The majority of states in the U.S. require riders to have a motorcycle insurance policy. Two states – Florida, Washington – do not require it, although there are some exceptions in Florida. If you live in a state that does not require motorcycle insurance, you should still purchase a policy. Motorcycle insurance protects owners from incurring major costs that could be financially devastating.
MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS BY STATE
Almost all states in the U.S. require owners to have motorcycle insurance and they must show proof of insurance to register their motorcycle. You have to register your motorcycle to get a license plate, otherwise you will be driving illegally, and that cost might be significant. Depending on the state a rider lives in and their policy, the cost of their premiums might be well above or below the average in the U.S.
Out of 50 states, motorcycle insurance is required in 47 of them but not every state requires the same amount of coverage. Each has its own minimum requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability -- the amount a policyholder's motorcycle insurance company will cover. In most states, motorcyclists have at least $25,000 in bodily injury protection per person and $50,000 per accident, as well as $10,000 in property damage coverage. The three limits are commonly displayed with slashes: (25/50/10).
For example, the minimum coverage required in the state of New York is 25/50/10 but the limits in Texas every policy must have are 30/60/25 ($30,000 for the bodily injury or death of a person in one accident; $60,000 in an accident with two or more people; and $25,000 of personal property coverage).
WHERE TO PURCHASE MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE
Most auto insurance companies also offer motorcycle insurance policies. However, choosing which company to purchase motorcycle insurance coverage from can be a difficult choice, given the myriad available options. The best motorcycle insurance company for you will be the one that offers features and coverages that align with what you need as a motorcycle rider. Below, we highlight a few notable motorcycle insurance companies that perform particularly well in specific areas as well as one that is a great all-around choice for any motorcycle rider.
BEST OVERALL MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE COMPANY: PROGRESSIVE
Whether you're looking for minimum coverage or a policy with a ton of coverage add-ons, Progressive offers great motorcycle insurance policies for both. On top of this, Progressive insures most types of motorcycles, meaning you won't have to search around for coverage if you have a unique motorcycle. Lastly, Progressive offers a long list of easily attainable discounts. For instance, if you own a home, you're automatically eligible for a discount, even if your home isn't insured with Progressive. Overall, you'll have a tough time finding another motorcycle insurance company that offers as many features and discounts as Progressive does.
BEST FOR BUNDLED INSURANCE POLICIES: ALLSTATE
Allstate is best for people who need auto and motorcycle insurance, as the company offers one of the best bundle discounts. If you insure your car with Allstate, you're automatically eligible for a discount of up to 30% on your motorcycle insurance policy. In addition to its bundle discount, Allstate offers discounted rates to drivers who insure multiple motorcycles and anyone who switches insurance companies. As an added benefit, if you choose to get motorcycle insurance through Allstate, you'll have access to the company's large network of agents. This can be a great benefit to have if you value personalized support.
BEST FOR MINIMUM COVERAGE: GEICO
If you're simply looking for the minimum amount of coverage necessary in your state, consider purchasing a GEICO motorcycle insurance policy. GEICO offers low rates that are made even better by its many discounts. GEICO has a solid reputation and is often considered among the top insurance companies.
BEST FOR NEW MOTORCYCLES: LIBERTY MUTUAL
Liberty Mutual offers two optional coverages that make it one of the best motorcycle insurance companies for those who recently purchased a new motorcycle: better bike replacement and new bike replacement coverage. The former would reimburse you for the cost of a motorcycle that is one year newer and has 2,500 fewer miles than yours in the event that your bike is totaled. In other words, Liberty Mutual would provide you with a big enough payout to buy a motorcycle that is better than the one that was totaled. The second coverage, new bike replacement, reimburses policyholders if their bikes are stolen or totaled within the first year. While most motorcycle insurance companies would reimburse you for your bike's depreciated value, with this coverage, Liberty Mutual reimburses you for the cost of a brand-new motorcycle.
DO YOU NEED MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE IN FLORIDA?
No. Riders in the state of Florida do not have to show proof of insurance to register their motorcycle and they are not required to purchase a motorcycle insurance policy. Riding a motorcycle without insurance is widely ill-advised, because people can potentially sue you for any damage or injuries you cause. Unless you have unlimited funds and don't mind parting with them, it's generally adviseable to have coverage to manage your liability exposure. On top of this, if you frequently take your motorcycle out-of-state for road trips, there may be requirements in those states you'll also have to follow.
The only exception in Florida is for riders who have been charged in a crash involving any injuries or certain motor vehicle violations. Florida state law requires those riders to purchase and keep bodily injury and property damage liability protection for three years.
Florida law does not require motorcycle riders to wear helmets, as long as they are at least 16 years old. However, motorcycle riders must wear eye protection at all times, regardless of whether they choose to wear a helmet.
MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE AND LEARNER'S PERMITS
The same local motorcycle insurance laws generally apply to new and fully licensed riders alike. Similar to the process to get a driver’s license, some motorcyclists might be required to hold a temporary or learner’s permit before obtaining their full license. Those learning to ride a motorcycle in most states will at least need to have a driver's license, which requires the same liability coverage.