How Much is Motorcycle Insurance? What You Can Expect

Mar 8, 2025

Getting a motorcycle comes with a long list of questions: what kind of bike to get, what gear you need, and where to ride first. But one of the biggest questions is: how much is insurance for a motorcycle? Most states require it, but the price isn’t the same for everyone. Some riders get low monthly rates, while others end up paying a lot more, meaning two people with the same bike can have completely different insurance costs. This is typically based on things like experience, location, and coverage choices. 

If you’re looking into motorcycle insurance prices, it helps to understand what goes into those rates and what to expect before choosing a policy. In this blog, we’ll break down the average costs of motorcycle insurance and what goes into finding the right coverage.

How Much is Motorcycle Insurance Per Month?

Motorcycle insurance costs can range quite a bit, but on average, riders can expect to pay between $12 and $50 per month for a basic liability policy. If you want full coverage, which includes protection for your bike and added benefits like comprehensive and collision insurance, monthly rates typically land between $50 and $250. When looking at yearly costs, that adds up to anywhere from $144 to over $3,000 per year depending on the level of coverage you choose.

States with the Highest and Lowest Motorcycle Insurance Premiums

Motorcycle insurance prices aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some states have much higher average costs, while others offer some of the lowest rates in the country. The difference comes down to things like state laws and how much insurance companies pay out in claims. Below, we’ll break down which states have the highest and lowest motorcycle insurance premiums.

Where motorcycle insurance is the most expensive

In many cases, some states have higher motorcycle insurance premiums due to how insurance companies calculate risk in those areas. Riders in the following states tend to pay some of the highest rates:

• California: Around $46/month on average.
• Florida: The average monthly premium is about $54.
• Texas: Insurance typically costs $46/month.
• Louisiana: Riders pay around $44/month.

Where motorcycle insurance is the most affordable

On the other hand, fewer claims, different state regulations, and shorter riding seasons all play a role in keeping motorcycle insurance costs down for the following states: 

• North Dakota: Riders pay about $18/month on average.
• Iowa: The average monthly premium is around $18.
• South Dakota: Motorcycle insurance typically costs $20/month.
• Maine: Average premiums are about $21/month.
• Massachusetts: Riders here spend around $21/month on insurance.

Factors That Influence Motorcycle Insurance Costs

Now that we’ve covered how insurance costs compare across different states, it’s worth looking at why rates can vary so much from one rider to another. Insurance companies don’t just look at where you live when setting your premium. The type of bike you own, your experience level, and even your riding history all factor into how much you’ll pay.

The type of motorcycle you ride: Insurance rates can change depending on the kind of bike you own. Smaller, beginner-friendly motorcycles tend to have lower premiums, while sportbikes, cruisers with large engines, and custom builds usually cost more to insure. A bike with a powerful engine or a higher price tag is considered a bigger risk to insurance companies, which is why monthly costs are often higher for certain models.

Your riding experience and history: The more experience you have, the better your chances of getting a lower insurance rate. Insurance companies see new riders as a bigger risk, so premiums are usually higher until you have more time on the road. Your riding history also plays a role, meaning if you’ve had accidents or claims in the past, you may pay more for coverage, while riders with a clean record often qualify for better rates.

Where you live: Insurance companies look at location when setting prices, and some areas are more expensive than others. Places with more claims, thefts, or a high number of riders on the road can lead to higher rates, while quieter areas with fewer accidents tend to be on the lower end. State laws also make a difference, as each state has its own rules on how much coverage is required and what insurance companies can charge.

Coverage levels and policy choices that change the cost

Different coverage levels and optional add-ons can increase or lower your premiums, depending on what you select. Here’s a look at how your choices can impact the overall cost:

• Liability coverage vs. full coverage: The most basic and affordable option is liability coverage, which only covers damage you cause to others. If you add comprehensive and collision coverage, your policy will cost more but also protect your bike from damage, theft, and accidents. Full coverage is more expensive but offers greater peace of mind.
• Deductible amounts: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums, but it also means you’ll pay more out-of-pocket if you need to file a claim. On the flip side, a lower deductible increases your premium but reduces your upfront cost in the event of an accident. Finding the right balance between affordability and protection is key.
• Optional coverage add-ons: Extras like roadside assistance, custom parts coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection can provide additional benefits, but they’ll also increase your monthly rate. Some riders find these add-ons worth the extra cost, while others prefer to keep their policies simple to save money.
• Policy limits: Higher policy limits offer more coverage but come with a higher price tag. If you opt for lower limits, you’ll pay less upfront, but it might not be enough to cover serious accidents or major repairs. It’s important to choose limits that match your needs and budget.

How Age Affects Motorcycle Insurance Rates

Age is one of the biggest factors insurance companies look at when setting rates. Riders at different stages of life pay different amounts for coverage, mainly because experience levels, accident risks, and claim history tend to change over time. Younger riders often see higher premiums, while older riders may qualify for lower rates. Here’s a breakdown of how age impacts motorcycle insurance costs.

Average insurance costs for younger riders

Younger riders, especially those under 25, usually pay the highest insurance rates. Since they have less experience on the road, insurance companies see them as a bigger risk for accidents and claims. On average, riders in this age group can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 per month for full coverage, depending on the state and type of bike. Some providers offer discounts for taking safety courses, bundling policies, or maintaining a clean riding record, but overall, younger riders should expect higher costs compared to older motorcyclists.

Insurance rates for older riders

Once riders reach their mid-to-late twenties, insurance rates start to drop. By the time someone hits their 30s and 40s, they can expect much lower premiums than they would have paid as a younger rider. On average, riders in this age group pay around $50 to $150 per month for full coverage. Those with clean records and several years of riding experience often get the best rates. However, premiums can start to creep back up for riders who are 60+, as insurance companies take age-related factors into account when assessing risk.

Ways to Lower Motorcycle Insurance Costs

• Take a motorcycle safety course: Many insurance companies offer discounts for completing an approved motorcycle safety course. Not only does this help lower your premium, but it also improves your riding skills and knowledge, making you a safer rider on the road.
• Bundle policies: If you already have auto, home, or renters insurance, bundling your motorcycle policy with the same provider can lead to huge savings. Many companies offer multi-policy discounts, making it a simple way to cut costs while keeping everything under one insurer.
• Adjust coverage levels: Choosing the right coverage for your needs can make a big difference in price. If you have an older bike that isn’t worth much, you might not need full coverage. Raising your deductible can also lower your monthly payments, but it’s important to find a balance that still provides enough protection.
• Look into discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for things like having a clean riding record, being a member of a motorcycle association, or paying your premium in full. It’s worth asking about any available savings when shopping for a policy, as small discounts can add up over time.

Compare Motorcycle Insurance Quotes on Riders Share Today

Finding the right motorcycle insurance at a good price can take time, but comparing quotes from different providers is one of the best ways to save money. Riders Share has made this process easier by partnering with RideSafe Insurance Agency and Comparion. With just one form, you can quickly compare quotes from top insurance providers in your state. Once you submit your information, an agent will follow up to learn more about what you need and help you find coverage that works for your budget and riding habits. This partnership gives riders a simple way to explore affordable insurance options without searching through multiple companies on their own.