How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost?

If you’re wondering how much motorcycle insurance costs, the answer isn’t simple—it depends on a variety of factors unique to each rider. Insurance companies consider elements like your age, driving record, bike model, and even where you live when determining your premium.

So how do you get an idea of how much a motorcycle policy will cost you, and more importantly, is there anything you can do to bring your rates down?

Tag along as we dive into that and more, breaking down everything you need to know about motorcycle insurance costs.

Key Factors Influencing Motorcycle Insurance Costs

Motorcycle insurance rates aren’t set in stone—they’re determined by a combination of personal and external factors. Everything from your age and riding experience to the type of motorcycle you own and how often you ride plays a role in how much you’ll pay for coverage.

Demographics

When it comes to motorcycle insurance rates, younger riders, particularly those under 25, typically face higher premiums because they’re statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. Similarly, the number of years you’ve been riding plays a major role—new motorcyclists with little experience may pay more, while seasoned riders can receive discounts for their expertise.

Your driving record is another key consideration. A history of speeding tickets, reckless driving, or other traffic violations signals to insurers that you’re a higher-risk rider, which can lead to increased premiums. Conversely, riders with a clean driving record are often rewarded with lower rates and potential discounts, as providers view them as responsible and less likely to file claims.

Motorcycle-Specific Factors

The type and model of your motorcycle can significantly influence your insurance costs as well.

High-performance motorcycles, such as sport bikes and SuperSport models, tend to have higher insurance premiums because they’re built for speed and are statistically involved in more accidents. Standard or cruiser motorcycles, on the other hand, are designed for more relaxed riding and generally have reduced premiums since they’re associated with fewer high-speed crashes and have lower repair costs.

Similarly, bikes with high engine displacement (measured in cubic centimeters or cc) can reach higher speeds and accelerate faster, making them more dangerous for riders. Insurance companies often categorize motorcycles into different risk groups based on their engine size, meaning a 1,000cc sport bike will typically cost substantially more to insure than a 250cc beginner-friendly model. Policyholders looking to save on insurance may benefit from choosing a bike with a smaller engine and a reputation for safety.

Location and Regional Variations

States with higher minimum coverage requirements often have higher insurance costs due to the increased financial protection mandated by law. Additionally, densely populated urban areas typically see higher premiums than rural regions because they have more traffic congestion, a greater likelihood of accidents, and higher motorcycle theft rates.

Local road conditions and regional risk factors further influence monthly rates. States with poorly maintained roads or frequent extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall or icy winters, pose additional hazards that insurers factor into pricing. Wildfire risks and earthquake-prone areas may also contribute to higher premiums in high-cost states, especially if comprehensive coverage is included.

How To Potentially Reduce Costs of Motorcycle Insurance

While motorcycle insurance can be a significant expense, there are several ways to reduce costs without sacrificing necessary coverage. Many insurance companies offer discounts for safe riders, policy bundling, and even completing motorcycle safety courses. Making smart choices about coverage—such as adjusting deductibles or selecting only the necessary protections—can help lower premiums as well.

Eligibility for Discounts

One of the main ways to save on motorcycle insurance is through various discounts offered by insurance companies. From completing a motorcycle safety course to bundling multiple policies or installing security features, these discounts can add up to substantial savings. Depending on the provider and the type of discount, riders may save anywhere from 5% to 30% on their insurance costs.

Some common discounts offered by insurance providers include:

• Motorcycle Safety Course Discount: Insurers often offer discounts for riders who complete an approved motorcycle safety course. These courses teach essential riding skills and accident-avoidance techniques, making riders less risky to insure.
• Safety Features Discount: Installing safety features like anti-lock braking systems (ABS), traction control, or theft deterrent devices can reduce premiums. Providers may offer a discount since these features lower the likelihood of accidents and theft.
• Multi-Policy Discount: Riders who insure multiple vehicles or bundle their motorcycle policy with other coverage can secure substantial savings. This bundling incentive rewards policyholders for consolidating their coverage with one provider.
• Safe Storage Discount: Keeping your motorcycle in a locked garage, secured storage unit, or another safe location can lead to lower premiums. Providers offer rate reductions for this since stored bikes are less vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage.

GEICO offers an abundance of discount opportunities for policyholders who bundle, renew, take approved courses, and more. Learn more about motorcycle insurance.

Choosing the Right Coverage

Choosing the right level of motorcycle insurance coverage requires balancing financial protection with affordability. While it may be tempting to opt for the minimum coverage required by law to save money, doing so could leave you vulnerable to significant out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident.

For instance, liability coverage only pays for damages you cause to others, not your own medical expenses or bike repairs. Thus, you might also consider adding collision, comprehensive, or medical coverage, but it's important to assess your budget and risk tolerance before opting for higher limits or additional protections.

Here, it's essential to consider your personal circumstances, such as the value of your motorcycle, how often you ride, and your financial capacity to handle unexpected expenses. If you own a new or expensive bike, you might want more extensive coverage to protect your investment. On the other hand, if you have an older bike with lower value, basic coverage might suffice.

Improving Personal and Driving Records

Maintaining a clean driving record is another effective way to reduce your motorcycle insurance premiums over time.

Insurers view riders with a history of safe driving as lower-risk, which often results in lower premiums. Avoiding traffic violations, accidents, and reckless behavior not only keeps you safe on the road, but also signals to providers that you’re a responsible rider. Additionally, many insurers offer accident forgiveness for policyholders with clean driving records, helping you avoid premium increases after a first-time incident.

Providers in many states also use credit scores as a factor in determining insurance premiums, with better credit scores often leading to lower rates. A good credit score is associated with lower risk because it suggests you're more financially responsible, and insurers may reward that with a discount. If your credit isn’t perfect now, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to improve your score! Paying bills on time, reducing outstanding debt, and keeping credit card balances low can all help reduce your premiums over time as you demonstrate financial stability and responsible behavior.

GEICO Motorcycle and Offroad Coverage

For motorcycle riders and other recreational vehicle owners, GEICO’s new Motorcycle and Offroad coverage offers customized insurance options designed specifically with you in mind.

No matter if you’re seeking protection for your transport trailer, roadside assistance, or total loss replacement, GEICO has you covered across the wide range of scenarios that can present themselves while enjoying these specialty vehicles.

Some key coverage offered under GEICO’s Motorcycle and Offroad plan includes:

• Transport trailer protection: Moving your recreational vehicle from place to place comes with lots of inherent risks. GEICO offers comprehensive or collision insurance with flexible coverage limits, so you can rest easy knowing your vehicle is protected during transport.
• Stored gear coverage: Get up to $3,000 of coverage for gear that’s stored on your vehicle.
• Custom parts or equipment: Provides $2,000 of coverage for specific parts or equipment needed to operate your vehicle, with the option to buy more.
• Emergency Road Service with trip interruption: Available for motorcycles specifically, ERS offers $200 per day and $500 per occurrence for travel expenses if your vehicle becomes inoperable during a trip.
• Total loss replacement: For an additional premium, we’ll settle your total loss using the MSRP of the same make/model of a brand-new motorcycle. Some restrictions apply.

But wait—there’s more!

With an added benefits like deductible reduction plans, which credit you with $100 toward your deductible for each consecutive policy period without loss, and claims forgiveness, which waives the surcharge on certain eligible first-time losses, GEICO’s Motorcycle and Offroad coverage ensures you can strike the perfect balance between the right coverage and the right price.

Get Motorcycle Insurance Coverage From GEICO!

From your age and riding experience to your type of bike and geographical location, there are a wide range of factors that can influence the cost of motorcycle insurance. Even if these factors aren’t working in your favor at the moment, there are several ways you can manage your insurance premiums, whether that involves maintaining a clean driving record, utilizing available discounts, or selecting the right level of coverage.

By staying informed about the elements that impact your rates and actively taking steps to reduce them, you can enjoy peace of mind on the road without breaking the bank.

At GEICO, we understand the best insurance plans are the ones that meet at the intersection of sufficient coverage and affordability. That’s why our motorcycle insurance policies are built with flexibility in mind, allowing riders to pick and choose the protection that makes the most sense for them, without having to include coverage they don’t need.

Ready to hit the road? The first step is securing the right insurance. Get your free motorcycle insurance quote from GEICO today!