Motorcycle insurance is an important part of riding responsibly and legally. Whether you’re a new rider or an experienced one, understanding how much you can expect to pay — and why — can help you budget more effectively and find the best coverage for your situation.
National Average Insurance Costs in 2026
In the United States, motorcycle insurance is generally cheaper than car insurance. The average cost for liability-only motorcycle insurance is around $141 per year, or about $12 per month, while full coverage (which includes collision and comprehensive protections) averages around $364 annually, or about $30 per month for a typical rider with a clean record.
This means minimum required coverage can be quite affordable, but full coverage — which protects your bike as well as others — will cost more.
How Insurance Costs Vary by State
Where you live is one of the biggest factors impacting your insurance premium. Motorcycle insurance rates vary dramatically from state to state, largely due to differences in traffic density, theft rates, accident statistics, local laws, and climate conditions.
States with Higher Motorcycle Insurance Costs
Some states have significantly higher average premiums than others:
- Kentucky: Around $69 per month.
- Florida: Around $54 per month.
- Arizona: Around $49 per month.
- Mississippi: Around $48 per month.
- California, Texas: Around $46 per month.
Warmer states with longer riding seasons, more traffic, and higher accident or theft rates tend to have higher insurance costs.
States with Lower Motorcycle Insurance Costs
Some states are comparatively affordable:
- North Dakota and Iowa: Around $18 per month.
- South Dakota: Around $20 per month.
- Maine and Massachusetts: Around $21 per month.
- Wisconsin and Nebraska: Around $23–$24 per month.
These states often have lower traffic, fewer thefts, and shorter riding seasons, which reduce risk and thus insurance premiums.
Motorcycle Type and Insurance Costs
The type of bike you ride plays a significant role in determining your premium. Insurance companies look closely at the bike’s performance, value, and risk profile.
Typical annual costs based on bike type:
- Cruisers: Roughly $143 per month.
- Scooters: About $101 per month.
- Sport bikes: Around $367 per month.
- Touring bikes: Around $278 per month.
Sport bikes are usually the most expensive to insure because they’re linked with higher speeds, higher accident rates, and more expensive repairs.
How Rider Profile Affects Costs
Your personal profile matters just as much as your bike:
- Age: Younger riders (like 16–20 year olds) pay significantly more than middle-aged riders.
- Driving/riding history: Clean records help lower premiums; violations like DUI or at-fault accidents can raise costs sharply.
- Experience: More experienced riders usually qualify for better rates because they statistically have fewer accidents.
Coverage Types and What They Cost
Insurance policies vary in price depending on the coverage you choose:
- Liability-only: Basic coverage that meets legal requirements and covers others for damages you cause. Lower premiums.
- Full coverage: Includes collision and comprehensive. Protects your bike from damage, theft, and other risks. Costs more but offers more protection.
Full coverage is strongly recommended if your bike is new, expensive, or financed.
Ways to Lower Your Motorcycle Insurance Costs
There are several strategies to reduce your premiums:
- Take approved motorcycle safety courses to earn discounts.
- Bundle motorcycle insurance with other policies like car or home insurance.
- Maintain a clean riding record with no accidents or violations.
- Store your bike securely, such as in a garage, to reduce theft risk.
- Shop around and compare quotes regularly — prices can vary widely among insurers.
Final Thoughts: How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
To summarize the most recent data:
- A typical rider with basic liability coverage might pay around $141 per year on average.
- Full coverage often averages around $364 per year but can be much higher depending on your state and bike type.
- Sport bikes and riders in higher-cost states can see premiums of several hundred dollars per month.
Insurance is more than just a legal requirement — it’s financial protection for you and your bike. Understanding the factors that influence cost helps you shop smarter and choose coverage that fits both your budget and your needs.