The Ultimate Guide to Saving on Motorcycle Insurance in California: Ride the Golden State Worry-Free!
In California, motorcyclists face a unique set of challenges when it comes to insurance coverage. With an average yearly premium for full motorcycle coverage hovering around $1,800 - significantly higher than the national average - it is crucial for riders in the Golden State to be well-informed about their options.
How Much is Full Coverage Insurance on a Motorcycle in California?
On average, Californians pay $1,800 as a yearly premium for full motorcycle coverage, which is above the national average of $760. The cost of full coverage motorcycle insurance in California varies by location. The table below shows the annual range of motorcycle insurance costs across some cities in California in 2022.
Cities With Premiums Lower than the State Average Annual Motorcycle Insurance Rates
| City | Average Annual Motorcycle Rate |
| Ontario | $1,160 - $1,670 |
| Simi Valley | $1,200 - $1,600 |
| San Clarita | $1,210 - $1,610 |
| San Bernardino | $1.230 - $1,630 |
| Oxnard | $1,230 - $1,630 |
| Huntington Beach | $1,300 - $1,700 |
| Rancho Cucamonga | $1,320 - $1,720 |
| Salinas | $1,330 - $1,730 |
| Costa Mesa | $1,300 - $1,780 |
| Modesto | $1,300 - $1,820 |
Cities With Premiums Higher than State Average Annual Motorcycle Insurance Rates
| City | Average Annual Motorcycle Insurance Rate |
| San Francisco | $2,600 - $3,160 |
| Long Beach | $2,500 - $3,760 |
| Oakland | $2,200 - $2,600 |
| Glendale | $2,300 - $2,500 |
| Chula Vista | $2,100 - $2,460 |
| Sacramento | $2,100 - $2,360 |
| Los Angeles | $2,100 - $2,340 |
| San Diego | $2,000 - $2,300 |
| Fairfield | $2,000 - $2,220 |
| Antioch | $1,900 - $2,180 |
Before settling for a policy, shop around for the best motorcycle insurance quotes that are tailored to your needs. You can also consult with a knowledgeable California-licensed property insurance agent who knows what motorcycle insurance options are available in your area and can get you the cheapest motorcycle insurance in California based on your needs.
How Much is Motorcycle Insurance on Average in California?
On average, Californians pay between $1,200 and $2,000 a year for full coverage motorcycle insurance. The amount you pay as a premium for motorcycle insurance in California depends on the insurance company, your age, driving record, gender, location, coverage (liability-only or full coverage), and the motorcycle type. In 2023, the cost of minimum coverage (Liability) for a standard bike in California from top insurance companies ranged between $70 and $200 per year, while full coverage cost a minimum of $780 - and averaged around $1,800-$1,900 per year ($150-$158 per month).
Use the motorcycle quote comparison worksheet to help make the most informed decision. Speak with a CA-licensed motorcycle insurance agent who can help you get the best motorcycle insurance in California.
How Can I Lower The Cost of My California Motorcycle Insurance?
The amount you pay for motorcycle insurance in California depends on several factors, some of which are beyond your control (e.g., age and gender). However, you can save on your motorcycle insurance cost through the following practices:
- Only pay for the coverage you need - When buying motorcycle insurance in California, include only the necessary coverages. California mandates that every motorcycle owner riding on public roads have liability insurance. However, some coverages are optional or may have been captured by your other insurance policies. For example, if you have health insurance, it will cover your medical payments if you are injured. Therefore, you can remove medical payment coverage from your motorcycle insurance to reduce costs.
- Keep your bike simple - Modifying your bike will add more to your coverage cost. To save money on premiums, insure your bike without extra post-factory fittings.
- Opting for a higher deductible - The deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket for coverage before the insurance company pays the rest. The amount you accept to pay as a deductible affects your motorcycle insurance in CA. A high deductible leads to a lower premium and vice versa.
- Shop around - Before you buy motorcycle insurance in California, shop around and compare quotes to know the company that offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance in California that also meets your needs. You can engage the services of a CA-licensed motorcycle insurance agent for help with comparing quotes.
- Install safety features - You can lower your California motorcycle insurance cost by installing an alarm system and anti-theft locks that are more advanced and difficult to cut than regular ones. You can also adopt safety measures like wearing a helmet, chest protector, knee guards, elbow guards, jacket, back & spine protector, and bike boots. These measures can attract discounts and help you save on your premium.
- Opt for pay-per-mile coverage (PPM) - With this type of motorcycle insurance coverage, the amount you pay as a premium is based on the motorcycle mileage. You do not pay while the bike is inactive. PPM coverage can reduce the cost of your insurance by up to 60%. Even on active days, your coverage cost will be low. All you need is to send a snapshot of your motorcycle odometer reading to the insurance company each month-end, and you will get a lower price if your bike has low mileage.
- Discounts - You can leverage several types of motorcycle insurance discounts to lower the cost of motorcycle insurance in CA if you qualify. For instance:
- Motorcycle organization discount if you are military personnel or a member of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
- Motorcycle policy transfer discount when you transfer your motorcycle insurance to a new insurer
- Multiple motorcycle discounts when you insure multiple bikes with the same company
- Multi-policy discount for bundling your motorcycle insurance with your car insurance, home insurance, or other types of insurance
- Paid-in-full discount when you pay your CA motorcycle insurance in full rather than paying monthly
- Advanced renewal discount when you pay your California motorcycle insurance ahead of the expiration date of the last payment
- Good rider discount/Accident-free discount if you do not get involved in an at-fault accident for a set period
- Motorcycle safety course insurance discount if you pass a safe driving course
- Usage-based discount if you do not ride your motorbike very often
- Motorcycle equipment discounts if your motorbike has a factory-fitted anti-theft system. For instance, if you have a factory-installed anti-lock brake system (ABS), you may qualify for a discount
Speak with a California-licensed motorcycle insurance agent for more ways to get cheap motorcycle insurance in California.
Where to Find Cheap Motorcycle Insurance in California?
To find cheap motorcycle insurance in California, you may need to speak with a California-licensed motorcycle insurance agent or broker. The agent does not charge you for their work and gets paid by the insurance company that you choose to use. Agents have access to multiple insurance companies and will help you get the best California motorcycle insurance quote with the cheapest motorcycle insurance that is available to you.
Also, you can visit the websites of the various motorcycle insurance companies operating in California and compare motorcycle insurance quotes to find cheap motorcycle insurance available in your location. Click on the “get a motorcycle insurance quote” icon, input your zip code, and fill in other necessary information requested. The table below outlines motorcycle insurance CA costs from some of the major motorcycle insurance companies in California. Note that the average cost of motorcycle insurance in California is $151 monthly or $1,800 annually.
Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance in California
| Motorcycle Insurance Company | Average Monthly Cost |
| Allstate | $100 - $140 |
| Dairyland | $115 - $150 |
| Geico | $80 - $120 |
| Progressive | $90 - $125 |
How Much is Motorcycle Insurance on a 3-Wheel Motorcycle in CA?
To drive a 3-wheel motorcycle (trike a.k.a. autocycle) on California roads, you require the minimum-liability coverage of 15/30/5, which will cost you around $100-$400 for the year. If the trike is financed - you need full coverage to satisfy the lender’s requirements. The cost of full coverage will vary greatly on the value and the age of the trike. Expect to pay $900-$1,600 per year for full coverage 3-wheel motorcycle insurance in California.
Your 3-wheel motorcycle California motorcycle insurance may increase due to several factors, depending on your trike, and you may have to pay above the average cost for your locality. For instance, you may need specific coverage for:
- Autocycle - These are 3-wheel motorcycles that have some features similar to those of auto vehicles. For example, enclosed cabin and steering wheel
- Factory-built - These are factory-customized trikes with unique models or manufacturers' parts (for example, Harley-Davidson models). You may need additional original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
- Reverse trike - This type of 3-wheel motorcycle has two wheels in the front and one at the back
- Conversion - You might need extra coverage if you modify your trike to make it look different from the factory-built standards. Having add-ons will increase the cost of your coverage.
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