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Best Motorcycle Insurance of 2024

The best discounts, plans, specialty coverage options, and benefits for motorcycle riders

Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance
Geico Logo

Full Coverage Averages
• Annual Premium: $345
• Monthly Premium: $29

Read our GEICO Review.
Most affordable for full coverage
Covers motorcycle accessories and custom parts
X No discounts for young riders

Best for Specialty Motorcycles
Foremost Insurance Logo

Full Coverage Averages
• Annual Premium: $900
• Monthly Premium: $75

Read our Foremost Review.
Coverage for multiple motorcycle types
Multiple motorcycle discounts
X Not the cheapest option

Best for Minimum Liability
Progressive Logo

Full Coverage Averages
• Annual Premium: $704
• Monthly Premium: $58

Read our Progressive Review.
Cheapest for minimum liability
ATV/UTV bundling available
X More expensive for newer/younger riders

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Motorcycle insurance works essentially the same way that regular auto insurance does: It covers damages to your vehicle, damages to other people’s property, and injuries in an accident. The process of getting quotes, filing claims, and managing your motorcycle insurance is similar to that of car insurance as well. However, the costs, coverage options, and add-ons are different, which is why we’re here.

Below, we’ll look at the best motorcycle coverage based on motorcycle discounts, bundling options, specialty coverage, and more.

Car and cell phoneThe Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies of 2024

  1. GEICO – Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance
    With an average annual rate of about $340 for motorcycle insurance, GEICO is the cheapest provider on our list.
  2. Foremost – Best Insurance for Specialty Motorcycles
    Foremost has over 70 years of experience offering specialized coverage for several vehicle types, including specialty motorcycles. Whether you’re seeking coverage for your limited-edition, specialty, or vintage bike, Foremost will have you covered.
  3. Progressive – Best Minimum Liability Motorcycle Insurance
    While GEICO is the cheapest overall provider overall, Progressive offers the cheapest rates ($75 per year) for minimum-liability-only motorcycle insurance. If all you want is to meet your state’s minimum requirements, Progressive is a great option.

Summary of the Best Motorcycle Insurance

  1. 1.

    Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance: Geico

  2. 2.

    Best Insurance for Specialty Motorcycles: Foremost

  3. 3.

    Best Minimum Liability Motorcycle Insurance: Progressive

  4. 4.

    Top Motorcycle Insurance for Bundling: Nationwide

  5. 5.

    Best Motorcycle Insurance for Harley-Davidsons: Safeco

Comparison of the Best Insurance for Motorcycles

Motorcycle Insurance GEICO Foremost Progressive Nationwide Safeco
Average annual rate for motorcycle coverage $345 $900 $704 $367 N/A
Motorcycle bundling discount Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Motorcycle safety course discount Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
(within 3 years)
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index (Southwest) (out of 1,000)1 804 N/A 809 783 795

Detailed List of the Best Motorcycle Insurance

1. Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance - Geico

What We Like Most:

  • Save money with defensive driving courses
  • Cheapest rates after a speeding ticket
  • Save by installing safety equipment

GEICO is known as one of the cheapest insurance providers for cars, and that title holds up for motorcycles as well. Motorcycle insurance rates vary drastically from state to state and rider to rider, making it hard to get an accurate estimate without seeking a quote for yourself. GEICO, however, offers motorcycle policies for around $340 annually. With several discounts, bundling options, and the backing of one of the country’s largest providers, GEICO is a great choice if you’re looking for affordable motorcycle coverage.

ProsWho It's Best For
  • pro
    People looking for low motorcycle insurance rates
  • pro
    Riders over the age of 25
  • pro
    Members of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
  • pro
    Riders with accessories, such as a nonstock sidecar or trike conversion kit
ConsWho It's Not Best For
  • con
  • con
    Owners of vintage or specialty edition motorcycles

Rates You Can Afford

It’s important to note that insurance coverage will vary from person to person and state to state depending on your demographics, location, the number of accidents in your area, instances of theft in your area, the chance of natural disasters, and much more.

Even with that in mind, GEICO has maintained its reputation as one of the cheapest providers of motorcycle insurance. Here’s how GEICO compares to its competitors.

Provider Average annual cost of motorcycle insurance
GEICO $345
Nationwide $367
Progressive $704
Markel $8612

This data was collected in the state of New York, which has more motorcyclists than any other state in the U.S.

Stay Insured in the Offseason

Not all providers offer insurance in the “motorcycle offseason” – the winter months when most motorcyclists keep their bikes stored in the garage. However, GEICO allows you to maintain your insurance through the winter months or for extended periods when you don’t plan on riding your bike.

Even if you plan on taking a lapse from riding your bike, there are still several ways your motorcycle might get damaged. Here are a few things motorcycle insurance in the offseason will cover:

  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Flooding
  • Fires
  • Other natural disasters

Motorcycle Safety Foundation Member Benefits

GEICO is a great option if you’re a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) member or if you’re thinking about becoming an MSF member. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing world-class motorcycle education to riders of all experience levels.

MSF motorcycle instructors can earn up to 20 percent off their policy with GEICO, and other riders can earn up to 10 percent off their policy by completing an MSF safety course.

2. Best Insurance for Specialty Motorcycles - Foremost
Foremost Insurance Logo

What We Like Most:

  • Three convenient plans to choose from
  • Options for rideshare drivers
  • Protection for child safety seats and special parts

Foremost motorcycle insurance was designed for motorcycle enthusiasts with multiple motorcycle types. It provides coverage for cruisers, dirt bikes, sport bikes, electric bikes, scooters, and trikes. On top of that, Foremost is one of the few providers that offer specialized coverage for vintage and special-edition motorcycles. Its prices vary from state to state and bike to bike, but you can expect to pay around $900 per year on average.

ProsWho It's Best For
  • pro
    People who own vintage or special-edition motorbikes
  • pro
    Riders who have a motorcycle endorsement on their license
  • pro
    People who are insured with Farmers
  • pro
    People who want to bundle multiple motorcycles
ConsWho It's Not Best For
  • con
    Anyone living in Massachusetts or Hawaii
  • con
    People looking for the most affordable option

Did You Know?

Roughly 10 percent of homeowners own at least one motorcycle.3

Specialty Motorcycle Coverage

Foremost is our top pick for its commitment to providing a wide array of coverage options catered to all motorcycle types, including specialty bikes. This sentiment is reflected in its unique insurance options that you can integrate with your insurance coverage.

Here are its four major insurance options:

  • Liability Only: Liability coverage, towing and roadside assistance, and first accident forgiveness
  • Low-Speed & Low-Speed Elite: Insurance for low-speed motorbikes, scooters, and electric vehicles
  • Custom & Custom Elite: Coverage for unique and limited-edition bikes or those with $30,000 or more in custom equipment
  • Vintage & Vintage Elite: Extra protection for vintage and classic motorcycles 25 years or older, as long as bikes are maintained or have been restored to their original condition

FYI:

Low-speed motorbike insurance is required in only 24 states.4 Speak to a local agent to find out what your state requirements are.

Package Coverage Add-ons

Foremost offers three optional coverage packages to give you extra coverage for any unique needs you may have on the road with your bike:

Add-on plan Saver Plus Elite
Helmet and safety apparel coverage Yes, up to $500 Yes, up to $1,500 Yes, up to, $2,500
Available optional equipment (ACV) Yes Yes Yes
Optional towing and roadside assistance Yes Yes Yes
First accident forgiveness Yes Yes Yes
2-year total loss settlement No Yes Yes
Trip interruption No Yes Yes
Track day coverage No Yes Yes
Enhanced rental/permissive use rental No No Yes
Diminishing deductible No No Yes
Personal effects at replacement cost No No Yes (up to $2,500)

Discounts for Motorcycle Riders

Foremost offers several discount opportunities for motorcycle riders. Talk to your agent to see if you qualify for any of the following discounts:

  • Additional $500 in medical payments coverage for wearing a helmet
  • Safety equipment discount
  • $500 comprehensive deductible waiver for installing a theft recovery device
  • Safe rider discount for completing motorcycle defensive driving and safety courses
  • Discount if you belong to an affinity organization, such as AARP
  • Motorcycle endorsement discount
  • Multi-policy discount, including any insurance policy you already have with Farmers
  • Multi-bike discount
  • Policy renewal discount

TIP:

Even within a single state, the average cost of motorcycle insurance can vary widely based on what city you’re in. Speak to an agent to find the most accurate price for your location.

3. Best Minimum Liability Motorcycle Insurance - Progressive

What We Like Most:

  • Cheaper rates for drivers with a DUI
  • Several ways to save if your premium increases
  • Accident forgiveness automatically applies to policy in most states

Progressive is an industry leader for both car insurance and motorcycle insurance. Progressive offers liability-only motorcycle insurance for as little as $75 per year; that’s only $6.25 a month. You can also get unique add-ons, customized motorcycle coverages, and benefits that come with every plan, including total loss coverage, a $500 transportation/accommodation allowance if your bike breaks down, and no depreciation for bike parts.

Add a long list of discounts and an A+ Superior rating from AM Best, and you have one of the most reliable and affordable options for motorcycle insurance.5

ProsWho It's Best For
  • pro
    Riders looking for affordable liability coverage
  • pro
    People who want to bundle their ATVs and UTVs
  • pro
    Low-risk riders
  • pro
    Riders with a lot of equipment upgrades to their bikes, like custom-stitched seats or light kits
ConsWho It's Not Best For
  • con
    Unsafe riders
  • con
    Young riders

Affordable Liability Policies

Progressive has some of the most affordable rates for liability coverage. In fact, you can get motorcycle liability insurance for as little as $75 per year depending on your motorcycle type, demographics, and location. On average, expect to pay around $205 per year for minimum liability coverage with Progressive. All policies, including minimum liability, come with the following:

  • Full replacement cost and no-cost depreciation for parts
  • $3,000 in coverage for accessories and custom parts/equipment (or up to $30,000 if you want to add extra coverage)
  • Guaranteed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for repairs

Extra Coverage

Whether you have a liability policy, full coverage, or a custom policy, you may want some niche coverage features for your bike. Progressive offers some of the most popular optional motorcycle insurance coverage available to customers, which includes the following:

  • Total loss coverage for a motorcycle up to two years old
  • Roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage if your bike is disabled anywhere in the U.S. or Canada
  • Carried contents coverage, which covers personal belongings (phones, hunting gear, etc.) if they’re damaged due to a covered loss
  • Enhanced injury protection, which grants you up to $250 every week for two years if you’re injured in an accident and can’t work

Robust Discounts

Progressive has a long list of discounts that can help make your motorcycle coverage more affordable. While Progressive will integrate discounts into your quotes based on the information you provide, you should ask your agent about any additional discounts you may be eligible for.

Some of Progressive’s most notable discounts include the following:

  • Multi-policy discount when you bundle your motorcycle with your home, car, boat, or RV
  • 25 percent off your deductible for every claim-free period (deductible can reach $0)
  • Harley Owners Group and USAA membership discount
  • Pay-in-full discount
  • Pay-on-time discount
  • Automated billing discount
  • Safety course rider discount
  • Safe driver discount (eligible for those with no accidents or violations in the past three years)

FYI:

USAA memberships are available to active military members, veterans, and military families only.

4. Top Motorcycle Insurance for Bundling - Nationwide

What We Like Most:

  • Discounts for taking a defensive driver course
  • Network of local agents
  • Usage-based insurance program for low-mileage drivers

With an average annual cost of $367, Nationwide is one of the more affordable motorcycle insurance providers on our list. On top of affordable rates and solid discounts, you can bundle your motorcycle with your home, car, and other policies. Finally, Nationwide has strong customer satisfaction (858 J.D. Power rating) and financial strength (A+ AM Best rating) scores.

ProsWho It's Best For
  • pro
    Riders with multiple motorcycles
  • pro
    Harley Owners Group members
  • pro
    Custom bike and trike owners
  • pro
    Riders with custom equipment on their bikes
ConsWho It's Not Best For
  • con
    Anyone living in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, or Massachusetts
  • con
    High-risk riders

Great Bundling Policies

Nationwide has a long list of bundling options that will simplify the way you manage your insurance. Bundling not only simplifies insurance management by placing all of your policies under one roof, but it also opens up to additional savings. Speak to a Nationwide agent to see what kinds of discounts you may be eligible for.

With Nationwide, you can bundle motorcycle insurance with the following types of insurance:

  • Home
  • Auto
  • Life
  • Boat
  • ATV
  • Snowmobile
  • Scooter

Riders With Multiple Motorcycles

If you collect bikes, have culled together old bikes over the years, or have a big family of riders, you’ll need an insurance policy that can support several motorcycles. With Nationwide, you can insure up to 12 motorcycles, with $50,000 in coverage per bike. On top of that, you can gain additional coverage for any of your bikes with custom parts or motorcycle trailers.

Vintage Motorcycle and Scooter Insurance

Not all providers offer coverage for vintage bikes, classics, and scooters. With older bikes, your risk goes beyond accidents. You may need to replace old parts that are expensive and difficult to find.

Nationwide can get you coverage for vintage bikes and scooters made in 1974 or earlier. Alternatively, you can protect your classic bikes that are 25 years old or older through Nationwide’s partnership with Hagerty.

5. Best Motorcycle Insurance for Harley-Davidsons - Safeco
Safeco Logo

What We Like Most:

  • Average rates are half the national average
  • Customizable coverages and add-ons
  • Backed by Liberty Mutual, ensuring its financial stability

Safeco is a solid option for motorcycle riders who own cruisers (especially Harley-Davidsons), tour bikes, sports bikes, and super-sport bikes. Along with protecting a number of different bikes and vehicle types, it comes with a long list of additional coverage options and features, including replacement cost provision (available only for Harleys), OEM parts replacement, and 24-hour roadside assistance.

ProsWho It's Best For
  • pro
    Safe riders
  • pro
    People who want gap insurance
  • pro
    Young riders
  • pro
    Owners of homemade and kit bikes
ConsWho It's Not Best For
  • con
    People who have a DUI on their driving record
  • con
    People who live in Delaware, Hawaii, or Washington D.C. (Safeco does not offer auto insurance in these regions)

Harley-Davidson Replacement Cost Provision

A lot of providers have some form of replacement cost provision if you total your bike and need it replaced. Safeco’s replacement cost program is limited to Harley-Davidson bikes. It will replace your Harley with a similar model if it’s totaled, or it will pay you the actual cash value of your bike in today’s market. This applies only to Harleys that are up to two years old.

Additional Motorcycle Coverage

Safeco offers a number of coverage add-ons that either already come with a standard policy or can be added as optional coverage. Find the full list below.

Coverage type Standard coverage Optional coverage
Bodily injury liability X
Collision insurance X
24-Hour roadside assistance X
Original equipment manufacturer parts coverage X
Safety Apparel Coverage
(if safety apparel was damaged in a collision)
X
Harley-Davidson replacement cost provision X

Safeco Motorcycle Discounts

Safeco offers a few motorcycle discounts that can help you save on your motorcycle insurance. The rates for these discounts vary from state to state, so be sure to speak with an agent to find out exactly what savings you’re eligible for. Safeco’s four major motorcycle discounts include:

Motorcycle insurance discount Eligibility
Claims-free discount Safeco offers this discount for riders who have been claims-free for over 12 months in your prior term, including if you went claims-free with a different provider.
Companion policy discount Safeco’s companion policy discount, sometimes referred to as a multi-policy or bundling discount, can earn you savings if you have another policy of any kind with Safeco.
Safety course discount You could be eligible for this discount if you’ve completed an approved safety motorcycle course within the past three years.
Experienced rider discount If you’ve been riding motorbikes for several years, you might be eligible for an experienced rider discount. Safeco offers discounts even if you’ve been riding the same bike for several years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does motorcycle gap insurance work?

Motorcycle gap insurance will cover what you owe on a motorcycle loan after your provider covers the damages of a total loss, similar to how car gap insurance works.

Do I need full coverage on a motorcycle?

In most states, you don’t need full coverage to legally ride a motorcycle. However, we recommend getting full coverage if you can afford it. With full coverage, you’ll get collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and personal injury protection on top of liability.

Which states require insurance for low-speed motorcycles and scooters?

Low-speed motorcycle and scooter insurance is required in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Washington, D.C.
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Which states have the cheapest motorcycle insurance costs?

On average, the states with the lowest costs for motorcycle insurance include:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Montana
  • Minnesota
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Methodology

Because motorcycle prices vary widely from state to state and city to city, we looked at direct price comparisons from within regions/states, available discounts, and the most comprehensive coverage options to put this list together. We also looked at available data from trusted sources like J.D. Power and NADAguides to find you the most reliable data. To find the best coverage options and plans, we considered proprietary data, recognized studies, and expert institutional guidance.

  • Proprietary data: Over the past 20 years, AutoiInsurance.com has been collecting millions of data points based on transactions that people make when they sign up for motor vehicle insurance. That data helps us discern what type of customer has had the most success with certain plans and insurance providers. By looking at which companies cater to a specific customer type or demographic, we use a data-driven approach to narrow down which providers offer the best rates for your specific needs and location.
  • Recognized studies: While we use our own proprietary data from the various riders we’ve helped connect to insurance companies, we also use studies from accredited organizations and leaders in the industry. We look at third-party studies from AM Best, the Better Business Bureau, J.D. Power, Moody’s, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and S&P Global to gather information on customer satisfaction and financial strength.
  • Expert institutional guidance: We’re fortunate to have the president of insurance services at Centerfield, AutoInsurance.com’s parent company, back our research. Paul Ford has worked in insurance for three decades, with tenures at NetQuote, Bankrate, Datalot, Canadian Access, and other companies. His insider knowledge and expert guidance enable us to provide customers with everything they need to find the perfect plan and get updated on the most important auto insurance information.

Citations

  1. A Guide To Understanding The Motorcycle Insurance Costs For an 18 Year Old. J.D. Power. (2022).
    https://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/shopping-guides/how-much-is-motorcycle-insurance-for-an-18-year-old

  2. Auto Insurance Rate Hikes Erode Price Satisfaction, Drive Surge in Value Shopping, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2022, May).
    https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2022-us-insurance-shopping-study

  3. U.S. Households with a Motorcycle Climbs to Record 8 Percent in 2018. Motorcycle Industry Council. (2019, Jan). https://www.mic.org/#/newsArticle?articleId=2933

  4. Do you need insurance for a moped? Nationwide. (2022). https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/powersports/articles/do-you-need-insurance-for-a-moped

  5. AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries. AM Best. (2022, Jan). hhttps://news.ambest.com/presscontent.aspx?altsrc=3&RefNum=31637&URatingId=-1#:~:text=AM%20Best%20has%20affirmed%20the