What Is Motorcycle Insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is an agreement between you and your insurance company that protects your bike, scooter, moped, ATV, or UTV, any damage you cause while riding, and other events. As with auto insurance, you’ll select and purchase “coverages,” which represent things your insurer agrees to pay for.

In a nutshell: It’s like paying a little now to avoid potentially paying a lot later.

How does motorcycle insurance work?

Whether you buy motorcycle insurance on your own, from an agent, or through a representative at a dealership, you’ll be asked some basic questions about you, your bike, and the coverages you’re looking for. These factors will affect your price for insurance. Then, if you damage your motorcycle or you hit someone/something else, you’ll file a “claim” with your insurer. If your claim is covered, they’ll pay for the losses or injuries up to your coverage limits.

Do you need motorcycle insurance?

Yes. Motorcycle insurance is required in all states except New Hampshire (New Hampshire still requires financial responsibility if you cause an accident, so you’ll want to be properly insured). If you ride without insurance or lack the proper coverages, you could get a fine, have your license revoked, suffer a court-ordered financial judgement that you can’t afford, or even land in jail. No worries, though—Moreland and most other insurers won’t sell a policy that doesn’t meet your state’s requirements.