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Pennsylvania motorcycle insurance

Illustration of landscape of Amish Country in Lancaster, PennsylvaniaIllustration of landscape of Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania—known as "Rocksylvania" to Appalachian Trail thru-hikers—doesn't have to be a rocky road, so long as you have motorcycle insurance. With the right coverage, you can enjoy all the natural beauty the state has to offer. From massive canyons to breathtaking views of the night sky, Pennsylvania's adventures will satiate any rider's desire for an exceptional ride.

What’s required for all motorcycle riders in Pennsylvania?

Whether you’re exploring the Keystone State’s vast open countryside or a one-way street in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation states that you’re required to have specific equipment to ensure you and your bike remain street legal:

  • Helmets: As a rider or passenger, you need to wear a helmet unless you’re at least 21 years old and meet at least one of these two requirements:

    • You’ve accumulated two or more years of riding experience

    • You’ve completed a motorcycle safety course approved by the Pennsylvania DOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation

  • Eyewear: While shatter-proof eyewear is encouraged, any type of protective eyewear will comply with Pennsylvania laws

  • Mufflers: Mufflers are required, and alterations to increase sound aren’t permitted

  • Mirrors: Your bike is required to have at least one rearview mirror

  • Headlight: Your bike’s headlight must be functional 

To get a Class M license, you’ll need to pass a basic motorcycle knowledge test and apply for a Class M learner's permit. Learner’s permits allow you to ride between sunrise and sunset while under the instruction and supervision of someone who has a Class M license. Class M permit holders aren’t allowed to have passengers other than a properly licensed instructor. The permit is valid for one year.

Applicants under the age of 18 must hold their permit for a minimum of six months and accrue 65 hours of supervised riding before taking the skills test. They’re also required to take and complete a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course, which contributes 15 hours toward the 65-hour minimum.

Illustration of a rider on a motorcycle

What are the motorcycle insurance requirements in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania broadly defines a motorcycle as:

"Any motor vehicle having: a seat or saddle for the use of each rider; not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor; and a combustion engine with a piston or rotor displacement of 50cc or greater."

All motorcycle riders in Pennsylvania must carry insurance coverage. State laws mandate the following minimum limits:

  • Bodily injury liability: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident

  • Property damage liability: $5,000 per accident

  • Pedestrian first party benefits: $5,000

In addition to meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements, it’s also crucial that you cover your total assets in the event of a loss. Consider these additional coverage options:

Bodily injury and guest passenger liability

Guest passenger liability must be equal to bodily injury, and limits must be the same on all vehicles.

  • $15,000/$30,000

  • $50,000/$100,000 

  • $100,000/$300,000

  • $250,000/$500,000

Property damage liability

Limits must be the same on all vehicles.

  • $5,000

  • $10,000 

  • $25,000 

  • $50,000

  • $100,000

Uninsured motorist bodily injury

Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory, but you’ll need to reject it if you choose not to purchase it. Limits must be the same on all vehicles and must be equal to or less than bodily injury limits; limits lower than bodily injury must be rejected. Stacked limits must be rejected.

  • $15,000/$30,000

  • $25,000/$50,000

  • $50,000/$100,000

  • $100,000/$300,000

  • $250,000/$500,000

Underinsured motorist bodily injury

Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory, but you’ll need to reject it if you choose not to purchase it. Limits must be the same on all vehicles and must be equal to or less than bodily injury limits; limits lower than bodily injury must be explicitly rejected by the insured.

Stacked and unstacked options are available. This means you have the options to purchase limits that can be combined across all vehicles you insure. You must reject this option if you wish to purchase limits applied to only one vehicle.

  • $15,000/$30,000

  • $25,000/$50,000 

  • $50,000/$100,000

  • $100,000/$300,000

  • $250,000/$500,000

Be sure you take the opportunity to review the available uninsured and underinsured coverage limits and corresponding premiums as part of your application process.

Still have questions regarding which insurance coverages make sense for you or your bike? Contact us or one of our helpful independent agents.

Illustration of a motorcycle with money and checkmark icons

Build a policy that makes sense for you

Review our motorcycle insurance coverage recommendations for more information.

Want to explore Pennsylvania off the beaten path? We have coverage options for your:
Illustration of Pennsylvania

Does Pennsylvania have any optional motorcycle insurance coverages?

Yes—we have plenty of additional options to help protect you and your bike:

Medical payments

Medical payments coverage isn't mandatory in Pennsylvania, but if you have it, your limits must be the same for each covered vehicle. Optional coverage amounts include:

  • $500

  • $1,000

  • $2,000

  • $5,000

Comprehensive and collision

These coverages can help protect you financially if your motorcycle is damaged in an incident, regardless of who was at fault.

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How to get a motorcycle insurance quote

Insurance quotes are quick and free. You’ll just need to:

Illustration of the number one in a circle

Have your bike’s year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) on hand.

Illustration of the number two in a circle

Answer some additional questions about your bike (e.g. customizations, where it’s kept, whether you’ve taken a rider safety course, etc.).

Illustration of the number three in a circle

Select the coverages you want.

Motorcycle insurance discounts

We offer money-saving insurance discounts on our already affordable rates. Here are just a few of the discounts available to you:

  • Multi-vehicle

  • Homeowners

  • Paid-in-full

  • Safety course

  • Transfer

Motorcycle rides in Pennsylvania
Amish horse and buggy on a road near a corn field

Ready to ride the Big Valley? Pennsylvania Route 655 takes you along 83 miles of scenic woodland and past historic Amish communities. Start planning your trip today with our rider’s guide.

Beautiful starry night sky

Pennsylvania is home to a hidden gem of a motorcycle route. PA Route 44 offers miles of woodland riding and some of the state’s best stargazing along Highway to the Stars.

View of a river bend in autumn

Pennsylvania Route 6 crosses the entire state, taking you through lush valleys and through historic towns. With route guidance, safety tips, and more, our guide will help you plan your ride.

Get a Pennsylvania motorcycle insurance quote

With a motorcycle insurance policy, you can take your time and savor all of Pennsylvania’s attractions. It may take time to explore every nook and cranny of the Keystone State—but as riders like you know, it's about the journey, not the destination.

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