Progressive is the strongest all-around motorcycle insurer for most riders, with $3,000 of custom parts coverage included and an advertised starting price of $75 a year. GEICO carries AM Best's top A++ rating, State Farm is rated A+, Nationwide suits riders with several or custom bikes, and Dairyland suits riders who want agent help. Compare at least three quotes with the same limits, because rates depend heavily on your state, bike, age and riding record.
This guide is for riders buying a first motorcycle policy or rechecking coverage on a bike they already own, from a single commuter to a garage full of custom builds. Motorcycle insurance differs from car insurance in ways that matter, especially for aftermarket parts, riding gear and new-bike replacement.
Focus on the insurer's financial strength, how much custom parts coverage is included rather than sold as an add-on, and whether total loss coverage pays MSRP on a new bike. Advertised starting prices apply only to minimal coverage, so treat them as a floor.
Below you will find our picks compared on rating, price and parts coverage, a table of coverage types, ways to save, how state rules differ, and whether to keep coverage over the winter.
Company reviews
Best overall, with custom parts coverage included: Progressive
- AM Best rating
- A+, affirmed April 2025
- Starting price
- From $75 per year
- Custom parts coverage
- $3,000
Why we picked it. Progressive includes $3,000 of accessory and custom parts coverage at no extra cost when you carry comprehensive and collision, and it uses original manufacturer parts for repairs. Its total loss coverage pays full MSRP for a bike up to one model year old on a new policy.
More details, pros and cons
Pros
- $3,000 of custom parts coverage included
- OEM parts guarantee on repairs
- Insures nearly all bike types, including autocycles and e-bikes
Cons
- The $75 per year price applies only to qualifying riders and minimal coverage
- Total loss coverage limited to newer bikes
- Prices not shown until you quote
$30K custom parts
Skip it if: You want a local agent relationship. Progressive mainly sells online and by phone.
More about Progressive
As a leading motorcycle insurer in the country, Progressive includes automatic protections for accessories and offers impressive flexibility for customized rides at highly accessible entry rates. Their vanishing deductible programs also reward long-term safe riding habits with decreasing out-of-pocket costs.
Best for A++ financial strength plus riding gear coverage: GEICO
- AM Best rating
- A++, affirmed November 2023
Custom parts coverage: Comprehensive can help protect custom parts in some situations, depending on policy and state
Why we picked it. GEICO's insurance group holds AM Best's top rating, and its motorcycle policy can cover damaged protective riding apparel after a covered loss. Riders who already have GEICO auto can add a bike and look for a multi-policy discount.
More details, pros and cons
Discounts: Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, multi-policy, transfer and renewal
Pros
- A++ (Superior) rating
- Covers damaged riding apparel after a covered loss
- Discount for a safety course
Cons
- Custom parts protection depends on your policy and state
- Total loss replacement costs extra
- No published starting price
Top financial strength
Skip it if: You have an expensive custom build and want a clearly stated included accessory limit.
More about GEICO
Backed by exceptional financial strength and decades of industry experience, Geico delivers affordable baseline premiums paired with reliable standard coverage limits for everyday riders. Their streamlined digital interface makes quoting and policy management incredibly straightforward and convenient.
Best for roadside and trip interruption coverage with a local agent: State Farm
- AM Best rating
- A+
Why we picked it. State Farm adds coverages built for touring: roadside help with on-site labor, and trip interruption that pays for food, lodging and transportation when you break down far from home. It insures sport, touring, custom, classic and adventure bikes.
More details, pros and cons
Roadside: Towing, fuel and battery delivery, and up to one hour of labor at the breakdown site
Pros
- A+ (Superior) rating
- Trip interruption and roadside options
- Agent support nationwide
Cons
- Gear and equipment coverage capped at $3,000
- No published starting price
- Discount details are handled by agents
19,000 local agents
Skip it if: You prefer to buy and manage a policy entirely online.
More about State Farm
With an immense network of local agents spread across the nation, State Farm offers highly personalized policy structuring and generous automatic protections for accessories and custom parts. Riders appreciate the dedicated, face-to-face support during the claims process and the ability to bundle coverages effortlessly.
Show all 5 picks2 more, ranked 4 to 5
Best for agent help and a low advertised starting price: Dairyland
- AM Best rating
- A+ for parent Sentry
- Starting price
- As low as $15 per month
- Custom parts coverage
- Optional special equipment coverage
Why we picked it. Dairyland began as a specialty insurer for drivers who could not get standard coverage, and licensed agents walk you through your options. It is backed by Sentry, which has held an A+ rating since 1992, according to the company.
More details, pros and cons
Discounts: Multi-cycle, rider training course, paying in full and others, varying by state
Pros
- Low advertised starting price
- Optional replacement cost coverage
- Long history insuring riders
Cons
- Starting price applies to limited coverage and qualifying riders
- Special equipment limits not published
- Discounts vary by state and rider profile
SR-22 filings available
Skip it if: You want custom parts coverage included at no extra cost.
More about Dairyland
Dairyland specializes in affordable basic liability plans and SR-22 filings for riders with less-than-perfect driving histories or those struggling to find standard coverage. Their specialized approach ensures that high-risk individuals can legally and safely return to the road without exorbitant baseline fees.
Best for military members and veterans who want to keep everything at USAA: USAA
- AM Best rating
- A++ for USAA, affirmed July 2025
Why we picked it. USAA members can get motorcycle coverage through USAA's alliance with Progressive while keeping auto, home and banking at USAA. For eligible riders, it is worth quoting alongside a direct Progressive policy.
More details, pros and cons
Pros
- Convenient for existing USAA members
- Backed by Progressive's motorcycle program
- USAA itself is rated A++
Cons
- USAA does not appear to underwrite the motorcycle policy itself, so the A++ rating may not apply to your policy
- Only for eligible members
- We could not load USAA's motorcycle page to confirm details
Best military value
Skip it if: You are not eligible for USAA membership.
More about USAA
Exclusively available to military personnel, veterans, and their immediate families, USAA delivers unmatched value, low base rates, and robust standard accessory protections. Their deep understanding of military lifestyles translates into highly accommodating customer service and superior financial stability.
How much motorcycle insurance costs
Advertised starting prices are low ($75 a year at Progressive and as little as $15 a month at Dairyland, as listed October 2026), but they apply to minimal coverage and low-risk riders. Your real premium depends on:
- Bike type and engine size (sport bikes usually cost more than cruisers)
- Your age, riding experience and motorcycle endorsement
- Driving and claims record
- State and ZIP code
- Coverage choices and deductibles
- Whether you insure year-round or seasonally
Prices vary by state and rider profile, so treat any starting price as a floor, not an estimate.
Types of motorcycle insurance coverage
| Coverage |
What it does |
| Liability |
Pays for injuries and damage you cause to others. Required in most states. |
| Collision |
Repairs your bike after a crash, regardless of fault. |
| Comprehensive |
Covers theft, vandalism, fire and weather damage. |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist |
Pays your costs when the at-fault driver lacks enough insurance. |
| Medical payments |
Covers medical bills for you and, in some states, your passenger. |
| Accessories and custom parts |
Covers aftermarket parts and upgrades. Limits range from $1,000 to $30,000 among our picks. |
| Total loss replacement |
Pays to replace a new bike at MSRP instead of depreciated value. |
| Roadside assistance |
Covers towing, fuel delivery and on-site help. |
How to choose a motorcycle insurer
- Confirm financial strength. Look for an AM Best rating of A or better, for the company that actually writes your policy.
- Match accessory coverage to your build. Add up what you have spent on parts and compare included limits.
- Check total loss terms if your bike is new.
- Decide on seasonal vs year-round. Nationwide prices on year-round coverage, while other insurers may let you reduce coverage in the off-season.
- Ask about discounts for safety courses, endorsements, bundling and paying in full.
- Get three quotes with matching limits and deductibles.
How to save on motorcycle insurance
- Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation or other approved rider course. GEICO, Allstate and Dairyland list discounts for it.
- Get your motorcycle endorsement (Progressive lists a discount).
- Bundle with auto or home.
- Pay the policy in full.
- Insure several bikes on one policy.
- Raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles.
- Keep a clean driving record.
How requirements vary by state
Each state sets its own minimum liability limits for motorcycles, and a few states treat motorcycle insurance requirements differently from cars. Passenger and medical coverage rules also vary, which is why Allstate and GEICO both note that passenger coverage depends on your state.
Before you buy, check your state’s minimums, then consider higher limits. State minimums are often too low to cover a serious injury claim, and if you have a loan, your lender will likely require comprehensive and collision year-round.
Should you cancel coverage in the winter?
Canceling can create a lapse that raises your price later, and your bike can still be stolen or damaged in storage. GEICO notes some insurers offer lay-up or seasonal adjustments that reduce coverage in the off-season while keeping comprehensive in place. Ask your insurer before canceling.
Terms to know
- Liability coverage
- Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others.
- Comprehensive
- Covers non-crash damage such as theft, fire, vandalism and weather.
- OEM parts
- Original equipment manufacturer parts made by the bike's maker rather than aftermarket copies.
- Total loss replacement
- Coverage that pays the price of a new bike instead of depreciated value if yours is totaled.
- Lay-up coverage
- A reduced off-season policy that keeps comprehensive coverage while the bike is stored.
- AM Best rating
- An independent grade of an insurer's financial ability to pay claims.
