Motorcycle insurance cost: the regulator data
Motorcycle insurance cost data from a regulator is rare; the best public source is the California Department of Insurance's 2026 premium survey, which prices the same rider at every insurer in eight cities.[1] Its profile is a single 25-year-old rider licensed seven years, riding 7,600 to 10,000 miles a year, with basic liability limits of 30/60/15, $2,000 medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage. We found no national average from the NAIC or a state regulator for motorcycles, so we do not quote one.[7]
| City | 2025 Harley-Davidson Road King Special | 2026 Yamaha YZF-R3 |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (central) | $1,663 | $1,058 |
| San Diego | $1,279 | $850 |
| Sacramento | $1,237 | $823 |
| Irvine | $1,217 | $823 |
| Oakland | $1,207 | $855 |
| Riverside | $1,163 | $805 |
| Clovis (Fresno) | $1,122 | $700 |
| Eureka | $873 | $620 |
The spread between insurers is huge: for the Harley the cheapest company charged $426 and the most expensive $4,959 for the same rider; for the Yamaha, $296 to $2,731.[1] That is per month about $68 to $99 at the medians.
How much is motorcycle insurance with tickets or accidents
A speeding ticket raised the same insurer's price by a median 37% and an at-fault accident by about 58%; both together roughly doubled it (× 2.11).[1] The survey prices liability only, so collision and comprehensive for the bike itself come on top. A bike's liability premium is lower than a car's: at the same insurer and location, the Harley cost about 0.64 times a Toyota Camry and the Yamaha 0.44 times.[1] In California an insurer may require three years of motorcycle licensing before giving a good-driver discount on a bike.[2]
Motorcycle insurance requirements by state
- Florida: the no-fault personal injury protection rule applies to vehicles with four or more wheels, so motorcycles are outside it.[3]
- New York: a motorcycle must be insured whenever it is ridden on a public road, but unlike a car you do not have to surrender the plate when you cancel insurance for winter storage.[4]
- Washington: liability coverage is mandatory for motorcycles; mopeds and motor-driven cycles are exempt from the insurance law.[5][6]
Gear and loansInsurance is one part of a bike's cost. The motorcycle loan calculator covers financing, and the car insurance calculator estimates a car policy if you are comparing the two.
Ways riders lower the premium
- Bike choice: large touring and sport bikes cost more to insure than small-displacement commuters.
- Clean record: one ticket costs about a third more for three years.
- Shop widely: the cheapest insurer in the survey charged a fraction of the most expensive.
- Lay-up coverage: some insurers reduce coverage while the bike is stored for winter.
What motorcycle insurance covers
Basic motorcycle liability pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others, the same as a car policy; the California survey prices exactly that, with medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage added.[1] Beyond the legal minimum, riders often add:
| Coverage | Pays for | Who usually needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Others' injuries and property | Every rider (required in most states) |
| Uninsured / underinsured motorist | Your injuries when the at-fault driver lacks insurance | Strongly worth it; riders are badly hurt in crashes |
| Collision | Damage to your bike in a crash | Required by a lender on a financed bike |
| Comprehensive | Theft, fire, vandalism, weather | Newer or valuable bikes |
| Accessories / custom parts | Saddlebags, exhausts, aftermarket parts | Customized bikes |
Collision and comprehensive are what make a full-coverage bike policy cost more than the liability figures above. If the bike is financed, the lender will require both, so add them before comparing a loan payment with your budget.
For cars, compare state averages on average cost of auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How much is motorcycle insurance per month?
About $68 to $99 a month for basic liability at the California survey medians ($821 to $1,188 a year), depending on the bike and city.
Is motorcycle insurance cheaper than car insurance?
For liability, usually yes: the same insurers charged 0.44 to 0.64 times a sedan's liability price in the California survey.
Is motorcycle insurance required?
Yes in nearly every state for regular motorcycles. Rules for mopeds and PIP differ; Florida's PIP requirement does not apply to motorcycles.
Sources
- 2026 Automobile Insurance Comparison Tool (Auto Premium Survey)
- California Insurance Code §1861.02 and §1861.025 (rating factors, good driver)
- Florida Statutes §627.732 and §627.733 (no-fault PIP security)
- Insurance requirements
- RCW 46.30.020, Liability insurance or other financial responsibility required
- Auto insurance
- Auto Insurance Database Report 2022/2023