Best Motorcycle Insurance for New Riders 2026

✍️ BeSecuredNow Editorial Team | 📅 August 2026 | ⏱️ 5 min read

Key Takeaway: Progressive is the top pick for most new riders — widest acceptance, competitive pricing for beginners, and the Snapshot telematics program can reward safe riding with discounts. State Farm is best if you want to bundle with auto. Expect to pay $50–$120/month as a new rider depending on your bike and state.

Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies for New Riders 2026

Company	Avg Monthly (New Rider)	Best For	Rating
Progressive	$65/mo	Most new riders — best acceptance	⭐ 4.6/5
State Farm	$72/mo	Bundling with auto, local agents	⭐ 4.5/5
GEICO	$68/mo	Online convenience, competitive rates	⭐ 4.4/5
Dairyland	$78/mo	High-risk new riders, past violations	⭐ 4.1/5
Markel	$70/mo	Specialty coverage, agreed value	⭐ 4.3/5

What Makes a Good Policy for New Riders

Higher Liability Limits

New riders have statistically higher accident rates. Minimum state liability limits (often 25/50/25) may not be enough to cover serious accidents — bump to at least 50/100/50. The premium difference is typically $5–$15/month and the protection difference is enormous.

Medical Payments or MedPay

Covers your own medical bills regardless of fault. Critical for new riders — motorcycle accidents often result in rider injury even when the car driver is at fault. MedPay typically costs $5–$15/month for $5,000–$10,000 in coverage.

Comprehensive and Collision

If your bike is financed or worth over $5,000, add comprehensive (theft, weather, vandalism) and collision (accident damage). New riders drop bikes more often — collision coverage pays for repairs regardless of fault.

How to Lower Your Rate as a New Rider

Take an MSF course: Completing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse saves 5–15% with most insurers and makes you a safer rider
Choose a smaller bike: A 300–500cc beginner bike costs significantly less to insure than a 1000cc sportbike
Bundle with auto: Adding motorcycle to your existing auto policy with State Farm or Progressive saves 5–10% on both
Store securely: Garaged bikes cost less to insure than bikes stored outdoors
Pay annually: Avoid monthly installment fees by paying your full premium upfront

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does motorcycle insurance cost for a new rider?

New riders typically pay $50–$120/month depending on age, state, bike type, and coverage level. A 25-year-old on a 300cc beginner bike pays around $50–$70/month for basic coverage. A 19-year-old on a 600cc sportbike can pay $120–$200/month. Taking an MSF course and choosing a beginner-appropriate bike are the two biggest rate reducers.

Does motorcycle insurance cost more if I have no riding experience?

Yes — insurers rate new riders as higher risk and charge accordingly. Most consider you a "new rider" for 2–3 years until you build a clean riding record. Completing an approved safety course helps offset the inexperience surcharge with many insurers.

What's the best starter bike for insurance purposes?

Bikes that are cheapest to insure for new riders: Honda CB300R, Kawasaki Z400, Yamaha MT-03, Royal Enfield Meteor 350. These are low-displacement, beginner-friendly bikes that insurers price favorably. Avoid 600cc+ sportbikes (CBR600RR, R6, ZX-6R) as a first bike — they carry significantly higher insurance costs and accident rates for new riders.