As you search for the right motorcycle insurance coverage, you try to balance two priorities: protecting your bike without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the cost of motorcycle insurance depends on you. Let’s investigate the elements that determine your insurance premiums—and the actions you can take to help reduce your costs.
You probably have a good idea of your current credit score. But did you know you also have an insurance score? This score correlates to your likelihood of filing an insurance claim. Higher insurance scores typically contribute to lower motorcycle insurance premiums, though this varies by provider.
Also, keep in mind that while your credit score impacts your insurance score, it’s not the only factor. Carriers also consider your accident history and insurance history.
Aside from Florida and New Hampshire, every state requires motorcycle owners like you to carry motorcycle liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage. Beyond that, it’s up to you to choose the coverages that make sense for you. You’ve got plenty of options—here are a few Dairyland® motorcycle insurance coverages that provide value to our customers:
Riding experience is a key factor in limiting accidents. Because experience tends to increase with age, motorcycle insurance premiums often start comparatively high for young riders—especially those in their teens and early 20s—and then gradually decrease until riders reach their 70s.
Insurance providers in some states also consider your gender when determining your premiums. That said, the difference in yearly rates between riders who identify as male or female is typically negligible.
Insurance providers review your driving record—your history of accidents, violations and tickets, license suspensions, and other factors—to determine how likely you may be to file a claim in the future. If your driving record is spotless, you’ll likely find cheaper motorcycle insurance rates, all other things being equal.
Do you make your daily commutes on your motorcycle, or are you more of a weekend warrior? The more time you spend on your bike, the more likely you are to eventually experience an accident or other incident and submit a claim. Your rates will probably go up accordingly.
Do you live in a warm area that allows for year-round riding, or does your bike spend half the year in the garage to protect it from snow and ice? The more frequently you ride, the higher your accident risk. And even though months-long storage can increase your theft risk, it’s outweighed by your lack of road time, so your insurance premiums will typically be lower.
Each state establishes its own minimum requirements for motorcycle insurance coverage. The more coverage you’re required to purchase—types of coverage as well as coverage limits—the higher your premiums will generally be.
Motorcycle insurance costs can vary significantly by state. According to ValuePenguin, the national average cost for motorcycle insurance is around $700 per year. But remember, that’s just the average—your state’s average cost could be as low as $382/year (North Dakota), or as high as $1,360/year (California). Talk with your local insurance providers to get a better sense of your state’s average.
Also, keep in mind that motorcycle laws vary by state as well. These laws won’t always directly impact your premiums, but upgrading your bike or your gear to comply with state laws is an expense all the same.
There are plenty of ways to make your motorcycle insurance even more affordable, some of which aren’t even directly related to riding! Give us a call today—you could be eligible for one or more of these Dairyland discounts:
Now that you know what to expect as you research motorcycle insurance costs, it’s time to get a quote from Dairyland and see just how much you can start saving today. It’s as simple as picking up the phone or clicking the button below.
We’re committed to helping you find the right motorcycle insurance coverage at the right price. We know there’s a lot to consider, but you’ve got a knowledgeable team on your side.
Till next time, ride safe!