Is Motorcycle Insurance Cheap
Motorcycle insurance usually costs less than car insurance, but what you pay depends on your bike, your driving record, and where you live.
Compared to car insurance, usually yes
Motorcycle insurance is generally cheaper than insuring a car, because a motorcycle costs less to repair or replace and liability limits tend to be lower. For a rider who has carried insurance for decades with a clean record, that usually holds true.
What changes the picture is the bike itself. A sport bike or a high-powered touring model can cost as much to insure as a car, sometimes more, because insurers price those higher for the risk of a serious claim. A smaller cruiser or standard motorcycle tends to stay on the cheaper end.
The type of motorcycle you ride
Insurers look at the make, model, and engine size before anything else. A sport bike built for speed costs more to insure than a cruiser or touring bike, even if the rider and the state are identical. This is the single biggest reason two riders can get very different quotes.
If you're shopping for a new bike and cost matters, it's worth asking for a quote before you buy rather than after. The difference between two models can be larger than most riders expect.
How you store and use the bike matters too. A motorcycle kept in a garage and ridden seasonally typically costs less to insure than one ridden year-round and parked on the street, because the risk of theft or damage is lower.
If you own both a motorcycle and a car, ask your insurer whether bundling the two policies brings the motorcycle rate down. Not every insurer handles this the same way, so it's worth asking directly rather than assuming.
Your riding record and experience
A long, clean driving record works in your favor on a motorcycle policy the same way it does on a car policy. Insurers see fewer years on the road as more risk, so decades of experience without claims or violations usually brings the rate down.
Some insurers also ask whether you've completed a motorcycle safety course, separate from any car-related course. If you have, or you're willing to take one, ask your insurer whether it qualifies for a discount and what proof they need to see.
How often and how far you ride also factors in. A rider who takes the bike out occasionally on weekends is a different risk, in most insurers' eyes, than someone commuting on it daily. Be accurate about your mileage when you get a quote, since it affects the price you're offered.
State rules on motorcycle insurance, including minimum coverage requirements, vary. Check with your state's department of motor vehicles or insurance department for what's required where you live.
Questions people ask about this
Does motorcycle insurance go up as you get older?
Age by itself usually isn't the deciding factor once a rider has years of experience and a clean record. Insurers weigh your riding history and the type of bike more heavily than age alone. If your rate has gone up, ask your insurer what specifically changed.
Is it cheaper to insure a motorcycle than a car in every state?
Not necessarily. Insurance costs are set state by state, and minimum coverage requirements differ. A motorcycle is often cheaper to insure than a car with similar coverage, but the gap depends on your state's rules and your insurer's pricing. Check with your state's insurance department to see what's required.
Do older riders qualify for any motorcycle insurance discounts?
Some insurers offer discounts tied to experience, a clean record, or completing a safety course, but these vary by company. Ask your insurer directly what discounts they offer and what you need to provide to qualify.
Does the color or style of a motorcycle affect the insurance rate?
No, color doesn't affect your rate. What matters is the make, model, engine size, and how the bike is classified by insurers, not its paint job or appearance.
Should I drop collision coverage on an older motorcycle to save money?
That depends on the bike's value and what you'd be able to afford to replace it. If the motorcycle is older and worth little, some riders choose to carry only liability coverage. Ask your insurer what collision coverage costs for your specific bike before deciding.
See how your bike, your record, and your state line up by comparing quotes from a few insurers.
Get the details of your motorcycle, including the make, model, and year, along with your current driving record, and request quotes from a few insurers this week. Ask each one directly about discounts for safety courses, bundling with a car policy, or long-term riding experience, since these aren't offered the same way everywhere. Check your state's insurance department website for the minimum coverage required for motorcycles, since it often differs from car insurance minimums. If you're comparing a new bike purchase, ask for a quote on each model you're considering before you buy. Bring your renewal notice if you have one, so you can compare it directly against new quotes.
