You're one with the road when you ride your motorcycle. However, you need to ensure your ride and your assets are protected if you ever cause or are in an accident.
Know the basics of Motorcycle Insurance as you purchase this valuable protection.
Types of Motorcycles Covered
Standard motorcycles are covered by a typical policy. You can also insure many specialty bikes and similar vehicles, including:
- Scooter
- Moped
- Cruiser
- Touring and sport-touring bike
- Vintage bike
- Motocross bike
- Street or sports bike
- Limited-production and custom bike
- Off-road/dual-purpose bike
- ATV
If you ride a scooter or motor scooter and want targeted information about coverage options, see Motorcycle and Motor Scooter Insurance.
Types of Coverage
Unlike auto policies, this kind of coverage is not required in every state. Still, replacing your bike or paying someone else's medical expenses after an accident can be financially devastating.
Standard coverages
- Bodily injury - Pays medical bills for anyone injured after an accident you cause.
- Property damage liability - Covers expenses when your motorcycle damages someone else's property.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist - Pays for property damage, injury bills, lost wages and other costs after a collision with a driver who lacks sufficient coverage.
Optional coverages
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - No-fault coverage that can pay medical expenses for you, passengers, or pedestrians after an accident.
- Medical payments - Pays for your medical treatment after an at-fault or no-fault accident.
- Comprehensive - Replaces a lost or stolen motorcycle or repairs damage from vandalism, weather, or other non-collision events.
- Collision - Repairs your bike and may replace damaged riding apparel and helmets after a crash.
- Optional equipment - Replaces custom parts and add-ons you install on the bike.
- Accessory - May provide a payout based on actual cash value for customized parts and equipment.
- Towing and labor - Pays for towing or on-site labor if you're stranded due to a flat tire, dead battery, low fuel, or lost key.
- Trip interruption - Covers lodging, food, and transportation if a mechanical breakdown forces you to stop while on a long-distance ride.
Insurance costs
Policy cost depends on the deductible you choose and the type and amount of coverage you purchase. Your riding habits, where you ride, and your experience level also affect premiums.
You may want higher limits if your bike is expensive, you frequently ride in populated areas, or you're a less experienced rider.
If you're ready, talk to an agent to get a customized policy that meets your budget and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance to ride a motorcycle?
Requirements vary by state; some states require liability coverage while others have looser rules. Even where it's not required, coverage protects you financially after a crash.
Will my policy cover custom parts and accessories?
Standard policies may not fully cover custom parts; you can add optional equipment or accessory coverage to protect customizations.
Does comprehensive coverage protect against theft?
Yes. Comprehensive coverage typically helps replace a stolen motorcycle or repairs damage from non-collision events like vandalism or weather.
What is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?
This coverage helps pay for your injuries and property damage if the other driver is at fault and lacks sufficient insurance.