Best California Auto Insurers For Motorcycle Coverage

California is known for its stunning motorcycle rides and biking subcultures, and if you want to ride in the Golden State, you'll need insurance. California requires motorcycle riders to have a minimum of $15,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person and $30,000 per accident, as well as a minimum of $5,000 of property damage liability. The average cost of motorcycle insurance in California is $46 per month, or $553 per year, but it can vary depending on where you live. For example, in Los Angeles, the average cost is $62 per month. When it comes to choosing an insurance company, there are several options available in California, including Harley-Davidson, Progressive, State Farm, Dairyland, and Safeco. Each company offers different coverage options, discounts, and benefits, so it's important to do your research and choose the one that best suits your needs.

California's minimum insurance requirements for motorcycles

In California, motorcycle riders are legally required to carry a certain amount of vehicle liability insurance. This insurance is enforced to provide financial protection in the event of an accident resulting in property damage or injuries. The minimum insurance requirements for motorcycle riders are the same as those for car and SUV owners.

The basic level of protection that anyone riding a motorcycle in California must carry is:

• $15,000 for injury or death to one person
• $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
• $5,000 for property damage

These minimum coverage amounts are often referred to as 15/30/5 coverage. It is important to note that these are the minimum requirements, and it is recommended to have higher coverage to fully protect oneself in the event of a significant accident. The minimum coverage amounts may not be sufficient to cover all damages in a severe accident, leaving the liable party accountable for any additional costs.

Motorcycle riders in California are also required to keep proof of their insurance policy at all times. This proof of financial responsibility must be provided in several instances, including when requested by law enforcement, during vehicle registration renewal, and in the event of a traffic collision. Failure to provide proof of insurance can result in fines and vehicle or license suspension.

In addition to the minimum requirements, motorcycle riders in California may also consider additional insurance options for further protection. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM and UIM) are optional but highly beneficial. These coverages protect riders in the event of an accident with a driver who has insufficient or no insurance. Other optional coverages include comprehensive coverage for non-collision-related damage, medical payments coverage, rental car reimbursement, and roadside assistance.

Companies offering the cheapest motorcycle insurance in California

Motorcycle insurance in California is required by law and can protect you from financial losses in the event of an accident. The cost of motorcycle insurance in California depends on factors such as your age, riding record, motorcycle model, coverage amount, and years of riding experience.

GEICO

GEICO offers some of the industry's lowest rates for motorcycle insurance in California, with an average annual premium of $79 for liability-only coverage and $210 for full coverage. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an A++ rating in financial strength from AM Best. They also offer various discounts, such as loyalty, multi-policy, multiple motorcycle discounts, and discounts for mature riders and those who have completed motorcycle safety courses.

Progressive

Progressive is another affordable option for motorcycle insurance in California, with an average annual premium of $301 for full coverage. They are known for insuring high-risk drivers and have an A+ rating for financial stability from AM Best. They offer a wide range of additional coverage options, including full replacement cost, accessories, custom parts, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts coverage.

Dairyland

Dairyland specializes in offering affordable coverage to high-risk riders of various types of motorcycles, including standard, dirt bikes, mopeds, and scooters. They have an A+ rating from the BBB and AM Best and receive positive customer reviews. Their rates for liability-only coverage are $102 per year, and full coverage costs $507 per year.

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance in California, with an average cost of $42 per month for full coverage, which is 9% cheaper than the state average. They offer various discounts and coverage options, including replacement cost coverage for your bike and custom parts. However, they do not offer the option to bundle with car or home insurance.

State Farm

State Farm has a wide network of agents offering motorcycle insurance across California and is the largest auto insurer in the country. They offer standard insurance types and add-ons, such as coverage for protective gear and custom parts. However, their premiums tend to be higher than average, and they do not offer instant quotes online.

Other companies offering motorcycle insurance in California include Nationwide, USAA, Safeco, The General, Direct Auto Insurance, National General Insurance, Esurance, MAPFRE Insurance, and Farmers.

Companies offering the best motorcycle insurance in California

Geico

Geico is a top pick for the best cheap motorcycle insurance in California. It offers low average rates and has a solid reputation. It has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an A++ rating in financial strength from AM Best. Geico offers standard coverage for bodily injuries, bike repairs, and stolen equipment, along with add-ons like helmet coverage, accessories coverage, and emergency roadside service.

Progressive

Progressive is another highly-rated option for motorcycle insurance in California. It offers extensive coverage plans for high-risk drivers, including motorcyclists. It holds an A+ rating for financial stability from AM Best and an A rating from the BBB. Progressive provides affordable prices and a wide range of coverage options, including full replacement cost, accessories, custom parts, and original equipment manufacturer parts.

State Farm

State Farm stands out for its wide network of agents offering motorcycle insurance across California. It is the largest auto insurer in the country and has an exceptional A++ financial strength rating from AM Best and an A rating from the BBB. State Farm offers standard insurance types and add-ons for protective gear and custom parts like sidecars.

Dairyland

Dairyland specializes in providing affordable coverage to high-risk riders of dirt bikes, mopeds, scooters, and standard motorcycles. It has an A+ rating from both the BBB and AM Best and receives positive customer reviews on Google, with 4.2 stars out of 5.0 from over 6,100 reviews.

Safeco

Safeco, a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual, offers motorcycle insurance in California with rates below the industry average. It has an A rating from AM Best for financial security and provides optional Harley-Davidson replacement cost coverage. Safeco includes roadside assistance with all its plans.

Other Notable Mentions

Harley-Davidson, USAA, The General, Direct Auto Insurance, National General Insurance, Esurance, MAPFRE Insurance, and Nationwide are also mentioned as notable motorcycle insurance providers in California.

The average cost of motorcycle insurance in California

The cost of motorcycle insurance in California can vary depending on various factors, including the city you live in, the type of bike you own, your age, and your driving record. For instance, riders in Glendale pay the highest rate in the state at $65 per month, while Fontana and Visalia have the cheapest motorcycle insurance at an average of $36 per month.

When it comes to insurance companies, Harley-Davidson offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance in California, with an average of $42 per month for a full coverage policy. Progressive, on the other hand, offers more expensive quotes, with an average of $51 per month.

It's important to note that the cost of motorcycle insurance can also depend on the coverage options you choose. California's legal motorcycle insurance minimums include liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. The minimum coverage requirements in California are $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $5,000 per accident for property damage liability. However, riders may want to consider additional coverage options, such as comprehensive and collision insurance, medical payments coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage, to ensure they are adequately protected.

Optional motorcycle insurance coverages

There are several optional motorcycle insurance coverages that you can add to your policy in California. Here are some of the most common ones:

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Comprehensive coverage can protect your motorcycle from damages that are not caused by a collision, such as natural disasters, theft, or vandalism. Collision coverage, on the other hand, covers the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. While these coverages are not required by law in California, they can provide valuable protection for your vehicle.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This type of coverage will protect you if you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your injuries and damages. It is not mandatory in California, but it can provide financial protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage

If you have added custom parts or equipment to your motorcycle, you may want to consider adding this coverage to your policy. It will protect your investment in these upgrades and ensure that you can repair or replace them if they are damaged or stolen.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance coverage can provide valuable help if your motorcycle breaks down or you are stranded on the side of the road. This coverage typically includes towing services, battery jump-starts, gas delivery, and flat tire changes. It can give you peace of mind when riding, knowing that help is just a phone call away.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage will help pay for any injuries you or your passenger may suffer in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage can be especially important if you do not have adequate health insurance or if your health insurance does not cover motorcycle-related injuries.

These are just a few examples of optional motorcycle insurance coverages that are available in California. It's important to review your policy and understand what is included and what additional coverages you may need to ensure you have the protection you need while riding your motorcycle.

Frequently asked questions