Motorcycle Insurance California
Motorcycle insurance premiums in California range between $15 - $20 monthly for minimum coverage and $120 - $200 monthly for full coverage. As a bike owner in California, you need motorcycle insurance to protect yourself from the financial consequences of at-fault and uninsured/underinsured motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle insurance may also pay for your treatment or cover all or some of your loss if your bike is stolen or damaged, depending on your coverage type. Apart from the protection motorcycle insurance provides, California laws require all bike owners to have insurance against accidents they may cause. California is an accident-at-fault state, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires all motor vehicle owners (including two-wheel motor vehicles like motorcycles and scooters) to show financial responsibility. You must prove under California's Financial Responsibility Law that you can pay for any injuries you cause to another person or damage you cause to their property.
California motorcycle insurance includes but is not limited to the following coverages:
- Liability coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Collision coverage
- Uninsured/Underinsured coverage
If you have no motorcycle insurance, you will make out-of-pocket payments for injuries and damages you cause to others and pay for your treatment and repairs to the bike. Some insurance companies that offer motorcycle insurance in California are:
- Allstate Motorcycle Insurance
- Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance
- Geico Motorcycle Insurance
- Progressive Motorcycle Insurance
- Safeco Motorcycle Insurance
- State Farm Motorcycle Insurance
Available data show that new retail sales of motorcycles in the United States increased from 505,000 units to 550,000 units between 2020 and 2021. Also, the revenue from the motorcycle market in 2022 was $6.11 billion and is projected to exceed $7 billion by 2027. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that over 5,500 persons lost their lives in motorcycle accidents in the U.S. in 2020; this makes up 14% of all motor vehicle deaths for the year. California, having the largest concentration of motorcycles in the U.S. and the most populated state, makes up a large percentage of this figure.
If you own a motorcycle in California, you will need motorcycle insurance. To know the motorcycle insurance companies within your locality and how to get the best motorcycle quotes tailored to your needs, speak to a local CA-licensed motorcycle insurance agent. Alternatively, you can look for online motorcycle insurance quotes if you know the exact type of coverage you need.
How Much Is Motorcycle Insurance in California?
Motorcycle insurance in California costs between $75 and $200 annually for minimum coverage (liability only) and $1,200 to $2,000 for full coverage. The amount you pay for motorcycle insurance in California differs based on several factors:
- Age - An applicant's age affects motorcycle insurance rates in California. Older persons pay less than younger individuals. For instance, the average cost of minimum coverage motorcycle insurance in California is between $62 and $67 monthly. This figure is lower than the $100+ for an 18-year-old. Note that motorcycle insurance premiums rise when a motorcycle owner reaches age 60.
- Gender - Generally, females pay less for motorcycle insurance than their male counterparts. Females are assumed to take lesser risks and have a lower probability of causing accidents
- Type of motorcycle - The type of motorcycle influences how much you pay for motorcycle insurance in California. For instance, insurance companies charge high rates to ensure custom-built motorcycles due to the high cost of replacement parts and skilled labor that they may need for repairs in the event of an accident. Also, sports bikes cost more to insure because of the higher risk exposure
- How you use your motorcycle - For example, it costs more to insure a sports bike than bikes used for pleasure riding/recreation. Motorbikes are exposed to higher risk and stand higher chances of getting into accidents than touring bikes
- Type of coverage - Your coverage option will determine how much you will pay for motorcycle insurance. If you seek to buy state-mandated minimum motorcycle insurance, you will pay less than you will for full coverage.
- Where you live - Location is an important factor in the cost of motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle owners living in areas with high crime rates will pay more for coverage because of the higher risk of theft
The table below shows the cost of motorcycle insurance across ten of the largest cities in California.
Average Annual Cost for Comprehensive Coverage Motorcycle Insurance in Some of California’s Largest Cities
| City | Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance |
| Los Angeles | $2,000 - $2400 |
| San Diego | $2,000 - 2,300 |
| San Jose | $1,800 - $2,000 |
| San Francisco | $2,700 - $3,100 |
| Fresno | $1,500 - $1,800 |
| Sacramento | $2,100 - $2,400 |
| Long Beach | $2,500 -$2,800 |
| Oakland | $2,200 - $2,800 |
| Bakersfield | $1,600 - $2,000 |
Read more about the Cost of Motorcycle in California.
How Does Motorcycle Insurance Work in California?
Motorcycle insurance works similarly to other types of insurance policies in California, where you make periodic payments to the insurance company (this can be monthly, quarterly, or bi-annually) for protection against covered perils. California motorcycle insurance may serve the dual purpose of protecting the motorbike's rider and any other persons involved in a motorcycle accident. The California Vehicle Code 16020 - 16033 (financial responsibility) also applies to motorbikes to help take care of the cost of injuries and damages you may cause while riding a motorcycle.
In addition to liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured coverage, California motorcycle insurance offers medical payments and roadside assistance (trip interruption) coverage. Also, there is personalized coverage - guest passenger liability coverage, classic motorcycle, and additional coverage for custom-built bikes or parts (also known as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) coverage).
You should speak to a California-licensed motorcycle insurance agent for advice before you buy motorcycle insurance, especially if its your first motorcycle. When buying motorcycle insurance in California, you can leverage available discounts to save on your premium. A knowledgeable licensed motorcycle insurance agent can help you get favorable discounts when searching for the best California motorcycle insurance quote.
When Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance in California?
You need motorcycle insurance in California and time you ride your bike. You need to show proof of insurance when financing the purchase of the bike, registering your motorbike with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or being pulled over by law enforcement. Per California insurance requirements, you must have a minimum of 15/30/10 liability insurance:
- $15,000 liability coverage per person injured in an accident
- $30,000 minimum bodily injury coverage per accident
- $10,000 property damage liability per accident
As a motorcycle owner, you may be wondering how to get motorcycle insurance and who has the best motorcycle insurance in California. In addition to fulfilling state motor vehicle requirements, you need motorcycle insurance to pay part of the cost of treatments for injuries to yourself and damages to your bike. As of 2020, there were over 785,000 motorcycles in California (the highest number in the United States); in the same year, there were 3,262 motorcycle injuries and deaths in Los Angeles County (the most populated county in the state).
The table below outlines the motorcycle statistics in California between 2016 and 2020.
| Calendar Years | |||||
| Motorcycles | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| Total Motorcycle Registration (DMV) | 907,037 | 895,071 | 857,677 | 870,669 | 864,494 |
| Motorcyclist Injuries (SWITRS) | 15,834 | 15,328 | 13,712 | 12,511 | 10,122 |
| Motorcyclist Fatalities per 100,000 Motorcycle Registrations (FARS, DMV) | 68.4 | 68.6 | 63.6 | NA | NA |
| Percent of Known Helmeted Motorcyclist Fatalities (FARS) | 95% | 92% | 93% | 94% | NA |
| Percent of Improperly Licensed Motorcycle Operator Fatalities (FARS) | 30.6% | 32.1% | 32.0% | 33.3% | NA |
| Motorcycle Rider Fatalities with BAC =.08+ (FARS) | 140 | 140 | 109 | 123 | NA |
| Motorcycle Rider Fatalities (FARS) | 555 | 563 | 503 | 451 | NA |
| Percent of Motorcycle Rider Fatalities with BAC=.08+ (FARS) | 25.3% | 24.8% | 21.6% | 27.3% | NA |
| Percent of Motorcyclists At-Fault in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes (SWITRS) | 66% | 72% | 64% | 67% | NA |
| Percent of Motorcyclists At-Fault in Injury Motorcycle Crashes (SWITRS) | 54% | 54% | 54% | 54% | 59% |
| Percent of Total Motorcycle Fatal Crashes where Motorcyclist was at Fault and Speed was Primary Crash Factor (SWITRS) | 28% | 28% | 23% | NA | NA |
| Percent of Total Motorcycle Fatal Crashes where Motorcyclist was at Fault, and DUI was the Primary Crash Factor (SWITRS) | 14% | 15% | 17% | NA | NA |
Note: BAC = blood alcohol concentration, DUI = driving under the influence, NA = not yet available
From the above statistics, it becomes evident that there is a need for motorcycle insurance in California. Before you buy your motorcycle, speak with a California-licensed motorcycle insurance agent to put you through CA motorcycle insurance requirements and help you get the lowest California motorcycle insurance quote that fits your needs.
Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in California?
Yes. As a motorcycle owner, California motorcycle insurance laws require you to have the minimum state-mandated coverage to drive on public roads in the state. You must show proof when pulled over by a law officer. You should have the 15/30/10 minimum liability coverage.
Riding a motorcycle without insurance in California is a traffic infraction that attracts:
- Between a $100 and $200 fine for the first offense
- A $200 to $500 fine, along with additional penalties for a second offense committed within three years of the first conviction
- Impounding the motorcycle until the owner shows proof of insurance. In addition, the offender has to pay the towing charges.
In California, you can purchase liability-only motorcycle insurance for protection against injuries and damages you may cause other people or their properties. Liability-only motorcycle insurance offers limited coverage and is cheaper than the full coverage option. On average, liability-only motorcycle insurance costs between $8 and $300 per week or $80 and $245 per year. When you cancel or renew your motorcycle insurance in California, the laws require that your insurer notifies the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Is Insurance Required for Annual Motorcycle Inspection in CA?
No, you do not need insurance for annual motorcycle inspections. California does not carry out annual inspections for motorcycles. Also, motorcycles and some other types of motor vehicles are exempted from the bi-annual smog test/emission check.
What Are The Differences Between Car Insurance and Motorcycle Insurance in California?
Typically, car insurance and motorcycle insurance provide financial protection in the event of an accident. However, there are some differences between both insurance types, in:
- Coverage limits
- Minimum coverage requirements
- Cost of insurance coverage, and
- Available policy add-ons.
- Coverage Limit
Unlike auto insurance which covers the passenger if you have more than the basic coverage, California motorcycle insurance does not include the passenger unless added as an optional coverage. Motorcycle insurance offers property damage, medical payment, and liability coverage.
- Property damage coverage takes care of the cost of repairs to the damaged bike in the event of an accident
- Medical payment pays for treatments caused by injuries, rehabilitation, loss of income, and funeral if the accident results in death
- Liability coverage pays for third-party injuries and damages.
Minimum coverage CA motorcycle insurance does not protect the passenger. To protect passengers in the event of an accident, you must buy guest passenger liability insurance, an optional passenger protection add-on to the policy. You can include guest passenger liability coverage as an add-on to your liability coverage to pay for the medical treatment of injured passengers.
- Minimum Insurance
There is a difference in the amount you need as minimum insurance for cars and motorcycle insurance in California. While you are required to have $5,000 property damage liability coverage for cars, you must have a $10,000 property damage liability coverage for the CA motorcycle insurance. Your liability coverage only applies if you are at fault.
- Cost of Coverage
Cars are driven in all types of weather and on longer distances than motorcycles, which makes car insurance more expensive than motorcycle insurance in California.
- Unique Add-on coverages
California motorcycle insurance allows different types of unique add-on coverages in addition to the standard add-ons. For instance, you can add Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage as a rider to cover for parts you installed on the bike that was not part of what it came with from the factory. Also, you can include lay-up coverage to protect your motorcycle when it is in storage and unused.
Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance For Your Moped or Scooter in California?
In California, you need motorcycle insurance for your moped because it is required for the registration at the DMV. Meanwhile, scooters are low-speed (up to 15 mph) vehicles that do not have to be registered and do not require insurance, even though your still need a drivers license to operate them.
California scooter insurance and California moped insurance are a must for anyone who drives on public roads. If the engine size is over 50cc, it can be insured.
Before you ride a moped or scooter on public roads, you should speak to a licensed motorcycle insurance broker for advice on what scooter insurance California requires, so that you stay within the laws. It is important always to stay updated on state rules to ensure you are up-to-date on all the changes that may have been recently made.
Is California Motorcycle Insurance Paid Monthly or Yearly?
In California, most insurance companies that offer motorcycle insurance allow both monthly and yearly (annual) payments. You can save on your motorcycle insurance cost by making full annual payments. Although monthly payments may be financially easier because you are paying less money at-a-go, with yearly payments, you do not have to pay monthly administrative charges. Motorcycle insurers in California typically offer discounts to insureds who make bi-annual or yearly premium payments.
How Much Motorcycle Insurance Do I Need in California?
The amount of motorcycle insurance you need depends on several factors:
- Is the bike being financed? - Similarly to a financed car, the lender always requires full coverage insurance while you owe them money. This way, regardless of what happens with the bike (crash or theft), the bank gets repaid.
- Is the bike paid off? - If there is no loan on the bike, now you have an option to get the state-required minimum coverage and save a lot of money. But don’t forget that even though you will be able to cover damages to others in case if you cause the accident, you basic liability will not pay any of your own damages of theft. Minimum liability is usually purchased purely as a compliance measure, when you can afford to replace or repair the bike 100% out of your own pocket.
California is an at-fault state, which means you are responsible for paying for injury treatments and property damage repairs in an accident you cause. To drive your motorcycle on California roads, you need minimum-liability motorcycle insurance. Suppose your need is to cover the state-minimum liability insurance. In that case, you require $15,000 liability coverage per person injured in an accident, $30,000 bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 property damage liability per accident. However, you may need more than the state minimum motorcycle insurance for comprehensive protection if you reside in a city with higher risks of accidents. For example, data from the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) show that in 2020, Los Angeles (1,116), San Diego (353), and San Jose (39) had a combined total of 1,508 motorcycle injuries and deaths. Motorcycle owners in these regions would need more coverage.
NHTSA data puts the number of motorcycle accident fatalities in California in 2020 at 525. Hence, you should have the right amount of motorcycle insurance that will conform to California motorcycle insurance laws and also protect you.
How to Compare Motorcycle Insurance Quotes in California
To compare motorcycle insurance quotes, it is best to speak with a CA-licensed motorcycle insurance agent or look up quotes on motorcycle insurance companies' online websites and use the comparison worksheet to compare them.
For online comparison, you will need the following information:
- Your bike’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Your name and date of birth (including those of other riders if necessary)
- The motorcycle registration and title (pink slip)
- Record of past claims, and accidents
- Information regarding added accessories or custom parts (if any)
- Information on traffic violations (if any)
There are several types of motorcycle insurance coverage available in California. Before you begin to compare quotes, you should decide on what you need; your choices include but may not be limited to:
- Liability motorcycle insurance - as the most basic state-mandated coverage
- Comprehensive Insurance
- Collision Insurance
- Custom Parts and Equipment Insurance (CPE)
- Personal Injury Protection Coverage (PIP)
- Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage
- Medical Payment Coverage
- Motorcycle Repair Coverage
- Roadside Assistance Coverage
To get accurate information, compare similar coverages across several motorcycle insurance companies. Log on to the websites of motorcycle insurance companies in your locality and compare:
- The cost of coverage for your type of motorcycle across insurance companies in your locality to determine the most affordable coverage that best fits your budget
- Coverage limits ensure that you have coverage for certain perils in the event of an accident
- Available discounts to help lower the cost of your coverage
- Policy exclusions to know what perils you can file a claim on in the event of a loss or accident
- Claims process to find out what insurance company will cause you the least hassle when you file a claim
- Customer reviews to find out from other people’s experience on their services and claim payment
- Their policies on stolen or totaled motorcycles, to find out if they have replacement policies on stolen or totaled motorcycles.
In addition, if your motorcycle has custom accessories, compare the coverage cost across the different insurance companies, and the amount you have to pay as deductible. The best way to compare quotes is to consult with a California-licensed motorcycle insurance agent who can help you shop around for motorcycle insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies.
What Is The Best Motorcycle Insurance in California?
The best motorcycle insurance any rider can buy in California is full coverage motorcycle insurance. In addition to the mandatory liability coverage, it also pays for repairs to your bike if it is involved in a non-collision accident. Full motorcycle insurance coverage is more expensive than other coverages, but the benefits outweigh the cost of coverage.
The table below lists the types of motorcycle insurance in order of importance.
| Type of Motorcycle Insurance | What is Covered |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Protects the insured from expenses that may result from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. PIP covers:
|
| Comprehensive Insurance | Injuries and damages resulting from:
|
| Collision Coverage | Injuries and damages resulting from collisions in traffic accidents. Although this coverage is optional, you are required to have one if your motorcycle is on a lease or loan |
| Liability-only coverage | Covers the cost of third-party injury treatment and property repair in an at-fault accident. Liability-only coverage does not cover the owner and their bike |
| Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) Coverage | Pays for your treatment and repairs your bike if you are involved in a no-fault accident and the at-fault individual is uninsured or underinsured. UM/UIM is an optional coverage, but the law requires your insurer to offer you this coverage when you buy motorcycle insurance in California. |
| Roadside Assistance Coverage | Pays for services that will get your bike up and running again if it breaks down on the road while on a journey. It covers the cost of
|
| Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage | This policy covers the cost of providing motorcycle spare parts from the factory when a claim is made within the limits of the policy |
| Motorcycle repairs coverage | Covers the cost of repairs done on the motorcycle within the policy limits |
Who Has the Best Motorcycle Insurance in California?
The California motorcycle insurance market is the largest in the United States, with over 835,000 motorcycles registered as of January 1, 2023 (over 250,000 more than the closest state, Florida). Most big insurance companies in the U.S. and some not-so-popular ones offer motorcycle insurance in California. Several metrics can be used to determine who has the best motorcycle insurance. The best motorcycle insurance in California may be based on who has the cheapest motorcycle rate or offers the best services based on customer satisfaction. The best motorcycle insurance in California is outlined based on the mentioned metrics.
Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies in California Based on Customer Satisfaction Index and Customer Complaint Ratio
| Motorcycle Insurance Company | 2021
Approx. Exposure Count |
Customer Satisfaction Index (2021) Number of Justified Complaints | The Ratio of Justified Complaints | ||||
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||
| Progressive | 119,252 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 0.0 |
| Interinsurance Exchange of The Automobile Club | 2,669,043 | 58 | 32 | 16 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 0.6 |
| CSAA Insurance Exchange | 1,954,533 | 30 | 20 | 22 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 1.1 |
| Wawanesa General Ins Co. | 581,320 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 1.4 |
| United Serv Automobile Assn | 388,522 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.5 |
| Nationwide Insurance Company of America | 378,438 | 14 | 8 | 6 | 5.7 | 2.0 | 1.6 |
| USAA Casualty Insurance Company | 489,211 | 19 | 9 | 8 | 3.8 | 1.8 | 1.6 |
| Allstate Insurance Company | 55,854 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1.8 | 5.5 | 1.8 |
| Geico General Insurance Company | 2,233,069 | 33 | 13 | 40 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 1.8 |
| California Car Ind Exch | 157,397 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 3.9 | 1.3 | 1.9 |
| Mercury Insurance Company | 1,643,692 | 26 | 21 | 32 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.9 |
| Viking Insurance Company of WI | 249,319 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 2.0 |
You can also consult with a California-licensed agent to know the best motorcycle insurance company in California based on other metrics. Licensed insurance agents have updated information on their fields of operation.
How Do I Get the Best Motorcycle Quotes in CA?
To get the best motorcycle insurance quotes, speak with a knowledgeable and well-connected California-licensed motorcycle insurance agent. Independent insurance agents have access to multiple insurance companies and will help you get quotes that are within your budget. Another way to get the best quotes is by bundling your motorcycle insurance with car insurance or home insurance. Also, you can get the best quotes from insurance companies by installing safety features on your bike and making sure you have the proper protective gear.
How Much Damage Does It Take to Total a Motorcycle?
If the cost of repairs is above 75% of the motorcycle’s actual cash value (ACV) (this is the motorcycle's value minus depreciation) - the insurance company will likely decide to total your motorcycle after receiving the cost estimate for repairs and comparing it with its actual cash value. As you know, a simple stand-still drop can cause hundreds if not thousands of dollars in damage to your motorcycle.
To arrive at a decision whether to total the bike, the cost of labor and spare parts are summed up to get the cost of repair. If your motorcycle sustains major damage in an accident, speak with the insurance adjuster handling your claim to find out if your bike will be totaled.
What Happens When an Insurance Company Totals a Motorcycle in California?
If an insurance company totals your motorcycle as a result of a crash or theft in California, you will be compensated based on your policy’s coverages:
If you have liability-only coverage and you were at fault in an accident - you will not get paid anything for your bike because you do not have collision coverage. Your insurance will cover only the damages you cause to others. If you were not at fault, the guilty party’s insurance will cover your motorcycle based on it’s current “depreciated” value (Actual Cash Value - ACV).
If you have full coverage, you will get the ACV payment either from your or from the guilty party’s insurer.
If you total your motorcycle in a crash, the insurer takes possession of the bike and typically resells it through a salvage yard to recoup some of its costs. However, you may keep the bike if you want to, by paying the salvage value to the insurance company. If the bike is totalled as a result of the unrecovered theft, the insurer pays out the total loss claim and if the bike is ever recovered - it takes it and resells what it can.
NOTE: If the bike is financed with a loan or lease agreement, the insurance company will pay off the loan (up to the ACV), and if any money is left over - it is given to the insured. If the insurance payment is not enough to satisfy the loan payoff (if the loan is upside down), the overage is owed to the bank by the insured. Your insurer cannot finalize the process of totaling the bike until the loan is paid off and the bank signs off on the title. If the loan is upside down, you can either pay it off out of pocket or refinance the overage into the new loan for a replacement bike.
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