Motorcycle insurance costs an average of $75 to $150 per month for full coverage, or $25 to $50 per month for liability-only coverage. Your exact rate depends on your bike type, riding experience, location, and coverage level. Sport bikes cost the most to insure, while cruisers and standard bikes tend to be the cheapest.
A rider with a clean record on a mid-size cruiser might pay around $400 a year for liability coverage, while a new rider on a high-performance sport bike could pay over $2,000 a year for full coverage. Understanding what drives these numbers helps you find the right policy without overpaying.
Average Motorcycle Insurance Cost by Bike Type
Insurance companies price policies based partly on the type of motorcycle you ride, since some bikes carry higher accident and theft risk than others.
| Bike Type | Avg. Monthly Cost (Liability) | Avg. Monthly Cost (Full Coverage) |
| Cruiser | $25 – $40 | $65 – $100 |
| Standard/Naked | $25 – $45 | $70 – $110 |
| Touring | $35 – $55 | $85 – $130 |
| Sport Bike | $50 – $90 | $120 – $220 |
| Scooter/Moped | $15 – $30 | $40 – $70 |
How Rider Age and Experience Affect Your Rate
Younger and newer riders pay significantly more because insurers see them as higher risk. A 20-year-old with less than a year of riding experience might pay double what a 40-year-old with a decade of clean riding history pays for the same bike and coverage.
- Riders under 25: often 40-70% higher premiums
- Riders with 1-3 years experience: moderate discounts start applying
- Riders with 5+ years and no claims: eligible for the best available rates
- Completing an MSF safety course: can lower premiums by 10-15% in many states
What Is the Difference Between Full Coverage and Liability-Only?
Liability-only pays for damage or injury you cause to others but nothing for your own bike. Full coverage adds collision and comprehensive protection, covering your motorcycle for accidents, theft, and weather damage. Full coverage costs more but is often required if you are financing the bike.
Why Does Location Affect Motorcycle Insurance Cost?
States and cities with higher traffic density, theft rates, or severe weather see higher average premiums. Riders in dense urban areas typically pay more than riders in rural regions, since accident and theft claims are more frequent in cities.
How Can You Lower Your Motorcycle Insurance Cost?
Bundling your motorcycle policy with auto or home insurance, raising your deductible, storing the bike in a garage, and maintaining a clean riding record are the most effective ways to reduce your premium over time.
What Factors Raise or Lower Your Rate?
Insurers weigh several variables together rather than any single factor alone.
- Engine size: larger engines usually mean higher premiums
- Riding history: accidents or tickets raise rates for several years
- Annual mileage: less riding time can mean lower risk and lower cost
- Storage: a locked garage typically earns a discount over street parking
- Credit-based insurance score: used in most states to help set pricing
Which Companies Offer the Best Rates?
Rates vary by state and rider profile, so the cheapest company for one rider may not be the cheapest for another. It is worth requesting quotes from at least three providers, since national averages published by industry sources do not always reflect what you will actually pay. Progressive, GEICO, and Dairyland are commonly cited for competitive motorcycle rates, but local and regional insurers sometimes beat them for specific bike types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is motorcycle insurance required by law?
Yes, in nearly every state, liability insurance is legally required to ride on public roads. Minimum coverage amounts vary by state.
Does the color of my motorcycle affect insurance cost?
No. Color has no measurable effect on premiums. Engine size, bike type, and rider history matter far more than appearance.
Can I get motorcycle insurance if I am a first-time rider?
Yes, but expect a higher premium until you build a riding history. Taking an approved safety course can help offset some of that initial cost.