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Kentucky motorcycle insurance

Kentucky is known for its incredible natural beauty—the ideal backdrop for a motorcycle road trip. But whether you’re planning to visit Cumberland Falls to experience the magnificent moonbow or tackle the twists and turns of the Rattlesnake, you're going to need motorcycle insurance.

What’s required for all motorcycle and moped riders in Kentucky?

When riding your motorcycle in the state of Kentucky, these are the laws you must follow according to the Kentucky State Police Department : 

  • Helmets: As an operator or passenger, you’re required to wear a helmet if you meet any of the following criteria:
    • You’re under 21 years old
    • Operator only: You have an instructional permit but no motorcycle license
    • Operator only: You’ve had your motorcycle license for less than one year
  • Eyewear: You’re required to wear approved eye protection if you’re going to ride your vehicle on the highway.
  • Permits: To apply for a motorcycle permit, you must either be at least 18 years old or hold a valid operator license. If you’re under 18, your parent or legal guardian needs to complete and sign the application. If you only have a permit, then you are not allowed any passengers.
  • Licenses: To get a license, you need to complete a general knowledge and vision test—no skills tests or learning permits are required. If you already have a valid license or permit (Class D, M, or a CDL), you don't need a motorcycle license.

Be sure to always carry proof of insurance. If you’re pulled over in Kentucky without an active motorcycle insurance policy, you could face a fine—or worse, lose your license.

Make sure your motorcycle is in ride-ready shape.

What are the motorcycle insurance requirements in Kentucky?

Whether you're riding a dirt bike, sport bike, or a chopper, you need to carry compulsory liability insurance. If you’re deemed at fault in an accident, this helps cover others' injury and property damage costs.

Kentucky's minimum liability coverage limits are:

  • $25,000 bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury per incident
  • $25,000 property damage per incident
  • $10,000 pedestrian personal injury per person

Choosing more protection than the bare minimum can help safeguard your finances.

Does Kentucky have any optional motorcycle insurance coverage?

Yes—at Dairyland®, we have plenty of options to help protect you and your bike:

  • Medical payments: Limits for this optional coverage must be the same on all vehicles on your policy, starting at $500.
  • Comprehensive and collision coverage: This coverage can help repair or replace your bike, clothing, and accessories (up to $60,000 actual cash value). Deductibles may vary between comprehensive and collision.
  • Roadside assistance: Roadside assistance helps cover you if you need towing, have a dead battery or a flat tire, or other common issues during a ride.

Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) are also optional, but you need to reject them if you choose not to purchase them.

Customize your motorcycle insurance coverage to create a reliable and affordable plan.

Kentucky motorcycle insurance discounts

We offer money-saving insurance discounts on our already competitive rates:

  • Multi-vehicle discount: You qualify for our multi-cycle discount if you insure more than one bike with us.
  • Homeowners discount: If you own your house, condo, townhouse, mobile home, or modular home, you may qualify for a multi-policy discount.
  • Anti-theft discount: You can receive a discount simply for having a bike-recovery device.
  • Paid-in-full discount: Enjoy savings if you pay your premium as a lump sum as opposed to a series of payments.
  • Operator safety course discount: If you've voluntarily taken and passed a motorcycle safety course in the past five years, you may qualify for this discount.
  • Motorcycle endorsement discount: Save money by getting a motorcycle license or endorsement.
  • Rider group discount: Are you part of a riding club or motorcycle association? Whether it's for specific motorcycle types, styles of riding, or a particular state or region, you may qualify for one of our discounts. Look for the rider group menu during your quote process.
  • H.O.G.® member discount:  The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is known worldwide. If you have the passion for riding a Harley and you're a H.O.G. member, make sure to get your special motorcycle insurance discount.
  • Transfer discount: Have motorcycle coverage with another insurance company? No problem. Switch to Dairyland as your provider, and we'll welcome you with a discount on your motorcycle insurance.

The above discounts are just some of the Kentucky-specific discounts available to you. Be sure to ask about any available discounts while you get your free quote.

Sites to see in Kentucky

The Hillbilly Triangle

The Red River runs through Daniel Boone National Forest. Along the river, you'll find a series of canyons known as the Red River Gorge. 

This geographical combination—known as the Hillbilly Triangle—offers you more than 200 miles of smooth roads that snake through forests, mountains, and even the gorge itself. Best of all, this is typically a low-traffic route.

Moonbow Over Cumberland Falls

Known as the Niagara of the South, Cumberland Falls is 68 feet high and 125 feet wide. On clear nights with a full moon, this waterfall offers the western hemisphere’s only reliable views of a moonbow—a rainbow formed by moonlight instead of direct sunlight.

The Kentucky Department of Parks regularly updates its moonbow schedule—check with them as you schedule your trip.

The Rattlesnake

This route delivers 150 turns in 12 miles through the beautiful foothills of the Daniel Boone National Forest. It’s so beloved that Kentucky officially named Highway 192 "The Rattlesnake," given the ride's reputation among bikers and sports car enthusiasts.

Highway 192 used to be the only road connecting the towns of London and Somerset. After Highway 80 was completed, however, 192 has received significantly less traffic—so you may have the road all to yourself.

Want to explore Kentucky off the beaten path? We have coverage options for your ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes.

Get a Kentucky motorcycle insurance quote

With coverage from Dairyland Insurance, you can take your time and savor all of Kentucky’s attractions. After all, you don't want a lack of motorcycle insurance to keep you from getting on the road.

Get insured and ride on.

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