Motorcycle Insurance for First-Time Riders (2024)

How do I get motorcycle insurance as a new rider?

Before legally riding your motorcycle on the road, you must obtain your state's minimum required liability coverage. You can start by getting a free motorcycle insurance quote online through Progressive. You'll need to provide your name and address, the type of motorcycle you drive, the names and ages of others who might drive the motorcycle, and other relevant information.

After you've provided this information, Progressive can offer you a quote, and you can apply online for coverage from the #1 motorcycle insurer.

What kind of motorcycle coverages do I need as a first-time rider?

Most states require liability coverage for motorcyclists. This type of coverage pays for damages you cause to another person's property and injuries you cause to others while riding, up to your limits. Your motorcycle liability insurance is basic and affordable coverage. Find out your state's motorcycle insurance requirements for minimum liability limits.

While not required by law, your lender might require comprehensive and collision coverage if you have financed your motorcycle. Once you pay off your loan, you can choose to drop comprehensive and collision.

Comprehensive coverage

Covers your motorcycle for damage from unexpected dangers like fire, theft, vandalism, or if you collide with an animal. Comprehensive coverage for your motorcycle can cover damages up to your policy's limit, minus the deductible.

Collision coverage

Covers repairs to your bike caused by a collision with another vehicle, regardless of fault. Motorcycle collision coverage can cover the repairs if you collide with another vehicle or lay your bike down to avoid a crash. It may even cover the replacement of your motorcycle up to your limit and minus your deductible.

Medical payments coverage

Medical payments coverage helps pay for medical bills for you or your passengers if you're involved in an accident, regardless of who's at fault.

Uninsured motorist coverage

If you're involved in an accident with someone who doesn't have sufficient insurance to cover the damages, motorcycle uninsured motorist coverage may help cover your costs, including medical bills, damage to your motorcycle, and even lost wages due to injury. Learn more about these and other Progressive motorcycle insurance coverages available.

How much does motorcycle insurance for first-time riders cost?

The cost of your motorcycle insurance is determined by several factors, including your location, age, type of bike, riding history and coverage selections.

If you choose liability-only coverage with Progressive, your first-time rider motorcycle insurance might cost as little as $75 per year.* However, your premium can depend heavily on where you live. Certain states typically have higher costs for motorcycle insurance than other states.

How to get cheap motorcycle insurance for new riders

Maintaining a safe driving record keeps costs lower. Progressive offers a range of motorcycle insurance discounts that can help you save money on your policy. A few of these discounts, which may vary by state, include:

  • Quote in advance
  • Multi-policy
  • Association member
  • Motorcycle endorsem*nt
  • Safety course
  • Switch or transfer from another company
  • Responsible driver
  • Pay in full
  • Pay on time
  • Automatic bill-pay

Progressive also helps keep costs down through benefits like small accident forgiveness in most states. If you're involved in an accident and have a claim of $500 or less, your rate won't increase. You can also reduce your deductible by 25% for every claim-free period on your record — even down to $0.

Get motorcycle insurance before you ride

Motorcycle Insurance for First-Time Riders (2024)

FAQs

What insurance should I get for my first motorcycle? ›

Even if you only have a temporary permit, nearly every state requires liability coverage for motorcyclists. There are optional coverages like collision and comprehensive to consider, and discounts to lower your cost.

Who offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance? ›

Best Cheap Motorcycle Insurance Companies
  • Geico: $428 per year.
  • Dairyland: $504 per year.
  • Progressive: $530 per year.
  • Allstate: $746 per year.

What is the cheapest style of motorcycle to insure? ›

So, rule number one for new riders; the cheapest motorbike to insure is one with a less powerful engine. Look at some 300cc / 400cc bikes, if you're slightly bigger you might need something a bit more punchy, look at 600cc / 800cc, save the one litre+ until you really know your stuff!

Does NJ require motorcycle insurance? ›

Like most states, New Jersey requires riders to carry liability insurance to pay for any damages they may cause to others. While New Jersey mandates minimum motorcycle insurance coverage, many riders add supplemental coverages to enhance their protection.

What style motorcycle is cheapest to insure? ›

Key Factors Affecting Motorcycle Insurance Rates:

1. Age & Riding Experience: Younger, less experienced riders tend to pay more. 2. Motorcycle Type: Standard bikes and cruisers are often less expensive to insure compared to high-powered sportbikes.

Is motorcycle cheaper than car insurance? ›

Cost Comparisons

Average cost of car insurance vs motorcycle insurance: On average, motorcycle insurance is generally cheaper than car insurance. The difference in cost is due to the differences in coverage requirements, risk factors, and the lower cost of most motorcycles compared to cars.

How to lower motorcycle insurance cost? ›

Here are several ways to lower motorcycle insurance costs and still ride with peace of mind:
  1. Complete a motorcycle safety course. ...
  2. Maximize all available discounts. ...
  3. Customize your coverages to your bike and situation. ...
  4. Increase your deductible. ...
  5. Combine policies. ...
  6. Keep your policy current. ...
  7. Avoid motorcycles with modified engines.

Which motorcycles are most expensive to insure? ›

What Types of Motorcycles are Most Expensive to Insure?
  • Sport Bikes. Sport bikes, sometimes called “supersports,” are the most expensive motorcycles to insure. ...
  • Touring Bikes. ...
  • Cruisers. ...
  • Standard Bikes. ...
  • Scooters. ...
  • Superbikes. ...
  • Motorcycle Age. ...
  • Motorcycle Type.

Are older motorcycles cheaper to insure? ›

While the cost to insure a classic motorcycle can vary, older bikes tend to be less powerful and not as fast, making them less risky, so your liability insurance is likely to be cheaper than it would be for a new bike.

Which motorcycle brand is the cheapest to insure? ›

The cheapest type of motorbike to insure will usually be the most common makes and models found in the 50cc scooter bracket, such as the cheaper end Peugeot and Yamaha bikes. 100cc and 125cc motorbike insurance cost is also considerably low.

Are lower cc bikes cheaper to insure? ›

Generally speaking, larger bikes are going to have more horsepower than smaller bikes. The motorcycle's power has a big impact on your rates—the more powerful the motor, the more expensive your motorcycle will be to insure.

Are cruisers cheaper to insure than sport bikes? ›

Sport, supersport and street bikes are generally much more expensive to insure than other bikes. That's because they usually cost a lot to replace and thieves often steal street bikes. Compared to cruiser-style bikes, sport bikes cost more than three and a half times as much to cover.

How much is motorcycle insurance in NJ? ›

The average cost of motorcycle insurance in New Jersey is about $25 per month, making Progressive 32% cheaper than average. Generally, the typical cost of coverage in New Jersey is less expensive than the national price of motorcycle insurance — the typical price nationwide is $33 per month. Currently insured?

Can I drive a motorcycle with a car license NJ? ›

All residents operating a motorcycle in New Jersey must have a motorcycle endorsem*nt on their existing driver license or a separate motorcycle license. All motorcycles must be titled, registered and insured.

How many cc require a motorcycle license in NJ? ›

Riders with a New Jersey's driver's license are not required to obtain a separate motorcycle license or endorsem*nt for “low-speed” motorcycles; these vehicles are classified as “mopeds” with a maximum speed of not more than 25 miles per hour, have an engine size greater than 50 cubic centimeters (cc), or have a 1.5 ...

What is the minimum motorcycle insurance in California? ›

Your motorcycle must be insured in California for a minimum of: $15,000 in bodily injury per person. $30,000 in total bodily injury per accident. $5,000 in property damage per accident.

Which motorcycles are expensive to insure? ›

Sport, supersport and street bikes are generally much more expensive to insure than other bikes. That's because they usually cost a lot to replace and thieves often steal street bikes. Compared to cruiser-style bikes, sport bikes cost more than three and a half times as much to cover.

Does AAA insure motorcycles in California? ›

AAA is proud to offer Motorcycle Insurance, and advantages can vary among auto insurance companies, and certain coverages may be required to provide you with the protection you need.

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