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If you want to ride legally in most states, you’re going to at least need the minimum amount of insurance coverage. If you’re financing a motorcycle or buying a new bike, you’ll probably need some collision and comprehensive coverage as well.
This page will dig into the costs of motorcycle insurance and what you can expect to pay each year.
Ready to save? Compare quotes and find cheaper motorcycle insurance at MotorcycleZombies.com.
And read our tips on how to get the cheapest motorcycle insurance.
How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost?
In every state other than Florida, you are required to have motorcycle insurance in order to register and title your motorcycle and ride your bike on public roads.
Even when motorcycle insurance is not required, it’s still smart to have it. If you are found at fault for injuries or property damage, you’ll still be financially responsible.
If you’ve financed your motorcycle, the lender will typically require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage.
The cost of motorcycle insurance varies pretty greatly depending on a handful of factors.
It all depends on the insurance company’s risk calculations and any discounts you may be able to apply.
The cost of your insurance policy is based on:
- Type of coverage. You’ll pay less if you only opt for the state’s minimum required coverage, but you’ll also be out of luck in situations other than collisions. Adding additional coverage like comprehensive and collision will give you better protection, but come at a higher price.
- Your location. Where you live will play a role in determining your insurance rates. Some ZIP codes have higher accident and crime rates than others. And some states have considerably higher or lower rates than others.
- Your age and years riding. Older riders with more experience are going to pay less than younger riders and new riders.
- Your riding history. If you have a driving record with traffic violations and speeding tickets, you can expect to pay more for insurance.
- How often you ride.
- The type of motorcycle you’re covering.
What is the Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance?
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1500 per year, or about $25 to $125 per month for motorcycle insurance.
However, if you opt for minimum coverage or higher deductibles, you may only need to spend about $80 to $200 per year.
The most expensive states for motorcycle insurance range from about $900 to $1,800 per year. They include:
- California.
- Florida.
- Louisiana.
- Michigan.
- Missouri.
The least expensive states for motorcycle insurance range from about $300 to $500 per year. These include:
- Iowa.
- Nebraska.
- North Dakota.
- South Dakota.
- Wyoming.
Liability Insurance vs. Full Coverage
One big factor in your overall cost of your motorcycle insurance policy will depend on the types of coverage you choose and the deductible you elect.
If you only purchase your state’s minimum liability coverage, you can expect to pay a lot less per month.
However, only going with minimum coverage will put you at risk and on the hook financially for damage, theft, and other scenarios.
Liability coverage kicks in when you are found to be responsible for causing an accident.
Full coverage will protect your bike in a wider variety of situations, and can even replace your bike if it gets stolen or destroyed in something other than a vehicle-on-vehicle crash.
Why is Motorcycle Insurance So Expensive?
There are a number of reasons why your motorcycle insurance costs are high.
The main factors that affect your rates are:
- Your demographics (age, riding experience, credit rating, accident history, etc.).
- Your location.
- The type of motorcycle you ride.
If you’re younger, use your bike for commuting, have a history of speeding tickets, or ride a “more dangerous” motorcycle, your rates will be higher.
The bike you ride plays a big factor in your policy’s premiums. Motorcycles that are more valuable are going to be more expensive to insure.
Additionally, motorcycles that have higher crash statistics will come with higher monthly rates.
Sport bikes and superbikes are typically more expensive to insure than cruisers or standard motorcycles.
If you live in an area where motorcycle theft is higher or you’re not able to secure your bike in a garage, you can also expect a more expensive policy.
Just like with car insurance, there are a number of ways you can try to reduce the overall cost of your policy:
- Opt for a higher deductible.
- Bundle other policies.
- Complete a motorcycle safety course.
- Join an AMA motorcycle club.
- See if you qualify for some of your insurance provider’s discounts, such as:
- Multi-policy.
- Auto-pay.
- Claim-free.
- Pay in full.
If your motorcycle insurance rates have become too high, it’s a smart idea to compare some quotes from different providers.
Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance by Age
Just like car insurance for drivers under 25 years old, motorcycle insurance for younger riders is going to be more expensive than coverage for older, more experienced riders.
Riders between the ages of 16 and 24 years old are statistically riskier riders.
For example, motorcycle insurance for an 18 year old rider can be anywhere from $200 to $400 more expensive per year on average.
| Age | Average Full Coverage Rates |
| 16 years old | $1,200 per year |
| 18 years old | $1,000 per year |
| 25 years old | $800 per year |
| 35 years old | $450 per year |
| 45 years old | $400 per year |
Keep in mind that your individual rates can vary greatly from state to state and depending on your personal circumstances, demographics, and other rating factors.
How much is motorcycle insurance for a 16 to 18-year-old?
Teenage riders in the 16-year-old to 18-year-old age range are always going to have the highest rates for motorcycle insurance.
You can expect full coverage to range anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 per year, or $80 to $125 per month.
Young riders have far less experience and statistically take greater risks while riding.
Just like for car insurance, as you gain more riding experience and have a proven track record of being a safe and responsible motorcyclist, your premiums will decrease.
One great way to lower your rates right off the bat is by completing an approved motorcycle training course.