Finding the right motorcycle insurance quotes is about more than choosing the lowest price. Two motorcycle insurance policies can have very different premiums because of differences in coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, discounts, motorcycle type, riding history, location, and other rating factors.
Whether you ride a cruiser, sport bike, touring motorcycle, custom bike, scooter, or another type of motorcycle, comparing quotes carefully can help you find a policy that provides appropriate protection without unnecessarily increasing your insurance costs.
Most states require motorcycle riders to carry at least a minimum amount of liability insurance, although the specific requirements vary by state. Other coverage options, such as collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and customized-parts coverage, may provide additional protection depending on your needs.
This guide explains how to compare motorcycle insurance rates like a pro, what information to provide when requesting quotes, which coverage options to compare, how deductibles affect premiums, and how to identify potential savings opportunities.
What Are Motorcycle Insurance Quotes?
A motorcycle insurance quote is an estimate of how much an insurer may charge you for a specific combination of coverage.
commercial pickup truck insurance
The quote is generally based on information about you, your motorcycle, your riding history, your location, and the coverage you request.
A motorcycle insurance quote may include:
- Liability coverage
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Guest passenger liability
- Custom equipment coverage
- Roadside assistance
- Other optional coverage
The final premium may differ from an initial estimate if the information used to generate the quote changes or the insurer completes additional underwriting.
Why Motorcycle Insurance Rates Vary
Motorcycle insurance companies evaluate risk differently, which means two insurers can provide different prices for similar coverage.
Factors that can affect motorcycle insurance costs include:
- Your age
- Driving and riding record
- Location
- Type of motorcycle
- Age of the motorcycle
- Annual mileage
- Where the motorcycle is stored
- Coverage limits
- Deductibles
- Claims history
- Insurance history
- Available discounts
The Insurance Information Institute specifically identifies age, driving record, location, motorcycle type, motorcycle age, annual mileage, and storage location among factors that can affect motorcycle insurance costs.
This is why getting multiple quotes can be valuable.
Step 1: Know What Coverage You Need Before Comparing Quotes
One of the biggest mistakes riders make is comparing prices before deciding what coverage they actually need.
Instead, establish a coverage baseline first.
For example, decide:
- Liability limits
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Deductible amounts
- Custom equipment coverage
- Roadside assistance
Once you know the coverage you want, request the same or substantially equivalent coverage from each insurer.
This creates a more meaningful comparison.
Step 2: Compare the Same Liability Limits
Liability insurance generally covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others in a covered accident. It does not generally pay for your own motorcycle damage or your own injuries.
Suppose one insurer quotes:
- $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury liability
- $25,000 property damage liability
Another insurer quotes:
- $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability
- $100,000 property damage liability
The second quote may cost more, but it is not an apples-to-apples comparison.
The NAIC recommends comparing quotes using the same coverages and limits.
Therefore, don't automatically choose the lowest premium until you verify that the coverage limits are comparable.
general commercial liability insurance
Step 3: Understand Collision Coverage
Collision coverage can help pay for covered damage to your motorcycle resulting from a collision, subject to the policy's terms and deductible.
For example, if your motorcycle is damaged after colliding with another vehicle, a collision policy may help cover eligible repair costs.
You typically pay the selected deductible first.
Example
Suppose:
- Motorcycle repair cost: $6,000
- Collision deductible: $1,000
If the loss is covered, the insurer may pay the covered amount after applying the deductible, subject to policy terms and limits.
Collision coverage can be especially important for riders who own newer, expensive, financed, or valuable motorcycles.
Step 4: Compare Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage generally addresses covered losses other than collision.
Depending on the policy, examples can include:
- Theft
- Fire
- Vandalism
- Falling objects
- Certain weather-related damage
- Other covered causes of loss
The Insurance Information Institute identifies theft, fire, and vandalism as examples of losses that comprehensive motorcycle coverage can address.
If you live in an area with significant theft exposure or severe weather, comprehensive coverage may deserve particular attention.
Step 5: Pay Attention to Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Not every driver carries enough insurance.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can provide protection in certain circumstances when another driver causes an accident but has no insurance or insufficient insurance.
Depending on the policy and state, this coverage may help with certain medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Availability, requirements, and coverage details vary by state and insurer.
When comparing motorcycle insurance quotes, look carefully at the limits and deductibles rather than simply checking whether the coverage is included.
Step 6: Compare Deductibles
A deductible is the amount you generally pay out of pocket before certain covered losses are paid by the insurer.
instant General liability insurance
For example, you might compare:
Policy A
- $500 comprehensive deductible
- $500 collision deductible
Policy B
- $1,000 comprehensive deductible
- $1,000 collision deductible
Policy B may have a lower premium, but you would generally pay more out of pocket after a covered claim.
Ask yourself:
Could I comfortably afford this deductible if my motorcycle were damaged or stolen tomorrow?
A lower premium isn't necessarily better if the deductible is too high for your budget.
