Davidson two wheeler is Harley Davidson Road Glide Special priced at Rs 40.49 Lakh.

How do you calculate average on a motorcycle? ›

The fundamental formula for calculating Mileage in KMPL is Distance travelled in Kms / Amount of fuel used in litres. For example, if you ride your bike for 100 km with 5 litres of fuel, the Mileage of your bike is 100km/5 litre, i.e., 20 km per litre.

How much is insurance for a motorcycle in Texas? ›

The average cost of motorcycle insurance in Texas is $822 per year, or $69 per month. Currently insured?

How the insurance is calculated? ›

The premium rate is calculated by dividing the sum insured by the sum assured. This means that if you have a sum insured of Rs 10,000 and a sum assured of Rs 1,000 then your premium rate would be 10%. Calculating the insurance premium rate is a crucial step in the process of purchasing insurance.

How old does a motorcycle have to be to not need a title in NY? ›

New York State does not issue a title certificate for any motor vehicle of model year 1972 or older, travel or utility trailer that weighs less than 1,000 pounds, or limited used motorcycle (including a moped).

What is the NY motorcycle road test? ›

On-Cycle Skill Test

Basic vehicle control and crash-avoidance skills are included in on-cycle tests to determine your ability to handle normal and hazardous traffic situations. You may be tested for your ability to: Know your motorcycle and your riding limits. Accelerate, brake, and turn safely.

How much does it cost to register a motorcycle in NY? ›

The motorcycle registration fees for New York are as follows: Registration Fee: $17.50 (annually) Motorcycle plate: $25. Title certificate: $50.

What company has the cheapest motorcycle insurance? ›

Cheapest motorcycle insurance: Nationwide

Nationwide offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance quotes at $49 per month, or $593 per year. That's $11 less per month than the national average cost of $60 per month. There are a few ways you get even cheaper rates from Nationwide.

Is motorcycle insurance required in NY? ›

Motorcycle insurance is required by law in the state of New York. To get New York's motorcycle insurance, before you can even register your motorcycle in New York state, you'll need to have proof of insurance.

Can you register a motorcycle in NY without a motorcycle license? ›

Places like California and New York do require insurance before you can register the bike, statewide. So, in short, you may not technically need a license, but it will make the process much smoother and quicker.

Why are motorcycles not expensive? ›

There is simply not that much there in the way of materials and they are simpler to manufacture. Now, the exceptions being some of the more esoteric bikes, but even they have a hard time getting much above base cost for a small car.

What are the pros and cons of owning a Harley? ›

'Cons:
  • The pros of Harley Davidson motorcycles are that they are affordable, reliable, and have a large variety of models.
  • The cons of Harley Davidson motorcycles are that they are not as durable as other Moto-crafts and they can be expensive.
  • There is no guarantee on the quality of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

What are cons of owning a motorcycle? ›

Cons of owning a motorcycle

Even if you have complete protective gear and take all the necessary precautions, motorcycles are more dangerous than cars. Riders are difficult to see, and there are no airbags to protect them from impact. Accidents can be much more severe for motorcycle riders than for those in a car.

Do motorcycles save you money? ›

Do motorcycles save money? When compared to cars, the answer is yes. There are many benefits to riding a motorcycle instead of a car. With a motorcycle, you can save money on gas, insurance, maintenance, and many more costs that can ring up quite a bill with cars.

Do motorcycles last long? ›

What Is High Mileage For A Motorcycle? A motorcycle would typically travel between 20,000 and 50,000 miles. Most motorcycles are considered old after 50,000 miles. However, this does not imply that they have reached their end at this milestone.

Are Harleys holding their value? ›

Bikes made by Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Ducati, in fact, seem to hold their MSRP value better than any others. By brand, according to data compiled by the Kelley Blue Book Official Motorcycle Guide, Harley-Davidson motorcycles retained an average of 84% of their value over a five-year period.

Are Harleys dependable? ›

In a nutshell, Harleys are very reliable, particularly the modern models. Besides the AMF period, Harley bikes have always been reliable and often require less maintenance and part replacements (given you purchased your Harley from a reputable seller).

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