Insurance Curator Choosing the right motorcycle insurance is about matching coverage to riding style, bike type and where you ride. This guide compares major providers—Progressive and GEICO—with specialist insurers like Hagerty and Markel, using U.S.-specific pricing examples and coverage details so you can decide which insurer fits riders in California, Texas and Florida.
At a glance: who to consider and why
- Progressive — Large national carrier, strong for discounts (multi-policy, multi-bike), competitive rates for everyday riders.
- GEICO — Often lower premiums for liability and standard coverages; excellent online quoting and customer service for basic riders.
- Hagerty — Top choice for classic, vintage and high-value bikes needing agreed-value and specialty parts coverage.
- Markel — Specialist covering custom, vintage and collectible bikes with tailored agreed-value policies.
- Independent specialists (e.g., J.C. Taylor) — Good for muscle bikes, custom builds and owners needing custom parts coverage.
How much does motorcycle insurance cost? (U.S. averages and state differences)
Motorcycle insurance varies widely by state, rider profile and bike type. National averages reported by industry aggregators show annual premiums generally in the low hundreds to low thousands depending on coverage level:
- National average full-coverage motorcycle insurance: roughly $300–$600 per year for many riders; high-performance or collectible bikes often cost more. (Sources: The Zebra, ValuePenguin)
- State differences: coastal and high-loss states (e.g., Florida, California) trend higher than lower-cost states (e.g., Texas for some profiles). See state-by-state breakdowns at ValuePenguin and The Zebra for current averages and trends.
- Example ranges by state:
- California: $400–$900/year (urban riders, theft-prone areas push higher)
- Texas: $300–$700/year (wide rural riding reduces some risks)
- Florida: $500–$1,100/year (higher theft and claim frequencies increase costs)
- Example ranges by state:
Sources:
- The Zebra — Motorcycle insurance cost overview: https://www.thezebra.com/motorcycle-insurance/average-cost/
- ValuePenguin — Motorcycle insurance by state: https://www.valuepenguin.com/motorcycle-insurance-cost
Provider comparison: coverage, typical pricing and best-cases
| Provider | Typical annual cost range (U.S.) | Best for | Notable coverages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $350–$900 | Everyday riders, multi-bike households | Multi-policy discounts, GAP for financed bikes, custom parts options |
| GEICO | $300–$800 | Liability and budget-conscious full-coverage buyers | Competitive liability & collision, easy online quoting |
| Hagerty | $400–$1,500+ | Classic/collectible motorcycles | Agreed-value, spare parts & restoration coverage, mileage-based quotes |
| Markel | $450–$1,200+ | Custom builds and vintage collectors | Agreed-value, specialty parts, OEM restoration |
| J.C. Taylor / other specialists | $400–$1,300+ | Highly modified bikes and antique models | Custom parts schedules, agreed-value and frame coverage |
Notes:
- Price ranges reflect typical full-coverage scenarios for mid-aged riders (30s–50s) and moderate claims histories. Younger riders or those with poor records can expect substantially higher rates.
- Specialist insurer costs skew higher because they insure agreed values and rare parts.
Progressive vs. GEICO: head-to-head practical comparison
- Discounts & savings
- Progressive: multi-policy, multi-bike, safe-rider course discounts, good-driver Snapshot-style programs.
- GEICO: multi-policy, military, student and rider-training discounts; frequently competitive for liability-first buyers.
- Customization
- Progressive: stronger add-ons for custom parts and replacement cost options on newer bikes.
- GEICO: more streamlined offerings; custom parts may require endorsements or specialist carriers.
- Customer experience
- Both have robust online quoting and mobile claims; GEICO often ranks slightly higher for low-cost digital-first customers, while Progressive offers broader endorsement options.
Practical pricing example (illustrative for a 35-year-old rider, married, good driving record, full coverage):
- California (mid-size sport or standard bike): Progressive ≈ $520/yr, GEICO ≈ $480/yr
- Texas (same profile): Progressive ≈ $420/yr, GEICO ≈ $390/yr
- Florida (same profile): Progressive ≈ $640/yr, GEICO ≈ $600/yr
(Actual quotes vary—get personalized online quotes. Sources: insurer rate guides and market averages from The Zebra and ValuePenguin.)
When to choose a specialist insurer
Choose Hagerty, Markel or specialty shops if:
- You own a vintage or collectible bike that requires agreed-value coverage.
- Your bike has expensive custom mods, aftermarket frames, or one-off parts needing scheduled coverage.
- You want restoration, spare parts, and show/trailering coverage that standard carriers may limit or exclude.
Example: A restored 1972 Harley or a custom chopper with $30k in parts typically needs agreed-value and scheduled parts—specialists can price that correctly and avoid underinsurance.
Coverage features to prioritize depending on your needs
- Liability-only riders: state-minimum limits may be cheapest, but consider at least 100/300/100 (bodily injury/property) if possible.
- Full coverage: includes collision and comprehensive — target for financed bikes.
- Agreed-value vs. actual cash value (ACV): Agreed-value is essential for classic/collector bikes.
- Custom parts & equipment (CPE) coverage: required for modified bikes; schedule parts with receipts.
- Roadside assistance & trip interruption: valuable for touring riders (especially in California and Florida long-haul routes).
- Track-day coverage: many policies exclude track use—see "Best Insurance For Motorcycles to Avoid Track Day Exclusions" for more details.
Related reading:
- Best Insurance For Motorcycles: Liability, Comprehensive and Custom Parts Coverage Explained
- Best Insurance For Motorcycles With Custom Mods: Insuring Upgrades, Frames and Specialty Parts
- Best Insurance For Sport Bikes: Find Insurers That Cover High-Performance Riders
How to lower your premium without sacrificing coverage
- Bundle auto and motorcycle policies (multi-policy discounts).
- Add anti-theft devices and garage storage (important in high-theft states like Florida and California).
- Take certified safety courses (many carriers offer training discounts).
- Maintain a clean driving record and increase deductibles if you can afford out-of-pocket collision costs.
- Consider usage-based programs or seasonal lay-up policies for limited-use riders (popular in northern states and seasonal climates).
More on discounts and usage: see Best Insurance For Motorcycles to Lower Premiums: Multi-Policy, Multi-Bike and Safety Course Tips.
Final checklist before you buy
- Get at least three quotes (major carriers + one specialist if you have a modified or collectible bike).
- Confirm whether your policy includes agreed-value or ACV.
- Ask about endorsements for custom parts, trip interruption and roadside assistance.
- Verify track-day language if you attend events.
- Compare deductibles, total out-of-pocket exposure and claim satisfaction reviews.
Sources and further reading:
- The Zebra — Motorcycle insurance averages and comparison: https://www.thezebra.com/motorcycle-insurance/average-cost/
- ValuePenguin — State-by-state motorcycle insurance cost data: https://www.valuepenguin.com/motorcycle-insurance-cost
- Hagerty — Classic motorcycle insurance details and agreed-value: https://www.hagerty.com/insurance/
By matching the insurer to your bike type and riding habits—GEICO or Progressive for everyday street bikes, Hagerty or Markel for collectors and custom-builds—you’ll balance cost and coverage more effectively for riders in California, Texas, Florida and across the U.S.