Motorcycle Insurance: Protecting Riders During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and Beyond 

Motorcycle riders face significantly higher risks on the road—and even a minor accident can lead to major financial setbacks. Now is the perfect time to make sure you’re protected with the right motorcycle insurance. 

Key Takeaways 

• May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in the U.S., coordinated by NHTSA and state agencies, making it an ideal time to review your motorcycle insurance policy and motorcycle coverage. 

• Most states require at least liability coverage, while additional protections like collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage safeguard your bike and finances. 

• Motorcycle insurance protects riders, passengers, and other road users. 

• Acceptance Insurance offers motorcycle insurance at low prices with available discounts to help riders save. 

• Acceptance Insurance helps high-risk and non-standard riders—including those with accidents, tickets, lapses, or SR-22 needs—find affordable coverage with flexible payment options. 

• Get a quick motorcycle insurance quote today from Acceptance Insurance online, by phone, or at a neighborhood office near you using your ZIP code. 

Why Motorcycle Insurance Matters During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month 

Every May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in the U.S., led by the NHTSA and state agencies. This campaign highlights rider visibility, sober riding, and the shared responsibility of all road users to watch for motorcyclists in blind spots and when changing lanes. Motorcycle safety is a collective responsibility for everyone’s safety. 

Even with safe riding habits and proper helmets, crashes, theft, and weather damage can occur. Motorcycle insurance helps prevent these incidents from causing long-term financial harm. NHTSA data shows motorcycle riders face a fatality rate 28 times higher per mile than passenger cars, underscoring the need for protection. 

Motorcycle insurance covers three groups: 

• Riders: Medical bills, lost wages, and bike damage after accidents 

• Passengers: Guest passenger liability and medical payments protect those riding with you 

• Others: Liability coverage pays for injuries and property damage you cause 

Many crashes happen because other drivers and motorists don’t see motorcycles. While you can’t control others, you can control yourself. Drivers should check blind spots and lanes carefully to prevent accidents. 

Acceptance Insurance helps riders review policies, close gaps, and get affordable coverage—even high-risk riders who are turned away elsewhere.  

Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in My State? 

In 2026, almost every U.S. state requires at least motorcycle liability insurance to register and legally ride on public roads. New Hampshire is the notable exception, though riders there still face financial responsibility requirements after an accident. 

So what exactly is liability coverage? It’s the foundation of any motorcycle insurance policy—coverage that pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others when you’re at fault in a crash. A motorcycle insurance policy is structured similarly to auto insurance, but with specific additions for riders such as coverage for custom gear, accessories, and helmets. Liability coverage does not cover your own bike or your personal injuries. 

If your motorcycle is financed or leased, your lender will almost certainly require “full motorcycle coverage,” which typically means liability plus collision and comprehensive coverage, until the loan is paid off. 

Consequences of Riding Without Required Insurance 

Riding uninsured carries serious risks beyond the financial exposure: 

Consequence	Typical Impact
Fines and tickets	$500–$5,000+ depending on state
License/registration suspension	3–12 months
Vehicle impoundment	$200–$500 daily in towing and storage fees
SR-22 filing requirement	Required for 3–5 years, can spike premiums 50–200%
Higher future premiums	Lasting impact on motorcycle insurance rates

State minimum limits often seem adequate on paper—California requires just 15/30/5 (meaning $15,000 per person bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 in property damage)—but real hospital stays from motorcycle crashes often cost much more. An Acceptance Insurance agent can show how slightly higher limits add substantial protection for a modest premium increase. 

What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover? 

A motorcycle insurance policy combines required and optional coverages to protect you, your passengers, and your bike. 

Liability Coverages 

Bodily injury liability: 
Pays for injuries you cause to others in an at-fault accident. 

Property damage liability: 
Pays for damage you cause to another person’s property. 

Guest passenger liability: 
Pays for injuries to a passenger riding with you, where available. 

Damage to Your Bike 

Collision coverage: 
Pays to repair or replace your motorcycle after a crash, minus your deductible. 

Comprehensive coverage: 
Pays for non-collision damage like theft, weather, or vandalism. 

Medical and Injury Protection 

Medical payments coverage: 
Pays medical expenses for you and your passenger, regardless of fault. 

Personal injury protection (PIP): 
Pays medical expenses and, in some states, lost wages after an accident. 

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM): 
Pays for your injuries if you’re hit by a driver with little or no insurance. 

Additional Protection Options 

Accessories and gear coverage: 
Pays to repair or replace custom parts and riding gear. 

Roadside assistance: 
Provides help if your motorcycle breaks down. 

Motorcycles and Riders We Help Insure 

Riders use many different types of motorcycles—commuter bikes, weekend cruisers, touring machines, and scooters—which can serve as either a primary or secondary mode of transportation. Each style and riding pattern calls for different insurance choices. It’s important to note that high-performance, expensive, or customized motorcycles are more expensive to insure. 

High-Risk and Non-Standard Riders 

Acceptance Insurance helps riders with imperfect records such as prior at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, coverage lapses, and SR-22 requirements. 

Small business owners using motorcycles or scooters for deliveries may need commercial auto endorsements instead of personal motorcycle policies. 

How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost and How Can I Save? 

Motorcycle insurance often costs less than car insurance. However, many factors influence motorcycle insurance cost, making premiums highly variable. Insurance rates may incorporate a credit-based insurance score to assess risk, with higher scores often correlating to lower rates. Key factors include: 

• Rider age: Under-25 riders pay 50–100% more 

• Location: Densely populated areas or regions with high theft rates (such as urban ZIP codes like Miami, Los Angeles) add 30%+ versus rural areas 

• Driving record: Clean records can mean 20% savings 

• Bike type: Sport bikes carry 50–60% surcharges over cruisers 

• Annual mileage: 10,000+ miles increases risk and premium 

• Garaging: Locked garage storage can reduce theft risk 15–25% 

• Payment method: Most insurers offer a discount if you pay your annual premium in full instead of monthly installments 

Ways to Save Money on Your Premium 

You can lower costs without sacrificing coverage: 

1. Complete a motorcycle safety course: Many insurers offer 5–15% discounts. 

2. Choose a higher deductible: A $1,000 or $2,000 deductible can save 20–25%. 

3. Maintain a clean driving record: Avoid tickets and accidents to keep rates low. 

4. Store your bike in a locked garage: Reduces theft risk and premiums. 

5. Bundle policies: Combining motorcycle with auto or renters insurance may save 15–20%. 

Riders who stay insured year-round typically pay less than those who cancel and restart coverage. Don’t assume cheap motorcycle insurance is out of reach—also check out: Your Guide to Buying Affordable Motorcycle Insurance Without Sacrificing Coverage. 

Bundling Opportunities 

Riders can often bundle motorcycle insurance with other products Acceptance Insurance offers—such as non-standard auto, renters, or homeowners insurance—to simplify billing and potentially reduce overall insurance costs. 

Getting a Motorcycle Insurance Quote with Acceptance Insurance 

Getting the coverage you need is quick and easy with Acceptance Insurance. Riders can choose the option that works best for them: 

• Online: Enter your ZIP code in our fast, easy quote form  

• By phone: Speak directly with a licensed agent at 877‑405‑7102 

• In person: Visit one of our 288+ neighborhood locations  

No matter how you choose to get started, help is always within reach. 

Get your free motorcycle insurance quote in minutes and make sure you’re covered before your next ride. 

FAQ: Motorcycle Insurance and Safety 

Do I really need “full coverage” on an older motorcycle? 

“Full coverage” means liability plus collision and comprehensive insurance. For older bikes worth around $3,000, some riders choose liability-only, while others keep comprehensive for theft and fire protection. 

Ask an Acceptance Insurance agent to compare costs versus your bike’s value. 

Does my motorcycle insurance cover my passenger? 

Passenger coverage varies by state and policy. Check your policy or ask an agent. If you carry passengers often, consider adding guest passenger and medical payments coverage. 

Will a motorcycle safety course lower my premium? 

Many insurers offer 5–20% discounts for approved safety courses. Keep your certificate and share it with your agent. 

Is my gear and custom equipment covered in a claim? 

Standard policies limit gear and custom parts coverage to $500–$1,000. Ask about optional coverage for expensive gear or upgrades, especially during peak riding seasons. 

What about insurance for high-risk or SR-22 riders? 

Riders with DUIs or serious violations may need an SR-22 certificate for 3–5 years. Premiums are higher, but continuous coverage and a clean record improve options. 

Acceptance Insurance helps high-risk riders meet SR-22 requirements with flexible payments, keeping you legal and protected.