Compare motorcycle insurance quotes
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What new riders pay
| Rider age | Minimum cover / yr | Full 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.
A 19-year-old pays more than twice what a 40-year-old pays for full coverage. Prices fall quickly with each year of experience and a clean record.
Training and your endorsement
- Motorcycle endorsement: MoneyGeek found Progressive charged riders without a motorcycle endorsement 12% more for full coverage.
- Safety courses: GEICO offers up to 10% off for completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation or military course. Harley-Davidson Insurance discounts riders who completed its New Rider Course or other training in the last five years.
- Better riding: training also reduces crash risk, and riders face far higher injury risk than drivers.
Choosing a bike that’s cheaper to insure
MoneyGeek notes standard motorcycles under 500cc usually cost the least to insure. Sport bikes cost far more, about $3,948 a year for full coverage on a 1,000cc model even for a 40-year-old, because of theft and repair costs. For a first bike, a modest standard or cruiser is easier on both your skills and your premium. See sport bike insurance.
Coverage choices for new riders
- Don’t skip uninsured motorist and medical payments cover. New riders are at greatest risk of injury.
- Full coverage if financed: lenders require collision and comprehensive.
- Consider liability-only on a cheap used first bike you could afford to replace.
- Pick a deductible you can pay; $500 to $1,000 lowers the premium.
See our coverage guide.
Safety and insurance go together
NHTSA data shows 6,335 motorcyclists died in 2023, 15% of all traffic deaths, even though motorcycles make up a small share of vehicles. Per mile, riders were about 28 times more likely to die than people in cars. Helmet use was 74% in 2023. Insurers price that risk in, especially for inexperienced riders, so a training course, proper gear and a cautious first season do more than lower your premium: they make a claim less likely in the first place.
Many new riders also benefit from practicing on a lighter bike before upgrading. Each year of claim-free riding moves you toward lower rates; in MoneyGeek’s data, full coverage fell from $1,230 at 19 to $820 at 25.
More ways to save
- Bundle with your car insurance or a parent’s policy where allowed.
- Install anti-theft devices and park in a garage.
- Pay in full rather than monthly.
- Re-shop at each birthday milestone and after your first claim-free year.
Our discounts guide lists more, and our insurer comparison shows which companies offer them.
Frequently asked questions
How much is motorcycle insurance for a new rider?
It depends on age: about $1,446 a year for full coverage at 16, $1,230 at 19 and $820 at 25, in MoneyGeek’s data for a clean-record rider.
Does a safety course lower motorcycle insurance?
Yes. GEICO offers up to 10% off for MSF or military courses, and many insurers give similar discounts.
Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to get insurance?
Some insurers will insure you without one, but MoneyGeek found Progressive charged 12% more for full coverage without it.
What is the cheapest motorcycle for a beginner to insure?
Standard motorcycles under 500cc usually cost the least.
Can I add my motorcycle to my parents’ policy?
Motorcycles usually need their own policy, but bundling with a household’s car insurance can earn discounts.
Sources
- MoneyGeek – Average cost of motorcycle insurance (Oct 2026)
- GEICO – Motorcycle insurance discounts
- Harley-Davidson Insurance – Discounts
- NHTSA – Motorcycle safety
- Progressive – Motorcycle coverages
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.