Motorcycle Insurance:

Motorcycles offer freedom, efficiency, and a riding experience you can’t get anywhere else. But they also come with higher risk. Road hazards, distracted drivers, weather conditions, and visibility challenges can turn a ride into an expensive and dangerous situation very quickly.

Motorcycle Insurance provides financial protection for you, your bike, and others on the road. Below is a clear guide to what this coverage includes and how to choose the right limits.

What Motorcycle Insurance Covers

1. Liability Coverage (Required in Most States)

Liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others in an accident.

It includes:

• Bodily Injury Liability: Medical bills, lost wages, and legal costs

• Property Damage Liability: Repairs to cars, buildings, fences, or other property

Motorcycles are often involved in collisions with higher injury severity, making higher limits strongly recommended—well above state minimums.

2. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Protects you if the other driver has little or no insurance.

Critical for motorcyclists because:

• Riders are more likely to suffer severe injuries

• Medical costs can escalate quickly

• A significant portion of drivers nationwide carry low limits or none at all

UM/UIM can help with:

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering (varies by state)

Always consider matching your liability limits.

3. Comprehensive Coverage

Covers damage to your motorcycle caused by events other than a collision, such as:

• Theft

• Vandalism

• Hail or severe weather

• Fire

• Animal strikes (very common for rural riders)

• Falling objects

If you own a newer bike or store it outside, comprehensive coverage is highly recommended.

4. Collision Coverage

Pays for damage to your motorcycle after a collision with:

• Vehicles

• Guardrails or barriers

• Curbs, fences, walls

• Road hazards you physically hit

If your bike is financed, lenders typically require comprehensive + collision.

5. Medical Payments / Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Coverage varies by state, but may help pay for:

• Medical expenses

• Ambulance services

• Hospital bills

In PIP states, riders may have different coverage rules or limitations—your agent can help clarify what applies.

6. Optional Motorcycle Endorsements

Motorcycle policies offer several valuable add-ons:

• Custom Parts & Equipment Coverage (CPE): Protects aftermarket upgrades, chrome, audio systems, fairings, custom paint, etc.

• Roadside Assistance: Towing, battery boost, emergency fuel

• Trip Interruption: Covers lodging and food if a breakdown occurs away from home

• Accessory Coverage: Luggage, saddlebags, riding gear, helmets

• OEM Parts Coverage: Ensures repairs use original manufacturer parts

These endorsements help protect both the bike and the gear that makes riding possible.

Factors That Affect Your Policy

Premiums depend on several factors:

• Motorcycle type (sport bike, cruiser, touring, etc.)

• Engine size

• Rider age and experience

• Driving and riding history

• Location and theft risk

• Storage conditions (garage vs. outdoors)

• Coverage limits and deductibles

Sport bikes and high-performance models typically cost more to insure due to speed and theft risk.

Common Misconceptions

“My bike is cheap—I don’t need much insurance.”

Medical costs from motorcycle accidents often exceed the value of the bike itself. Liability and UM/UIM protect you, not just the motorcycle.

“If I’m not at fault, the other driver pays.”

This assumes they have proper insurance. Many drivers carry low limits or none at all—UM/UIM fills the gap.

“Motorcycle insurance is too expensive.”

Policies are customizable. Choosing reasonable deductibles and appropriate coverage levels can keep premiums affordable while still offering strong protection.

“My helmet and gear are covered automatically.”

Not always. Many policies require separate coverage for helmets, jackets, gloves, electronics, and accessories.

The Takeaway

Motorcycle Insurance protects you, your bike, and your financial stability every time you ride. With the right combination of liability, UM/UIM, medical coverage, and optional endorsements, you can enjoy the open road with confidence—knowing you’re protected when it matters most.