Does my motorcycle insurance policy cover passengers?

The short answer is, it depends on your policy details and where you live. Coverage for motorcycle passengers and their medical bills is typically optional, not standard, and requirements vary by state. Check with your insurance agent or customer representative to find out what’s mandatory in your state of residence.Common forms of medical coverage for motorcycle passengers include:Guest passenger liability: This pays for your rider’s medical bills, up to policy limits, if you are found at fault for causing an accident. Personal injury protection (PIP): If you live in what’s known as a “no-fault” state, you will likely have to purchase PIP, which covers medical expenses for both you and your passenger, regardless of who is liable for causing the accident. PIP also can cover lost wages and related expenses.Medical payment (MedPay): This covers medical expenses for both you and your passenger, no matter who is held liable for causing the accident.Uninsured/Underinsured motorist: This coverage applies to both medical bills and property damage that either you or your passenger suffers as the result of an accident that is caused by someone with insufficient or no insurance.

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Best Motorcycle Insurance of 2024

By Scott Nyerges

Reviewed by Stephen Yao, Ph.D.

Updated: Dec. 21, 2023

By Scott Nyerges

Reviewed by Stephen Yao, Ph.D.

Updated: Dec. 21, 2023

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Table of Contents

Best Motorcycle Insurance
Things to Consider When Buying
How We Chose

More

Much like car insurance, motorcycle insurance is designed to protect you and your bike from the financial losses that can result from an accident, theft, or vandalism. It also protects you from liability should you damage someone else’s property or cause injury to others.

Requirements for motorcycle insurance vary widely, but nearly all states in the U.S. require some degree of coverage. Many motorcycle insurance companies will write policies for everything from daily cruisers and scooters to vintage bikes and even ATVs. Coverage for accessories like side cars or custom saddles is also common, as is roadside assistance. We researched and reviewed the best motorcycle insurance companies to sign up for, taking into account coverage types, price, policy customization options, and more.

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Best Overall: Progressive

Pros:

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts coverage available
Replacement cost coverage included
Coverage for personal belongings available

Cons:

Premiums may not be the lowest
Discounts vary by state

Progressive Insurance is our top choice for best motorcycle insurance company, based on our analysis. Unlike some insurers, Progressive makes replacement cost coverage a standard part of its comprehensive and collision protection. Should your bike be damaged in an accident, your Progressive policy will ensure that original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are used for repairs and rebuilds. And if you’ve customized your bike, custom parts will be used, up to the standard policy limit of $3,000. (You can add up to $30,000 in coverage if your bike is truly one of a kind.)

Progressive also offers a relatively wide array of additional coverage options, including roadside assistance and trip-interruption protection, which may appeal to long-distance cruisers in particular. Riders with a clean record may want to consider the Disappearing Deductible option, which can reduce your premium by 25% or more. And there’s Carried Contents coverage, which protects personal belongings carried on your bike, from phones to luggage. The insurer offers a number of discounts that could reduce your bill, but availability varies by state.

A number of factors can influence premium prices, including where you live, the kind of bike you ride, how often and how far you ride, and more. Like all insurers, Progressive promises low rates for motorcycle insurance. But that may not always be the case for everyone. For example, in our analysis of the cheapest car insurance companies, Progressive’s sample rate was just below the national average but considerably more than companies like USAA and Geico. Bottom line: Get quotes from at least three insurers and compare rates and coverages before you buy.

Coverage Types:

Liability coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
Comprehensive and collision
Medical payments

Add-Ons and Customization:

Total loss coverage for a new motorcycle
Roadside assistance and trip interruption
Carried Contents
Disappearing Deductible
Enhanced injury protection

Financial Strength:

A+ (Superior)

Discounts and Benefits:

Quote in advance
Multi-policy
Association member
Safety course
Switch or transfer from another company
Responsible driver
Safe and Steady Rider
Pay in full
Pay on time
Automatic bill-pay (electronic funds transfer)
Small accident forgiveness
Large accident forgiveness

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Best for Daily Commuters: Geico

Pros:

Discounts for a variety of riders
Multiple payment plan options
Widely available across the U.S.

Cons:

Not all discounts available in all states
Lower rates may be available elsewhere

Geico is our pick for offering the best motorcycle insurance for daily commuters. It’s one of the few insurance companies we analyzed that is available in nearly every state and Washington, D.C. Geico also stands out for offering a number of options for paying your premium: all at once, monthly, or in four, six, or nine installments. That kind of flexibility could appeal to budget-conscious riders.

When it comes to savings, Geico offers a number of discounts to policyholders, including one for bike owners who transfer their policies from another insurer. The company touts savings of up to 10% for many of its advertised discounts, though individual savings will vary and not all discounts are available in all states.

When it comes to rates, Geico may be worth checking out; they have some of the cheapest sample premiums when it comes to car insurance. But a low sample rate is no guarantee you’ll pay the same or less. Experts recommend contacting at least three insurers for quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Geico offers coverage for a range of motorcycle types, including custom- and self-built bikes, as well as optional protection for accessories including seats, saddlebags, electronics, as well as trike conversion kits and more. Much like Progressive, Geico offers a number of other insurance products, including home, renters, auto, and pet insurance, so there are also opportunities to save by bundling policies.

Coverage Types:

Liability coverage
Collision coverage
Comprehensive coverage
Personal injury protection
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Add-Ons and Customization:

Accessories coverage
Helmet coverage
Emergency roadside service

Discounts and Benefits:

Transferring policy from another insurer
Owning more than one motorcycle
Renewing your policy
Completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation or military safety course
Insuring your car with Geico
Mature riders

Financial Strength:

A++ (Superior)

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Best for Motorcycle Collectors: Foremost

Pros:

Tiered insurance plans for collector and vintage bikes
Optional replacement cost coverage for up to five years on new bikes
Track Day coverage available

Cons:

Not available in all states
Fewer advertised discounts than competing insurers

Foremost motorcycle insurance could be a good option for people who own vintage bikes or have a sizable stable of motorcycles. Unlike some insurance companies we looked at, Foremost offers a number of packages for riders, including liability-only and three levels of standard coverage (Saver, Plus, and Elite).

If you own a vintage bike – one that’s more than 25 years old and has been either restored or has just been well maintained – there are two additional tiers of coverage available. The same goes for one-of-a-kind and limited-run custom bikes, as well as motorcycles with more than $30,000 worth of optional equipment.

Like many companies, Foremost insures a range of motorcycles, including high-end sport bikes. Unlike most insurers on this list, which will not insure policies for bikes used in organized racing activities, Foremost offers optional Track Day coverage.

Motorcycle collectors may also want to consider Foremost’s travel trailer insurance, which provides up to $10,000 in coverage. The company also offers policies for low-speed or neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) like golf carts. Foremost is owned by the Farmers Group of Insurance Companies.

Perhaps the biggest drawback is that Foremost motorcycle insurance isn’t available in several states. We could only get online quotes for Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington state, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C. Additionally, the Foremost website only lists three policy discounts, far fewer than the other companies in this roundup.

Coverage Types:

Helmet and safety apparel coverage
First accident forgiveness
Track Day coverage
Deductible Waiver
Total Loss Settlement

Add-Ons and Customization:

Optional Equipment Coverage
Towing and Roadside Assistance
Transport Trailer Coverage
Diminishing Deductible

Discounts and Benefits:

Multi-vehicle
Multi-policy
Endorsement

Financial Strength:

A (Excellent)

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Best for Custom Bike Owners: Safeco

Pros:

Coverage available for homemade and kit bikes
Replacement cost provision for Harley-Davidson owners
Roadside assistance options available

Cons:

Must speak with agent in order to complete policy purchase
Relatively few discounts

We chose Safeco as the best insurance company for custom bike owners because it offers coverage that can be customized for bikes that are one of a kind or built from a kit. It also offers optional replacement cost coverage protection specifically for Harley-Dadivson riders, which may be worth considering for owners of high-end hogs. Roadside assistance is also available.

Safeco also offers policyholder discounts, among them savings for taking a motorcycle safety course, for bundling your coverage with another Safeco policy, and for going claim-free during the prior 12-month term, even if you were with another insurer for some or all of that time. But Safeco also has far fewer advertised discounts than other insurers in this review. Check with a company representative for other savings opportunities.

You can begin a policy quote on the Safeco website, but you’ll need to speak with a customer representative or local agent in order to complete a purchase.

Coverage Types:

Bodily Injury Liability
Collision/Comprehensive
OEM Manufacturer Parts Coverage

Add-Ons and Customization:

Safety Apparel Coverage
Harley Davidson Replacement Cost Provision
Roadside Assistance

Discounts and Benefits:

Claim-free
Bundling
Safety Course
Experienced Riders

Financial Strength:

A (Excellent)

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Best for Harley-Davidson Riders: Harley-Davidson Insurance

Pros:

Can be purchased from Harley dealers or online
Available to Harley-Davidson and non-Harley riders alike
Other financial services offered, like bike loans

Cons:

Unavailable in Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C.
Doesn’t offer home, life, pet, and other insurance products

Harley-Davidson Insurance is the best motorcycle insurance company for Harley owners. Other insurers offer discounts to Harley-Davidson owners, but only Harley-Davidson can boast that it insures the bikes it also manufactures. You don’t need to own a hog in order to purchase a policy from this company, however. Harley-Davidson Insurance will insure most makes and models, including vintage and collector bikes. But if you’re about to buy a new bike at a Harley dealer, it can offer you one-stop shopping from a loan on that cruiser to insurance, not to mention extended protection plans and even a branded Visa card.

Harley-Davidson Insurance is available to most riders in the U.S., but it’s not offered in Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C. It also doesn’t offer other insurance products, such as home, car, life, or pet insurance, meaning you won’t be able to bundle policies for one-stop shopping.

Coverage Types:

Guest passenger liability
Bodily injury liability
Property damage liability
Comprehensive coverage
Collision coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
MedPay/PIP

Add-Ons and Customization:

Roadside assistance
Optional equipment coverage
Vacation rental insurance
Optional equipment replacement cost
Bike replacement cost
Rental reimbursement

Discounts and Benefits:

New bike
Harley Owners Group member
Motorcycle endorsement
Experienced Rider
H-D Riding Academy
Homeowner
Prompt Payer
Claim-free Renewal
Bundled protection
Loyalty
Multi-cycle
Antitheft
Military/law enforcement

Financial Strength:

A+ (Superior)

The Bottom Line

A big insurer like Progressive is going to be the best choice for many riders because of the wide range of coverages, discounts, and other options it offers. But as with all kinds of insurance, it pays to shop around. Another big insurer, Geico, may also offer competitive rates for bikers, particularly everyday riders. But if you’ve got a lot invested in a custom or restored motorcycle, or you are involved in organized racing, a company like Foremost that offers specialized coverage could be worth a look, too.

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Things to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Insurance

Coverage options: Each state sets its own requirements for motorcycle insurance, but most riders will need to carry some form of liability insurance at minimum. A standard motorcycle insurance policy typically includes:
Liability protection against property damage and bodily injury to others that you’re held responsible for.
Comprehensive coverage applies to damage caused to your motorcycle, such as damage to the body or windshield, as well as theft, vandalism, and the like.
Collision insurance is also included. This applies to damage to your bike sustained in an accident with another vehicle or object, regardless of liability.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage also may be included. This coverage applies to damage to your bike and injuries you may sustain in an accident where the other person either lacks sufficient insurance to cover your bills or is not insured.
Medical payments (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is included with some policies. This insurance applies to healthcare for any injuries you or your passengers may have sustained in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Roadside assistance is a common add-on among insurers and will pay for towing, jumpstarts, flat-tire repair, running out of gas, and other mishaps.
Accessories and helmet coverage is another popular add-on worth considering, especially if you’ve tricked out your bike with custom gear like a saddle or have a helmet with a built-in intercom or other pricey electronic components.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts coverage ensures that your motorcycle will be repaired using components from the bike’s manufacturer, not from a third party.
Standard motorcycle insurance coverage varies according to state law, and additional coverage options may be available from your insurer. Of course, the more you augment your policy, the higher your premium is likely to be, so pay attention to the bottom line when you get a quote.
Policy exclusions: Nearly every insurance policy contains some sort of exclusion clause, which outlines what is not covered. Many insurers won’t cover you if you participate in an organized racing event, for instance (if you do race legally, look for an insurer like Foremost that offers Track Day coverage). Using your motorcycle to run a delivery service or as a taxi is also commonly excluded from coverage. So is any damage that you’ve caused intentionally to your bike, as well as normal wear and tear.
Discounts and benefits: Many insurers offer discounts for bundling policies, such as home insurance with car and motorcycle insurance. If you live in a snow-prone region of the country, you also may qualify for a “lay-up” insurance policy, which drops your coverage to comprehensive-only during winter when you won’t be riding.

Other common savings include (but aren’t limited to) discounts for insuring multiple bikes, maintaining a clean riding record, taking a safety course, paying your premium in full, and being a member of an affinity group like the American Motorcycle Association. Not all insurers offer the same discounts, however, so pay attention when shopping for the best rates.

How We Chose The Best Motorcycle Insurance

At U.S. News 360 Reviews, our editors consulted a number of expert sources to conduct this review. We narrowed down our selection with additional research, paying particular attention to policy ad-ons, discounts, and offerings for riders with a variety of interests from daily commuting to weekend cruising, as well as racing and collecting. We also took the company’s financial strength into account. Overall, we found that the best policy is one that combines affordability with sufficient protection for your needs, especially owners of vintage bikes and custom motorcycles.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Our contributors and editors have years of experience researching, testing, and reviewing products. Scott Nyerges, the author of this piece and a senior editor for 360 Reviews, has more than a decade of consumer news and product review experience in insurance, health and fitness, shopping, travel, and food. He has worked for Consumer Reports, ThoughtCo, and ConsumerSearch.

FAQs

According to our research, the best motorcycle insurance company for most people is Progressive. It is available to most riders in the U.S. and offers a wider range of policy add-ons and discount opportunities.

However, you may find better rates with a different insurer in our article, depending on what kind of motorcycle you own, how often you ride (and how far), where you live, and more. Experts recommend consulting at least three insurers when getting quotes on motorcycle insurance.

The short answer is, it depends on your policy details and where you live. Coverage for motorcycle passengers and their medical bills is typically optional, not standard, and requirements vary by state. Check with your insurance agent or customer representative to find out what’s mandatory in your state of residence.

Common forms of medical coverage for motorcycle passengers include:

Guest passenger liability: This pays for your rider’s medical bills, up to policy limits, if you are found at fault for causing an accident.
Personal injury protection (PIP): If you live in what’s known as a “no-fault” state, you will likely have to purchase PIP, which covers medical expenses for both you and your passenger, regardless of who is liable for causing the accident. PIP also can cover lost wages and related expenses.
Medical payment (MedPay): This covers medical expenses for both you and your passenger, no matter who is held liable for causing the accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured motorist: This coverage applies to both medical bills and property damage that either you or your passenger suffers as the result of an accident that is caused by someone with insufficient or no insurance.

Yes, in many cases you can buy motorcycle insurance without having a motorcycle license (such as a Class M designation). For example, you may own a vintage Harley that you don’t ride currently but still want to make sure it’s protected. But insurers likely will view an unlicensed rider as a higher risk to cover and may charge a substantially higher premium than for a licensed rider with a good record.

Remember, it is illegal to ride a motorcycle in nearly every state without being insured. In addition, it is against the law to ride without a valid motorcycle license or to ride an unregistered bike.

Generally speaking, sport bikes are the most expensive kind of motorcycle to insure. The kind of bike you ride is but one factor that insurers take into account when determining your motorcycle insurance premium. Your age, where you live, how often and how far you ride, and other data will influence the price you pay.

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

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