Custom Motorcycle Insurance
Custom motorcycles and choppers need to be insured, but you usually can't get an insurance quote online because the bike is unique. Instead, you'll have to call the insurance company or work with an insurance agent.
The type of insurance policy you need for a customized motorcycle depends on how much it's been modified. In most cases, you can get a standard motorcycle insurance policy with add-on coverage for the customizations. If you have a kit motorcycle or another specialty bike, you'll need an "agreed value" insurance policy because there's not a standard for how much the motorcycle is worth.
Find Cheap Motorcycle Insurance Quotes in Your Area
How do you get custom motorcycle insurance?
When insuring a custom motorcycle, you need to let the insurance company know about your bike's modifications so you can get the right type of policy and the right level of coverage.
If you don't tell the insurance company about the customizations, you may only be covered for a stock model, which won't account for the value of your changes. In other cases, the insurance company could deny a claim or cancel your policy because your motorcycle doesn't match their insurance records.
Your bike's level of customization will determine your insurance options.
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For motorcycles with small or moderate customizations, you can usually get a standard motorcycle insurance policy with add-on coverage for custom parts and equipment (CPE). This will cover the high costs of custom motorcycle parts and labor.
The add-on coverage will be based on the value of the modifications. For example, the cost of changes to your suspension and exhaust would determine how much coverage you need on top of the bike's base value, which can be found using the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) motorcycle appraisal guide or Kelley Blue Book.
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For motorcycles that are homemade, are composites, have rebuilt frames or have a high value, you'll usually need an agreed value policy where you and the insurance company agree on how much the bike is worth.
This type of policy will cover you if there is no standard for the bike's value, if it's a classic motorcycle that increases in value or if it's a high-end or specialty bike. Although agreed value policies can be used for motorcycles with fewer customizations, they will usually cost more than standard policies.
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For motorcycles with performance upgrades like a nitrous oxide kit, you may need racing insurance or motorsports insurance. Because the motorcycle is capable of high speeds after turbocharging or other performance upgrades, these bikes are usually too risky for standard insurance companies.
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For cheap custom motorcycles and DIYers, a liability-only policy from a standard insurance company will meet the minimum insurance requirements so you can legally drive on the roads.
With this type of low-cost policy, the insurance company won't pay for repairs to your motorcycle if you cause an accident. Instead, the insurance will pay for damage and injuries you cause to others. So it's not a good choice for riders who want to protect the value of their motorcycle.
Depending on your motorcycle, the insurance company and the level of customization, you may need to show proof of how your motorcycle has been modified. This may mean you need to get the motorcycle appraised, explain the bike's specs or share receipts.
Best insurance companies for custom motorcycles
Company |
Rating
| Custom parts coverage | Agreed value insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | |||
| Nationwide | |||
| Geico | |||
| Hagerty | |||
| Harley Davidson Insurance |
How to get custom motorcycle insurance quotes
To insure a custom motorcycle, you'll usually need to call the insurance company or an insurance agent.
Although a phone call might seem time-consuming, it's in your best interest to discuss the bike's value and figure out how much coverage you need.
It's usually too difficult to determine the value of a custom motorcycle online. When you call, you can explain your bike's modifications so you can customize your insurance coverage, just as you customized your motorcycle.
Hagerty is the main exception, and you can get online quotes for some custom motorcycles through its online form. You can choose modifications such as increased horsepower, frame modifications, custom rims and custom paint valued at more than $10,000. Keep in mind that Hagerty sells "agreed value" insurance, and it's usually more expensive than other companies. Comparing a few companies can help you get the best deal.
What does custom motorcycle insurance cover?
Custom motorcycle insurance policies include the standard coverage that you need to drive, as well as valuable add-ons to protect your custom ride.
- Liability insurance pays for the other person's medical expenses and property repair bills when you cause an accident. Most states require this type of coverage.
- Collision insurance pays to repair your motorcycle, even if you cause the accident. If the other driver causes the accident, their liability insurance will pay for your motorcycle's repairs.
- Comprehensive insurance pays to repair your motorcycle if it's vandalized, stolen or damaged from another event such as a fallen tree limb.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) helps pay for medical bills and lost wages after a car accident. It's part of the minimum insurance requirements in 16 states, and in other states, you can get medical payments coverage, which is similar.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist covers your injuries and damage to your custom motorcycle if you're hit by a driver who is uninsured or doesn't have enough insurance. This can help you avoid any large bills after someone crashes into you.
Coverage requirements and options may differ for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), mopeds and scooters, and dirt bikes. Rather than using a custom motorcycle insurance policy, talk to your insurance company about the specifics of your ride.
Who needs custom motorcycle insurance?
Everyone who owns a motorcycle needs motorcycle insurance.
You'll need a custom motorcycle insurance policy if your bike has been modified in ways that change its value, how it runs or its structure. Smaller changes like adding saddlebags or some chrome won't require a custom motorcycle insurance policy.
Most states require motorcycle owners to have bodily injury and property damage liability if they ride on public highways or roads.
Even a motorcycle that's meant only for show and that never sees the open road likely needs insurance. Your bike could be stolen, vandalized or even damaged in transit. Without insurance, you'd be stuck paying for any expenses out of pocket.
Because of the high cost of custom parts, upgrades and labor, owners of custom motorcycles should make sure the total value of the motorcycle is covered by the policy.
Custom motorcycle insurance discounts
It's generally more expensive to insure a customized motorcycle or chopper. But these bikes are eligible for the same motorcycle insurance discounts as factory-built bikes.
- Motorcycle safety training
- Anti-theft devices
- Bundling discount
- Military discount
- Paying in full
- Enrolling in automatic payments
- Low mileage
- No recent accidents
Frequently asked questions
How much does custom motorcycle insurance cost?
Custom motorcycle insurance is usually more expensive than insurance for a factory-standard bike, which costs $60 per month, on average. There is a higher cost because the insurance policy will give you extra coverage for the custom parts and labor.
Do you need insurance for a custom motorcycle?
Yes, if you drive your custom motorcycle on the road, you'll need insurance that meets your state's minimum insurance requirements. Even if your custom bike or chopper is not used on the road, an insurance policy can protect you if it's stolen or vandalized.