Motorcycle Insurance FAQs

MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE FAQS  

WHAT IS MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE?

Motorcycle insurance helps protect your motorcycle in the event of theft or accident damage. Specifically, the liability coverage included in a motorcycle insurance policy can help protect you financially in situations where there’s a loss for which you’re at fault. Additional insurance coverage is available to fit your needs. A motorcycle insurance policy is very similar to the insurance policy most car drivers are required to carry.

DO YOU NEED MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE?

Almost every state requires a motorcycle rider to carry a minimum level of liability coverage and to carry proof of that coverage. Riding without insurance or proof of insurance can result in a citation and fine. Some states also require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If you finance the purchase of your motorcycle, your lender may also require that you get collision or comprehensive insurance, which you'll appreciate in the event of an unexpected incident. Always check your local state requirements and speak to an insurance professional to determine your specific needs.

HOW MUCH IS MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE?

According to Harley-Davidson Insurance Services, the average cost of motorcycle insurance in the United States is approximately $721 annually or about $60 per month. The cost of a motorcycle insurance policy will vary based on several factors, some of which you can control and some which are a matter of law. These factors include:

• Your driving record: Insurance companies prefer to cover good drivers who don’t make many claims. Even an incident where you were not at fault may count as a strike against you. Just a year or more without a claim can make a huge difference.
  
  

• Your financial history: Your financial records are also important to motorcycle insurance companies. In most states, they will run an insurance score (like a credit score) as a tool which may influence your premium.
  
  

• Where you live: If you happen to live in an area with more recorded claims activity and incidents of theft, your premiums will likely be higher. If you can store your motorcycle in a secure location, rather than parked on the street, your motorcycle insurance cost may decrease.
  
  

• The motorcycle you are insuring: Premiums can be higher for more expensive and more-powerful motorcycles simply because they cost more to replace or repair. The theft rate of your motorcycle’s brand or type is also factored into your quote. If your motorcycle is customized with accessories or premium paint, that will add to its value and may increase the price of the policy. Be sure to tell your insurance agent if your motorcycle is customized so the policy covers its full value.
  
  

• The type of policy you purchase: The more your insurance covers, the more it will tend to cost. The lowest-cost policy may cover only injuries or property damage you or another rider causes to someone else. If you add collision, theft and comprehensive coverage, the price of the policy will likely go up. Other options, such as roadside assistance or trip interruption coverage, can be a great value but will likely also increase the cost of the policy. There is usually a deductible amount for collision coverage, and a plan with a lower deductible will tend to cost more than that with a higher deductible.
  
  

• Who is covered by your policy: If you add another rider to your policy – a spouse, partner or child – the price will likely increase. This will be especially true if that rider has less experience. Even if the second rider is experienced, the price will likely go up simply because you are adding additional risk.
  
  

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE?

Like with most insurance policies, there are different types of motorcycle insurance coverage. Motorcycle insurance coverage options are similar to those of automobiles, and the type of coverage you buy should be tailored to your needs. An insurance agent can help you decide which of the following motorcycle insurance coverage types is right for you, including:

• Liability Coverage: This is the most basic component of any policy and is required by law in most states. Liability insurance covers injury you may cause to the body or property of another person, up to policy limits. It does not protect you or your motorcycle. The insurance may cover your passenger depending on the laws of the state in which you're insured and your insurance policy.
  
  

• Collision Coverage: This covers damage to your motorcycle if you collide with another object or have an incident avoiding an animal. If your motorcycle is not repairable, your insurance company will pay you the determined value of your motorcycle, minus any deductible.
  
  

• Comprehensive Coverage: This insurance covers the loss or damage to your motorcycle that is not caused by a collision. This coverage varies by state and policy language and may include fire, theft, vandalism or weather-related damage.
  
  

• Medical Payments: This insurance is meant to compensate for otherwise insufficient medical insurance, and it is not available everywhere. It covers your medical bills up to whatever limits you have. Injuries to a passenger are not covered under this policy.
  
  

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Regardless of who is at fault in an accident, PIP covers your medical bills and may cover the bills for an injured passenger and any injured pedestrians. While many insurers offer PIP, not all states require the sale of PIP.
  
  

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: This insurance protects you if your incident is with someone who has no insurance coverage or doesn't have enough insurance protection, when that person is at-fault. These policies cover medical treatment, lost wages, and sometimes even property damage. In some states, these types of coverages can be purchased separately from each other.
  
  

• Popular Insurance Add-Ons: Not all insurance options cover the motorcycle. Some companies offer roadside assistance coverage, which can cover the cost of delivering gas, repairing a flat tire, or transportation of the motorcycle for repairs. Trip Interruption insurance will help pay for lodging, transportation, and food while you wait for your motorcycle to be repaired or replaced if you are more than 100 miles from home. Optional Equipment Coverage protects the value of components installed after the factory manufactured your motorcycle, including custom paint, chrome wheel rims, accessories and sidecars. A lender may require this coverage if custom parts add significant value to the motorcycle.
  
  

CAN I GET A MOTORCYCLE LICENSE WITHOUT INSURANCE?

You will not be required to show proof of insurance to earn a motorcycle license or endorsement. If you take your training or exam on a motorcycle you own, however, it will almost always need to be insured.

DOES MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE COVER THEFT?

Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage, then your policy should cover theft.

CAN I GET DISCOUNTS ON MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE?

There are several ways to earn a discount on motorcycle coverage. The discounts offered vary by insurance company and state, but may include:

• Completing a motorcycle safety course, such as the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course.

• Being a member of a motorcycle association such as the Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®).

• Being active or retired from the military or law enforcement.

• Experienced riders may earn a discount based on the number of years they have been motorcycling.

• Having an anti-theft device like a motorcycle alarm and storing your motorcycle in a locked garage or other secure location.

• You may earn a multi-motorcycle discount if you insure more than one motorcycle.

• Paying your entire premium in a single payment rather than month by month.

• Owning a home that’s covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.

• Owning a motorcycle equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS).
  
  

While motorcycle insurance is required by law, good coverage allows you to ride with peace of mind and will provide options if trouble strikes.

Talk to a Harley-Davidson Insurance Services professional today to understand what coverage options are available in your state, no matter what brand of motorcycle you ride.