Does Having A Motorcycle Increase Insurance?

Buying a motorcycle comes with a lot of insurance-related questions, the first one usually being: Can I add a motorcycle to my car insurance? And the answer is no – auto insurance does not cover motorcycles and vice versa. Auto insurance and motorcycle insurance are separate policies, and one does not directly affect the cost of the other. 

Here’s another question we’re often asked: Do motorcycles make your insurance go up? The answer here is also no – owning and riding a motorcycle does not increase your insurance premiums. Of course, having more than one policy makes your overall insurance costs go up, but many insurance companies offer multi-vehicle discounts that allow an auto and motorcycle insurance bundle.

In this article, we’ll compare auto and motorcycle insurance and answer a few more frequently asked questions about motorcycles and insurance.

What’s The Difference Between Auto and Motorcycle Insurance?

Auto and motorcycle insurance share similarities, but they have key differences due to the unique risks associated with each vehicle type.

Can You Pause Motorcycle Insurance During the Winter?

While we typically see mild winters in North and South Carolina, there are some seasonal adjustments for motorcycle insurance that are generally not offered for standard auto insurance policies. These can help riders save money during off-peak months.

• Lay-Up Coverage: Designed for seasonal riders, lay-up coverage suspends most coverages, such as liability and collision, during months when the motorcycle is not in use, while still maintaining comprehensive coverage for theft, vandalism, or other non-collision damage.

• Custom Parts & Equipment Coverage: Provides additional protection for aftermarket modifications and accessories that are not covered under a standard motorcycle insurance policy, e.g. custom paint, saddlebags, chrome parts, exhaust systems, and other non-factory additions. 

• Storage Insurance: Similar to lay-up coverage, storage insurance pauses liability and collision while keeping comprehensive coverage active to protect against theft, fire, or weather damage when the bike is in storage.

• Reduced Mileage Discounts – Some insurers offer low-mileage discounts when fewer miles are accrued during certain seasons.

• Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) – Insurers that offer a pay-per-mile or telematics-based policies may offer lower rates during off-peak months.

• Policy Suspension – In some cases, insurers allow a temporary suspension in coverage, but this often means no protection at all, which could be risky if the bike is stolen or damaged while stored.

Can You Get Motorcycle Insurance Without a Motorcycle License?

First, can you get motorcycle insurance with just a permit? Yes, but options may be limited. Many insurance companies allow riders with a learner’s permit to obtain coverage, though some may charge higher premiums due to inexperience. An insurer may require those who intend to ride regularly to obtain a full motorcycle license within a certain timeframe.

Getting motorcycle insurance without a motorcycle license depends on the insurance provider and the circumstances. Some reasons why someone without a license might need motorcycle insurance include:

• Insuring a bike before completing a licensing test
• Owning a motorcycle but not riding it (e.g., collectors, gifting, or storage)
• Insuring a bike for another rider who is licensed

However, insurers may see an unlicensed rider as a higher risk, which could lead to higher premiums or policy restrictions. Some companies may refuse to issue coverage without at least a learner’s permit.

Is Motorcycle Insurance Higher Than Car Insurance?

Motorcycle insurance can be higher or lower than car insurance, depending on several factors. For liability-only coverage, motorcycle insurance is usually cheaper than car insurance. Full coverage (liability + collision + comprehensive) for a motorcycle can sometimes be more expensive than for a car, especially for high-performance bikes or inexperienced riders. Let’s take a closer look.

Why Motorcycle Insurance Can Be Cheaper

• Lower vehicle cost – Motorcycles are usually less expensive to repair or replace than cars.
• Less damage to others – Motorcycles cause less damage in accidents compared to cars, leading to lower liability costs.
• Seasonal riding – Many riders use motorcycles only part of the year, which can reduce premiums.

Why Motorcycle Insurance Can Be More Expensive

• Higher risk of accidents and injuries – Motorcycles have a higher accident rate and offer less protection, leading to higher medical and personal injury costs.
• Theft rates – Certain motorcycles (especially sportbikes) are more likely to be stolen, increasing comprehensive coverage costs.
• Rider experience and age – Newer and younger riders may face higher premiums due to inexperience.

What If You Have a Motorcycle Accident Without Insurance?

Having a motorcycle accident without insurance can lead to severe legal and financial consequences. Most states, including North and South Carolina, require motorcycle insurance, and riding without it can result in fines, license and registration suspension, and even vehicle impoundment. In some cases, the uninsured rider may be required to carry an SR-22 certificate, proving financial responsibility, which often leads to higher future insurance rates.

Financially, an uninsured rider is personally liable for all damages, which means paying for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and property damage out of pocket. If you cause an accident, the other party can sue for damages, potentially leading to wage garnishment or asset seizure. Additionally, your own medical expenses and motorcycle repairs won’t be covered, leaving you with potentially significant costs.

If the accident results in serious injuries or fatalities, criminal charges – such as a misdemeanor or even a felony – may apply. 

Riding without proof of insurance can also lead to serious penalties, including fines, license suspensions, and increased insurance requirements for repeat offenders. Use a durable, waterproof insurance and registration holder for motorcycles and keep it under the seat, in a saddlebag or tank bag, inside a fork bag or tool pouch, or on your person.

Does Your Life Insurance Go Up If You Ride a Motorcycle?

Riding a motorcycle can increase life insurance premiums because insurers view it as a higher-risk activity compared to driving a car. Since motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in serious accidents, insurers may charge higher rates, especially for frequent riders or those who engage in high-risk riding, such as racing or stunt riding. Factors like riding experience, frequency, helmet use, and accident history also influence premiums. 

While occasional riders may see only a slight increase, daily commuters or sportbike owners may face higher costs. However, maintaining a clean riding record, wearing proper safety gear, and bundling policies can help mitigate premium hikes.

Have other questions about motorcycle, auto or life insurance? Get in touch! At Independent Insurance Associates, we understand the complexity of insurance so that you don’t have to. Our team is here to help you find the right coverage at the right price to suit your specific needs.