Pennsylvania has roughly 410,000 registered motorcycles. The average motorcycle insurance premium is $620/yr for a standard liability-plus-comp/collision policy. Helmet law: Riders under 21 only. Insurance is required by state law.
Registered Bikes
410,000
DMV-registered motorcycles
Avg Annual Premium
$620/yr
Standard liability + comp/coll
Helmet Law
Riders under 21 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, GEICO, State Farm | Get quotes from multiple carriers — premiums vary 40%+ |
| Helmet law detail | Riders under 21 only | Affects injury claim severity and rates |
| Notable state rule | Pennsylvania has the fourth-largest motorcycle registration count in the nation; helmets are required only for riders under 21 with fewer than two years of experience. | 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.
Pennsylvania has approximately 410,000 registered motorcycles — fourth in the nation — and a motorcycle culture spanning Philadelphia's urban market, the Pocono Mountains, the Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and the northern Endless Mountains. Pennsylvania's helmet law is more nuanced than most states: it requires helmets for riders under 21 and for riders over 21 who have had their license for fewer than two years (or haven't passed a motorcycle safety course). This creates a practical enforcement challenge that most riders simply resolve by wearing helmets to avoid any ambiguity. The state offers some of the finest sport-touring roads in the mid-Atlantic.
Pennsylvania's average premium of $620 per year reflects the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro markets' contribution to statewide costs. State minimums are 15/30/5 — among the lower in the nation given Pennsylvania's large riding population. Most experienced riders carry 100/300/100. Progressive and GEICO lead the market statewide. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state for auto insurance but motorcycle insurance operates under tort/fault rules. Lay-up policies are standard for November through March. Deer collision coverage is an important consideration in rural Pennsylvania given the state's large white-tailed deer population and frequent deer-vehicle encounters.
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania'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.
💡 Pennsylvania Pro Tip
Yes. Pennsylvania requires minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5 for all registered motorcycles. Note that motorcycle insurance in Pennsylvania operates on a fault basis despite the state's no-fault auto insurance system.
Pennsylvania motorcycle insurance averages approximately $620 per year. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro riders pay $750–$1,050; rural central and northern Pennsylvania riders often pay $480–$580.
Pennsylvania requires helmets for riders under 21 and for riders of any age who have had their motorcycle license for fewer than two years and haven't completed an approved motorcycle safety course. Experienced adult riders with two-plus years of licensure are not required to wear a helmet.
Registration counts from state DMV public data; premium averages from 2026 motorcycle insurer rate filings for Pennsylvania. 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
We monitor rate filings in all 50 states. Get notified when rates change in your area — and discover new ways to save.
Free forever. Unsubscribe with one click. No spam, ever.
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.