What Affects Your Motorcycle Insurance Rate?

Two riders with similar bikes can end up with very different premiums, and it's rarely random. Insurers price motorcycle risk using a specific set of factors. Here's what actually moves the number.

The bike itself

• Engine size and type. A high-performance sportbike costs more to insure than a cruiser or standard bike with similar value, because insurers weigh accident and theft statistics by bike type, not just price tag.
• Age and value. Newer, more expensive bikes cost more to insure, especially for full coverage, since there's more to replace.
• How it's stored. A bike kept in a locked garage typically rates better than one parked on the street, since theft risk factors into comprehensive pricing.

The rider

• Riding experience and license history. New riders, and riders with a shorter licensing history on a motorcycle endorsement specifically, often pay more, even with a clean car insurance record.
• Age. Similar to auto insurance, younger riders typically see higher rates, and rates tend to improve with age and experience.
• Driving and riding record. Tickets, accidents, and especially a DUI affect motorcycle rates the same way they affect auto rates, often more, given the higher risk profile insurers already assign to motorcycles.

How you use it

• Annual mileage. More time on the road is more exposure to risk, so higher annual mileage typically means a higher rate.
• Year-round riding vs. seasonal. Some insurers offer reduced or suspended premiums for bikes stored off-season, worth asking about directly if you don't ride in winter.
• Safety course completion. Many insurers offer a discount for completing a certified motorcycle safety course, sometimes a meaningful one.

Coverage choices

• Liability limits and deductibles. Higher liability limits and lower deductibles both raise the premium, same as any policy. (See Liability vs. Full Coverage for Motorcycles.)
• Added gear and accessory coverage. Protecting your gear and custom parts adds a small amount to the premium, but usually far less than replacing that gear out of pocket would cost. (See Motorcycle Gear and Custom Parts Coverage.)

The one thing every rider can do

Shop it. Motorcycle rating varies more carrier to carrier than almost any other line, since companies weigh bike type, rider experience, and usage differently. The only way to know you're not overpaying is to actually compare.