North Dakota has roughly 38,000 registered motorcycles. The average motorcycle insurance premium is $320/yr for a standard liability-plus-comp/collision policy. Helmet law: Riders under 18 only. Insurance is required by state law.
Registered Bikes
38,000
DMV-registered motorcycles
Avg Annual Premium
$320/yr
Standard liability + comp/coll
Helmet Law
Riders under 18 only
Riders subject to state law
| Topic | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance required by law | Yes — minimum liability required | Same as auto in most states |
| Top motorcycle insurers in state | Progressive, State Farm, Nationwide | Get quotes from multiple carriers — premiums vary 40%+ |
| Helmet law detail | Riders under 18 only | Affects injury claim severity and rates |
| Notable state rule | North Dakota consistently records the lowest average motorcycle insurance premiums in the nation, driven by low population density, minimal theft, and short severe-accident exposure. | State-specific requirement to verify |
Premium estimates reflect a standard rider profile: age 35, clean record, mid-size cruiser, $500 deductible. Sport bikes, high-CC models, and riders under 25 typically pay 30–80% more.
North Dakota offers the lowest average motorcycle insurance premiums in the United States — approximately $320 per year — a reflection of the state's very low population density, minimal motorcycle theft, open highways with good sight lines, and a conservative, low-frequency accident environment. The state has about 38,000 registered motorcycles, mainly cruisers and touring bikes. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park badlands in the western part of the state and the Pembina Gorge in the northeast are the most popular motorcycle destinations. The Bakken oil patch region has unique hazards from heavy truck traffic on rural roads.
North Dakota's state minimums are 25/50/25. The riding season is genuinely short — May through September in most of the state — and lay-up policies are standard. Progressive, State Farm, and Nationwide all compete effectively in North Dakota's small motorcycle market. Helmet use is required only for riders under 18. Despite the low premium environment, uninsured motorist coverage is worth carrying given the Bakken-region heavy commercial truck traffic, and medical payments coverage provides important supplemental protection for the state's long distances to trauma-capable hospitals in Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot.
North Dakota motorcycle policies typically include the same coverage types as auto: liability (bodily injury + property damage), uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments, and optional comprehensive/collision. Many states allow higher minimum limits than auto due to higher injury severity.
Standard motorcycle policies cap aftermarket parts coverage at $1,000–$3,000. If you've added exhaust, fairings, custom paint, or upgraded suspension, add a CP&A endorsement — costs $20–$80/year for $5K–$30K of additional coverage.
In North Dakota's ride season, full coverage stays active year-round by default — but you're paying for collision/comp even when the bike is in storage. Many insurers offer 'lay-up' coverage that drops liability/collision during off-season months while keeping comprehensive (theft/fire) active. Saves 30–60% on annual premium in cold-weather states.
💡 North Dakota Pro Tip
Yes. North Dakota requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25 for all registered motorcycles. Proof of insurance must be available during traffic stops.
North Dakota has the lowest average motorcycle insurance premiums in the country at approximately $320 per year. Most riders pay $280–$380 regardless of location within the state.
North Dakota requires helmets only for riders and passengers under 18 years old. Adult riders are not legally required to wear a helmet in North Dakota.
Registration counts from state DMV public data; premium averages from 2026 motorcycle insurer rate filings for North Dakota. Helmet law per state statute.
Michael Torres
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 May 2026
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