Best Motorcycle Insurance
of 2026
Most states require at minimum liability coverage for registered motorcycles, but minimum liability doesn’t protect your bike, your riding gear, or your body — only the other party if you’re at fault. Full coverage motorcycle insurance adds collision, comprehensive, custom parts, medical payments, and uninsured motorist protection that liability-only policies leave out.
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⚠️ Insurance Disclaimer
NME is not a licensed insurance agent or broker. The information on this page is for educational and comparison purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Motorcycle insurance coverage, premiums, availability, and requirements vary significantly by state, provider, rider profile, and motorcycle type. Minimum coverage requirements are set by each state individually and are subject to change. Always verify coverage details and your state’s requirements directly with a licensed insurance provider or agent before purchasing a policy. Rates cited are average estimates from independent research and may not reflect the rate available to you.
How NME ranks the best motorcycle insurance companies: We evaluated motorcycle insurance providers across five independent criteria — coverage breadth (what’s included standard vs. requiring add-ons, including collision, comprehensive, custom parts and equipment, medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and roadside assistance), average rate (published average annual premiums from independent primary research as a directional cost signal, not a guarantee of individual pricing), NAIC complaint index (the primary consumer complaint benchmark for private passenger auto lines, which includes motorcycle insurance), use-case fit (which bike types, rider profiles, and coverage goals each provider serves best), and discount availability (the range of discounts available to reduce premiums, including safety course completion, multi-bike, bundling, and loyalty discounts). Motorcycle insurance premiums vary significantly by state, rider age, driving record, bike type, and coverage level — rates cited are national averages from independent research as directional comparisons only.
⭐ NME Top Pick — Progressive
Progressive earns the top position for best motorcycle insurance as the market leader — 1 in 3 motorcycle riders in the United States choose Progressive — with 15 coverage options, 12 discount opportunities, OEM parts standard on covered repairs, and an average annual rate of $384 for full coverage. Progressive has been handling motorcycle claims for more than 50 years and insures all major motorcycle types including Honda, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Kawasaki, Polaris, and Yamaha. The breadth of coverage options and discount selection produces the strongest single-provider combination of value and comprehensiveness in the market.
Compare the Best Motorcycle Insurance Plans for 2026
Side-by-side look at average monthly rate, custom parts coverage, NAIC complaint index, and best use case across all ten reviewed providers.
| Provider | Avg Monthly Rate | Custom Parts Coverage | NAIC Complaint Index | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | ~$32/month | ⭐OEM + Custom — Included Standard | ⭐Below Average | Best Overall — All Rider Types |
| Geico | ~$30/month | Accessories Coverage Available | ⭐Below Average | Young Riders · Budget-Conscious |
| Harley-Davidson Insurance | ⭐~$19/month (lowest avg) | Custom Parts Coverage Available | Below Average | Harley Owners · H.O.G. Members |
| Dairyland | ⭐~$22/month | Optional Equipment Coverage | Average | Budget Riders · Non-Standard Risk |
| Markel | Varies (pay-per-mile available) | Agreed Value + Custom Available | ⭐Below Average | Vintage / Classic / Low-Mileage |
| State Farm | ~$33/month | Accessories Coverage Available | ⭐Below Average | Agent Network · Bundling |
| Nationwide | ~$35/month | Optional Equipment Coverage | Below Average | Multi-Policy Bundling |
| Allstate | ~$38/month | Accessories Coverage Available | Below Average | New Riders · Accident Forgiveness |
| Foremost | ~$75/month (specialty) | ⭐Up to $30,000 Custom Equipment | Above Average | Custom / Vintage / Track Day |
| USAA | Varies (through Progressive) | Varies by selected carrier | ⭐Below Average | ⭐Military Members & Families Only |
Average monthly rates are national averages from independent primary research (MoneyGeek, ValuePenguin) as directional cost comparisons — individual quotes will vary based on state, rider age, driving history, bike type, and coverage level. NAIC Complaint Index reflects the provider’s complaint ratio relative to market share; Below Average = fewer complaints than expected for the company’s size. Foremost’s above-average NAIC complaint index reflects its specialty book of business with higher-than-average claim complexity. USAA motorcycle insurance is routed through Progressive (30+ year partnership) and Foremost for vintage/specialty bikes — USAA members must be active military, veterans, or eligible family members. Custom parts limits vary by plan selected; maximum figures reflect highest available tier.
Best Motorcycle Insurance Reviews: 10 Providers Evaluated
Progressive is the #1 motorcycle insurance provider in the United States by market share — 1 in 3 motorcycle riders choose Progressive — with 50+ years of motorcycle claims experience, 15 coverage options, and 12 discount opportunities that include multi-policy, paid-in-full, motorcycle endorsement, and safety course completion discounts that apply automatically at quote time. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are used as standard on covered repairs, and custom parts on modified bikes are covered at their installed value; average full coverage runs approximately $32 per month nationally, with below-average NAIC complaint volume for a company of its market size. Progressive insures all major motorcycle types — cruisers, sport bikes, touring, scooters, dirt bikes, trikes, and vintage — and accident forgiveness prevents rate increases for claims under $500. Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Pros
- 1 in 3 riders choose Progressive — largest motorcycle insurer by market share
- OEM parts standard; custom parts covered on modified bikes
- 15 coverage options + 12 discount opportunities
- Accident forgiveness under $500; below-average NAIC complaints
Cons
- Not always cheapest for sport bikes or young riders in high-risk states
- Layoff/storage coverage requires a separate process vs. auto-adjusting
Geico, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, is the third-largest auto insurer in the United States and brings that institutional financial depth to its motorcycle insurance — with below-average NAIC complaint volume and a robust online and app-based quoting, payment, and claims experience that rivals Progressive for digital accessibility. Average full coverage motorcycle insurance through Geico runs approximately $30 per month nationally, with notably low senior rates (approximately $34 per month for full coverage on older riders with clean records) and flexible installment payment options — a meaningful differentiator for younger and budget-conscious riders who can’t pay annually in full. Coverage options include liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist, accessories coverage, emergency roadside assistance, and helmet and apparel coverage. Available online and app-based in all 50 states.
Pros
- Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary — deep institutional financial backing
- Flexible installment payments — helpful for young/budget riders
- Below-average NAIC complaint index; competitive senior rates
- Strong online/app experience for quoting, payments, and claims
Cons
- Not typically the cheapest option for standard adult riders
- Accessories coverage available but not included standard in all plans
Harley-Davidson Insurance, administered by Harley-Davidson Insurance Services and underwritten by carriers partnered with the Harley-Davidson brand, averages approximately $19 per month for full coverage nationally — the lowest average annual rate of any provider in this review at approximately $234 per year — with discounts including H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) membership, multi-bike, mature rider, and safety course discounts that can reduce premiums further for qualifying riders. Despite the brand name, Harley-Davidson Insurance insures most motorcycle makes and models — Honda, Suzuki, Indian, and other brands qualify — and the coverage portfolio includes liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, uninsured motorist, custom parts and equipment, and roadside assistance. Available through licensed agents and the h-dinsurance.com platform; state availability varies.
Pros
- Lowest average annual rate reviewed — ~$234/year full coverage
- H.O.G. member discount available
- Insures non-Harley makes — available to all riders
- Custom parts and equipment coverage available
Cons
- Does not offer car, home, or renters insurance — no multi-line bundling
- State availability varies — not available in all 50 states
Dairyland, owned by Sentry Insurance and one of the longest-tenured specialty motorcycle insurers in the market with 50+ years of motorcycle coverage experience, averages approximately $22 per month for motorcycle insurance — among the lowest available nationally — and accepts non-standard riders including those with violations, gaps in insurance history, or SR-22 filing requirements that standard carriers often decline. Coverage includes liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and optional equipment coverage for permanent non-factory parts and accessories, with a bilingual mobile app for policy management, claims filing, and payments. Motorcycle club and association discounts — including H.O.G. membership where eligible by state — and multi-bike discounts reduce premiums further for qualifying riders. Available in 38 states through independent agents and online quoting.
Pros
- ~$22/month avg — one of the lowest rates available nationally
- Accepts non-standard riders and SR-22 filings
- Bilingual mobile app for claims and policy management
- Motorcycle club and association discounts available
Cons
- Available in only 38 states — not nationwide
- NAIC complaint index near average — not below average like Progressive
Markel Insurance is a specialty motorcycle insurer offering agreed value coverage — meaning the insurer pays the policy’s stated value in full if the bike is totaled, without depreciation deductions — a critical distinction from actual cash value policies for collectors and owners of vintage, custom-built, or appreciating motorcycles where depreciation would severely undervalue a claim. In collaboration with Voom, Markel also offers pay-per-mile motorcycle insurance at rates starting as low as the mileage ridden, structured for riders who store their bikes seasonally and don’t need year-round premium exposure. Markel’s diminishing deductible program reduces the deductible by a set amount each year without a claim, and accident forgiveness is included. Underwritten by Markel Insurance Company, which maintains a below-average NAIC complaint index for its specialty lines.
Pros
- Agreed value coverage — no depreciation on total loss payout
- Pay-per-mile option through Voom — ideal for seasonal/low-mileage riders
- Diminishing deductible; accident forgiveness included
- Below-average NAIC complaint index for specialty lines
Cons
- Not available in all states
- Higher premiums than standard carriers for non-specialty bikes
State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the United States, and its motorcycle insurance benefits from that institutional scale — 19,000+ agents nationwide, 24/7 customer service, an established claims infrastructure, and below-average NAIC complaint volume across its personal auto lines. Average motorcycle insurance through State Farm runs approximately $33 per month nationally, with meaningful multi-policy discounts for riders who bundle motorcycle coverage with State Farm auto, home, or renters insurance through the same agent. Coverage includes liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, uninsured motorist, and accessories coverage for riding equipment; quotes require speaking with a local agent rather than quoting fully online. For riders who already have State Farm auto or home insurance and want to consolidate all vehicle coverage under one carrier-agent relationship with bundling savings, State Farm is the most practical large-network choice.
Pros
- 19,000+ agents nationwide — most accessible large-insurer agent network
- Strong bundling discounts with auto, home, or renters policies
- Below-average NAIC complaint index; 24/7 claims service
Cons
- Agent-only quotes — no fully online motorcycle quote tool
- Premiums can run higher than Progressive or Dairyland for standalone policies
Nationwide is a mutual insurance company offering motorcycle coverage across a broad range of bike types — cruisers, sport bikes, touring, dirt bikes, and trikes — with multi-policy discounts that apply when motorcycle coverage is bundled with Nationwide auto, home, or renters insurance. Nationwide’s On Your Side Review, an annual policy checkup offered free to policyholders, helps riders ensure coverage keeps pace with the current value of the bike and any custom equipment additions over time. Coverage includes liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments, and optional equipment coverage; quotes are available through Nationwide agents rather than fully online for motorcycle policies. Nationwide’s below-average NAIC complaint ratio and mutual ownership structure — meaning policyholder interest alignment rather than shareholder return — are consistent service quality markers for the brand.
Pros
- On Your Side Review — annual policy checkup included
- Multi-policy bundling discounts available
- Below-average NAIC complaint ratio; mutual company structure
Cons
- Agent-only motorcycle quotes — no online motorcycle quote tool
- Less competitive on standalone motorcycle rates vs. Progressive or Dairyland
Allstate offers motorcycle insurance with a rider-friendly feature set well-suited to new and first-year riders — accident forgiveness prevents the policyholder’s first at-fault accident from raising rates, and new rider discounts are available for recently licensed motorcyclists who complete an approved safety course. Average premiums through Allstate run approximately $38 per month for full coverage nationally, with multi-policy bundling discounts available alongside auto, home, and renters policies. Coverage options include liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments, and accessories coverage for aftermarket parts; the Allstate app supports policy management and claims filing. Allstate’s below-average NAIC complaint index across its personal auto lines reflects consistent service quality for a carrier of its national scale.
Pros
- Accident forgiveness — first at-fault accident won’t raise rates
- New rider discounts + safety course discount available
- Below-average NAIC complaint index
- App-based policy and claims management
Cons
- Premiums above average vs. Progressive, Geico, or Dairyland
- Coverage customization options narrower than Progressive
Foremost, a specialty insurer operating under the Farmers Insurance Group since 1952, offers the highest custom equipment coverage limit of any provider in this review at up to $30,000 for optional equipment and six plan tiers specifically designed for motorcycle enthusiasts — including coverage for cruisers, dirt bikes, sport bikes, electric motorcycles, scooters, trikes, vintage bikes, and limited-production custom builds. The Foremost Plus and Elite plans include track day coverage — protecting the bike during closed-course competitive events that standard providers universally exclude — and replacement cost total loss settlement (no depreciation deduction) for the first two years. First Accident Forgiveness is included across all plan tiers. NME notes that Foremost carries an above-average NAIC complaint index, which likely reflects the higher average claim complexity of its specialty custom and vintage motorcycle book of business; available in 48 states.
Pros
- Up to $30,000 custom equipment coverage — highest limit reviewed
- Track day coverage on Plus and Elite plans — rare in market
- Replacement cost total loss (no depreciation) first 2 years
- First Accident Forgiveness on all plans
Cons
- Above-average NAIC complaint index
- Higher premiums (~$75/month avg) — specialty pricing for specialty coverage
USAA motorcycle insurance is available exclusively to active duty military members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, pre-commissioned officers, and their spouses and children — and is routed through a 30+ year partnership with Progressive for standard motorcycle coverage or through Foremost for vintage and specialty bikes, with USAA members receiving specially trained representative support and service standards consistent with USAA’s reputation for military community care. USAA’s below-average NAIC complaint ratio reflects its high member satisfaction and service quality. Coverage terms, rates, and discounts are those of the underlying carrier (Progressive or Foremost) as applied to USAA-eligible members; military-specific discounts may apply. NME ranks USAA at #10 not due to quality — it consistently earns high member satisfaction scores — but because eligibility is restricted to a defined military community rather than available to all riders.
Pros
- Consistently high member satisfaction among military community
- Below-average NAIC complaint ratio
- 30+ year Progressive partnership — strong underlying carrier
- Foremost available for vintage/specialty bikes through USAA
Cons
- Eligibility restricted to military members, veterans, and families
- Not an independent motorcycle insurer — routes through Progressive/Foremost
How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Insurance
Six decisions that determine whether your coverage actually protects you and your bike when something goes wrong.
What Motorcycle Insurance Actually Covers
Liability-only coverage — the minimum most states require — covers damage and injuries you cause to other people and their property. It does not cover your bike, your medical bills, or damage from theft, weather, or a collision that’s your fault. Collision coverage pays for damage to your bike from an accident regardless of fault. Comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, fire, weather, and animal strikes. Medical payments coverage (also called MedPay) covers your medical expenses after an accident regardless of fault. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays when you’re hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance. Understanding which of these six coverage types you’re carrying — and which you’re not — is the starting point for evaluating whether you’re actually protected.
Custom Parts and Equipment — Don’t Assume It’s Covered
Aftermarket parts, custom paint, upgraded exhausts, chrome accessories, and other non-factory modifications are not covered by standard motorcycle insurance unless you specifically add custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage. If you’ve invested $3,000 in aftermarket accessories on a $12,000 bike and your policy only covers the factory value, you’ll receive $12,000 — not $15,000 — in a total loss claim. Progressive includes OEM and custom parts coverage standard with collision and comprehensive. Foremost covers up to $30,000 in optional equipment. Review your policy’s CPE limit against the actual replacement value of any modifications you’ve made to your bike before assuming you’re covered.
Agreed Value vs. Actual Cash Value
Actual cash value (ACV) policies pay the depreciated market value of your motorcycle at the time of the loss — meaning a 5-year-old bike may pay substantially less than what you’d need to replace it with something comparable. Agreed value policies (Markel, and Foremost’s replacement cost provision) pay the amount you and the insurer agreed to at policy inception, without depreciation deductions. For vintage bikes, limited-production motorcycles, and custom builds whose value may be appreciating rather than depreciating, agreed value coverage is significantly more protective. For standard production bikes that depreciate predictably, ACV at a lower premium may be the appropriate trade-off.
Discounts That Add Up Fast
Completing a state-approved motorcycle safety course is the single most impactful discount most riders can access — reducing premiums by 5% to 15% depending on the provider — and the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Basic RiderCourse is accepted by most major insurers. Multi-bike discounts apply when two or more motorcycles are on the same policy. Multi-policy bundling discounts apply when motorcycle insurance is combined with auto, home, or renters insurance from the same carrier (Progressive, State Farm, Nationwide, Allstate all offer bundling discounts). Motorcycle endorsement discounts reward riders who have completed the licensing process beyond a basic learner’s permit. Loyalty, paid-in-full, and mature rider discounts layer additional savings on top of these base discounts — always ask for all applicable discounts at quote time, since carriers don’t always apply them automatically.
Lay-Up or Storage Coverage in Off-Season
Riders in northern states who store motorcycles seasonally can save money by reducing coverage during lay-up periods — dropping collision and liability while maintaining comprehensive coverage during storage (which covers theft, fire, and weather damage to a parked bike). This structure avoids paying for collision and liability coverage during months when the bike isn’t being ridden, while maintaining protection against the risks that exist while the bike is in a garage or storage unit. Not all carriers handle this the same way — some require a separate lay-up endorsement, others allow mid-term coverage changes, and some penalize for cancellations and reinstatements. Confirm your carrier’s lay-up policy before the riding season ends to avoid coverage gaps or unnecessary premiums.
When to Bundle and When Not To
Bundling motorcycle insurance with an existing auto, home, or renters policy from State Farm, Nationwide, Progressive, or Allstate typically produces a multi-policy discount of 5% to 15% across all bundled policies — a meaningful premium reduction for riders who already have a strong relationship with one of these carriers. However, bundling isn’t always the cheapest outcome: a standalone Progressive motorcycle policy at $32/month may cost less than bundling with a different carrier at $40/month even after the bundle discount. The correct approach is to get standalone motorcycle quotes from Progressive, Geico, and Dairyland — then compare against what your existing carrier offers as a bundle — and choose the lower total cost across all policies. The bundle isn’t always the winner, but it’s always worth running the math.
Also Worth Considering
Three motorcycle insurance options for specific rider situations outside the top 10.
Other Motorcycle Insurance Options Worth Knowing
Five additional providers that serve specific rider profiles or regional markets outside the top 10.
- Erie Insurance — Regional carrier available in 12 states (mid-Atlantic and Midwest) with strong motorcycle coverage that includes non-owned motorcycle coverage, agreed value option, and below-average NAIC complaint ratio; a legitimate alternative to national carriers in its operating footprint for riders who value regional claim-handling relationships.
- Kemper / Bristol West — Specialty in non-standard and high-risk motorcycle riders who have been declined by standard carriers; SR-22 filing available; part of the Kemper specialty auto group which also includes Bristol West; most relevant for riders rebuilding insurance history after violations or lapses.
- The General — Another non-standard option for high-risk riders including those with DUI history, multiple violations, or significant lapses in insurance who can’t qualify for standard carrier pricing; provides basic liability-focused coverage to maintain legal compliance; agent-only quotes in most markets.
- Amica Mutual — Mutual insurer with high member satisfaction ratings offering motorcycle coverage as an add-on to existing Amica auto or home policies; strong service reputation and below-average complaint volume; best for existing Amica customers who want to consolidate all vehicle coverage in one place.
- Travelers — Large national carrier offering motorcycle coverage primarily through independent agents with multi-policy discounts for existing Travelers auto, home, or umbrella policyholders; a reasonable agent-network option for riders embedded in a Travelers insurance relationship who want to add motorcycle coverage without shopping a separate insurer.
Best Motorcycle Insurance Awards — NME 2026
Three editorial awards recognizing standout motorcycle insurance performance based on NME’s independent evaluation criteria.
Answers to the most common motorcycle insurance questions from NME’s editorial team.
What does motorcycle insurance cover?
How much does motorcycle insurance cost?
Is motorcycle insurance required?
Does motorcycle insurance cover my riding gear?
What’s the difference between agreed value and actual cash value motorcycle insurance?
How does NME evaluate the best motorcycle insurance companies?
Sources & Citations
- Progressive — “1 out of 3 motorcycle riders choose Progressive.” 50+ years of motorcycle claims experience; OEM parts standard on covered repairs. progressive.com/motorcycle
- MoneyGeek — Best Motorcycle Insurance 2026: Rate analysis, carrier comparison, and average annual premiums by rider profile. $571 average full coverage national figure. moneygeek.com
- U.S. News & World Report — Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies of 2026; Progressive #1 with 4.9/5 score. usnews.com
- Foremost Insurance — Foremost Choice Motorcycle Program documentation: six plan tiers, up to $30,000 optional equipment, track day coverage on Plus/Elite, replacement cost total loss. foremost.com
- Markel Insurance — Motorcycle specialty coverage: agreed value, pay-per-mile through Voom, diminishing deductible, accident forgiveness. markel.com
- Dairyland Insurance — 50+ years motorcycle coverage; average rate approximately $22/month; available in 38 states. dairylandinsurance.com
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) — Private passenger auto complaint data (includes motorcycle lines) by carrier. content.naic.org
Find the Best Motorcycle Insurance for Your Ride
Get at least three quotes before choosing. Start with Progressive for the broadest coverage at competitive rates, Dairyland if you want the lowest average premium, and Foremost if you have significant custom parts or want track day protection. Compare what each quote actually covers — not just the price.
