$141Liability-only per year, age 40
$364Full coverage per year, age 40
$1,446Full coverage per year, age 16
$3,948Full coverage per year, 1,000cc sport bike
Key takeaway: For a 40-year-old with a clean record on a mid-size standard bike, MoneyGeek puts average motorcycle insurance at about $141 a year for liability-only and $364 for full coverage. Young riders, sport bikes and some states cost several times more: a 16-year-old pays about $1,446 a year for full coverage, and a 1,000cc sport bike about $3,948.
How we put this guide together: Figures come from MoneyGeek’s October 2026 analysis (full coverage = 100/300/50 liability with $1,000 deductibles) and Insurify’s 2026 rider data. The two use different riders and bikes, so their averages differ. Prices vary by state, bike and rider; figures were checked in October 2026. See our advertiser disclosure.

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National averages

SourceLiability-onlyFull coverageBasis
MoneyGeek$141 / yr (~$12 / mo)$364 / yr (~$30 / mo)40-year-old, clean record, 2018 Honda Rebel 500
Insurify~$81 / mo~$179 / moInsurify’s mix of riders and bikes

Costs by age

Rider ageMinimum cover / yrFull cover / yr
16$453$1,446
19$335$1,230
25$201$820
40$154$571
50$151$515
80$162$529

Source: MoneyGeek, October 2026; clean record, 2023 Honda CRF450RL.

Prices fall steeply from the teens to the mid-20s and are lowest around 50 to 55, then rise slightly for older riders.

Costs by bike type

  • Standard bikes under 500cc usually cost the least.
  • Sport bikes cost the most because of theft and repair costs: about $347 a year for minimum cover and $3,948 for full coverage on a 2021 Honda 1,000cc sport model in MoneyGeek’s data. See sport bike insurance.
  • Touring bikes with expensive accessories cost more to insure for physical damage.
  • Classic bikes can be cheaper with agreed-value classic policies; see classic motorcycle insurance.

Costs by state

For the benchmark rider and bike, MoneyGeek found monthly full-coverage averages from about $14 in Montana to $47 in Rhode Island, and minimum-cover averages from about $6 in Alaska to $24 in Rhode Island. New Jersey and Rhode Island are among the most expensive states; Montana and Alaska among the cheapest.

What drives your price

  • Age and riding experience
  • Bike type, engine size and value
  • Riding record: tickets and accidents raise prices
  • Location: theft rates, traffic and state rules
  • Coverage and deductibles: full coverage costs more than liability; higher deductibles cost less
  • Endorsement and training: riders without a motorcycle endorsement paid 12% more at Progressive in MoneyGeek’s analysis
  • How much and when you ride, and where you store the bike

How to pay less

  1. Take an approved safety course and get your endorsement.
  2. Bundle with your car or home insurance; see our discounts guide.
  3. Raise deductibles from $250 to $500 or $1,000 if you have savings.
  4. Install anti-theft devices and store the bike in a garage.
  5. Choose a smaller or standard bike if you’re new to riding.
  6. Compare insurers; see our insurer comparison.

Frequently asked questions

How much is motorcycle insurance a year?

About $141 for liability-only and $364 for full coverage for a 40-year-old on a mid-size bike, per MoneyGeek’s October 2026 data.

Why is motorcycle insurance so expensive for young riders?

Young, inexperienced riders crash more often. A 16-year-old pays about 2.5 times what a 40-year-old pays for full coverage.

Are sport bikes more expensive to insure?

Yes, much more. A 1,000cc sport bike cost about $3,948 a year for full coverage in MoneyGeek’s data.

Which state has the cheapest motorcycle insurance?

Montana and Alaska were among the cheapest in MoneyGeek’s data; Rhode Island and New Jersey among the most expensive.

Is full coverage worth it on a motorcycle?

If your bike is financed, new or valuable, yes. On an older, low-value bike, liability with medical and uninsured motorist cover may be enough.

Sources

Insurance prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.