Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance?

The majority of states in the United States require riders to have motorcycle insurance, with the exception of Florida. Motorcycle riders in Florida, on the other hand, should still purchase insurance. Motorcycle insurance protects owners from major expenses that could be financially devastating.

Motorcycle insurance requirements by state

Almost all states in the United States require motorcycle owners to have motorcycle insurance and show proof of insurance in order to register their motorcycle. You must register your motorcycle in order to obtain a license plate; otherwise, you will be driving illegally and face serious penalties. Premiums may be significantly higher or lower than the national average depending on the state and policy.

Motorcycle insurance is required in 49 of the 50 states, but not all of them require the same amount of coverage. Each state has its own set of minimum requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability — the amount that a policyholder's motorcycle insurance company will cover.

Most states require motorcycle riders to have at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 per accident, as well as $10,000 in property damage coverage. Slashes are commonly used to separate the three limits: (25/50/10).

For example, the minimum coverage required in New York is 25/50/10, whereas the limits in Texas are 30/60/25 ($30,000 for injury or death to one person in an accident; $60,000 in an accident involving two or more people; and $25,000 for personal property coverage).

*The bodily injury and property damage liability limits in the table are requirements as of July 2019.

Where can you purchase motorcycle insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is available from the majority of auto insurers. With so many companies to choose from, deciding on the best one to purchase motorcycle insurance from can be difficult.

The best motorcycle policy for you will be one that includes features and coverages that are relevant to your needs as a rider. We've highlighted some notable motorcycle insurance companies that excel in specific areas, as well as one great all-around choice for any motorcycle rider, below.

Best overall motorcycle insurance company: Progressive

Progressive offers excellent motorcycle insurance policies, whether you want basic coverage or a policy with a plethora of coverage options. Furthermore, Progressive insures the majority of motorcycles, so you won't have to shop around for coverage if you own a one-of-a-kind motorcycle.

Progressive provides a plethora of easily accessible discounts. For example, if you own a home, you're automatically eligible for a discount, even if you don't have Progressive insurance. Overall, it will be difficult to find another motorcycle insurance company that provides as many features and discounts as Progressive.

Best for bundled insurance policies: Allstate

Allstate is ideal for people who require auto and motorcycle insurance because it provides one of the best bundle discounts. If you insure your car with Allstate, you'll automatically be eligible for a 30 percent discount on your motorcycle insurance policy.

In addition to the bundle discount, Allstate provides discounts to drivers who insure multiple motorcycles and to anyone who switches insurance companies. As an added bonus, if you purchase motorcycle insurance from Allstate, you will have access to the company's extensive network of agents. If you value personalized support, this can be a huge benefit.

Best for minimum coverage: GEICO

Consider purchasing a GEICO motorcycle insurance policy if you only need the bare minimum of coverage in your state. GEICO provides low rates that are enhanced by numerous discounts. GEICO has a solid reputation and is frequently regarded as one of the best insurance companies.

Best for new motorcycles: Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual is one of the best motorcycle insurance companies for those who have recently purchased a new motorcycle because it provides two optional coverages: better bike replacement and new bike replacement coverage.

In the event that your motorcycle is totaled, the first option will reimburse you for the cost of a motorcycle that is one year newer and has 2,500 fewer miles than yours. In other words, Liberty Mutual would provide you with a large enough payout to purchase a motorcycle that is superior to the one you lost.

The second coverage, new bike replacement, reimburses policyholders if their bikes are stolen or totaled during the first year of coverage. While most motorcycle insurance companies will reimburse you for the depreciated value of your bike, Liberty Mutual will reimburse you for the cost of a brand-new motorcycle with this coverage.

California motorcycle insurance requirements

In California, motorcycle riders must have bodily injury coverage of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, as well as $5,000 in property damage coverage (15/30/5). These restrictions apply to private passenger vehicles driven on public roads (not ATVs or dirt bikes), but certain vehicles are exempt.

Changes in California law, for example, created three distinct classes of electric bicycles (with a top speed of 28 miles per hour) beginning in 2016, but those vehicles are not required to be registered in California. They do not require a driver's license, and drivers are not required to demonstrate financial responsibility.

Having said that, the rules in other states may differ. Electric bicycles (or mopeds and scooters) may be subject to different regulations, and anyone who owns a motorcycle or similar vehicle should be aware of them. It is their responsibility to adhere to them and meet the necessary standards.

California allows motorcycle riders to meet their financial obligations in ways other than through motorcycle insurance. In lieu of insurance, California residents can pay a cash deposit of $35,000 to the state's department of motor vehicles, obtain a DMV-issued certificate of self-insurance, or obtain a $35,000 surety bond from a company licensed to do business in the state.

Do you need motorcycle insurance in Florida?

No, riders in Florida are not required to show proof of insurance in order to register their motorcycle, nor are they required to purchase a motorcycle insurance policy.

Riding a motorcycle without insurance, on the other hand, is generally a bad idea because people can sue you for any damage or injuries you cause, and you'll be held liable.

Unless you have unlimited funds and are willing to part with them, Florida riders should have coverage to manage their liability exposure. Furthermore, if you frequently take your motorcycle out of state for road trips, there may be requirements in those states that you must also follow.

In Florida, the only exception is for riders who have been charged in a crash that resulted in injuries or certain motor vehicle violations. The state of Florida requires those riders to purchase and maintain bodily injury and property damage liability insurance for three years.

Motorcycle riders in Florida are not required to wear helmets if they are at least 16 years old. Motorcycle riders, on the other hand, must wear eye protection at all times, regardless of whether they wear a helmet.

Does Washington require motorcycle insurance?

As of 2019, motorcycle riders in Washington are required to have liability insurance. Furthermore, in order to legally ride a motorcycle in Washington, riders must either complete a motorcycle safety course or pass a knowledge and riding skills test.

Washington residents must have the following coverage limits to meet the legal requirement for motorcycle insurance:

• Liability insurance for bodily injury is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
• Liability insurance for property damage: $10,000 per accident

Montana motorcycle insurance requirements

Yes. As of 2015, motorcycle riders in Montana were required to have at least $25,000 in bodily injury protection per person ($50,000 in multiple-person accidents) and $20,000 in personal property protection. The same restrictions apply to all motor vehicles operating on public roads in the state.

How do you get motorcycle insurance with a learner's permit?

The same local motorcycle insurance laws generally apply to both new and experienced riders. Some motorcyclists may be required to hold a temporary or learner's permit before obtaining their full license, similar to the process for obtaining a driver's license. Most states require those learning to ride a motorcycle to have a driver's license, which requires the same liability coverage.