Motorcycle coverage varies far more than car insurance—here's how seven established carriers compare on custom-parts protection, storage credits, high-risk acceptance and the kind of rider each one fits best.
Motorcycle insurance is less standardized than car insurance. The required liability piece looks similar everywhere, but the coverage that matters most to riders—protection for custom parts, agreed-value payouts, seasonal storage credits and willingness to write high-risk records—varies a lot from one carrier to the next.
Below is a qualitative comparison of seven established US motorcycle insurers. Rather than quoting prices, which depend heavily on your bike, location and riding record, it focuses on how each carrier is positioned, the coverage features they're known for, and which riders they tend to suit best.
Watch for: As a largely direct/online insurer, hands-on local agent support is more limited than with agent-based carriers.
Watch for: As a specialist in higher-risk business, it isn't necessarily the strongest fit for spotless-record riders shopping purely on features.
Watch for: Sold largely through agents and specialty channels rather than as a mass-market direct brand, so availability can vary.
Watch for: Motorcycle policies may be underwritten through partner companies, so the exact options and eligibility can vary by state.
Watch for: Availability and specific endorsements can vary by state and by the local agent writing the policy.
Watch for: The program is underwritten by third-party insurers, so policy terms reflect the underwriting carrier rather than the motorcycle manufacturer.
Watch for: Agent-sold, so quotes and available options depend on local availability and the writing agent.
This comparison is editorial and intentionally omits premium quotes — rates depend entirely on your specifics. Confirm coverage, availability, and current pricing directly with each carrier.
Every motorcycle policy starts with liability—the bodily injury and property damage you cause others—which is the part most states require. Comprehensive and collision are optional but usually worth it for a financed or late-model bike, since they cover theft, fire, vandalism and crash damage to your own motorcycle.
The detail that trips up riders is custom parts and accessory coverage. Standard comp/collision typically includes only a limited built-in allowance for aftermarket additions, so if you've added saddlebags, exhaust, chrome, a custom paint job or audio, you often need to schedule that value separately. Carriers with an enthusiast focus tend to make this easier.
A cross-country touring rider, a track-oriented sport rider and a weekend cruiser owner carry different exposures, and carriers position themselves accordingly. Touring and cruiser owners often care most about accessory coverage, roadside assistance and trip-related protections, while sport-bike riders are more affected by underwriting around horsepower and rider history.
Brand and specialty programs—Harley-Davidson Insurance for cruisers and baggers, or Markel and Foremost for custom and non-standard machines—are built around specific rider profiles. Mass-market direct carriers like Progressive and GEICO cover the full spectrum and are easy to bundle, which is usually the simpler path for a standard, unmodified bike.
If you need an SR-22, or have violations, lapses or prior denials on your record, a non-standard specialist is usually the realistic option. Dairyland is well known for high-risk motorcycle coverage and SR-22 filings, and specialty carriers are generally more willing to write riders that standard underwriting turns away.
If you don't ride year-round, ask about lay-up or seasonal storage options. Many motorcycle insurers let you reduce coverage during off-season months—commonly keeping comprehensive to protect a stored bike against theft or fire while suspending collision and sometimes liability—which lowers cost without leaving the bike unprotected. Confirm the exact rules before you change or cancel anything.
With actual cash value, a total-loss payout is based on the bike's depreciated market value at the time of the claim, so the amount falls as the motorcycle ages. Agreed value sets a payout figure up front when the policy is written, based on documentation you provide. Agreed value is most relevant for custom, vintage or collector bikes whose worth isn't captured by standard depreciation; whether it's offered depends on the carrier and the bike.
Comprehensive and collision usually include a limited built-in allowance for aftermarket parts and accessories, but that amount is often modest. If you've invested in exhaust, saddlebags, chrome, custom paint or audio, you typically need to add custom parts/equipment coverage and document the value. Enthusiast-focused carriers tend to offer higher limits and make scheduling that value easier.
Non-standard specialists are the usual answer. Dairyland is widely known for insuring high-risk motorcycle riders and for handling SR-22 filings, and it's a common choice for riders with violations, coverage lapses or prior denials. Standard carriers may decline or price these riders out, so starting with a high-risk specialist is often more productive.
Often yes. Many motorcycle insurers offer lay-up or seasonal storage options that let you reduce coverage during months you don't ride. A common approach keeps comprehensive—so the bike is still protected against theft, fire or vandalism in storage—while suspending collision and sometimes liability. Ask your carrier about the specific rules before making changes, and avoid simply canceling the policy.
Yes—Progressive is the largest motorcycle insurer in the United States and writes coverage nationwide. That scale comes with mature online quoting and claims tools and broad eligibility across bike types. Being the largest doesn't automatically make it the best fit for every rider, though; custom builds, high-risk records and specialty bikes are often better served by enthusiast or non-standard carriers.
Sarah Mitchell
Editorial Lead, Property & Casualty
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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Important Disclaimer
This site provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional insurance advice. All rates, data, and coverage details are estimates and may not reflect your actual premiums. Insurance availability and pricing vary by state, insurer, and individual risk factors. Always consult a licensed insurance professional in your state before making coverage decisions.