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By
Megan Glosson
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Megan Glosson has over 350 published articles across nearly a dozen websites. She regularly contributes to Unwritten, Moms.com, and The Mighty and has numerous car-related articles published on TheThings.com and Motor1.com. She is an expert on car insurance. Megan received her Bachelor of Music degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 2010.
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Updated February 22, 2024
Reviewed by
Anthony Battle
Reviewed byAnthony Battle
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Anthony Battle is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. He earned the Chartered Financial Consultant® designation for advanced financial planning, the Chartered Life Underwriter® designation for advanced insurance specialization, the Accredited Financial Counselor® for Financial Counseling and both the Retirement Income Certified Professional®, and Certified Retirement Counselor designations for advance retirement planning.
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Amanda Bellucco-Chatham
Fact checked byAmanda Bellucco-Chatham
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Amanda Bellucco-Chatham is an editor, writer, and fact-checker with years of experience researching personal finance topics. Specialties include general financial planning, career development, lending, retirement, tax preparation, and credit.
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We chose Markel as the best motorcycle insurance company due to the insurer's deep experience with the motorcycle coverage market and plentiful discounts. To choose Markel, we researched more than 30 national motorcycle insurance providers, evaluating their coverage, discounts, J.D. Power customer satisfaction rankings, and AM Best financial strength ratings. Below, you'll find motorcycle insurance offers from our advertising partners, followed by our complete in-depth list of the best motorcycle insurance companies we've found. Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies for 2024 Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies for 2024 The Bottom Line Compare Providers Guide to Choosing Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motorcycle Insurance Company How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost? FAQ Methodology Key Specs Why We Chose It With decades of experience in motorcycle insurance, as well as a wide array of coverage options, Markel earns its title as the best overall choice for motorcycle insurance. Although the company doesn’t offer all of the tech tools that larger companies provide, it more than makes up for it in its wide range of coverage options and discounts. Pros & Cons Pros Extremely wide range of coverage Expansive list of discount offerings Offers accident forgiveness Cons Limited tech tools for customers Coverage not available in Massachusetts or North Carolina Coverage Richmond, Virginia-based Markel offers customizable policies with its motorcycle insurance so you can protect your bike and all of its accessories. Within its policies, Markel provides the following types of coverage: Furthermore, Markel insures more motorcycle types than is typical, making it attractive for anyone having trouble getting coverage. The company's motorcycle insurance covers all of the following types of bikes and trikes: Discounts Markel offers extensive discounts to its clients, which can save as much as 35% off their typical premium motorcycle insurance costs. These discounts include: Customer Satisfaction and Financial Strength Markel maintains a financial strength rating of A with AM Best. Although Markel is smaller compared to other insurers, it receives few complaints. In 2022, the company had only four complaints to state insurance departments. It consistently has fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size. Limitations Markel is licensed to operate in all states except Massachusetts and North Carolina, and coverages and limits may vary by state or geographic area. Additionally, it does not have a smartphone app or other perks that some larger, nationally recognized brands may offer. Still, the company does offer online policy management and claim filing. Additional Perks Markel may not have the marketing power of larger companies such as Geico or State Farm, but it does offer several perks that most motorcycle insurance providers do not. For starters, Markel has mechanical breakdown coverage for motorcycles which pays for repairs due to normal wear and tear. Most insurance companies leave this coverage up to extended warranty providers, but Markel offers it as a coverage option, which is handy for anyone driving an older bike. The diminishing deductible program is another discount feature that makes Markel stand out from the rest. Each year an insured driver goes without an accident, the company offers a 25% reduction on the driver’s deductible until it reaches $0 after four consecutive loss-free years. Finally, Markel is one of the few motorcycle insurance companies to have an accident forgiveness program. If you end up in an at-fault accident after at least four years with no accidents, Markel will waive its accident surcharge. This is a useful perk for relatively safe drivers who end up in a small wreck. Key Specs Why We Chose It With multiple discount options, Safeco offers great ways to save. The company also includes many free features for which competitors often charge, which makes it a safe bet for cheap motorcycle coverage. Founded in 1923, Boston-based Safeco is now owned by Liberty Mutual Insurance. Pros & Cons Pros Coverage for OEM parts Discount options 24/7 roadside assistance and claims filing Cons No option for online quotes Coverage not available in all states Coverage Like most other motorcycle insurance providers on this list, Safeco provides all of the basic types of coverage you’d expect or need, including: However, where Safeco stands out is with all of the extra features and add-on options it provides: Discounts With several available discounts for motorcyclists, Safeco offers some of the best savings in the industry. Discounts vary by location and policy, but you may be able to save on your premium by stacking some of these discounts: Customer Satisfaction and Financial Strength Unlike some insurance companies that don’t really connect with you, Safeco prides itself on the availability of local agents and their attentiveness to your needs, making sure you have the coverage you need anytime you’re out on the road. Safeco and its parent company, Liberty Mutual, have been awarded A ratings from AM Best. But the National Association of Insurance Commissioners reports that Safeco receives far more complaints than expected for a company of its size. Limitations Safeco isn’t a good choice for those looking for an exclusively online experience. You have to speak with a representative directly to get a quote, and its online resources are fairly limited, even on its smartphone app, available through Apple and Google Play. Additional Perks While some see working with a local agent as a drawback, others view it as a perk. With Safeco, you have a local agent available to you, but you can file claims online and access your policy 24/7 through Safeco’s customer portal and smartphone app. Aside from some of its special coverage inclusions, such as coverage for OEM parts and your safety apparel, Safeco is a basic company with basic offerings. However, if you’re looking for cheap insurance without bells and whistles, you’ll save lots of money with Safeco. Key Specs Why We Chose It Who knows motorcycles better than one of the top motorcycle makers in the world? You can buy your bike from Harley-Davidson and also get insurance coverage directly through your Harley dealership. As the company covers any type of motorcycle and offers some enticing perks, it’s a solid choice for anyone new to motorcycle riding. Harley-Davidson insurance is underwritten by a member of the Sentry Insurance Group, based in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Pros & Cons Pros Extensive coverage options for all motorcycle brands Outstanding accident forgiveness policy Cons Coverage not available in all states No other types of insurance policies (car, homeowner, etc.) Coverage No matter what type or brand of motorcycle you own, Harley-Davidson Insurance is ready and willing to provide you with coverage. They offer a wide selection of coverages from the standard options you'd expect to specialized options. The options include: Additionally, Harley-Davidson insurance has some special features: Discounts In addition to the lengthy list of provided coverage, Harley-Davidson offers a wide array of discounts for its customers: Customer Satisfaction and Financial Strength While Harley-Davidson is one of the best-known motorcycle companies in the world and boasts a dedicated customer base, its motorcycle insurance is underwritten by Sentry Insurance. As a result, it’s difficult to gauge customer satisfaction ratings for Harley-Davidson insurance as an individual provider. Still, Sentry Insurance maintains an A+ rating for financial strength from AM Best. Limitations Harley-Davidson doesn’t provide coverage in Alaska, Hawaii, or Washington, D.C. Available coverage and policies also vary from state to state, so it’s best to talk to a representative or obtain an online quote before switching to Harley-Davidson. Finally, the company doesn’t offer a mobile app, so your business must be conducted entirely online, over the phone, or in person, which may turn away tech-savvy clients. Additional Perks Overall, Harley-Davidson’s perks make it a good option for new motorcyle riders. On top of its policies, the company offers extended service plans, theft and appearance protection, planned maintenance, bike loans, and a Visa rewards card that allows you to redeem points on Harley-Davidson gear, all of which come in handy for new riders. Harley-Davidson also has an outstanding accident forgiveness policy as a standard part of all of its policies. As long as you maintain Harley-Davidson motorcycle insurance for at least a year, your motorcycle insurance rates won’t go up after your first accident. Key Specs Why We Chose It Founded in San Antonio, Texas in 1922, USAA offers a wide array of insurance and financial products. What’s more, the company continuously receives high marks from rating services such as J.D. Power. If you are a current or former military member, then look no further than USAA for your motorcycle insurance. Pros & Cons Pros Industry leader in customer service 24/7 claim filing and roadside assistance Several discounts available Cons Available only to current or former military members and their families Coverage USAA offers all of the basic types of coverage for your motorcycle, including: While USAA’s motorcycle coverage is pretty bare-bones, the company does cover nearly any type of bike and trike, including: Discounts While USAA may lack some of the added coverage features of other insurance companies, many military members choose it because of the low rates and attractive discounts. The latter include: Customer Satisfaction and Financial Strength Ask any USAA member what the best part of their insurance coverage is, and more than likely they will mention the company’s outstanding customer service. USAA consistently scores highly in J.D. Power rankings, though J.D. Power doesn't officially include the company in its rankings because of USAA's eligibility restrictions. USAA has a financial strength rating of A++ (Superior) from AM Best, the highest grade available, Limitations USAA insurance is available only to current or former military members and their immediate families. While that’s a major limitation, it allows USAA to deliver a quality product to those who sign up for some of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Additional Perks USAA provides several convenient payment methods to its customers. You can pay your policy in full or elect to pay in monthly installments. You can schedule automatic payments as well. Payment methods include checking accounts, savings accounts, mailing a check, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. USAA now offers its customers free mobile tools that allow you to access and manage all of your USAA banking, insurance, and financial products You can also chat with customer service within the app. Insurance customers can file claims and access their card. Banking customers can access mobile wallets, use bill pay service, and send money with Zelle. There also are tools for calculating a loan and to help locate an ATM. Key Specs Why We Chose It Not all bikes are built the same, and Foremost realizes that. It’s one of the few companies that specifically offers coverage for vintage or special edition motorcycles. Founded in 1952, Foremost has been covering motorcycles since 1970. It is now owned by Farmers Insurance Group. Its headquarters is in Caledonia, Michigan. Pros & Cons Pros Covers bikes 25 years old or older as well as custom bikes with more than $30,000 of customization Multiple discounts offered Coverage for trailers and other equipment Cons Coverage not available in Hawaii or Massachusetts No online quotes for homemade or kit assembled bikes Coverage Vintage or custom bikes aren’t the only types of motorcycles the company insures. Foremost will cover nearly any type of motorcycle or low-speed vehicle. Although Foremost groups its coverage options into packages, the company offers all of the following basic types of coverage: Additionally, Foremost provides the following coverage add-ons or extras depending on the package you select: Besides the three levels of coverage for standard motorcycles, Foremost is one of the few companies in the industry that offers specialty coverage for specific types of bikes. The Vintage and Vintage Elite plans provide coverage specifically for motorcycles at least 25 years old that have been maintained or restored, and the Custom and Custom Elite plans provide coverage for “limited production, one-of-a-kind motorcycles or bikes with more than $30,000 in optional equipment.” Discounts Foremost also offers several discounts, including: Customer Satisfaction and Financial Strength Although the company is a subsidiary of Farmers Insurance Group, Foremost Insurance holds a stand-alone rating of A from AM Best. Farmers Insurance Group received an at-average score in J.D. Power’s U.S. 2023 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Limitations Due to its size and structure, Foremost motorcycle insurance does come with some limitations. Coverage is not available in Hawaii or Massachusetts. Also, Foremost will not insure high-risk drivers, especially those who have a suspended or restricted license. Foremost also reserves the right to base premiums or deny coverage based on your credit score, meaning that it may not be the best option for those with poor credit. Additional Perks While Foremost doesn’t offer many additional perks, the fact that it has an unusually high $30,000 limit for optional equipment and policy options for custom bikes with customization of $30,000 or more makes it a good choice for those who invest lots of time and money in their motorcycles. Markel offers enough coverage options and discounts to make it a good choice for motorcycle insurance for almost anyone. This, combined with its long history and excellent reputation, makes it our top choice. Some of its extensive offerings, such as mechanical breakdown coverage, are things you won't find offered by most providers. Typical motorcycle insurance may include the following coverages: Liability: This coverage is required in most states and pays for damages you cause to other vehicles or objects, or injuries you cause to people from an accident deemed your fault. It also covers you for lawsuits that might arise from such accidents. Comprehensive: This covers you for items such as theft, vandalism, fire, and acts of nature. It's usually required by a lender or leasing company, and kicks in after you've met your deductible. Colllision: Collision insurance pays for damages if your bike is in an accident with another vehicle or an object, no matter who's at fault. This coverage is also subject to a deductible. Uninsured/underinsured motorist: If your bike is damaged by a driver with no insurance or insufficient insurance, uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage pay for repairing or replacing the motorcycle. Your injuries are also covered. This insurance picks up where the other driver's insurance ends. Medical payments and personal injury protection (PIP): This optional coverage pays for medical bills for you and your passengers if you're in an accident, no matter who's at fault and whether it's with another vehicle or an object. In some states, you may also be able to buy PIP insurance, which is similar but may cover other costs related to injury, such as lost wages, childcare expenses, and funeral costs. Motorcycle repair: Also called mechanical breakdown insurance, this optional coverage pays for certain repairs to your bike, such as engine or transmission failures. It's similar to an extended warranty. Total loss: If your motorcycle is totaled in an accident and you have this coverage, it will pay the replacement cost of your bike, minus your deductible. It could be particularly helpful if you buy a new bike, and indeed, many insurers will only offer it for newer vehicles. Your state's requirements: Some states allow you to add a rider to your auto insurance policy, but others require a standalone policy for motorcycles. Also, each state will have different minimum requirements regarding what must be covered and for how much. Optional coverage: Likecar insurancepolicies, motorcycle insurance has different types, including bodily injury and property damage liability, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and more. You may also need specialized coverage. For example, if you have expensive customized parts on your bike, you may want an insurer that will provide additional coverage for those parts. Some providers will even offer additional coverage for expensive riding gear, such as helmets. Your bike type: Coverage and rates vary for different types of bikes, such as touring bikes, dirt bikes, and custom bikes. Sports bikes or street bikes are the most expensive to insure because they pose the highest risk of accidents and theft. Shop around for providers that offer the best rates and coverage for the specific type of bike you have. Your seasonal driving habits: If you only ride your motorcycle in the warmer months, consider getting a "winter layup" or "layup policy." This is a seasonal policy that suspends your coverage during the winter months.' The average cost of motorcycle insurance is: Your costs can still vary a lot depending on certain factors. The types of coverages you choose impact how much you pay. If you have higher liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, or add-ons like roadside assistance, your rate will be higher. Your deductible matters too. A higher deductible can lower your premium, but make sure you have enough savings to cover your deductible. The younger you are, the more you'll typically pay, especially if you're under 21. The average monthly rate for a 50-year-old motorcyclist is $138, while it's nearly four times that ($533 a month) for an 18-year-old. If you live in an urban area, you should expect to pay more on average than drivers in rural areas where roads are less trafficked and tend to have lower theft rates. Your state matters as well. Georgia has the lowest premiums while New York state has the highest. If you have a clean driving record, your rates will be lower than someone who's had a speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or DUI. The average Insurify quote for liability-only insurance for someone with a clean record is $811 a year. For those with an at-fault accident, it's $1,205; drivers with a speeding ticket might pay $1,058, and those with a DUI could pay $1,463. Sport and touring bikes typically are more expensive to insure than scooters and cruisers. The age of your bike is also a factor insurers consider when setting rates. Newer motorcycles tend to garner higher premiums. The use of credit-based insurance scores in setting vehicle insurance rates has become controversial, but it's still in practice in most states. Eight states limit this practice: California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. Your insurance credit score is based on information in your credit report, such as your payment history and credit utilization ratio. The average cost of motorcycle insurance is $68 for minimum coverage and $148 for full coverage. But your premium could be very different from that. Insurers use many factors to determine your rate, including age, gender, location, type of bike, average usage, requested coverage, driving history, and credit score. You should compare policies and always read the fine print before committing to a provider. Make sure there are no coverage exclusions or hidden fees based on the type of bike you’re insuring, any custom equipment, and your typical driving time on the bike. Yes, because standard car insurance coverage doesn't carry over to your motorcycle. Some insurance companies offer policyholders the option to add a motorcycle endorsem*nt or rider to their existing policy. But these options don't always provide the best, most thorough coverage. Also, each state maintains specific insurance requirements for motorcycles. In most cases, a standalone policy will be the best way to get all of the needed coverage while also protecting other assets, such as custom parts, passengers, and riding gear. If you won't be riding during the winter, you don't have to have motorcycle insurance. But you still probably shouldn't cancel your policy because you'll lose coverage for things like theft and fire. Most motorcycle insurance providers offer what's called lay-up insurance during the winter months for those who live in colder regions. During this period, you'll likely save money on your premium but still receive coverage for theft and other damages that could occur in storage. However, always keep in mind that your insurance company won't cover a motorcycle accident that occurs on the road during the lay-up period, so don't select this option if you plan to ride year-round. While you should never skip out on certain types of coverage just to save money, there are smart ways you can save on your motorcycle insurance. Look for providers that offer lots of discounts for things like safety courses, bundling policies, maintaining a clean driving record, and more. Also, consider choosing a less expensive bike to insure. In general, high-performance engine motorcycles designed to drive at high speeds will cost more to insure. This is because they're perceived as riskier in terms of damage to your motorcycle and to other people and property. In addition, larger engine bikes can cost more to repair. If you cause an accident, your motorcycle insurer must pay the claims of any damages you cause. If you have collision insurance for your motorcycle, your insurer will also pay to repair or replace your motorcycle. Buying insurance for your Harley Davidson motorcycle could be expensive if you buy a motorcycle with a larger engine. In addition, if you borrowed money to buy a motorcycle, you'll be required to carry more coverage that protects the bike against damage and the lender's investment. Harley-Davidson Insurance offers quotes and protection for both the well-recognized manufacturer's bikes and other motorcycles as well. Older or vintage motorcycles may not be cheaper to insure, particularly if the motorcycle manufacturer has gone out of business, making it harder to get parts. Comprehensive and collision (insurance that pays for damage to your bike) can be far more expensive if your motorcycle is rare, expensive, or otherwise difficult or expensive to source parts for. Technically, you don't have to have a license to get motorcycle coverage, but most insurers will ask to see a valid motorcycle license number. You may want this coverage if you're still learning, or you have a suspended license, for example. While it's possible you can find an insurer that accepts a learner's permit, they may still require you to be on a policy with a valid license holder. Dairyland reportedly does not require a motorcycle endorsem*nt on your license in order to be approved for coverage. When determining our top motorcycle insurance choices, we studied policies for more than 30 companies to see what each one offered in terms of coverage and discounts. We also evaluated each company based on several categories, including financial strength via AM Best, claims satisfaction ratings based on J.D. Power’s latest Claims Satisfaction Survey, and more. Our analysis is intended to be a useful guide, but we encourage you to compare motorcycle insurance quotes before committing to a motorcycle insurance provider. Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy. Markel. "Motorcycle Insurance." Markel. "Motorcycle Insurance Discounts." AM Best. "Markel Insurance Company." National Association of Insurance Commissioners. “Markel Amer Ins Co National Complaint Index.” AM Best. “Safeco Insurance Company of America.” AM Best. “Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company.” National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Safeco Ins Co of Amer National Complaint Index Report." AM Best. “Sentry Insurance Company.” J.D. Power. “Auto Insurance Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds.” J.D. Power. “Insurers Struggle to Manage Expectations in Auto Claims Process as Repair Times Increase, J.D. Power Finds.” Foremost. "Motorcycle Insurance." AM Best. "Foremost Insurance Co Grand Rapids, MI." J.D. Power. "Auto Insurers Manage Customer Expectations as Repair Cycle Times Double in Two Years, J.D. Power Finds." Insurify. "How Much Is Motorcycle Insurance?" Experian. "Which States Restrict the Use of Credit Scores in Determining Insurance Rates?" Elephant Insurance. "Can You Get Motorcycle Insurance Without a License?" Investopedia is part of the Dotdash Meredithpublishingfamily. Please review our updatedTerms of Service.Best Overall : Markel
Best for Cheap Motorcycle Insurance : Safeco
Best for New Riders : Harley-Davidson
Best for Military Members : USAA
Best for Custom or Vintage Bikes : Foremost
The Bottom Line
Compare the Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies for 2024
Provider State Availability Roadside Assistance Notable Discounts Markel Best Overall Motorcycle Insurance Nationwide except California and Massachusetts Yes For switching to Markel Safeco Best for Cheap Motorcycle Insurance Nationwide Add-on Claims-free Harley-Davidson Best for New Riders Nationwide except Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C. Yes Harley Owners Group members USAA Best for Military Members Nationwide Yes Safety training Foremost Best for Custom or Vintage Bikes Nationwide Yes Multi-bike, multi-policy What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motorcycle Insurance Company
How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost?
Coverage and Deductible
Age
Average Motorcycle Insurance Cost by Driver Age Age Avg. Monthly Cost 18 $533 21 $273 25 $183 30 $162 40 $148 50 $138 Location
Average Motorcycle Insurance Costs by State State Average Monthly Cost Alabama $144 Alaska $131 Arizona $184 Arkansas $172 California $92 Colorado $159 Connecticut $201 Delaware $184 Florida $258 Georgia $75 Hawaii $120 Idaho $125 Illinois $132 Indiana $104 Iowa $89 Kansas $171 Kentucky $135 Louisiana $287 Maine $81 Maryland $148 Massachusetts $137 Michigan $303 Minnesota $114 Mississippi $111 Missouri $135 Montana $173 Nebraska $195 Nevada $140 New Hampshire $98 New Jersey $229 New Mexico $151 New York $305 North Dakota $132 Ohio $106 Oklahoma $151 Oregon $148 Pennsylvania $134 Rhode Island $136 South Carolina $143 South Dakota $109 Tennessee $83 Texas $186 Utah $130 Vermont $81 Virginia $128 Washington $132 Washington, D.C. $130 West Virginia $110 Wisconsin $110 Wyoming $183 Your Driving Record
Age and Type of Bike
Credit Score
Average Annual Cost by Credit Rating Credit Score Annual Cost: Full Coverage Annual Cost: Liability Only Excellent $1,427 $687 Good $1,779 $811 Average $1,991 $885 Poor $3,101 $1,325 Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is Motorcycle Insurance?
Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance?
Can I Cancel My Motorcycle Insurance in the Winter?
How Can You Get Cheap Motorcycle Insurance?
What Makes Motorcycle Insurance So Expensive?
Is Harley Davidson Insurance Expensive?
Are Older Motorcycles Cheaper to Insure?
Can You Get Motorcycle Insurance Without a License?
Methodology