All but three states require motorcycle riders to insure their vehicles against bodily injury and property damage they may cause to others.
But you can also get comprehensive and collision coverage to cover your ride in case of accident, theft or vandalism, and even insure your helmet and other gear.
CNBC Select has chosen the top motorcycle insurance companies and found several that stand out for their affordable rates, coverage options and more (See our methodology for more on how we made this list).
Best for various types of motorcycles: State Farm
State Farm Motorcycle Insurance
Availability
State Farm issues motorcycle insurance in all 50 U.S. states
Types of motorcycles covered
Factory-built motorcycles, motor scooters, touring motorcycles, custom motorcycles, trail bikes, sport bikes, cruisers, classic motorcycles, minibikes, adventure bikes
Coverage options
Emergency roadside expenses, uninsured motorist coverage
Discounts
Not disclosed
Policy highlights
If you purchase comprehensive and collision coverage, State Farm includes roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage that pays for food, lodging and transportation if you're stranded far from home.
Pros
- Full coverage comes with roadside assistance
- Strong ratings for customer service
Cons
- Quotes not available online
- Some discounts not available in every state
Who’s this for? The largest vehicle insurer in the U.S., State Farm covers a wide variety of motorcycles, including sport bikes, classic cycles, adventure bikes and motor scooters.
Standout benefits: Some policies include roadside assistance, which can help with towing, jump starts or gas delivery.
Best for affordability: Dairyland
Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance
Availability
Dairyland issues motorcycle insurance in 38 states
Types of motorcycles covered
Standard motorcycles, cruisers, touring motorcycles, choppers, three-wheelers, sport touring, adventure touring bikes
Coverage options
Optional and special equipment coverage, replacement cost coverage, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement
Discounts
Available for homeowners, multi-cycle owners and members of Harley Owners Group
Policy highlights
Dairyland's motorcycle insurance includes optional rental reimbursement coverage and replacement cost coverage that can pay for a new ride at today's prices if yours is totaled.
Pros
- Discounts for homeowners and multi-cycle owners
- Optional rental reimbursement coverage available
- Offers replacement cost coverage
Cons
- More complaints than competitors
- Not available in all U.S. states
Who's this for: Dairyland's motorcycle coverage starts at just $7 a month, making it one of the most affordable options on the market.
Standout benefits: Dairyland offers discounts for homeowners and members of the Harley Owners Group.
Best for accessory coverage: Progressive
Progressive Motorcycle Insurance
Availability
Progressive offers motorcycle insurance nationwide except in Massachussetts
Types of motorcycles covered
ATVs and UTVs, electric bicycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, vintage bikes, sport bikes, custom bikes, touring bikes, cruisers, autocycles
Coverage options
Total loss coverage, roadside assistance and trip interruption, carried contents coverage, disappearing deductible, enhanced injury protection
Discounts
Multi-policy, responsible drivers, defensive driver courses, motorcycle license/endorsement discount
Policy highlights
Progressive offers full replacement cost coverage for parts and covers OEM parts standard. Coverage also includes up to $3,000 for safety apparel (like helmets) if damaged in a covered collision.
Pros
- Lower rates than many competitors
- Original equipment manufacturer parts are covered automatically
- Disappearing deductible available
Cons
- Not available in Massachusetts
- Rental reimbursement not available
Who’s this for?Progressive's motorcycle policies include $3,000 worth of accessory protection with comprehensive and collision coverage, including helmets, protective clothing, custom saddlebags and handlebars. You can increase that amount to $30,000.
Standout benefits: Progressive has a disappearing deductible and offers both small and large accident forgiveness.
Best for senior riders: Geico
Geico Motorcycle Insurance
Availability
Geico offers motorcycle insurance in all 50 U.S. states
Types of motorcycles covered
Cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes, custom motorcycles, mopeds
Coverage options
Accessory coverage, motorcycle helmet coverage, roadside assistance
Discounts
Multi-policy, mature riders, defensive driving course discount
Policy highlights
Geico boasts high ratings for claims satisfaction and offers roadside assistance and helmet protection, as well as coverage for accessories
Pros
- Covers the first $2,000 of accessories with no additional cost
- Discounts for senior riders
- Roadside assistance available
Cons
- Limited options for additional coverage
- Limited types of motorcycle covered
Who’s this for?Geico offers a 10% discount for riders age 50 and older.
Standout benefits: Policyholders can get up to $2,000 in coverage for accessories and modified parts.
Best for discounts: Harley-Davidson Insurance
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Insurance
Availability
Harley-Davidson issues motorcycle insurance nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Washington, D.C.
Types of motorcycles covered
Trikes, electric bicycles, scooters, touring, sport bike, cruisers
Coverage options
Underinsured motorist coverage, rental reimbursement coverage, bike replacement cost, optional equipment replacement cost
Discounts
New bikes, Harley Owners Group members, experienced riders, homeowners, military, on-time payments, claims-free riders
Policy highlights
Harley-Davidson offers insurance through Sentry Insurance Group, with options for motorcycle accident forgiveness and discounts for taking a motorcycle safety course.
Pros
- Quotes available online
- Discounts for seniors and veterans
- Motorcycle accident forgiveness available
Cons
- No other types of insurance sold
- Not available in all states
Who’s this for?Harley-Davidson offers more than a dozen discounts, including rate breaks for longtime riders, new bikes, paying on time, being a member of the military or law enforcement or for installing anti-theft devices.
Standout benefits: Harley-Davidson provides guest passenger liability coverage and offers rental reimbursement coverage if you need transportation while your bike is in the shop.
Best pay-per-mile insurance: Voom
Voom Motorcycle Insurance
Availability
Voom motorcycle insurance is available in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Types of motorcycles covered
Cruisers, scooters, sport bikes, touring
Coverage options
Covers riders if hit by uninsured or underinsured motorist
Discounts
Not available
Policy highlights
Voom policies start at just $50 per year, with rates based on mileage. Users just take a picture of their odometer each month.
Pros
- Pay-per-mile insurance starting at just $50 annually
- Track mileage by taking a photo
Cons
- Fewer options for additional coverage
- Not available in all states
Who's this for? Rather than a monthly premium, Voom charges riders by the mile, with rates starting at just $50 a year. Voom claims riders can save up to 60% with its pay-per-mile plan.
Standout benefits: There's no hardware or tracking app: You simply submit a photo of your odometer once a month.
Best for replacement cost coverage: Foremost
Foremost Motorcycle Insurance
Availability
Foremost offers motorcycle nationwide except in Massachusetts and Hawaii
Types of motorcycles covered
Dirt bikes, cruisers, sport bikes, trikes, classics, electric bikes
Coverage options
Replacement cost for total losses, transport trailer coverage, optional equipment coverage, helmets and safety apparel options
Discounts
Multi-vehicle, multi-policy, motorcycle endorsement discount
Policy highlights
Foremost will also cover your gear and your bike's special additions
Pros
- Discounts for having a motorcycle endorsement
- Helmets and safety apparel coverage available
- Diminishing deductible and deductible waivers available
Cons
- More complaints than competitors
- Quotes not available online in all states
Who's this for?Foremost offers replacement cost coverage for total losses rather than actual cash value, which deducts depreciation.
Standout benefits: Foremost offers six plans, including for vintage and custom bikes, with up to $30,000 in coverage for custom equipment.
What does motorcycle insurance cover?
When shopping for motorcycle insurance, look for a policy that includes:
Bodily injury and property damage liability coverage: This pays for damages to other vehicles and injuries to other riders and pedestrians if you’re held liable for an accident. It's the minimum level of coverage required in every state except Florida, New Hampshire and Montana.
Comprehensive and collision coverage: Also known as full coverage, this benefit reimburses you if your bike needs to be repaired or replaced due to an accident, theft or vandalism. It can also pay out if your bike is damaged by a falling object or extreme weather event. If you are leasing or financing your bike, full coverage is usually required.
Guest passenger liability coverage: If you have a passenger and are held liable for an accident, this pays for their medical expenses. You may find it included wth bodily injury coverage or sold separately.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, this benefit can cover the gap.
Additional coverage you may want to consider includes:
Custom parts and equipment coverage: You may be able to purchase additional coverage for upgraded parts and accessories.
Coverage for riding gear: Some policies cover expenses related to repairing or replacing helmets, boots and other gear.
Roadside assistance: This benefit can cover the cost of towing, charging the battery or gas delivery.
Rental reimbursement coverage: If your motorcycle is your primary form of transportation, look for a policy that will reimburse you for the cost of a rental while it is being repaired.
How much is motorcycle insurance?
Motorcycle insurance is usually much cheaper than car insurance: The average motorcycle policy is about $33 a month or $396 a year, according to Harley-Davidson.
However, the price you'll pay depends on several factors, including your age, the type of motorcycle you're insuring, your location, the level of coverage you're getting and your driving record.
How can I save on motorcycle insurance?
Common ways to lower the price of your motorcycle insurance premiums include:
Shop around: Insurance companies weigh driver information differently, so the same policy could be much cheaper with one provider than another. Get at least three quotes to help you make sure you’re getting the best rate.
Pay your premium in full: Generally, insurers offer a discount for riders who pay their annual premiums in full up front.
Increase your deductible: Your deductible is the amount you'll chip in before your provider reimburses you for anything. Typically, the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premiums.
Look into memberships: Your insurer may offer a discount for memberships in motorcycle organizations like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the American Motorcycle Association or the Harley Owners Group.
Avoid accidents and violations: If you have accidents, tickets, and other violations on your record, your policy will be more expensive.
Limit your mileage: Your annual mileage can greatly influence your premium. If you don't ride frequently, you may qualify for low-mileage discounts or policies.
Take a safety course: Manyinsurers offer a rate reduction if you complete an approved motorcycle driving class.
Drive a standard cruiser: Sport bikes, other specialty models and motorcycles with modifications are considered riskier and can result in higher premiums.
More on the best motorcycle insurance companies
State Farm
State Farm offers many other lines of insurance, meaning you can bundle your policy with home, auto or life insurance. It’s rated highly for customer satisfaction with auto claims by J.D. Power and has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Availability: State Farm offers motorcycle insurance in all 50 U.S. states
Discounts: Not disclosed
Dairyland
In addition to policies for motorcycles, Wisconsin-based Dairyland insures automobiles in the U.S. and Mexico, as well as off-road vehicles. It stands out for offering its affordable prices and numerous discounts.
Availability: Dairyland offers motorcycle insurance in 38 states
Discounts: Homeowners, multi-cycle owners, members of Harley Owners Group
Progressive
Progressive is well-regarded for its breadth of benefits, which include original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts coverage and full replacement coverage for parts,
Availability: Progressiveissues motorcycle insurance in all states except Massachusetts
Discounts: Motorcycle endorsements and association memberships
Geico
Geico insures a wide variety of bikes, including cruisers, touring bikes, sport bikes and custom motorcycles. While it ranks average or below regionally on J.D. Power's customer satisfaction survey, it offers specialty coverage, including for helmets and accessories, ATVs and scooters.
Availability: Geico issues motorcycle insurance in all 50 U.S. states
Discounts: Multi-policy discount and rate reduction for switching to Geico
Harley-Davidson
Underwritten by the Sentry Insurance Group, Harley-Davidson Insurance policies cover a variety of motorcycles, regardless of make or model. The company also promises to use OEM parts for repairs whenever possible.
Availability: Harley-Davidsonissues motorcycle insurance nationwide except for Alaska, Hawaii and Washington, D.C.
Discounts: Harley Owners Group members, on-time payments, military and law enforcement
Voom
InsureTech firm Voom issues pay-per-mile policies underwritten by Virginia-based specialty insurer Markel, as well as rideshare and drone insurance.
Availability: Voom issues motorcycle insurancein Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Discounts: Not disclosed
Foremost
A subsidiary of Farmers Insurance, Foremost was founded in 1952 to provide insurance for the mobile home community. Special policies are available for AARP members
Availability: Foremost offers motorcycle insurance inall states except Massachusetts and Hawaii
Discounts: Multi-vehicle, multi-policy and motorcycle endorsement
Motorcycle FAQs
Do motorcycles need to be insured?
Florida, New Hampshire and Montana are the only states that do not require bodily injury and property damage coverage, also known as liability-only insurance, for motorcycles. If you lease or finance your bike, you may also have to add collision or comprehensive coverage.
Does my auto insurance cover motorcycles?
No, auto insurance doesn't cover motorcycles. The risks and liabilities associated with riding are different than those of a car, so the coverage needs are different as well. Some companies offer standalone policies, while others will offer motorcycle coverage as an endorsement to your car insurance policy.
What company has the best motorcycle insurance?
According to our analysis, Dairyland, State Farm, Foremost, Harley-Davidson, Voom, Progressive and Geico offer the best value, availability and coverage options for motorcycle insurance.
Can I pause my motorcycle insurance policy during the winter months?
If you lease or finance your motorcycle, you usually need to keep coverage year-round. If you own your cycle outright, you may be able to keep continuous comprehensive coverage while limiting the amount of liability coverage you buy during what's called the "lay-up period," when it's too cold or unseasonable to ride.
Canceling your policy altogether can result in higher premiums later, however. And keeping full coverage can also help pay for damages in an off-season disaster, theft or other situation.
Do I need a motorcycle license?
Depending on the state you reside in, you may need a standalone motorcycle license or just a special motorcycle endorsement, a mark on your existing driver's license. There's typically a written test of basic motorcycle laws but there may be a road test, as well.
Check with your state motor vehicledepartment to get the specifics.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every motorcycle insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Our methodology
CNBC Select analyzed more than 25 U.S. insurance companies that cover motorcycles to choose the best based on rates, types of cycles covered, coverage options, availability and customer service, among other factors.
We incorporated a company's financial strength rating from A.M. Best, customer satisfaction rankings on J.D. Power’s auto insurance surveys and complaint volume from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
Based on these criteria, our picks for the best motorcycle insurance are:
- Best for various types of motorcycles: State Farm
- Best for affordability: Dairyland
- Best for accessory coverage: Progressive
- Best for senior riders: Geico
- Best for discounts: Harley-Davidson Insurance
- Best pay-per-mile insurance: Voom
- Best for replacement cost coverage: Foremost
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