Insurance Curator Custom motorcycles — from chopper frames and stretched swingarms to performance engine builds and one-off bodywork — need insurance that recognizes their added value and unique risk. This guide focuses on riders in the United States (with practical examples for California, Texas and Florida) and explains how to insure custom parts, modified frames, and specialty components without leaving gaps in coverage.
Why standard policies often fall short for modified bikes
Most standard motorcycle policies cover the bike’s factory-made components under an actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost basis, but they don’t automatically protect aftermarket parts, custom frames, or specialty shop labor costs. Common gaps include:
- No coverage (or low limits) for custom parts & equipment (CPE)
- Frame or chassis modifications excluded or limited
- No agreed-value settlement for heavily modified or collector builds
- Track-day and competition exclusions
To close these gaps you’ll need endorsements, agreed-value policies, or a specialty insurer.
Core coverage options for custom motorcycles
- Custom Parts & Equipment (CPE) endorsement — An add-on that increases limits for aftermarket parts, upgrades and custom bodywork. Typical add-on limits can range from $1,000 to $50,000 depending on insurer and endorsement details. Progressive and GEICO both offer CPE options; costs vary by limit and location. (See insurer examples below.) Progressive Custom Parts & Equipment and GEICO Custom Parts & Equipment explain these options on their sites.
- Agreed-value coverage — The insurer and you agree on a value up front; if the bike is totaled, you receive that amount. Hagerty and specialist insurers commonly provide agreed-value policies suited to high-value or custom builds. See Hagerty’s approach to agreed-value for collector/modded bikes: https://www.hagerty.com/insurance.
- Frame and chassis coverage — Confirm that frame modifications are covered; some insurers exclude frame-altering modifications unless specifically endorsed.
- Specialty parts and tools — Coverage for detached specialty parts (like rare carburetors, electronic systems or bespoke seats) and for shop-installed tools or custom-fabrication costs.
- Roadside, trip interruption & agreed labor — For extended touring cruisers or custom builds, look for trip interruption and coverage for specialized labor costs to reinstall or repair custom parts.
Sources that outline costs and coverage options include insurer pages and market research (Progressive, GEICO, Hagerty, and industry studies on motorcycle insurance costs). See general pricing context from ValuePenguin’s motorcycle insurance cost research: https://www.valuepenguin.com/motorcycle-insurance-costs-average.
Typical costs you should expect (U.S. examples)
While exact premiums depend on riders’ age, riding history, bike model, and state, these realistic ranges reflect what many riders see when adding custom- parts coverage or switching to a specialty insurer:
- CPE endorsement cost: $50–$300 per year for $5,000–$25,000 of added parts coverage (varies by state and provider).
- Agreed-value policy premium increase: 5–30% over ACV policies for the same base coverage when an agreed-value is used for a highly modified bike.
- Specialty insurer (Hagerty/Markel) premiums for classic/custom bikes: $300–$1,200+ per year, depending on vehicle value, usage, and location.
Note: premiums in high-theft/high-accident states (e.g., parts of California, Florida) skew higher; a custom cruiser in Los Angeles or Miami can pay materially more than the same build garaged in rural Texas.
Sources and examples: Progressive and GEICO explain custom-parts endorsements and limits; Hagerty describes agreed-value policies for modified and classic motorcycles (see links above).
How major U.S. insurers handle custom mods (comparison)
| Insurer | Custom Parts Coverage | Typical Add-on Cost Range (annual) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | Optional Custom Parts & Equipment endorsement; can insure many aftermarket parts when declared | $50–$250 | Riders who want flexible endorsements and wide agent/network access (Progressive) |
| GEICO | Custom parts coverage available as endorsement; limits vary | $50–$200 | Cost-conscious riders comfortable with online quoting (GEICO) |
| Hagerty | Agreed-value policies, specialty coverage for custom/classic bikes, covers rare parts and documented build value | $200–$1,200+ depending on bike value | Collectors and high-value custom builds needing agreed-value protection (https://www.hagerty.com) |
| Markel / Specialty | Endorsements for custom parts and specialty bikes; often used for restorations and trikes | $150–$800 | Highly modified bikes, trikes, or restored classics |
(Prices above are illustrative ranges seen across market research and insurer disclosures. Actual premium depends on location, bike, rider age and driving record.)
State-specific considerations (California, Texas, Florida)
- California (e.g., Los Angeles): High theft and dense traffic increase rates. Get documented receipts, photographs, and locked storage discounts where possible.
- Texas (e.g., Houston/Dallas): Wide variance by ZIP — rural garages have lower rates, urban areas higher. Consider multi-policy and multi-bike discounts.
- Florida (e.g., Miami): High theft and claims frequency can push premiums and may limit options for certain high-risk mods.
Always ask for rate examples from insurers for your ZIP code — online quotes and local agents will show the most accurate premiums for your exact build.
Steps to properly insure your custom motorcycle
- Document everything
- Photos, receipts, invoices, and build logs. For frames and specialty fabrication, include shop invoices and before/after photos.
- Get an appraisal for major mods
- For frames, performance engine swaps or extensive custom bodywork, obtain a written appraisal to support agreed-value or CPE limits.
- Disclose modifications when quoting
- Non-disclosure can lead to denied claims. List aftermarket frames, engine changes, electronics, and specialty parts.
- Choose the right endorsement
- CPE for modest upgrades; agreed-value for high-value custom builds.
- Confirm exclusions (track, competition)
- If you ride at track days or in competition, ensure your policy covers those activities or buy a separate event policy.
- Shop specialist insurers if needed
- For high-value custom builds consider Hagerty, Markel, or other specialty insurers who understand custom valuations.
- Bundle and secure discounts
- Multi-policy, multi-bike, safety course, and secure-storage discounts can lower costs.
Documents and proof commonly required for claims
- Itemized receipts and invoices for parts and labor
- High-resolution photos of the bike and serial numbers (VIN, engine numbers)
- Appraisals for frames and major rebuilds
- Police and accident reports when applicable
Sample scenarios (quick guides)
- Small mods (e.g., custom handlebars, exhaust, $1,500 total): Add a $2,000–$5,000 CPE endorsement. Cost: typically $50–$100/yr.
- Major custom build (e.g., custom frame, engine swap, $40,000 build value): Seek agreed-value policy from a specialty insurer. Expect 10–30% higher premium vs. standard base policy, but full agreed payout on total loss.
- Collector/show bike (low use, stored seasonally): Use lay-up/seasonal options and agreed-value to lower cost while preserving full parts coverage (Best Insurance For Motorcycles With Limited Use or Seasonal Storage: Lay-Up and Usage Options).
Recommended next steps
- Get at least three quotes (one from a national insurer like Progressive or GEICO, one from a specialist like Hagerty, and one independent agent) tailored to your ZIP code and build.
- If you want a deeper read on coverage fundamentals, see Best Insurance For Motorcycles: Liability, Comprehensive and Custom Parts Coverage Explained and for tips to lower premiums, check Best Insurance For Motorcycles to Lower Premiums: Multi-Policy, Multi-Bike and Safety Course Tips.
Sources & further reading
- Progressive — Custom parts & equipment options and endorsements: https://www.progressive.com/answers/motorcycle-custom-parts/
- GEICO — Motorcycle coverage overview, including custom parts & equipment: https://www.geico.com/motorcycle-insurance/coverage/
- Hagerty — Agreed-value and specialty coverage for custom and classic motorcycles: https://www.hagerty.com
- Market context on motorcycle insurance costs: ValuePenguin — Motorcycle insurance costs and averages: https://www.valuepenguin.com/motorcycle-insurance-costs-average
Insuring a custom motorcycle takes documentation, honest disclosure and the right endorsements. With the right provider — whether a national insurer with flexible endorsements or a specialty carrier offering agreed-value protection — you can protect the time, money and passion you invested in your build.