Why Compare Motorcycle Insurance With an Independent Agent?
Motorcycle insurance pricing varies dramatically from one carrier to the next. A cruiser rider with a clean record can get very different quotes from different companies for the exact same coverage, because each carrier weighs bike type, engine size, and rider experience differently. The only way to know you are getting the best deal is to compare multiple carriers side by side.
At Better Choice Insurance Group, we are an independent agency with access to 22+ carriers. We run your information through multiple rating systems at once, compare the results, and present you with the best options. We do not work for any single insurance company; we work for you. That means our only goal is to find you the right coverage at the right price.
Motorcycle insurance is not one-size-fits-all. A Harley-Davidson Road Glide has very different insurance needs than a Kawasaki Ninja. A rider who commutes daily faces different risks than a weekend warrior. We take the time to understand how you ride, what you ride, and what matters most to you, then match you with the carrier that fits your situation perfectly.
And because we review every renewal and re-shop when an increase is out of line, rate creep does not go unnoticed. If a better deal comes along from a different carrier, we will move you to it seamlessly.
Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Types
Motorcycle insurance shares some similarities with auto insurance, but there are important differences. Here are the key coverage types every rider should understand.
Liability Coverage (Bodily Injury & Property Damage)
Liability insurance is required by law in all four states we serve. It pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. Bodily injury liability covers the other party's medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Property damage liability covers repairs to their vehicle and other damaged property. Because motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, we recommend limits of at least 100/300/100 rather than state minimums.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your motorcycle if it is damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. If your bike is financed, your lender will almost certainly require collision coverage. Even on a paid-off motorcycle, collision coverage is worth carrying if the bike is worth more than you could comfortably pay to replace out of pocket. Deductibles typically range from $250 to $2,000.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects your motorcycle against non-collision events including theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, weather damage, and animal strikes. Motorcycle theft is more common than car theft on a per-vehicle basis, making comprehensive coverage especially important for bike owners. This coverage also protects against hail damage, which is a significant risk in the Midwest and Texas.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
UM/UIM coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in collisions with cars and trucks, and the resulting injuries are often severe. An estimated 1 in 8 drivers is uninsured, making this coverage critical. Illinois requires UM/UIM coverage, and we strongly recommend it in all states.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
Medical payments coverage pays for your medical expenses after an accident regardless of fault. For motorcyclists, who lack the protective shell of a car, medical bills can be significant even in low-speed crashes. MedPay covers hospital visits, surgery, X-rays, rehabilitation, and even dental work resulting from an accident. We recommend at least $10,000 in MedPay for riders.
Accessories & Custom Parts Coverage
Standard motorcycle policies typically include limited coverage for aftermarket parts and accessories. If you have invested in custom exhaust, saddlebags, performance upgrades, custom paint, or other modifications, you need additional accessories coverage. Some carriers offer up to $30,000 in custom parts coverage. We will make sure your policy reflects the true value of your bike, including all modifications.
Roadside Assistance & Towing
Motorcycle-specific roadside assistance covers towing, flat tire service, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and battery jump-starts. Unlike auto club memberships, motorcycle roadside assistance is designed for bikes and ensures the tow operator uses proper motorcycle-safe equipment. It is typically one of the less expensive add-ons on a motorcycle policy and provides peace of mind on every ride.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements by State
Each state sets its own minimum insurance requirements for motorcycles. Below are the minimums for the four states we serve. While these are legal minimums, we strongly recommend carrying higher limits, especially for motorcyclists who face greater injury risk.
| State | Bodily Injury (per person/per accident) | Property Damage | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $25,000 / $50,000 | $20,000 | UM/UIM required |
| Minnesota | $30,000 / $60,000 | $10,000 | PIP required ($40,000 min), UM/UIM required |
| Texas | $30,000 / $60,000 | $25,000 | PIP offered but can be rejected in writing |
| Indiana | $25,000 / $50,000 | $25,000 | UM/UIM available but not required |
Motorcycle Insurance Cost by Bike Type
Your motorcycle insurance premium depends heavily on the type of bike you ride, your experience level, your driving record, and where you live. Below are the factors that move the premium for each motorcycle category; we compare 22+ carriers to quote the real number for your bike.
| Motorcycle Type | Example Models | Key Cost Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Cruiser | Harley Softail, Indian Scout, Honda Shadow | Lower theft and accident rates keep premiums affordable |
| Touring | Harley Road Glide, Honda Gold Wing, BMW R1250RT | Higher bike value but mature rider demographic helps rates |
| Sport Bike | Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, Yamaha YZF-R6, Suzuki GSX-R | High-performance engines and higher accident rates increase premiums |
| Standard / Naked | Yamaha MT-07, Honda CB650R, Kawasaki Z650 | Moderate performance and lower theft rates make these affordable |
| Dual-Sport / ADV | BMW GS, KTM 890 Adventure, Honda Africa Twin | Versatile bikes with moderate risk profiles |
Rates vary based on individual factors. Get a personalized quote to see your exact rate from 22+ carriers.
Motorcycle Insurance Discounts
We help you stack every available discount to bring your premium as low as possible. Here are the most common motorcycle insurance discounts offered by our carrier partners.
Motorcycle Safety Course
Complete an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course to qualify for a rider-training discount with many carriers. Many carriers accept both basic and advanced rider courses.
Multi-Bike Discount
Insure two or more motorcycles on the same policy to earn a multi-bike discount. Great for households with multiple riders.
Bundling Discount
Combine your motorcycle insurance with your auto or home insurance to earn a multi-policy discount, and we compare which carrier's bundle prices best.
Anti-Theft Device
Equip your bike with an alarm, GPS tracker, disc lock, or kill switch to earn an anti-theft discount on your comprehensive coverage.
Experienced Rider
Riders with 5+ years of experience and a clean riding record can qualify for an experienced rider discount.
Paid-in-Full Discount
Pay your entire annual premium upfront to qualify for a paid-in-full discount with many carriers. You also avoid monthly installment fees.
Organization Member
Members of motorcycle organizations like AMA, HOG, or Gold Wing Road Riders may qualify for an additional discount.
Mature Rider Discount
Riders over age 50 with a clean record often qualify for a mature rider discount due to lower risk profiles.
Our Carrier Partners
We work with 22+ insurance carriers, each with different strengths and pricing models for motorcycle coverage. Whether you ride a custom Harley or a high-performance sport bike, we have a carrier that fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Motorcycle insurance cost in Illinois depends on the bike type, engine size, your riding experience, your driving record, where you live, and your coverage level. Cruisers and standard bikes are generally the most affordable to insure, while sport bikes carry higher premiums due to increased accident risk. We compare quotes from 22+ carriers and quote the real number for your bike.
Yes. All four states we serve require liability insurance any time your motorcycle is registered, even during months you are not riding. However, many carriers offer seasonal or lay-up policies that reduce your coverage (and premium) during the off-season while keeping you compliant with state law. Ask us about seasonal options to save money without going bare.
Yes. Your liability coverage extends to injuries your passenger sustains if you cause an accident. Medical payments coverage and PIP also cover your passenger's medical expenses regardless of fault. If you frequently ride with a passenger, we recommend higher medical payments limits to ensure adequate protection for both of you.
Absolutely. We work with carriers that specialize in custom and modified motorcycles. It is important to carry agreed-value or stated-value coverage so that your custom parts and accessories are fully covered in the event of a total loss. Standard actual cash value policies may not reflect the true value of your modifications.
Common motorcycle insurance discounts include multi-bike, bundling with auto or home, safety course completion (MSF), anti-theft device, paid-in-full, good driving record, and mature rider discounts. We stack every available discount across our 22+ carriers to bring your premium as low as possible. Get a free quote to see how much you can save.