5 Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies of 2024
Best Motorcycle Insurance Main Takeaways
- Motorcycle insurance covers damages to others, your bike, and personal injuries, among other things, depending on the policy.
- Most states require motorcycle insurance coverage. And annual premiums can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
- Prioritizing coverage for liability, uninsured motorist protection, and medical expenses is crucial.
- If you're financing your vehicle, your lender will likely mandate comprehensive and collision coverage.
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
- Nationwide – Best for Motorcycle Collectors
- Safeco – Best for Homemade and Kit Bikes
Best Motorcycle Insurance Company Reviews
Best for Accident Forgiveness: Progressive
- Forgives claims of less than $500
- Get $3,000 for damages to upgrades, customizations and accessories
- Disappearing deductible down to $0
- Covers full replacement cost and carry-on items
- Below-average customer satisfaction score
- Not every discount offered is available in all 50 states
Why we chose it: Progressive includes accident forgiveness benefits on your motorcycle insurance policy, so your rates won’t increase after a small or large claim.
- Small accident forgiveness: No rate increases after accidents that cost $500 or less.
- Large accident forgiveness: No rate increases even after accidents over $500 if you remain accident- and violation-free for up to five years (available in most states).
- Additional accident forgiveness: If you purchase these benefits, you can have one eligible accident forgiven per policy period.
Coverages & discounts
Coverage options
- Bodily injury and property damage liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
- Comprehensive and collision
- Medical payments
- Full replacement cost
- Accessories and custom parts
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts
- Complimentary accessories
- Total loss
- Roadside assistance and trip interruption
- Carried contents
- Disappearing deductible
- Enhanced injury protection
Discounts
- Quote in advance
- Multi-policy
- Association member
- Motorcycle endorsement
- Safety course
- Switch from another companyv
- Responsible driver (no accidents/violations in four years)
- Safe and steady driver (45-year-old drivers with three years experience)
- Pay in full
- Pay on time
- Automatic bill-pay
- Homeowner
Best for New Riders: Harley-Davidson
- Financing and extended service plans
- Extensive list of covered motorcycle types
- Optional equipment replacement cost for total losses
- Military, law enforcement and experienced rider discounts
- Coverage is unavailable in AK, HI and Washington, D.C.
- Only offers motorcycle insurance
Why we chose it: Harley-Davidson is our best motorcycle insurance company for new riders because it offers a one-stop shopping experience, whether you're looking for insurance, bike loans or extended service plans. It also offers one of the longest lists of discounts out of the companies we reviewed.
Coverages & discounts
Coverage options
- Guest passenger liability
- Bodily injury liability
- Property damage liability
- Comprehensive coverage
- Collision coverage
- Roadside assistance
- Optional equipment coverage
- Vacation rental insurance
- Bike replacement cost
- Optional equipment replacement cost
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury
- Underinsured motorist bodily injury
- Uninsured motorist property damage
- Underinsured motorist property damage
- Rental reimbursement coverage
- Medical expense coverage
- Personal injury protection
Discounts
- New bike
- H.O.G. member
- Motorcycle endorsement
- Experienced rider
- H-D Riding Academy
- Homeownership
- Prompt-payer
- Claim-free renewal
- Bundling policies
- Loyalty
- Multi-cycle
- Anti-theft
- Military and law enforcement
Read our full Harley-Davidson motorcycle insurance review
Best for Track Riders: Foremost
- Track day coverage and replacement cost with Plus and Elite packages
- First-accident forgiveness, optional equipment and safety apparel coverage
- Many discounts, including lay-up, locked storage and preferred operator
- Limited customer service hours
- Doesn't sell policies online
Why we chose it: Foremost, a Farmers Insurance subsidiary, is our pick for the best motorcycle insurance company for track riders because it’s the only insurer on this list that will cover motorcycle repairs/replacement in case of an accident on the racetrack. It also offers enhanced online services and better insurance terms than its parent company, such as $10,000 in transport trailer coverage compared to Farmers' $7,500 limit.
Why Trust Us?
Coverage options
- Replacement cost total loss settlement
- Helmets and safety apparel coverage
- Transport trailer coverage
- Optional equipment coverage
- Saver package (basic coverage)
- Plus package (balance of coverage and price)
- Elite package (comprehensive coverage)
- Vintage & Vintage Elite packages (for restored bikes aged 25+)
- Custom & Custom Elite packages (for limited-production bikes)
- Low-Speed & Low-Speed Elite package
- Liability Only package
Discounts
- Multi-vehicle
- Multi-policy
- Endorsement
Read our full Foremost motorcycle insurance review
Best for Motorcycle Collections: Nationwide
- Up to $50,000 in coverage for custom bikes and trikes
- Covers vintage motorcycles and scooters made before 1974
- Vanishing deductible saves you $100 each claim-free year up to $500
- Offers an original equipment manufacturer endorsement
- Motorcycle apparel coverage included with classic motorcycle insurance
- Original-manufacturer parts only for vehicles less than 10 years old
- Fewer discounts than other companies
Why we chose it: Nationwide is our top pick for motorcycle collectors because it's the only insurer on our list that allows customers to add as many as 12 motorcycles under one policy for a maximum coverage amount $50,000 per bike ($30,000 for custom parts), plus trailer coverage. It also 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.
Coverages & discounts
Coverage options
- Bodily injury liability
- Property damage liability
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Uninsured or underinsured motorcycle coverage
- Medical payments
- Custom equipment
- Roadside Assistance
- OEM endorsement
- Vanishing deductible
Discounts
- Multi-policy
- Multi-vehicle
- Motorcycle safety course
- Theft-recovery device
- Homeowner
- Paid in full
- Anti-lock brakes
- Riding association
Read our full Nationwide motorcycle insurance review
Best for Homemade and Kit Bikes: Safeco
- Covers some homemade and kit bikes
- Manufacturer parts included with comprehensive and collision
- Offers a Harley Davidson replacement cost provision
- Discount for taking an approved motorcycle safety course
- Only offers four discounts
- Quotes are only available through an agent
- Limited discounts are available
Why we chose it: Safeco , a Liberty Mutual company, 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. It also includes roadside assistance with all its plans along with guaranteed manufacturer parts repair if you have comprehensive and collision coverage.
Coverages & discounts
Coverage options
- Bodily injury liability
- Collision
- 24-hour roadside assistance
- OEM manufacturer parts coverage
- Safety apparel coverage
- Harley Davidson replacement cost provision
Discounts
- Claims-free
- Companion policy
- Safety course discount
Read our full Safeco motorcycle insurance review
Other companies we considered
USAA
- Great customer service ratings
- Affordable rates
- Restricted to military service members and family
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.
Read our full USAA motorcycle insurance review
GEICO
- Helmet and bike accessories are covered under comprehensive and collision policies
- Up to 10% Discount for completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course
- Below-average customer satisfaction score
- Fewer add-ons and discounts than other companies
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 Geico didn’t make the cut: While GEICO offers solid insurance coverage, it doesn’t stand out in any particular area.
Farmers
- Includes helmet and safety apparel coverage
- Offers first-accident forgiveness
- Covers street-legal ATVs, low-speed, vintage and custom bikes
- Not all products, coverages and discounts are available in all areas
- Must call for a quote
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
- Includes $1,000 in aftermarket upgrade coverage
- Offers New Motorcycle Extended Protection and gap coverage
- First-accident waiver available for eligible customers
- Offers motorcycle and off-road vehicle transport trailer damage
- Includes seasonal pricing
- Some coverages are not available in all states
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, it offers loan/lease gap coverage, coverage for damaged motorcycles and off-road transport trailers, extended protection for new motorcycles and first accident forgiveness.
Why Allstate didn’t make the cut: Allstate offers coverage benefits that are comparable to our top picks but it excludes antique bikes.
Dairyland
- Covers a range of bikes including cruisers, touring, choppers and sport bikes
- Original manufacturer replacement parts add-on
- Discounts for Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) riders
- Offers full replacement cost coverage
- Few discounts compared to other companies
- Motorcycle coverage isn't available in every state
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
- Premiums are calculated based on monthly mileage
- Good for occasional riders
- Affordable alternative to annual policies
- Offers three easy insurance packages
- Some may still have to send a picture of their odometer up to three times a year
- Sells coverage in only 20 states
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 20 states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and 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.
Even if motorcycle insurance isn’t legally required in your state, having coverage can ensure you're financially protected if you're found personally liable for damages in an at-fault accident.
How does motorcycle insurance work?
Motorcycle insurance functions much like auto insurance, providing financial protection in case of accidents or other covered events.
Liability insurance specifically covers costs related to bodily injury and property damage experienced by another person in an accident where you're at fault. On the other hand, comprehensive and collision coverage help cover your bodily injury and property damage expenses — after you meet a deductible.
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: Protects you against bodily injury and property damage liability lawsuits if you’re in an accident involving another person.
- Collision coverage: Pays to repair or replace your bike if you're in an accident with another vehicle but doesn't 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 (theft, vandalism, fire and natural disasters).
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Covers lost wages, medical bills and, in some cases, property damage if you’re in a collision with someone who doesn't have insurance or has insufficient coverage. It may be legally required in some states.
- Medical payments: Pays for your medical bills and those of your passengers after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Most common add-ons
Motorcycle insurance add-ons vary by company, yet most include the following.
- Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts: Generally included with the purchase of comprehensive and collision coverage, this option helps ensure your bike is repaired with new parts from the original manufacturer.
- Coverage for custom parts and equipment: Covers custom motorcycle parts, including permanent additions like sidecars, chrome parts and custom paint jobs.
- Coverage for accessories: Covers damage to accessories like saddlebags, trunk boxes, CB radios, other optional equipment added to the motorcycle, and safety apparel like helmets and goggles.
- Total loss coverage: Helps you pay off the loan on your bike or buy a new one after a total loss.
- Roadside assistance: Generally covers towing, flat tire changes, fuel delivery and more.
Motorcycle 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.
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.
Moreover, your state’s minimum insurance requirements may not cover all damages in the event of an at-fault accident. To reduce potential out-of-pocket expenses, opt for the greatest amount of coverage you can afford.
No-fault states vs. at-fault states
States with “at-fault” or tort laws typically identify who’s responsible for an accident and make that party (and their insurance company) responsible for covering the medical costs of the other driver and their 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, a driver can still sue the person responsible for the accident later on. If the lawsuit is successful, the responsible party's insurance company must cover the damages.
You’ll need personal injury protection (PIP) coverage — also known as “no-fault coverage”— if you live in a “no-fault” state. This coverage option helps cover your medical bills, funeral expenses or lost wages regardless of who is at fault.
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.
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.
What to consider before buying a motorcycle insurance policy
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.
- Decide how much motorcycle coverage to get: Most states require bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. If you're financing your bike, your lender may also require you to buy comprehensive and collision. Optional coverage includes personal injury protection, MedPay and uninsured/underinsured motorists.
- 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.
- 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. Increasing your deductible will typically lower your premium as well.
- 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.
- Shop around for quotes: 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. Most will cover cruisers, touring bikes, dirt bikes, trikes, sports bikes and mopeds/scooters, but some won't insure race bikes or vintage bikes over 25 years old.
Best Motorcycle Insurance FAQs
How much is motorcycle insurance?
However, the truth is that motorcycle insurance costs vary widely depending on factors such as your coverage level, driving record, driving habits, address, age, vehicle make and model and more.
Do you need motorcycle insurance?
You want as much coverage as you can afford for three types of coverages: liability, uninsured motorist and medical expenses. Comprehensive collision coverage makes sense if your vehicle has financing and your lender requires it. It's also a good idea if you're riding a valuable motorcycle, but it's not essential if you own an older model that has already greatly depreciated in value.
Is motorcycle insurance cheaper than car insurance?
Who has the best motorcycle insurance?
If you have a custom bike or one with many accessories, look for a company offering higher coverage limits for these features. Hit the track every so often or want year-round coverage with no lay-up period? Look for insurers providing these options.
Can you get insurance on a motorcycle without a license?
What states have helmet laws for motorcycles?
How We Found the Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies
We considered the following factors when selecting the best motorcycle insurance companies.
Coverage and discounts
As part of our research, we cataloged motorcycle insurance products from 11 top insurance companies to identify the features that set them apart. We also compared each company's coverage area, covered motorcycle types and range of discounts. Our top picks offer unique coverage options that go beyond standard motorcycle insurance, a great selection of discounts or both.
Customer satisfaction
We generally rely on J.D. Power studies to understand customer sentiment toward insurers. While the agency doesn't publish a specific study on motorcycle insurance, we used the latest U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study as a proxy. This study provides insight into how customers feel about doing business with well-known insurers, particularly how they handle claims and communicate with customers.
Financial stability
While it may not be top of mind for consumers, financial stability is important when comparing insurance companies. Financial strength ratings provide a clear picture of the financial health of insurers and their ability to pay out claims when needed. All of our top picks and runners up have A (Excellent) to A++ (Superior) financial strength ratings from AM Best or their equivalent in Fitch ratings.
Summary of Money’s Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies of 2024
- Progressive – Best for Accident Forgiveness
- Harley-Davidson – Best for New Riders
- Foremost – Best for Track Riders
- Nationwide – Best for Motorcycle Collectors
- Safeco – Best for Homemade and Kit Bikes