The folks over at MarketWatch Guides recently looked into motorcycle insurance companies to find the best. They chose Geico, Progressive, State Farm, Dairyland and Erie as the best motorcycle insurance companies based on cost, coverage and reputation. The original article post can be found here, or read below …
Finding the right motorcycle insurance can feel like a chore, but it’s both legally required and a smart choice for riders. Luckily, the best motorcycle insurance companies may offer affordable and extensive coverage plans to keep you protected on the road.
We at the Guides Auto Team have researched the best motorcycle insurance providers in the U.S. to find out which coverage plans rise above the rest. Focusing on each provider’s average costs, coverage details, reputation and customer experience, our experts compiled the top options for excellent and cost-effective motorcycle insurance.
Key Takeaways
- Geico is our top pick for motorcycle insurance for its low average rates and great reputation.
- Progressive offers the best selection of motorcycle insurance coverage options.
- Comparing multiple quotes is the best way to find affordable coverage for your bike.
Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies
It can be challenging to identify which companies offer the best motorcycle insurance policies, but we’ve done the research for you to find the industry’s top names. Read on to learn more about why we recommend each provider in detail, including average motorcycle insurance costs, coverage plans, discount opportunities and more.
| Overall Rating | Our Award | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Geico | 9.3 | Editor’s Choice |
| 2. Progressive | 9.0 | Most Comprehensive Coverage |
| 3. State Farm | 8.8 | Top Choice for Local Service |
| 4. Dairyland | 8.3 | Quality Coverage for High-Risk Riders |
| 5. Erie Insurance | 8.3 | Top Choice for Regional Coverage |
*Ratings are determined by our editorial review team. Learn more about our scoring methodology below.
Geico Motorcycle Insurance
With some of the industry’s lowest rates and good coverage options, Geico motorcycle insurance receives lots of praise. The company satisfies motorcycle riders with its low costs and various discount opportunities. Full coverage from Geico can help you get a new bike after a motorcycle accident or repair it after vandalism.
Geico is the country’s second-largest insurance provider. The company holds a sterling reputation across the industry and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Geico also holds an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best, highlighting its ability to reliably pay claims out to policyholders.
Pros
- Some of the industry’s lowest rates
- Outstanding reputation
- Easy-to-attain discounts
- Superior financial health
Cons
- Relatively low customer review scores
Geico Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
Geico offers motorcycle coverage choices ranging from basic insurance requirements to protection for sidecars and jackets. Though some other providers offer a greater selection of additional coverage options, you can expect to find enough protection to suit even experienced riders’ needs through Geico.
Geico offers the following coverage options:
- Bodily injury liability coverage
- Property damage liability coverage
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments coverage for medical bills
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Accessories coverage
- Roadside assistance and towing.
Source: Geico
Geico Motorcycle Insurance Cost
Here’s where Geico motorcycle insurance really shines. During our team’s research into how much motorcycle insurance is across the country, we found that Geico consistently offered some of the lowest premiums.
On top of this, you’ll find a plethora of discounts from Geico that are easy to qualify for. Some of the company’s best motorcycle insurance savings opportunities can be found below:
- Switch from another company discount
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Mature rider discount
- Motorcycle insurance policy renewal discount
- Motorcycle safety course discount
- Motorcycle safety instructor discount
- Multi-policy discount or bundling discount.
Geico has some of the best motorcycle insurance prices in the industry, and you’ll likely receive a competitive quote from the company.
Geico Customer Reviews
Geico’s customer review scores are average to low, but this is fairly common within the insurance industry. While the company earns an A+ rating from the BBB, it holds a 1.2-star average score out of 5.0 from customer reviews. The insurer also has a 1.3-star rating out of 5.0 from customers on Trustpilot.
Our team reached out to Geico for a comment on these scores but did not receive a response.
Progressive Motorcycle Insurance
Progressive is the country’s most popular choice for motorcycle insurance, and it’s easy to see why. Between the company’s vast array of coverage choices and its willingness to take on high-risk motorcyclists, Progressive motorcycle insurance makes for an appealing and accessible option. Progressive can cover many types of bikes including sport bikes, touring bikes, cruisers, custom bikes and more.
Industry leaders hold the company in high regard, and customers find peace of mind from the company’s A+ financial strength rating from AM Best. This positive score indicates that the company is financially capable of fulfilling its claims obligations. Progressive also has an A+ rating from the BBB.
Pros
- Relatively affordable premiums
- Excellent financial strength
- Extensive additional coverage options
- Strong industry reputation
Cons
- Average customer service
- F rating on the BBB
Progressive Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
It’s hard to find a provider that can match Progressive’s coverage, as it offers some of the most varied motorcycle insurance products around. From basic liability insurance to mechanical breakdown towing benefits to Carried Contents coverage for personal items, Progressive makes a strong case for having the best motorcycle insurance plans.
The company’s top coverages can be found below:
- Bodily injury liability coverage
- Property damage liability coverage
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage
- Accessories coverage
- Total loss coverage
- Roadside assistance and towing
- Carried Contents coverage
- Enhanced injury protection
- Diminishing deductible
Progressive Motorcycle Insurance Cost
In our research, we found that Progressive performs extremely well when it comes to pricing. However, Geico still beat out the company’s average rates for many types of riders in our secret shopper analysis. The easiest way to tell which company offers cheaper motorcycle insurance is by comparing quotes from each provider.
Progressive has an impressive list of available discounts. You’ll also notice below that most savings opportunities are accessible to just about any motorcyclist:
- Quote in advance discount
- Multi-policy/bundling discount
- Association member discount (for members of the Harley Owners Group or USAA)
- Motorcycle license endorsement discount
- Motorcycle safety course discount
- Switch from another company discount
- Responsible driver discount
- Pay in full discount
- Pay on time discount
- Automatic bill-pay discount.
Progressive has a good shot at being the most affordable motorcycle insurance option for you, so we recommend getting a quote to see what you could end up paying.
Progressive Insurance Customer Reviews
Customer satisfaction isn’t quite as strong with Progressive, as seen by its nearly 1.1-star rating out of 5.0 from the BBB. Again, low customer service scores are fairly normal in the insurance industry, so it’s not a huge cause for concern. Our team reached out to Progressive for a comment on this score but did not receive a response.
State Farm Motorcycle Insurance
State Farm is the country’s largest insurance provider, but it maintains a local touch. Since agents are spread across the U.S., you’ll benefit from the opportunity to find top-notch coverage from your local State Farm motorcycle insurance agent.
State Farm holds an A- rating from the BBB and is well-regarded in the industry. The provider also holds an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best.
Pros
- Local agents across the nation
- Strong customer reviews
- Excellent industry reputation
- A++ financial strength rating
Cons
- Higher-than-average rates
- No online quotes
State Farm Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
State Farm motorcycle insurance coverage information isn’t the easiest to come by, mainly because the company directs customers to local agents instead of its website. The provider tends to have reasonable coverage options that can fit most riders’ needs.
Below is a list of the top State Farm motorcycle coverage choices:
- Bodily injury liability coverage
- Property damage liability coverage
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Protective gear coverage
- Sidecar coverage
- Roadside assistance and towing
- Trip interruption benefits.
If you’re looking for coverage that’s not on this list, reach out to your local State Farm agent so they can help you find the best motorcycle insurance policy for your needs.
State Farm Motorcycle Insurance Cost
State Farm typically has competitive rates for auto insurance, and you can expect the same with its motorcycle insurance. It can be hard to tell exactly how much you’ll pay with State Farm since the company generally asks customers to reach out to local agents instead of going online.
It’s worth checking out the company’s new motorcycle insurance rating tool. It allows you to get a general idea of how expensive a certain bike will be to insure so you know what to expect. You may pay slightly more with State Farm, but you’ll also receive personalized service.
Our review team reached out to State Farm for a comment on its motorcycle insurance rates and received the following response: “State Farm seeks to provide great value to our customers by providing competitive rates in auto, home, renters and motorcycle. When it specifically comes to motorcycle rates, State Farm works hard to offer customers the best combination of price, service and protection. We absolutely value the relationships we have with our customers, and we strive to be the customer’s first and best choice in the products and services we provide.”
State Farm Customer Reviews
State Farm motorcycle insurance costs a bit more than coverage from competitors, but the provider’s service standards make up for the price difference. State Farm’s headquarters has a 4.3-star average rating out of 5.0 from more than 900 Google reviews, which is impressive in the industry.
The company also has over 19,000 local agents nationwide. State Farm’s agents tailor the company’s motorcycle insurance policies to individuals. This level of care and detail translates to customer satisfaction, leading to State Farm’s high review rating.
Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance
Dairyland offers some of the best motorcycle insurance for high-risk riders, as the provider is known for offering bargain rates to even those with checkered driving records. However, Dairyland motorcycle insurance is not available nationwide, so you’ll need to verify whether it’s available in your state before getting a quote.
Dairyland is a much smaller name than the providers listed above, but it has an A+ rating from the BBB and an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best.
Pros
- Affordable average premiums
- Extensive added coverage options
- Positive financial strength rating
- Many discount opportunities
Cons
- Poor claims process reviews
- Limited availability
Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
You’ll find an extensive list of motorcycle insurance coverage options available through Dairyland. Whether you want to protect your passengers on the open road or insure optional equipment, the company has your needs covered.
The complete list of Dairyland motorcycle insurance coverages includes:
- Bodily injury liability coverage
- Property damage liability coverage
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Personal injury protection
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Special equipment coverage
- Replacement cost coverage
- Passenger liability coverage
- Physical damage plus coverage
- Roadside assistance and towing
- Rental reimbursement.
Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance Cost
Dairyland motorcycle insurance rates are generally quite affordable, especially for high-risk motorists. The company focuses on insuring those who may face challenges finding coverage with other providers, so it knows how to cut a deal for risky riders.
A few discount opportunities for motorcyclists can be found on Dairyland’s website, including:
- Transfer discount
- Multi-cycle discount
- Homeownership discount
- Loyalty discount
- Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) discount
- Rider group discount
- Rider course discount.
Dairyland Customer Reviews
Dairyland motorcycle insurance gets mixed reviews online. While customers give Dairyland 4.5 out of 5.0 stars on Trustpilot, the company receives a nearly 1.1-star rating out of 5.0 from customers on the BBB website. Positive Dairyland reviews praise the company’s affordable prices and helpful customer service representatives. Complaints about the company tend to focus on issues with its claims process.
Our team reached out to Dairyland for a comment on these scores but did not receive a response.
Erie Motorcycle Insurance
Erie Insurance doesn’t offer a huge number of motorcycle coverage options, but the company is known for its exceptional customer satisfaction and affordable pricing. That said, the types of coverage it offers are quite limited and its plans are unavailable in major states like California, Texas and Florida.
As a smaller motorcycle insurance provider, Erie doesn’t receive the same level of recognition in the industry as many larger top providers. In fact, coverage is only available in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
Erie has an A+ rating both from the BBB for good business practices and an A+ from AM Best for financial strength.
Pros
- Impressive customer service
- Strong financial health
- Local agents
- Relatively competitive prices
Cons
- Limited availability
- Few coverage options
Erie Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
Erie has some basic offerings when it comes to motorcycle policy options:
- Bodily injury liability coverage
- Property damage liability coverage
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Roadside assistance and towing.
Keep in mind that your motorcycle’s safety features, gear, safety apparel and special touches are covered under Erie’s basic coverage plan. These choices aren’t available as add-ons because they’re protected right from the start.
Erie Motorcycle Insurance Cost
You’re likely to find competitive rates from Erie, but they may not be quite as affordable as premiums from the industry’s top providers. The best way to tell whether Erie could offer the best motorcycle insurance prices for you is by comparing quotes from the company with those from other leading providers.
As with State Farm, the best way to connect with Erie is by visiting one of its 13,000 local agents, although you can also start the quote process online.
Erie Insurance Customer Reviews
Erie is a standout performer when it comes to customer service, with policyholders praising its welcoming local agents and specialized offers. Once again, the company’s presence in communities is reflected in its excellent customer ratings.
On Google, Erie receives a relatively solid 3.0-star average rating out of 5.0 from more than 200 responses.
How To Find the Best Motorcycle Insurance
When you have so many choices, it can be difficult to determine which motorcycle insurance companies offer affordable, high-quality coverage. Here are a few tips to help simplify the decision-making process:
- Consider a company’s quality of coverage. Verify that a provider offers the coverage options you’re looking for.
- Read customer reviews. While insurance ratings tend to be low, it’s worth ensuring that your chosen provider receives at least somewhat decent scores and does its best to respond to customer issues.
- Compare motorcycle insurance quotes. Receive free, personalized quotes from providers to determine which options best suit your needs.
- Look for discounts. Figure out which savings opportunities you qualify for with each company, such as usage-based insurance or rider group discounts.
- Consider whether you can bundle plans. If you can bundle homeowners or auto and motorcycle insurance, you’ll save money.
- Increase your deductible to save money. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium will be.
- Check for added benefits. Seek out accident forgiveness programs and discounts for being claim-free or having a clean driving history.
Conclusion
Remember that the best motorcycle insurance companies specialize in different coverages. The best provider for vintage sport bikes or trikes might be different than for dirt bikes or custom motorcycles. Similarly, a Harley-Davidson with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or custom parts has very different needs than a scooter, moped or ATV. Before you make a choice, be sure to check all options to see which provider is best for you.
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best motorcycle insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of motorcycle insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Cost (20% of total score): Motorcycle insurance quotes obtained through secret shopping and discount opportunities were both taken into consideration.
- Coverage (20% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Reputation (20% of total score): Our research team considered market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
- Availability (20% of total score): Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements scored highest in this category.
- Customer Experience (20% of total score): This score is based on volume of complaints reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and customer satisfaction ratings. We also considered the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each motorcycle insurance company’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
