Do I Need Motorcycle Insurance if I Ride in My City?

Most states require motorcyclists to obtain liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage as part of their motorcycle insurance coverage. Learn more about what type of coverage is required and what factors can affect your rates.

Do I Need Motorcycle Insurance if I Ride in My City?

Most states require motorcyclists to obtain liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage as part of their motorcycle insurance coverage. A wide variety of optional coverages are also available, including comprehensive insurance and collision insurance. In most states, the answer is yes. The amount of coverage you need to purchase varies by state.

Some states allow you to legally ride a motorcycle without insurance or proof of financial responsibility. However, it is highly recommended that an insurance policy is taken out to protect yourself and your passenger. A bulletproof motorcycle insurance policy can provide peace of mind while on the road. Although most insurance products are similar in price and function, insurance providers differ when it comes to structuring a policy that covers you.

Parking coverage can save you on the costs of your annual insurance, but keep in mind that if you take your bike out on the road during the period of inactivity, the insurance won't cover you in the event of an accident. The cost of your insurance remains the same after your first accident if your Allstate motorcycle policy is at least 4 years old. The five states with the most affordable motorcycle insurance rates are North Dakota, Iowa, Wyoming, South Dakota and Nebraska. Seasonal motorcycle insurance, also known as motorcycle insurance with suspension, allows you to cancel coverage or cancel your policy during the months you don't use your bike.

Nearly every state requires motorcycle insurance for fast scooters (models with engines larger than 50 cc or that exceed 30 miles per hour), but only about half of the states require it for slow scooters and mopeds. According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 13% of drivers across the country are uninsured. Progressive standard motorcycle coverage covers repairing your damaged motorcycle with new parts and no depreciation deduction. Geico offers several discounts, even for experienced older drivers and for renewing your motorcycle policy with the insurer.

Other factors that can affect your motorcycle insurance rates include the age of the bike, the number of miles you drive in a year, and where you store it. For example, the average cost of motorcycle insurance for 18-year-old drivers is often more expensive than rates for 21-year-olds, while 21-year-olds tend to pay higher rates than middle-aged cyclists. And just as you would search for car insurance quotes, you'll want to find the best insurance for your bike. In addition to the city in which you live, the amount of coverage you buy and your driving history, motorcycle insurance companies also calculate the cost of coverage based on your age and years of driving experience.

Like car insurance, a motorcycle insurance policy protects you financially in the event of an accident. Here are some cases in which you should have motorcycle insurance before getting on your bike and hitting the road: if you live in a state that requires it; if you plan to ride on highways; if you plan to ride at night; if you plan to ride in bad weather; if you plan to ride long distances; or if many comprehensive and collision policies only cover parts of your motorcycle that come directly from the factory.

Kenneth Wert
Kenneth Wert

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