Motorcycle Insurance Calculator

What Affects Motorcycle Insurance Rates?

Motorcycle insurance is priced using many of the same factors as car insurance, but with a few key differences. Bike type and engine size carry more weight in motorcycle underwriting than vehicle type does in auto insurance, because risk profiles vary much more dramatically between, say, a scooter and a 1000cc supersport.

Bike Type

Sport and supersport bikes consistently rank among the most expensive to insure. They're faster, statistically involved in more accidents, and attract younger riders who are priced as higher risk. Cruisers and standard bikes are significantly cheaper to insure. Scooters and mopeds are typically the least expensive.

Engine Size (cc)

Higher displacement engines are generally associated with higher speeds and greater risk, which translates to higher premiums. A 300cc beginner bike will cost substantially less to insure than a 1000cc performance machine, even for the same rider.

Rider Age and Experience

New riders pay significantly more regardless of age. Statistically, the first 1–2 years of riding are the highest-risk period, and insurers price accordingly. Riders under 25 face an additional age surcharge similar to young drivers on auto policies. After 5+ years of clean riding, discounts become meaningful.

Safety Course Completion

Completing an approved rider safety course (such as the MSF Basic RiderCourse) qualifies for a discount at most major insurers — typically 5–15%. Some states also mandate that insurers offer this discount. It's one of the easiest and most reliable ways to reduce your premium as a new rider.

Coverage Level

Liability-only coverage protects others if you cause an accident, but pays nothing for your bike. Collision coverage pays for damage to your bike in an accident regardless of fault. Comprehensive covers non-collision events: theft, fire, weather damage, vandalism. For bikes worth less than approximately $2,000, liability-only may make financial sense. For financed bikes, lenders typically require full coverage.

Storage and Security

A bike stored in a locked garage is significantly less likely to be stolen or vandalized than one parked on the street. Many insurers offer storage discounts of 5–15% for garaged bikes. Anti-theft devices (disc locks, GPS trackers, alarm systems) can also qualify for additional discounts.

Average Motorcycle Insurance Costs by Bike Type

These are approximate annual ranges for full coverage based on typical national averages. Actual rates vary significantly by state, rider profile, and insurer.

• Cruiser: Approximately $200–$600/year
• Standard / Naked: Approximately $300–$700/year
• Touring: Approximately $400–$900/year
• Adventure / Dual-Sport: Approximately $350–$800/year
• Sport / Supersport: Approximately $700–$2,500+/year
• Scooter / Moped: Approximately $100–$300/year

How to Lower Your Motorcycle Insurance Premium

• Complete an MSF or state-approved safety course for an immediate discount
• Choose a less powerful bike — dropping from a 1000cc sport bike to a 600cc standard saves significantly
• Store your bike in a locked garage and add an anti-theft device
• Bundle with your auto or renters/homeowners policy — multi-policy discounts apply at most major insurers
• Raise your deductible if you have savings to cover a higher out-of-pocket cost
• Ask about seasonal or storage discounts if you don't ride year-round
• Shop multiple carriers — motorcycle insurance rates vary more between insurers than auto insurance
• Maintain a clean driving record — even car violations can affect your motorcycle premium

Motorcycle-Specific Coverages to Consider

Beyond the standard collision, comprehensive, and liability, several coverages are specific to or especially valuable for motorcyclists:

• Accessory and custom parts coverage — Standard policies often cover only the factory bike. If you've added custom exhaust, saddlebags, lights, or other aftermarket parts, you may need additional coverage for those items.
• Riding gear coverage — Some insurers offer coverage for helmets, jackets, gloves, and boots if they're damaged in an accident. Motorcycle gear is expensive and worth protecting.
• Roadside assistance — Motorcycles break down and run out of fuel differently than cars. Motorcycle-specific roadside assistance includes flatbed towing (many tow trucks can't handle motorcycles) and fuel delivery.
• Trip interruption coverage — If your bike breaks down far from home during a trip, some policies cover lodging and transportation while it's repaired.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — Particularly important for motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable in accidents with uninsured drivers.