How much is motorcycle insurance in the USA in 2026? See average costs, what affects your premium, and proven tips to lower your motorcycle insurance.
Motorcycle ownership in the USA is fun—but insurance cost can surprise many riders, especially beginners.
People often search:
- “motorcycle insurance cost USA”
- “how much is motorcycle insurance per month?”
- “cheap motorcycle insurance near me”
- “motorcycle insurance for new riders”
The truth is: motorcycle insurance is not one fixed price. Your premium depends on:
- your age
- your riding record
- your bike type (sport vs cruiser)
- where you live
- coverage level
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✅ average motorcycle insurance cost in the USA
✅ liability vs full coverage
✅ sport bike vs cruiser insurance cost difference
✅ factors that increase or decrease your rate
✅ how to get cheaper insurance
✅ FAQs
Quick Answer (Featured Snippet)
Motorcycle insurance in the USA in 2026 usually costs around $15 to $70 per month for liability-only, and $50 to $200+ per month for full coverage, depending on your state, age, riding experience, and motorcycle type. Sport bikes typically cost more to insure than cruisers and standard bikes.
Average Motorcycle Insurance Cost in the USA (2026)
Most riders pay in this range:
✅ Liability-Only Insurance
Average range: $15–$70/month
Best for: older bikes, budget riders, basic legal coverage
✅ Full Coverage Insurance
Average range: $50–$200+/month
Best for: financed bikes, newer bikes, higher protection
Why full coverage costs more:
- it covers damage to your bike too
- it includes theft and other risk protection
What’s Included in Motorcycle Insurance?
Motorcycle insurance can include:
✅ Liability coverage
Pays for damage or injuries you cause to others.
✅ Collision coverage
Pays for your bike damage after an accident.
✅ Comprehensive coverage
Covers theft, vandalism, weather, and animal damage.
✅ Uninsured/underinsured motorist
Helps if someone hits you without enough insurance.
✅ Medical payments (MedPay)
Can help with medical bills depending on policy.
Not every state requires the same minimum coverage.
Why Sport Bike Insurance Is More Expensive
If you’re buying a sport bike, expect higher insurance costs.
Sport bikes are expensive to insure because:
- higher accident risk
- faster speeds
- expensive repairs
- higher theft rates in many areas
Examples of higher-cost categories:
❌ 600cc supersports
❌ aggressive performance bikes
❌ high theft models
Lower-cost categories:
✅ small displacement bikes (300–500cc)
✅ cruisers
✅ standard/naked bikes
✅ beginner-friendly models
Average Motorcycle Insurance Cost by Bike Type
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Bike Type | Insurance Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mini bikes (Grom/Navi) | Lowest | low power + low risk |
| Beginner 300–500cc | Low | controlled power |
| Cruisers | Low–Medium | stable riding style |
| Standard/Naked bikes | Medium | balanced |
| Touring bikes | Medium | expensive bike value |
| Sport bikes | Highest | speed + risk |
What Affects Motorcycle Insurance Cost the Most?
1) Your Age
This is one of the biggest factors.
- Under 25 → highest rates
- 25–40 → lower
- 40–60 → usually best rates
- 60+ → may increase again
2) Your Riding Experience
New riders pay more because insurance companies see them as higher risk.
Taking a certified safety course can help lower your rate.
3) Your Motorcycle Engine Size
Engine size matters a lot.
✅ cheaper:
- 125cc
- 250cc
- 300cc
- 400cc
❌ expensive:
- 600cc
- 750cc
- 1000cc+
4) Your Location (State + City)
Motorcycle insurance can vary because:
- theft rates differ
- accident rates differ
- weather risks differ
Big cities often cost more than rural areas.
5) Your Driving and Riding Record
Tickets and accidents raise rates.
Major red flags:
- DUI
- reckless driving
- repeated speeding tickets
6) Your Coverage Choice
Full coverage costs more than liability-only.
Also:
Lower deductible = higher monthly premium
Higher deductible = lower monthly premium
7) Where You Park Your Bike
Parking inside a garage can reduce theft risk and help lower cost.
Motorcycle Insurance Cost Examples (Simple)
Example 1: Beginner Rider + Sport Bike
- age: 20–25
- bike: sport 600cc
- coverage: full
✅ cost can be very high (sometimes $200+ per month)
Example 2: New Rider + Rebel 500
- age: 25–35
- bike: cruiser 500cc
- coverage: full
✅ cost is usually much lower
Example 3: Mini Bike + Liability Only
- bike: Grom
- coverage: liability only
✅ very low monthly cost possible
How to Get Cheap Motorcycle Insurance in the USA (Best Tips)
Here are the best ways to save money:
✅ 1) Choose the Right Beginner Bike
If you want cheaper insurance, avoid high-power sport bikes.
Best cheap-to-insure bikes:
- Honda Rebel 300/500
- Kawasaki Ninja 400
- Yamaha MT-03
- Honda CB500F
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350
✅ 2) Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
Many insurers offer discounts if you complete training.
Bonus:
You also become a safer rider.
✅ 3) Bundle Insurance Policies
If you already have car insurance, bundling may reduce total cost.
✅ 4) Increase Your Deductible
Higher deductible can lower your monthly payment.
Just make sure you can afford it if something happens.
✅ 5) Store Your Bike Safely
Garage storage helps reduce theft risk.
Also consider:
- disc lock
- chain lock
- GPS tracker
✅ 6) Shop Quotes Every Year
Insurance rates change often.
Compare multiple providers annually.
✅ 7) Don’t Overinsure an Old Bike
If your bike is older and cheap, full coverage might not be worth it.
Liability-only can be enough for budget bikes.
Liability vs Full Coverage: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Liability-Only If:
✅ your bike is older
✅ your bike is paid off
✅ you want the lowest cost
✅ you can afford repairs yourself
Choose Full Coverage If:
✅ your bike is financed
✅ your bike is new or expensive
✅ you want theft protection
✅ you want maximum protection
Common Motorcycle Insurance Mistakes
❌ buying a high-power sport bike first
❌ choosing lowest coverage without thinking
❌ forgetting theft protection
❌ not comparing quotes
❌ ignoring safety gear (reduces injury risk)
FAQs
Q1. How much is motorcycle insurance per month in the USA?
Most riders pay around $15–$70/month for liability-only and $50–$200+/month for full coverage.
Q2. Is motorcycle insurance cheaper than car insurance?
Often yes, but sport bikes can be as expensive as car insurance or more.
Q3. Why is sport bike insurance so expensive?
Sport bikes have higher accident risk and expensive repair costs.
Q4. Does engine size affect motorcycle insurance?
Yes, bigger engines usually mean higher insurance premiums.
Q5. How can I lower my motorcycle insurance quickly?
Take a safety course, shop around, increase deductible, and choose a beginner-friendly bike.
Final Thoughts
Motorcycle insurance in the USA in 2026 depends on your bike type and rider profile. If you want affordable coverage:
✅ start with a beginner-friendly bike
✅ keep a clean record
✅ take a safety course
✅ compare insurance quotes
✅ store your bike safely
Your best “cheap insurance” motorcycle choices are usually:
- Rebel 500
- Ninja 400
- MT-03
- Hunter 350