HOW MUCH IS MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE

Age and gender may impact motorcycle insurance policy rates due to various risk factors associated with different demographics.

• Young Riders (under 25) may see higher rates due to their lack of experience and are, therefore, considered higher risk. Rates typically decrease as riders gain more experience and maintain a clean driving record.

• Middle-Aged Riders (25-60) tend to have more experience and a more mature approach to riding, resulting in lower premiums.

• Senior Riders (60 and above) will likely see variable rates. While some senior riders may benefit from low rates due to extensive riding experience and safe driving habits, others may face higher premiums due to potential declines in reaction time and physical abilities.

What type of bike are you riding?

Motorcycles with a larger engine displacement may be more expensive to repair, and with great power comes greater premiums. A touring bike will see more mileage than a moped, which may also be factored into your quote.

Similarly, the theft rate of your bike’s brand or type is also factored into your quote. Very few riders choose the motorcycle they want to ride based on insurance premiums, but it is something to be aware of.

>> Learn more about insurance coverage for all types of bikes

Location and zip code impact motorcycle insurance rates due to various factors associated with different areas.

• Urban vs. Rural Areas: higher populated areas tend to have more traffic and mishaps leading to changes in premiums.

• State Regulations: Each state has a wide range of insurance regulations, minimum coverage requirements, and claims rates that affect insurance premiums.

• Weather and Climate: Regions prone to severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes, snowstorms, or flooding, often have higher premiums due to the increased risk of weather-related incidents and damage.

• Crime Rates: Areas with higher crime rates, especially those with a high incidence of vehicle theft and vandalism, will have higher insurance premiums.

• Insurance Incident Rates: Zip codes with higher claim frequencies will see higher premiums.

• Road Conditions and Traffic Patterns: Poor road conditions, frequent construction, and high traffic congestion can increase risk, leading to higher premiums.

• Medical Costs: The cost of medical care in different regions can affect insurance rates.

>> Learn more about motorcycle insurance requirements by state

Your financial records are also important to motorcycle insurance companies. In most states, they will run an insurance score (which is similar to a credit score) as a tool that may influence your premium.

Garnering discounts is easy when you speak with an agent. Even new riders may receive discounts after completing a motorcycle safety course. Certain safety features, safe storage, or the right payment plan make you more attractive to a motorcycle insurance company.

Harley-Davidson Insurance Services offers many discounts. You can take advantage of a multi-vehicle discount if you have multiple motorcycles to insure. If you are also a H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group®) member, you can receive an additional discount with Harley-Davidson Insurance Services. And don’t worry, if you don't own two bikes but are a HOG member, you still get the H.O.G.® discount.

>> Discover ways to lower your average cost of motorcycle insurance

Every motorcycle insurance company wants to know that you take motorcycle safety seriously. Experience is a priority, so a 50-year-old single male rider with a decade of riding under his belt will likely pay less than a 25-year-old rider who is new to the hobby.

Speeding tickets and incident claim history also play into the price of an insurance premium. A clean driving record indicates that a rider will be safer on the streets and have a lower crash rate.

These are the standard coverages that most states require in order for you to ride protected.

• Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: This coverage may defray medical costs for injuries to others associated with an incident that is your fault.

• Property Damage Liability: This coverage may pay for the costs associated with damage to property you don’t own in an incident that is your fault.

• Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist: This coverage may provide bodily injury damage protection in an incident with a motorist driving illegally without insurance or with inadequate insurance to cover the damages. In some states, this coverage is optional and not required.

Full Coverage is a term consumers use when they seek a policy that will pay for both damages to others caused by the rider and damage to the rider’s bike. This is what some insurers refer to as a policy, which typically includes liability coverage plus other optional coverages such as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and other extra coverages.

These extra and optional coverages may be available at the request of the consumer.

• Collision Coverage: This motorcycle insurance may cover damage to the rider’s own bike when events within a vehicle operator's control happen, such as hitting a stationary object (fences, trees, streetlights), accidents that take place while parked, crashing into ditches, or damage from faulty roadwork, and even some hit-and-run incidents.

• Comprehensive Coverage: May provide protection by paying for damage to the rider’s own bike when events happen like so-called Acts of God such as fires, floods, falling objects, and other natural disasters, as well as damages if your motorcycle is stolen or vandalized.

These extra coverage options will add additional costs to your policy but give some riders peace of mind.

• Optional Equipment Coverage: Harley-Davidson Insurance’s Optional Equipment coverage is an accessory coverage that may pay for non-factory standard equipment attached to your bike that might be damaged during an incident.

• Medical Payment Coverage: This coverage may defray the cost of medical bills associated with an incident. In some states, this coverage is required and not optional.

• Personal Injury Protection: This coverage, also known as P.I.P. or no-fault insurance, may cover injuries regardless of who is at fault in an accident. In some states, this coverage is required and not optional.

• Replacement Cost Coverage: This total loss motorcycle insurance coverage may pay the cost to replace your damaged motorcycle without deducting for depreciation if the motorcycle was damaged due to a covered incident and is not repairable.

• Roadside Assistance Coverage: This is helpful in case of a breakdown and often covers towing or transporting necessary repair materials.

• Trip Interruption Coverage: If you are on a motorcycle trip and are 100 miles or more from your home and your bike is disabled, this coverage may pay for a hotel stay, food, and other necessities while you’re sidelined.

• Vacation Rental Coverage: This isn't a rental reimbursement but may cover the motorcycle you rent while on vacation.