How Much Is Motorcycle Insurance? Real Costs & Tips

Motorcycle insurance can cost less than your monthly fuel bill — or more than your bike payment — depending on one simple thing: how you ride.

Many riders are shocked to learn that a high‑performance sport bike can cost three times as much to insure as a cruiser. Your ZIP code can raise your premium more than your riding record — Florida riders routinely pay $54 a month for full coverage while those in Iowa pay just $18. (lainsurance.com)

And despite what your buddy says, liability‑only policies might cost as little as $13 a month, but going without collision and comprehensive coverage exposes you to huge out‑of‑pocket bills.

This guide breaks down what coverage actually does, shows how much it costs in different scenarios, explains why prices vary so wildly and shares practical ways to save money. I’ll even sprinkle in some firsthand tips and examples from fellow riders, because insurance isn’t just about numbers — it’s about protecting your bike and keeping you on the road.

Insurance Cost by Bike Type

Not all motorcycles are treated the same by insurers. Sport bikes and touring rigs usually sit at the high end, while small commuters stay affordable. Here’s what riders typically pay by bike type.

Note: These are rough national averages. Actual quotes vary based on your age, location, driving record, and chosen coverage limits. In general, the more power and performance your bike has, the more you’ll pay to insure it.

If you’re ready to compare quotes, here are five of the most trusted motorcycle insurance providers in the U.S. — selected based on reviews from MoneyGeek and Forbes Advisor. Each offers strong coverage options, discounts, and online tools to help you find the best rate.

1. Progressive – Progressive is a major U.S. insurer that offers full-service motorcycle insurance (including liability, collision, comprehensive, accessories coverage and more) and is known for online quoting and specialized “sport bike” pages.
2. GEICO – GEICO provides motorcycle insurance coverage for a wide variety of bike types (sport, cruiser, touring, scooters, dirt bikes), emphasizing low rates, discounts and support for gear/ accessories and stored-gear protection.
3. Dairyland – Dairyland is a specialist insurer well-regarded among riders for straightforward motorcycle coverages, flexible options and budget-friendly premiums (they even cite rates as low as US $7/month in some cases).
4. Allstate – Allstate offers motorcycle policies that include standard coverages (liability, comprehensive, collision) plus new-bike replacement and special features; they also emphasize agent support and vehicle-bundle savings.
5. Nationwide – Nationwide provides motorcycle insurance with a strong educational component (many resources for riders), coverage for multiple bikes under one policy, and various discounts for safety courses and theft-prevention.

What Motorcycle Insurance Covers

It’s important to know what you’re buying. Motorcycle policies are built from several coverage types:

• Liability insurance – pays for injuries or property damage you cause. Most states require it. Liability coverage generally has two components: bodily injury liability, which covers medical costs and legal fees if you injure someone, and property damage liability, which pays to repair the other person’s vehicle or property.
• Collision coverage – covers damage to your bike after a crash regardless of fault. Adding collision typically adds $10–$40 per month. (carusoins.com)

• Comprehensive coverage – pays for non‑collision losses such as theft, vandalism, fire or hail. This protection usually costs another $8–$30 per month.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage – reimburses you if you’re hit by someone without enough insurance. It’s relatively cheap (around $5–$15 per month) and can be invaluable.
• Medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP) – covers your medical bills regardless of who is at fault. This add‑on typically costs $5–$20 per month.
• Accessory or custom parts coverage – protects aftermarket mods and riding gear. Extra coverage for $1,000 of accessories runs only $15–$30 annually.

The right blend of these coverages depends on your bike’s value, how much you ride and your risk tolerance. Liability is legally mandated in most states, while lenders usually require collision and comprehensive if you finance the bike. Full coverage (liability + collision + comprehensive) protects your bike and is often worth the extra cost, especially for newer machines.

Average Motorcycle Insurance Costs in the U.S. (2024–2025)

Multiple studies show that motorcycle insurance remains cheaper than car insurance, but costs vary by coverage level and source:

How cost varies by state

State regulations, accident rates and local repair costs have a huge impact. MoneyGeek’s 2025 data shows minimum‑coverage premiums ranging from $6 to $24 per month depending on the state, while full‑coverage policies range from $14 to $47 per month. LA Insurance’s June 2025 comparison echoes this, noting that full‑coverage prices range from $18 to $69 per month across states.

To illustrate, here are average monthly costs for full coverage in a few key states (LA Insurance data):

Liability‑only premiums are generally much cheaper. For example, MoneyGeek reports minimum‑coverage prices of $15 per month ($179 per year) in California, $15 per month ($184 per year) in Texas, $11 per month ($135 per year) in Florida, and $10 per month ($124 per year) in New York. Progressive’s internal data from April 2024–March 2025 shows liability‑only costs ranging from $145.67 per year ($12.14/month) in Pennsylvania to $359.81 per year ($29.98/month) in Delaware.

How age affects cost

Younger riders pay more — sometimes dramatically. MoneyGeek’s age breakdown shows that a 16‑year‑old rider pays around $1,446 per year for full coverage and $453 for minimum coverage, while a 25‑year‑old pays about $820 per year for full coverage. Premiums dip through middle age; a 40‑year‑old pays roughly $571 per year for full coverage, and rates remain moderate until around age 60. Teen riders face higher premiums because insurers consider them high risk.

What Affects Motorcycle Insurance Rates

Insurance companies use complex algorithms, but several clear factors drive your premiums:

• Type of motorcycle: Sport bikes are the priciest to insure. Caruso Insurance notes that sport bikes cost more than three and a half times as much to insure as cruiser‑style bikes. High‑performance machines with large engines (e.g., 600 cc and up) can cost $60–$150 per month for full coverage. Standard bikes and scooters are much cheaper.
• Rider age and experience: Young riders pay more. LA Insurance shows full‑coverage premiums for 16‑year‑olds reaching $100+ per month, while experienced riders in their 30s or 40s pay far less. Completing a motorcycle safety course can reduce your premium by 5–15 %.
• Location: Insurance costs vary by state and even by ZIP code. Urban riders typically pay 15–30 % more than rural riders due to higher accident and theft rates. Warm‑weather states with longer riding seasons (e.g., Florida, Texas) tend to have higher premiums.

• Driving and claims history: Accidents, tickets and prior claims raise rates. Progressive notes that at‑fault accidents can significantly increase your premium, while a clean record can earn “good rider” discounts.
• Coverage level and deductibles: Liability‑only policies cost the least. Adding collision and comprehensive coverage raises the premium by $10–$40 and $8–$30 per month respectively. Choosing a higher deductible (e.g., $1,000 instead of $500) saves 10–15 % on premiums.
• Annual mileage: Insurers often ask how many miles you ride each year. Weekend riders pay less than daily commuters. Pay‑per‑mile programs can save up to 60 % for riders who log fewer than 2,000 miles annually.
• Storage and security: Keeping your bike in a locked garage and installing anti‑theft devices can cut your comprehensive premium by 5–10 %. Anti‑lock brakes and alarms also qualify for small discounts (typically 4–6 %).
• Credit history and demographic factors: Some insurers consider credit scores; better credit can lower rates. Gender and marital status may also play a role — male riders and single riders tend to pay slightly higher premiums.

How to Save on Motorcycle Insurance

Insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are proven strategies to lower your premiums while maintaining good coverage:

1. Complete a safety course

Most insurers give discounts of 5–15 % when you complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course or another certified safety class. Some providers treat a safety course like a defensive driving discount, trimming about $5 off your annual premium. Even experienced riders can benefit.

2. Raise your deductible

Opting for a higher deductible (e.g., $1,000 instead of $500) can save 10–15 % on premiums. Just make sure you can afford the out‑of‑pocket cost if you file a claim.

3. Store your bike securely

Parking in a locked garage and using anti‑theft devices reduces comprehensive premiums by 5–10 %. Disc‑lock alarms, heavy chains and GPS trackers further deter theft. (your-policy.com)

4. Bundle and multi‑bike discounts

Most insurers offer multi‑policy discounts for bundling motorcycle insurance with auto or home policies. MoneyGeek reports that bundling can shave up to 16 % off your premium, while Caruso Insurance notes that bundling often saves 5–20 %. If you own more than one bike, a multi‑bike discount can save 10–15 % per bike.

5. Pay in full and use electronic payments

Paying your annual premium in one lump sum can yield discounts up to 21 %. Paying a few days in advance or opting for electronic delivery may save another 3–5 %.

6. Reduce annual mileage or use pay‑per‑mile insurance

If you ride primarily on weekends or seasonally, tell your insurer. Policies that adjust your premium for low mileage or lay‑up periods can reduce costs by 20–30 %. Pay‑per‑mile programs save up to 60 % for riders who put fewer than 2,000 miles on their bikes annually. Voom, a U.S. pay‑per‑mile insurer, is designed for occasional riders and can drastically cut costs compared with traditional policies.

Want to see real savings in action? Read our in-depth guide: Motorbike Multi Bike Insurance: Why Pay-Per-Mile Wins.

7. Maintain a clean record and earn “good rider” discounts

Avoid accidents and traffic violations to qualify for good rider discounts (around 6 %). Some insurers also reward mature riders or motorcycle instructors with additional savings.

8. Join a riding club or association

Membership in groups like the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) or Harley Owners Group (HOG) can unlock small discounts. Military members may also receive a 9 % discount.

9. Shop around and compare quotes

Insurance rates vary widely by provider. Caruso Insurance found that some carriers offer full‑coverage policies starting as low as $22 per month. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers — including mainstream options like Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and specialized pay‑per‑mile providers like Voom — ensures you get the best rate for your situation. Independent agents can help you navigate options and spot hidden discounts.

10. Review your policy annually

Your riding habits and bike’s value change over time. Reviewing your coverage every year helps ensure you’re not overpaying or carrying unnecessary protection. For older bikes, dropping collision or comprehensive coverage might make sense if the premium exceeds the bike’s value.

Insurance by State: Examples and Insights

Rates differ drastically by state due to weather, population density and insurance regulations. Here are snapshots of four major markets, using 2025 data from MoneyGeek and LA Insurance:

Kentucky tops the charts with average full‑coverage premiums of $69 per month (about $828/year). On the other end, riders in Iowa or North Dakota pay about $18 per month ($216/year). These examples show why it’s crucial to get local quotes rather than relying on national averages.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Insurance

Selecting a policy isn’t just about the lowest price. Here’s a simple process to find coverage that fits your needs:

• Assess your bike’s value and your risk tolerance. If you ride a new or high‑value motorcycle, full coverage with collision and comprehensive is almost mandatory. For older bikes worth only a few thousand dollars, liability plus UM/UIM may suffice.
• Check your state’s minimum requirements. Most states require liability coverage and, in some cases, PIP. Failing to meet requirements can result in fines or license suspension.
• Decide on coverage limits. Higher liability limits (e.g., $50,000/$100,000) provide better protection if you injure someone. Raise limits if you have assets to protect; the incremental cost is usually small. (valuepenguin.com)
• Choose deductibles you can afford. A higher deductible lowers premiums but increases out‑of‑pocket costs. Balance monthly savings against potential repair bills.
• Consider optional protections. UM/UIM coverage is cheap and essential. Accessory and gear coverage is worthwhile if you’ve invested in custom parts or expensive riding apparel.
• Look for rider‑friendly features. Some insurers include roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage and rental reimbursement. These perks can save money and hassle during a breakdown.

• Research insurer reputation. While this guide doesn’t rank companies, it’s wise to choose providers with strong claims support, transparent pricing and motorcycle‑specific expertise. Mainstream brands like Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and State Farm insure millions of riders. Niche providers like Voom offer pay‑per‑mile policies that may be ideal for weekend warriors.
• Ask about discounts. Inquire about safety course discounts, multi‑policy bundles, multi‑bike discounts, military or club membership deals, pay‑in‑full incentives and telematics programs. Stacking several discounts can shave 20 % or more off your premium.
• Get at least three quotes. Premiums vary greatly between companies. An independent agent can help you compare options quickly.
• Review your policy annually. If your bike depreciates or you ride less, adjust coverage accordingly to avoid overpaying.

Mistakes to avoid

• Under‑insuring a valuable bike: Dropping collision and comprehensive on a $15,000 motorcycle can leave you on the hook for big repair or replacement costs.
• Over‑insuring an older bike: If your motorcycle isn’t worth much, paying hundreds for full coverage may not be cost‑effective. Consider sticking with liability and UM/UIM once the bike’s value declines.
• Ignoring discounts: Many riders miss out on easy savings by not asking about safety course discounts, membership perks or pay‑in‑full options.
• Not updating your policy: If you ride less or move to a safer area, call your insurer — your premium should reflect the lower risk.

Final Thoughts

Motorcycle insurance isn’t just a legal formality — it’s your financial safety net when things go wrong. As we’ve seen, the average cost of motorcycle insurance in the U.S. ranges from about $141 per year for minimum coverage to around $396 per year for full coverage. However, premiums can swing wildly based on your age, location, riding habits and the bike you choose. A 16‑year‑old on a 600 cc sport bike will pay thousands more than a 50‑year‑old cruising on a standard commuter.

The good news is that riders have considerable control over their costs. Taking an MSF course, storing your bike in a garage, choosing the right coverage and stacking discounts can lower your premium by 20 % or more. For occasional riders, pay‑per‑mile programs from companies like Voom offer huge savings. And mainstream insurers such as Progressive and Allstate compete aggressively, so shopping around is essential.

Knowledge is your best tool. Understand what coverage you need, know the real cost ranges and use discounts strategically. With the right policy and a bit of savvy, you can protect your bike, your wallet and your freedom on the open road.