$141Average liability-only per year (MoneyGeek)
$364Average full coverage per year
~27xHigher death risk per mile than car occupants
$3,000Accessory cover included with some full policies
Key takeaway: Almost every state requires motorcycle liability insurance. Full coverage adds collision and comprehensive, which you’ll need if the bike is financed. A 40-year-old with a clean record and a mid-size bike pays roughly $141 a year for liability-only and $364 for full coverage, but sport bikes, young riders and some states cost far more. Riders face much higher injury risk than drivers, so medical and uninsured motorist cover matter.
How we put this guide together: We used MoneyGeek’s October 2026 and Insurify’s 2026 price analyses, insurer coverage pages (Progressive, Dairyland, Harley-Davidson Insurance, GEICO) and NHTSA safety data. Prices vary by state, bike and rider; figures were checked in October 2026. See our advertiser disclosure.

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What motorcycle insurance covers

CoverageWhat it pays for
Liability (bodily injury and property damage)Injuries and damage you cause to others; required in almost every state
CollisionDamage to your bike in a crash, including if it tips over
ComprehensiveTheft, vandalism, fire, weather and animal strikes
Uninsured/underinsured motoristYour injuries when the at-fault driver has too little insurance
Medical paymentsMedical bills for you and your passenger
Accessories / custom partsSaddlebags, custom paint, upgraded exhausts and other add-ons
Roadside assistance and trip interruptionTowing and travel costs if your bike breaks down far from home

See our coverage guide for how each works.

Why riders need more than the minimum

NHTSA reports 6,228 motorcyclists died in 2024, 16% of all traffic deaths. Per mile traveled, riders are almost 27 times more likely to die and almost 5 times more likely to be injured than people in cars. Minimum liability protects others, not you, so uninsured motorist and medical payments cover are worth serious consideration.

What it costs

MoneyGeek’s October 2026 data for a 40-year-old rider with a clean record on a 2018 Honda Rebel 500 puts average costs at about $141 a year for liability-only and $364 for full coverage. Insurify’s broader rider data shows much higher averages, about $81 a month for liability and $179 for full coverage, because it includes younger riders and bigger bikes. Age, bike type, location and riding record drive the price. See our motorcycle insurance cost guide.

Who pays the most

  • Young and new riders: a 16-year-old pays about 2.5 times what a 40-year-old pays for full coverage. See new riders.
  • Sport bike riders: a 1,000cc sport bike cost about $3,948 a year for full coverage in MoneyGeek’s data. See sport bikes.
  • Riders in high-cost states such as Rhode Island and New Jersey.

Ways to save

  1. Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation or similar course.
  2. Get your motorcycle endorsement; MoneyGeek found Progressive charged riders without one 12% more.
  3. Bundle with car or home insurance and insure multiple bikes together.
  4. Choose a higher deductible and install anti-theft devices.
  5. Ask about lay-up cover for winter storage; see our storage guide.

Our discounts guide lists what major insurers offer, and our insurer comparison covers features and ratings.

All Motorcycle insurance guides

Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies for 2026: Features and Discounts ComparedProgressive, GEICO, Dairyland, Harley-Davidson Insurance and others compared on features and discounts.How Much Is Motorcycle Insurance? 2026 Costs by Age, State and BikeAverage costs by age, state and bike type, and what moves your price.Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Explained: What You Need and WhyEvery coverage explained, including accessories, total-loss replacement and passengers.Motorcycle Insurance for New and Young Riders: Costs and How to SaveCosts for young and first-time riders, and how training lowers them.Motorcycle Insurance Discounts: What’s Available and How Much You Can SaveDiscounts riders can claim, with published amounts from major insurers.Sport Bike Insurance: Why It’s Expensive and How to Pay LessWhy sport bikes cost more to insure and how to bring the price down.Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Insurance: What to Know Before You BuyInsuring a Harley: H-D Insurance features, discounts and alternatives.Classic Motorcycle Insurance: How Agreed-Value Cover Protects Vintage BikesAgreed-value cover for vintage and collector motorcycles.Motorcycle Insurance in Winter: Storage, Lay-Up Cover and the Risks of CancellingLay-up and seasonal options, and the risks of cancelling in winter.

Frequently asked questions

Is motorcycle insurance required?

In almost every state, yes, at least liability. A few states, such as Florida and New Hampshire, have unique rules but usually still require proof of financial responsibility.

How much is motorcycle insurance per month?

About $12 a month for liability-only and $30 for full coverage for a 40-year-old on a mid-size bike in MoneyGeek’s data; much more for young riders and sport bikes.

Does my car insurance cover my motorcycle?

No. Motorcycles need their own policy, though bundling with your car insurance can earn a discount.

Does motorcycle insurance cover my passenger?

Liability and guest passenger liability can cover passenger injuries, depending on the policy and state. Check with your insurer.

What is the cheapest motorcycle to insure?

Standard motorcycles under 500cc usually cost the least, according to MoneyGeek.

Sources

Insurance prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.