Riding A Motorcycle In The Snow: Safety Tips, Advice, And More
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Best Motorcycle Insurance
Why You Can Trust The MarketWatch Guides TeamThe MarketWatch Guides Team is committed to providing reliable information to help you make the best decision possible about insuring your vehicle. Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. After 800 hours of research, the end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.
Best Motorcycle Insurance CompaniesIt can be challenging to identify which companies offer the best motorcycle insurance policies, but we’ve done the research for you to find the industry’s top names. Read on to learn more about why we recommend each provider in detail, including average motorcycle insurance costs, coverage plans, discount opportunities and more:
Best Motorcycle Insurance Company Overall Rating Our Award 1. Geico 9.3 Editor’s Choice 2. Progressive 9.0 Most Comprehensive Coverage 3. State Farm 8.8 Top Choice for Local Service 4. Dairyland 8.3 Quality Coverage for High-Risk Riders 5. Erie Insurance 8.3 Top Choice for Regional Coverage
1. Geico Editor’s Choice9.3/10
Why We Chose Geico Motorcycle InsuranceWith some of the industry’s lowest rates and good coverage options, Geico motorcycle insurance receives lots of praise. The company’s policies are widely available and it’s easy to save with its various discount opportunities.
Geico Motorcycle Insurance Pros and ConsPros Some of the industry’s lowest rates Outstanding reputation Easy-to-attain discounts Superior financial health Cons Relatively low customer review scores
Geico Motorcycle Insurance Cost and DiscountsGeico motorcycle insurance had the lowest rates overall with minimum coverage quotes starting at $100 per year based on our research. For full coverage, rates started at $462 per year.
Some of the company’s best motorcycle insurance savings opportunities can also be found below:
Switch from another company discount
Multi-vehicle discount
Mature rider discount
Motorcycle insurance policy renewal discount
Motorcycle safety course discount
Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor discount
Multi-policy discount or bundling discount
Geico has some of the best motorcycle insurance prices in the industry, and you’ll likely receive a competitive quote from the company.
Geico Motorcycle Insurance CoverageGeico offers motorcycle coverage choices ranging from basic insurance requirements to protection for sidecars and jackets. Though some other providers offer a greater selection of additional coverage options, you can expect to find enough protection to suit even experienced riders’ needs through Geico.
Geico offers the following coverage options:
Bodily injury liability coverage
Property damage liability coverage
Collision coverage
Comprehensive coverage
Personal injury protection
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Accessories coverage
Roadside assistance and towing
Geico Insurance Reviews and ReputationThe company holds a sterling reputation across the industry and has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Geico also holds an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best, highlighting its ability to reliably pay claims out to policyholders.
Geico’s customer review scores are average to low, but this is fairly common within the insurance industry. While the company earns an A- rating from the BBB, it holds a 1.1-star average score out of 5.0 from customer reviews. The insurer also has a 1.3-star rating out of 5.0 from customers on Trustpilot.
2. Progressive Most Comprehensive Coverage9/10
Why We Chose Progressive Motorcycle InsuranceProgressive is the country’s most popular choice for motorcycle insurance, and it’s easy to see why. Between the company’s vast array of coverage choices and its willingness to take on high-risk motorcyclists, Progressive motorcycle insurance makes for an appealing and accessible option.
Progressive Motorcycle Insurance Pros and ConsPros Relatively affordable premiums Excellent financial strength Extensive additional coverage options Strong industry reputation Cons Average customer reviews
Progressive Motorcycle Insurance Cost and DiscountsProgressive costs range from $120 per year to $700 per year based on quotes we received from the company. While the company offers cheap motorcycle insurance, they are not the lowest-cost option on the market.
Progressive also has an impressive list of available discounts. You’ll also notice below that most savings opportunities are accessible to just about any motorcyclist.
Quote-in-advance discount
Multi-policy/bundling discount
Association member discount (for members of the Harley Owners Group or USAA)
Motorcycle license endorsement discount
Motorcycle safety course discount
Switch from another company discount
Responsible driver discount
Pay-in-full discount
Pay-on-time discount
Automatic bill-pay discount
Porgressive Motorcycle Insurance CoverageProgressive offers one of the largest coverage selections for motorcycle insurance on the market. They offer the following coverage options:
Bodily injury liability coverage
Property damage liability coverage
Collision and Comprehensive coverage
Personal injury protection
Medpay coverage
Carried contents coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Accessories coverage
Enhanced injury protection
Total loss coverage
Roadside assistance
Progressive Insurance Reviews and ReputationIndustry leaders hold the company in high regard, and customers find peace of mind in the company’s A+ financial strength rating from AM Best. This positive score indicates that the company is financially capable of fulfilling its claims obligations. Progressive also has an A rating from the BBB.
Customer satisfaction isn’t quite as strong with Progressive. The company has a 1.1-star customer rating out of 5.0 on the BBB. Again, low customer service scores are fairly normal in the insurance industry, so it’s not a huge cause for concern.
Our team reached out to Progressive for a comment on this score but did not receive a response.
3. State Farm Top Choice for Local Service8.8/10
Why We Chose State Farm Motorcycle InsuranceState Farm is the country’s largest insurance provider, but it maintains a local touch. Since agents are spread across the U.S., you’ll benefit from the opportunity to find top-notch coverage from your local State Farm motorcycle insurance agent.
State Farm Motorcycle Insurance Pros and ConsPros Local agents across the nation Strong customer reviews Excellent industry reputation A++ financial strength rating Cons Poor claims process reviews Limited availability
State Farm Motorcycle Insurance Cost and DiscountsState Farm typically has competitive rates for auto insurance, and you can expect the same with its motorcycle insurance. It can be hard to tell exactly how much you’ll pay with State Farm since the company generally asks customers to reach out to local agents instead of going online.
It’s worth checking out the company’s new motorcycle insurance rating tool. It allows you to get a general idea of how expensive a certain bike will be to insure so you know what to expect. You may pay slightly more with State Farm, but you’ll also receive personalized service.
Our review team reached out to State Farm for comment on its motorcycle insurance rates and received the following response:
“State Farm seeks to provide great value to our customers by providing competitive rates in auto, home, renters, and motorcycles. When it specifically comes to motorcycle rates, State Farm works hard to offer customers the best combination of price, service, and protection. We absolutely value the relationships we have with our customers, and we strive to be the customer’s first and best choice in the products and services we provide.”
State Farm Motorcycle Insurance CoverageState Farm motorcycle insurance coverage information isn’t the easiest to come by, mainly because the company directs customers to local agents instead of its website. The provider tends to have reasonable coverage options that can fit most riders’ needs.
Below is a list of the top State Farm motorcycle coverage choices:
Bodily injury liability coverage
Property damage liability coverage
Collision coverage
Comprehensive coverage
Medical payments coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Protective gear coverage
Sidecar coverage
Roadside assistance and towing
Trip interruption benefits
If you’re looking for coverage that’s not on this list, reach out to your local State Farm agent so they can help you find the best motorcycle insurance policy for your needs.
State Farm Insurance Reviews and ReputationState Farm holds an A+ rating from the BBB and is well-regarded in the industry. The provider also holds an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best.
State Farm motorcycle insurance costs a bit more than coverage from competitors, but the provider’s service standards make up for the price difference. State Farm’s headquarters has a 4.3-star average rating out of 5.0 from more than 920 Google reviews, which is impressive in the industry.
4. Dairyland Quality Coverage for High-Risk Riders8.3/10
Why We Chose Dairyland Motorcycle InsuranceDairyland offers some of the best motorcycle insurance for high-risk riders, as the provider is known for offering bargain rates to even those with checkered driving records. However, Dairyland motorcycle insurance is not available nationwide, so you’ll need to verify whether it’s available in your state before getting a quote.
Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance Pros and ConsPros Affordable average premiums Extensive added coverage options Positive financial strength rating Many discount opportunities Cons Poor claims process reviews Limited availability
Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance Cost and DiscountsDairyland motorcycle insurance rates are generally quite affordable, especially for high-risk motorists. Coverage pricing ranges anywhere from $98 to $1,400 per year for policies based on our research.
A few discount opportunities for motorcyclists can be found on Dairyland’s website, including:
Transfer discount
Multi-cycle discount
Homeownership discount
Loyalty discount
Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) discount
Rider group discount
Rider course discount
Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance CoverageYou’ll find an extensive list of motorcycle insurance coverage options available through Dairyland. Whether you want to protect your passengers on the open road or insure optional equipment, the company has your needs covered.
The complete list of Dairyland motorcycle insurance coverages includes:
Bodily injury liability coverage
Property damage liability coverage
Collision coverage
Comprehensive coverage
Medical payments coverage
Personal injury protection
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Special equipment coverage
Replacement cost coverage
Passenger liability coverage
Physical damage plus coverage
Roadside assistance and towing
Rental vehicle insurance
Dairyland Insurance Reviews and ReputationDairyland is a much smaller name than the providers listed above, but it has an A+ rating from the BBB and an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best.
Dairyland motorcycle insurance gets mixed reviews online. While customers give Dairyland 4.4 out of 5.0 stars on Trustpilot, the company receives 1.1 stars out of 5.0 from customers on the BBB website. Positive Dairyland reviews praise the company’s affordable prices and helpful customer service representatives. Complaints about the company tend to focus on issues with its claims process.
Our team reached out to Dairyland for a comment on these scores but did not receive a response.
5. Erie Insurance Top Choice for Regional Coverage8.3/10
Why We Chose Erie Motorcycle InsuranceErie Insurance doesn’t offer a huge number of motorcycle coverage options, but the company is known for its exceptional customer satisfaction and affordable pricing. That said, the types of coverage it offers are quite limited and its plans are unavailable in major states like California, Texas and Florida.
Erie Motorcycle Insurance Pros and ConsPros Impressive customer service Strong financial health Local agents Relatively competitive prices Cons Limited availability Few coverage options
Erie Motorcycle Insurance Cost and DiscountsYou’re likely to find competitive rates from Erie Insurance, but they may not be quite as affordable as premiums from the industry’s top providers. The best way to tell whether Erie could offer the best motorcycle insurance prices for you is by comparing quotes from the company with those from other leading providers.
As with State Farm, the best way to connect with Erie is by visiting one of its 13,000 local agents, although you can also start the quote process online.
Erie Motorcycle Insurance CoverageErie Insurance has some basic offerings when it comes to motorcycle policy options:
Bodily injury liability coverage
Property damage liability coverage
Collision coverage
Comprehensive coverage
Medical payments coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Roadside assistance and towing
Keep in mind that your motorcycle’s safety features, gear, safety apparel and special touches are covered under Erie’s basic coverage plan. These choices aren’t available as add-ons because they’re protected right from the start.
Erie Insurance Reviews and ReputationErie has an A+ rating both from the BBB for good business practices and an A+ from AM Best for financial strength. Erie Insurance is also a standout performer when it comes to customer service, with policyholders praising its welcoming local agents and specialized offers.
Compare motorcycle insurance quotes
Answer a few simple questions to save money on your policy
How To Find the Best Motorcycle InsuranceWhen you have so many choices, it can be difficult to determine which motorcycle insurance companies offer affordable, high-quality coverage. Here are a few tips to help simplify the decision-making process:
Consider a company’s quality of coverage. Verify that a provider offers the coverage options you’re looking for.
Read customer reviews. While insurance ratings tend to be low, it’s worth ensuring that your chosen provider receives at least somewhat decent scores and does its best to respond to customer issues.
Compare motorcycle insurance quotes. Receive free, personalized quotes from providers to determine which options best suit your needs.
Look for discounts. Figure out which savings opportunities you qualify for with each company, such as usage-based insurance or rider group discounts.
Consider whether you can bundle plans. If you can bundle homeowners or auto and motorcycle insurance, you’ll save money.
Increase your deductible to save money. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium will be.
Check for added benefits. Seek out accident forgiveness programs and discounts for being claim-free or having a clean driving history.
Remember that the best motorcycle insurance companies specialize in different coverages. The best provider for vintage sport bikes or trikes might be different than for dirt bikes or custom motorcycles. Similarly, a Harley-Davidson with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or custom parts has very different needs than a scooter, moped or ATV.
How To Save Money on Motorcycle InsuranceAlong with comparing quotes from multiple providers, there are a few simple ways you can cut down on motorcycle insurance costs. Obeying traffic laws, wearing protective gear and preventing accidents by not speeding will help you drive safely and keep your insurance premiums as low as possible.
Best Motorcycle Insurance Company: The Bottom LineIn this review, we went over the best companies for motorcycle insurance which are as follows:
Geico: Editor’s Choice
Progressive: Most Comprehensive Coverage
State Farm: Top Choice For Local Service
Dairyland: Quality Coverage for High-Risk Riders
Erie Insurance: Top Choice for Regional Coverage
While these are our top picks, they may not be right for you. No matter what coverage you are looking for, we always recommend that you compare as many options as possible to get the best deal for your situation.
Compare motorcycle insurance quotes
Answer a few simple questions to save money on your policy
FAQ: Motorcycle Insurance BestBelow are some frequently asked questions on the best motorcycle insurance companies:
Which company has the best motorcycle insurance?We think Geico offers the best motorcycle insurance based on our research into the company’s reputation, cost, coverage and customer experience. Excellent coverage can also be found through Progressive, State Farm, Dairyland and Erie Insurance.
Who has the best motorcycle insurance rates?The best motorcycle insurance rates typically come from Geico, though average premiums vary based on a person’s driving history, location and type of motorcycle.
How do I find the best and cheapest motorcycle insurance?You can find the best motorcycle insurance by comparing free quotes from providers. That way, you’ll see which companies offer insurance policies that meet your financial and coverage needs.
How We Rated The Best Motorcycle Insurance CompaniesBecause consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best motorcycle insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of motorcycle insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
Cost: Motorcycle insurance quotes obtained through secret shopping and discount opportunities were both taken into consideration.
Coverage: Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
Reputation: Our research team considered market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
Availability: Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements scored highest in this category.
Customer Experience: This score is based on volume of complaints reported by the NAIC and customer satisfaction ratings. We also considered the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each motorcycle insurance company’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
Beginner’s Guide To Motorcycles
Learn what gear you need, how to ride, and hit the road with Motorcyclist.
Riding a motorcycle is not necessarily dangerous, but compared to automobile drivers, motorcyclists are more prone to injuries when involved in crashes. There is no metal cage with crumple zones and airbags to protect you, just the gear that you are wearing. Good thing for riders, that protective gear is improving as time progresses. As a beginner motorcyclist, you have to decide if this is a risk you want to take.
Motorcyclist has developed this beginner’s guide to motorcycles to welcome new riders and send them down the correct path—to set you up with everything you need, including how to get licensed, gear recommendations, and the best beginner motorcycles.
The first step in deciding if want to become a motorcyclist is by obtaining your motorcycle permit, license, or motorcycle endorsement. Some states require you to pass a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse to obtain a license. This course is also the perfect place to decide if a motorcycle is for you, considering they cost less than buying a motorcycle, insurance, gear, and then figuring out that riding is not for you.
Each state has a different combination of written and physical skills proficiency test that you must pass to demonstrate your ability as a motorcyclist. If you are unsure of your state’s prerequisites, check with your local DMV and it will provide you with the current information.
Now that you are allowed to lawfully operate a motorcycle in your state, the next step is gathering the safety gear needed. Some states do not require you to wear a helmet while you operate a motorcycle, but we strongly recommend a Snell and/or DOT-certified helmet when you ride.
Your motorcycle helmet must be DOT-certified to be street legal. There are other safety certifications, such as Snell, ECE, and SHARP, all of which have their testing standards and some are more stringent than others. A full-face helmet from any one of the popular helmet manufacturers will provide you with the protection you need.
A motorcycle jacket designed for riding is equally as important. This means the jacket has abrasion resistance as well as CE-approved armor, or with pockets to add armor. The jacket should be made of durable textile or leather and the armor should be on the shoulders, elbows, chest, and back. Some jackets do come with spine protectors, while others might have inserts or buttons to attach your own.
Casual-wear jeans will not do anything for you in a crash or slide, they might protect you better than a pair of shorts but expect road rash or worse. Motorcycle pants are made out of the same materials as your jacket. Proper motorcycle pants will have armor in the knees, hips, and tailbone, with sportier pants having knee pucks. There are motorcycle jeans with integrated armor that are available for purchase, but regular department store denim will not cut it.
Motorcycle gloves need to protect your palms, knuckles, and wrists, so skip the padded mechanic gloves and dirt bike gloves, most will protect you from a low-side slide, but not from any serious impact. Look for motorcycle gloves with molded knuckles, palms, and wrist protection. Some higher-end gloves will have a ring-pinky bridge—to prevent hyperextension— and palm sliders, but these features are not necessary for your beginner set of gloves.
Motorcycle boots are one of the most underrated pieces of gear that a beginner considers when building out their kit. Boots should protect your toes, the soles of your feet, heels, and ankles without compromising your ability to use the foot controls on a motorcycle. Most manufacturers have boots in different styles, to suit whatever kind of riding you do or appeal to the trends you like to wear, all offering protection to your ankles and feet in case of an accident.
If you have ever thought, “What is the best beginner motorcycle?” you are not the only one. Motorcycling is a niche mode of transportation, and if you are new to the industry, your basis of knowledge is limited. We have researched and developed guides to help you choose the best beginner motorcycle.
We have compared small cruisers and small sportbikes to determine which of them was the best in class for beginners. If you are short and want a cruiser—or short and do not want a cruiser—there are beginner motorcycles that are easy to swing your leg over. Wondering if you should buy new, or should go the used motorcycle route? No problem. If you want to save some money on your motorcycle purchase—maybe to put that cash toward proper beginner gear—then we have got some suggestions.
Your first motorcycle will be the most valuable one you ever own. Not in terms of cost, but it will be where you learn how to ride, where you develop good—and bad—riding habits, and where you will fall in love with motorcycling. Here are some things to consider before you hand over the cash for your first bike.
You can buy your first bike new or used. Both come with their pros and cons. If you are buying new, buy a motorcycle you feel comfortable on. Ask the dealer for a test ride, or two. If you buy used, purchase a motorcycle that has been taken care of. Stay away from motorcycles without complete service history or have a salvage, rebuilt, or missing title. The bike might have an attractive price, but it is not worth the headache.
Buy a motorcycle that you know you can handle. Meaning, do not buy a bike that is too heavy for you to pick up and do not buy a first motorcycle that has too much power. A small-displacement (250cc to 500cc) motorcycle is a great option because they are considerably light, have enough power to maintain highway speeds, and have beginner-friendly power delivery. It might be tempting to buy a new inline-4 sportbike but resist that urge, at least until you develop your skills.
Beginner motorcycle classes, if your state does not require you to pass one to obtain your motorcycle license, are a great way to grow your skills as a rider. Organizations like the MSF offer courses that go beyond the beginner motorcycle tips you hear from your friends. They also have classes for scooter riders as well as trikes and sidecars
Nothing beats the one-on-one beginner motorcycle courses when you are new to riding, but we have compiled some tips from seasoned motorcycle riders that you should always be aware of when you are riding. Also, if you are looking to increase your skills as a new motorcycle rider without the fear of traffic, a trackday is always a great place.