Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance?

The majority of states in the U.S. require riders to have a motorcycle insurance policy — only Florida does not require it. However, Florida motorcycle riders should still purchase a policy. Motorcycle insurance protects owners from incurring major costs that could be financially devastating.

Motorcycle insurance requirements by state

Almost all states in the U.S. require owners to have motorcycle insurance and to show proof of insurance to register their motorcycle. You have to register your motorcycle to get a license plate, otherwise you will be driving illegally and face significant penalties. Depending on the state and the policy, the cost of premiums might be well above or below the average in the U.S.

Out of 50 states, motorcycle insurance is required in 49 of them, but not every state requires the same amount of coverage. Each has its own minimum requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability — the amount a policyholder's motorcycle insurance company will cover.

In most states, motorcyclists must have at least $25,000 in bodily injury protection per person and $50,000 per accident, as well as $10,000 in property damage coverage. The three limits are commonly displayed with slashes: (25/50/10).

For example, the minimum coverage required in the state of New York is 25/50/10 but the limits in Texas are 30/60/25 ($30,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident; $60,000 in an accident with two or more people; and $25,000 of personal property coverage).

*The bodily injury and property damage liability limits in the table are requirements as of July 2019.

Where can you purchase motorcycle insurance?

Most auto insurers offer motorcycle insurance policies. With so many companies to choose from, picking the right one to purchase motorcycle insurance coverage from can be a difficult choice.

The best motorcycle policy for you will be the one with features and coverages that align with what you need as a rider. Below, we highlight some notable motorcycle insurance companies that perform particularly well in specific areas, as well as one great all-around choice for any motorcycle rider.

Best overall motorcycle insurance company: Progressive

Whether you're looking for minimum coverage or a policy with a ton of coverage add-ons, Progressive offers great motorcycle insurance policies. On top of this, Progressive insures most types of motorcycles, meaning you won't have to search around for coverage if you have a unique motorcycle.

Progressive offers a long list of easily attainable discounts. For instance, if you own a home, you're automatically eligible for a discount, even if your home isn't insured with Progressive. Overall, you'll have a tough time finding another motorcycle insurance company that offers as many features and discounts as Progressive does.

Best for bundled insurance policies: Allstate

Allstate is best for people who need auto and motorcycle insurance, as the company offers one of the best bundle discounts. If you insure your car with Allstate, you're automatically eligible for a discount of up to 30% on your motorcycle insurance policy.

In addition to its bundle discount, Allstate offers discounted rates to drivers who insure multiple motorcycles and anyone who switches insurance companies. As an added benefit, if you choose motorcycle insurance through Allstate, you'll have access to the company's large network of agents. This can be a great benefit if you value personalized support.

Best for minimum coverage: GEICO

If you're simply looking for the minimum amount of coverage necessary in your state, consider purchasing a GEICO motorcycle insurance policy. GEICO offers low rates that are made even better by its many discounts. GEICO has a solid reputation and is often considered among the top insurance companies.

Best for new motorcycles: Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual offers two optional coverages that make it one of the best motorcycle insurance companies for those who recently purchased a new motorcycle: better bike replacement and new bike replacement coverage.

The first option will reimburse you for the cost of a motorcycle that is one year newer and has 2,500 fewer miles than yours, in the event that your bike is totaled. In other words, Liberty Mutual would provide you with a big enough payout to buy a motorcycle that is better than the one that was lost.

The second coverage, new bike replacement, reimburses policyholders if their bikes are stolen or totaled within the first year. While most motorcycle insurance companies would reimburse you for your bike's depreciated value, with this coverage, Liberty Mutual reimburses you for the cost of a brand-new motorcycle.

California motorcycle insurance requirements

Motorcycle riders in California must have bodily injury coverage of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, and property damage coverage of $5,000 (15/30/5). These limits apply to private passenger vehicles driven on public roadways (not ATVs or dirt bikes), but some vehicles are excluded.

For example, changes in California law created three separate classes of electric bicycles (which have a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour) beginning in 2016, but those vehicles do not have to be registered in California. They don’t require a license, and drivers do not need to prove financial responsibility.

Having said that, the rules might be different in other states. Electric bicycles (or mopeds and scooters) might have different laws, and anyone who owns a motorcycle or similar vehicle needs to be aware of them. It is their responsibility to follow them and meet the necessary requirements.

The state of California allows motorcycle riders to meet their financial responsibility in ways other than motorcycle insurance. In place of insurance, Californians can pay a cash deposit of $35,000 to the state’s department of motor vehicles, obtain a DMV-issued certificate of self-insurance or get a surety bond for $35,000 from a company licensed to do business in the state.

Do you need motorcycle insurance in Florida?

No. Riders in the state of Florida do not have to show proof of insurance to register their motorcycle, and they are not required to purchase a motorcycle insurance policy.

Unless you have unlimited funds and don't mind parting with them, it's advisable for Florida riders to have coverage to manage your liability exposure. On top of this, if you frequently take your motorcycle out-of-state for road trips, there may be requirements in those states you'll also have to follow.

The only exception in Florida is for riders who have been charged in a crash involving any injuries or certain motor vehicle violations. Florida state law requires those riders to purchase and keep bodily injury and property damage liability protection for three years.

Florida law does not require motorcycle riders to wear helmets, as long as they are at least 16 years old. However, motorcycle riders must wear eye protection at all times, regardless of whether they choose to wear a helmet.

Does Washington require motorcycle insurance?

Motorcycle riders in Washington are required to have liability insurance, as of 2019. Additionally, to legally ride a bike in Washington, riders must either successfully complete a motorcycle safety course or pass a knowledge and riding skills test.

To fulfill the legal requirement for motorcycle insurance, Washington residents must have the following coverage limits:

Montana motorcycle insurance requirements

Yes. As of 2015, motorcycle riders in Montana must have at least $25,000 in bodily injury protection per person ($50,000 per accident with more than one person) and $20,000 in personal property protection. The same limits apply to all motor vehicles on public roads in the state.

How do you get motorcycle insurance with a learner's permit?

The same local motorcycle insurance laws generally apply to new and fully-licensed riders alike. Similar to the process to get a driver’s license, some motorcyclists might be required to hold a temporary or learner’s permit before obtaining their full license. Those learning to ride a motorcycle in most states will at least need to have a driver's license, which requires the same liability coverage.