5 Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies

Riding a motorcycle on the open road is a thrill unlike any other. Adequate motorcycle insurance is vital to continue enjoying these rides. Use this guide to compare your options and find the best motorcycle insurance for your needs.

Insurer	A.M. Best Rating	Best For
Progressive	A+	Overall coverage & discounts
Dairyland	A+	Specialized coverage
Markel	A+	Multi-bike coverage
GEICO	A++	Loyalty discount
USAA	A++	Military members

5 best motorcycle insurance companies

Not all insurers are created equal. To make sure you’re choosing the best insurance company for your needs, see our expert reviews below.

Best overall coverage and discounts: Progressive
Best for specialized coverage: Dairyland
Best for multi-bike coverage: Markel
Best loyalty discount: GEICO
Best for military members: USAA

Progressive

Best for overall coverage and discounts

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Why it’s one of the best

Progressive is well-known in the insurance world. The company has an A+ A.M. Best rating, and its auto insurance offerings helped it claim one of the top spots on J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction rankings.

Based on our research, Progressive is the best overall motorcycle insurer because of its wide array of coverages and the many discounts the company offers.

All Progressive motorcycle policies automatically cover your bike’s full replacement cost, up to $3,000 in accessories and custom parts, and coverage for bodily injury, property damage liabilities, uninsured/underinsured motorists, comprehensive and collision, and medical payments.

Add-on coverages include roadside assistance, enhanced injury protection, and a disappearing deductible, which gets you 25% off your deductible for every claim-free period. The company also offers several premiums discounts.

Get covered for as little as $75 per year
Customize your protection with specialized motorcycle coverage
All of your discounts are automatically applied for you

Standard coverages

Full replacement cost (not depreciated values)
$3,000 in accessories and custom parts
Original Equipment Manufacturer parts
Bodily injury and property damage liability
Uninsured/underinsured motorists
Comprehensive and collision
Medical payments

Premium coverages

Total loss coverage (pays the cost to buy the latest model if your bike is totaled)
Roadside assistance
Trip interruption
Carried contents and personal belongings
Enhanced injury protection
Disappearing deductibles

Discounts

Getting an advance quote at least one day before your policy begins
Multi-policy holders
Being a member of the Harley Owners Group and the United Services Automobile Association
Getting a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license
Completing a safety course
Switching to progressive from other insurance companies
Going three years with no accidents or violations
Paying your premium in full

Dairyland

Best for specialized xoverage

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Why it’s one of the best

Owned by Sentry Insurance, Dairyland offers auto and motorcycle policies in the majority of U.S. states. The company has an A+ rating with A.M. Best and a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot.

Dairyland is our choice for the best-specialized coverage. The company offers special equipment and premium coverage options, including roadside assistance, rental reimbursements, and coverage for mopeds and scooters. Basic coverages include bodily injury, collision, comprehensive, medical expenses, and more. Guest passenger coverage is also available.

Discount-wise, Dairyland’s options are numerous. You’ll get a premium reduction if you have multiple bikes, own a house, are a member of specific organizations, or you take a safety course.

Physical Damage Plus coverage repairs your bike with genuine manufacturer replacement parts
Offering insurance coverage since 1966

Coverage options

Comprehensive and collision
Bodily injury liability
Medical expenses
Property damage
Underinsured motorists
Guest passenger
Optional or special equipment
Personal injury protection
Original manufacturer parts
Rental reimbursement
Total replacement cost
Roadside assistance
Trip interruption

Discounts

Insuring multiple bikes
Owning a home
Being a member of the Harley Owners Group or other riding groups
Renewing your policy
Taking a rider safety or training course
Switching from another insurance provider

Markel

Best for covering a variety of bikes

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Why it’s one of the best

Markel is a specialty insurance company that offers coverage for small business owners, motorcyclists, boat and ATV owners, and art collectors. It has been in business for nearly a century and holds an A+ A.M. Best rating.

We ranked them as best for multi-bike owners (and collectors, too) because of the vast array of bikes covered. The company covers everything from street bikes and mopeds to cruisers, trikes, and custom motorcycles.

Markel’s standard motorcycle policies include collision, comprehensive, property, passenger, bodily injury liability, medical payments, funeral expense coverage, and coverage for mechanical breakdowns, trailers, and uninsured/underinsured motorists. There’s also $1,000 in automatic accessory coverage, and you can add on additional coverage for trip interruption, roadside assistance, and rental reimbursement.

Discounts at Markel are plentiful. You’ll get a premium reduction for having anti-lock brakes, anti-theft alarms, multiple bikes, being a safe driver, and more. There’s even a 10% discount just for switching from your previous insurer.

Policies as low as $50 per year
Receive coverage for cruisers, sport bikes, scooters/mopeds, custom bikes, and more

Standard coverages

Comprehensive and collision
$1,000 in accessories
Uninsured/underinsured motorists
Mechanical breakdown
Trailers
Medical payments
Funeral expenses
Bodily injury, property damage, and passenger liability

Premium coverages

Roadside assistance
Trip interruption
Rental vehicle reimbursement

Discounts

Bikes with anti-lock brakes and anti-theft alarms
Renewing your policy
Switching from a different insurer
Completing a safety course
Having three years with no more than one minor violation
Going four years with no accidents (25% off!)

GEICO

Best for its loyalty discount

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Why it’s one of the best

GEICO is widely known for its car insurance options, but it also insures motorcycles. The company is one of the highest-rated insurers on our list, clocking in an A.M. Best rating of A++. According to J.D. Power, GEICO is also one of the top-rated insurers in terms of customer satisfaction.

GEICO stands out for its sizable loyalty discount, which offers riders a 20% premium reduction just for renewing their policies. There are also hefty discounts for taking safety courses, holding multiple policies with the company, or just being a “mature” driver.

The company offers the standard fare of coverages, including comprehensive, collision, property damage, and more. There are also add-on options for roadside assistance, accessories, helmets, and personal injury protection.

15 minutes could save you 15% or more on motorcycle insurance
Receive a discount of up to 20% when you renew your policy with GEICO

Standard coverages

Bodily injury liability
Comprehensive and collision
Property damage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist

Premium coverages

Accessories
Helmets
Roadside assistance
Medical payments and personal injury protection

Discounts

Switching from a different insurer (20% off)
Insuring multiple bikes
Having multiple policies with GEICO
Being an experienced rider (10% off)
Taking a safety course (10% off)
Renewing with GEICO (20% off)

USAA

Best for military members

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Why it’s one of the best

USAA specializes in insurance coverage for military members and their families, so it’s no surprise the company is our pick for the best motorcycle coverage in that category. The company is well-known for its excellent customer service and holds an A++ rating from A.M. Best.

Bike-wise, USAA covers several models, including cruisers, dirt bikes, touring bikes, mopeds, and scooters. Standard policies include comprehensive, collision, property damage liability, bodily injury, and medical payments coverages. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also included.

The company offers many discounts, including a 5% discount for being a USAA member and discounts for claims-free periods, taking a safety course, or insuring multiple motorcycles.

USAA members get a 5% discount on their motorcycle insurance
USAA motorcycle insurance is offered by an agency provider

Coverage options

Comprehensive and collision
Bodily injury
Property damage liability
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
Medical payments

Discounts

Having claims-free periods
Insuring multiple bikes
Taking a safety course
Being a USAA member (5%)

How to choose the best motorcycle insurance

Finding the best motorcycle insurance is easy using our list of top companies. Just follow these steps:

Know what you need. Check out what types of coverage each company on our list offers. Ensure the insurer offers the basics—liability, collision, and comprehensive. Also, see whether it has any unique options that might suit you. For instance, Progressive has total loss coverage for new motorcycles and roadside assistance.
Don’t forget about discounts. See whether you can get any discounts from the companies on our list. You might save money if you’re a safe rider, have multiple policies, or have taken a safety course. Dairyland offers discounts for members of the Harley Owners Group (HOG).
Consider customer service. Read what other people say about each company’s customer service. You want an insurer known for processing claims quickly and fairly and for having helpful customer support. Every company on our list of the best motorcycle insurance has a history of solid customer service.
Get quotes. Choose three companies from the list above that interest you, and obtain motorcycle insurance quotes on their websites. It might take five to 15 minutes to get a quote online.
Compare and decide. Take a close look at your quotes. Compare the coverage, deductibles, and prices. One company could be much cheaper than another, depending on what discounts you qualify for. Also, consider each company’s financial stability, customer service, and special features before making your final decision.

Our expert’s recommendations for new vs. experienced riders

Erin Kinkade

CFP®

I would not recommend different coverage between new and experienced riders. Anything can happen that is out of the rider’s control. The exception would be what the rider can self-insure. For example, if they have significant assets to cover medical coverage for others or themselves, they may be able to reduce this coverage (regardless of their riding experience), and the same scenario applies to collision replacement or repair. These scenarios are rare for most individuals, so I typically recommend full coverage. Insurance is ultimately a small cost compared to the benefits it can pay out. If someone lacks the assets to self-insure accidents and liability, they need coverage. If they can’t afford the coverage, it’s wise to wait to ride the motorcycle until they can. I recommend using the same company for multiple types of insurance—life, automobile, renters, or homeowners—because this should qualify you for a discount. But always shop around with at least three additional insurance companies to get the best premium.

How to adjust your policy to find the most affordable premium

Your motorcycle insurance premium is calculated based on several factors: your age, riding experience, location, bike type, and coverage choices. You can adjust different parts of your policy to find an affordable premium that works for your budget. Here’s how:

Adjust your deductible. A higher deductible means you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim, but it also means a lower premium now. Whatever deductible amount you choose, keep that much in a savings account to have on hand if needed.
Choose the right coverage. Ensure you have the necessary coverage, but don’t pay for unnecessary extras. For example, if you have an older bike that’s paid off, you might consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverage.
Modify optional coverage. Optional coverages, such as accessory coverage or roadside assistance, can increase your premium. Remove them if you don’t need them.
Use online quote forms. The motorcycle insurance companies above have online quote forms you can fill out to estimate your premium. Use these to experiment with different deductibles, coverage limits, and optional coverages to see how they affect your costs.

Here’s an example of how adjusting your policy terms can affect your premium:

Coverage	Deductible	Annual premium
Liability only	N/A	$200
Liability + comprehensive & collision	$500	$750
Liability + comp & collision + roadside assistance + replacement cost	$500	$900

Discounts are another way you can reduce your premium. Here are common motorcycle insurance discounts the companies on our list may offer:

Discount	Description
Multi-policy	Bundle your motorcycle insurance with auto or home insurance
Safety course	Complete an approved motorcycle safety course
Responsible driver	Maintain a clean driving record for a specified period
Pay in full	Pay your annual premium in one lump sum
Loyalty	Remain with the same insurer for a certain number of years

Tip

Always ask about discounts as you shop for a policy. You never know what you may qualify for, and every discount works to help you save money on motorcycle insurance.

How much does a motorcycle insurance policy cost?

The average cost of motorcycle insurance is $721 per year, but actual costs depend on many factors. The amount of coverage you choose, how often you use the bike, and the amount of mileage you average each year all play a role.

Other factors that can affect your premiums include:

Your credit score
Your age and gender
Your location
Your driving history
The model and age of your bike

Rates vary by insurance company, so shopping around for your policy is essential.

What type of coverage can you get with motorcycle insurance?

Most motorcycle insurance policies cover these basics:

Liability insurance: Almost every state requires this coverage. It will pay for legal costs if you damage property or hurt someone while on your bike.
Comprehensive and collision: This is usually optional if your bike is paid off, but your lender will likely require it if you’re still making payments. It covers repairing or replacing your motorcycle if it’s damaged or totaled.

Beyond these standard motorcycle insurance coverage options, you can also customize your policy with these add-ons:

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If another driver hits you and their insurance won’t cover the full damage, this type of coverage can fill in the gap. It’s available with most motorcycle insurance carriers.
Medical payments or personal injury protection: This covers medical bill costs if you or a passenger is hurt while riding. You can add this on with most motorcycle insurance companies.
Accessories and custom parts coverage: This will pay for any upgrades or accessories on your bike up to your policy limit. Progressive, Dairyland, GEICO, and USAA offer it.
Roadside assistance and trip interruption: Have you run out of gas, had a flat tire, or need a tow truck? This add-on sends someone to help 24/7. Progressive, Dairyland, GEICO, and USAA offer roadside assistance.
Rental reimbursement: This will reimburse you for a rental if you can’t use your bike while it’s being repaired. It’s available with Dairyland
Total loss coverage: If your new bike is a total loss, this add-on will pay you the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for a new one. You can find this add-on at Progressive, Dairyland, and USAA.
Carried contents: Insurers, including Progressive and USAA, will pay for any personal belongings you carry on your bike at the time of an accident, such as cellphones, clothing, and camping gear.
Enhanced injury protection. If you’re hurt due to an accident and can’t work, Progressive and USAA will pay you up to $250 per week for up to two years. If the accident is fatal, your beneficiaries will get $25,000.

Does the cost of coverage change over time?

The cost of motorcycle insurance coverage can change based on your driving record, the motorcycle, and the broader insurance market. Here’s a closer look:

Age and riding experience. Younger or new riders may have higher premiums because they’re at a higher risk of being in an accident.
Type and age of the motorcycle. Newer, more expensive, or high-performance bikes tend to cost more to insure—either because they’re more expensive to repair or pose a potentially greater risk to the public. An older motorcycle may lead to a lower premium unless it’s a high-value classic or vintage model.
Mileage and usage patterns. You might pay lower rates if you ride primarily for recreation and log fewer annual miles.
Where you live. Living in a densely populated area with higher accident rates, crime, or bad weather may increase your premiums over time.
Your claims history. Having multiple insurance claims on your record—even if you’re not at fault—can increase your premiums.
Policy adjustments. Adding or removing coverage options, changing your deductible, or altering your policy limits will all influence the cost of insurance.
Industry changes. Insurers periodically adjust their rates based on market conditions, claims data, and risk assessments.
How safe you are with your bike. You may qualify for cheaper motorcycle insurance if you install anti-theft devices on your bike, store it in a safe place, or complete a rider safety course.

How can you save on your motorcycle insurance policy?

Most insurance companies offer discounts to help you save money on your premiums. Being accident-free for some time can also reduce your rate.

You might be able to reduce your rate by increasing your credit score or opting for a “lay-up” policy, which essentially suspends your policy—and your premium—during periods the bike is unusable (during winter, for example).

How does the claims process work?

The best motorcycle insurance companies let you file a claim in the mobile app and have round-the-clock customer support. You can use these steps to file a motorcycle insurance claim:

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Tell it about what happened, any injuries, and the damages to your motorcycle.
Document the scene by taking photos of the damage, collecting witness information, and filing a police report, if needed.
Wait for your insurer to assign a claims adjuster to inspect the damage and determine the cost of repairs or replacement.
Wait for the adjuster to review the claim and determine the payout amount based on your policy’s coverage and terms.
If approved, get your claim payment from your insurer (minus your deductible). Repair or replace your bike.

For example, let’s say you’re involved in an accident where another driver fails to yield and hits your motorcycle. You’re injured, and your bike is damaged. Here’s how the claims process might work:

Call the police and file an accident report. Seek medical attention for your injuries.
Take photos of the damage to your motorcycle and the other vehicle involved.
Contact your motorcycle insurance company to start the claims process. Many insurers allow you to file a claim online, through a mobile app, or by calling a claims hotline.
Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to your case. The adjuster will investigate the accident, review medical records and repair estimates, and determine fault.
If the other driver is at fault, their liability insurance should cover your damages. Your insurer will work with the other driver’s insurer to settle the claim.
If you have collision coverage and need to repair your bike, your insurer will pay for the damages minus your deductible. If your motorcycle is a total loss, it will pay you the actual cash value or the full replacement cost, depending on your coverage option.
Your insurer will also help you get compensated for your medical expenses and lost wages if you have medical payments or personal injury protection.

FAQ

Is motorcycle insurance required?

Motorcycle insurance is required in most U.S. states, just as car insurance is. Many places also require minimum comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance. You can learn more about minimums in your area by contacting your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you’ve financed your bike using a loan, your lender or bank will likely require insurance as well. Check with the lender about any minimum coverage requirements.

How soon will your coverage take effect?

Typically, motorcycle insurance coverage starts right after you complete the application and pay for your policy. But if you don’t need coverage right away, you can choose a later start date.

Sometimes, it may take longer for your policy to take effect—if the insurer needs additional information or you require specialized coverage, for instance.

It’s best to start shopping for insurance once you have the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the motorcycle you’re purchasing. If you anticipate delays and need coverage sooner, talk to your insurer to discuss your options.

Can you cancel a policy at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your motorcycle insurance anytime. You might need to fill out a form and pay fees for canceling early.

Before you cancel, think about whether you still need coverage. If you’ll keep riding, get a new policy before canceling your old one so you don’t have gaps in coverage. You’ll usually get a prorated refund if you cancel early.

It’s not wise to cancel your motorcycle coverage in winter, even if you’re not riding. Instead, talk to your insurer about reducing coverage so you have cheaper premiums in the off months.

Is motorcycle insurance required to purchase a motorcycle?

Motorcycle liability insurance is required in most states. Check your local laws for what specific requirements you need to meet.

If you’re financing your motorcycle, your lender will likely require comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to liability insurance. If your motorcycle is damaged, stolen, or totaled, this protects its investment.

Even if your state doesn’t require motorcycle insurance, we recommend it. Motorcycles are inherently riskier than cars, and accidents can lead to catastrophic losses for you and anyone else involved.

Recap of the best motorcycle insurance companies

Company	Best for
Progressive	Overall coverage and discounts
Dairyland	Specialized coverage
Markel	Multi-bike coverage
GEICO	Loyalty discount
USAA	Military members