Insurance—yeah, it’s one of those unavoidable pains in the ass, like death, taxes, and potholes in the road. The law says we gotta cough up cash year after year, just in case fate decides to throw us a nasty curveball. We can’t control everything, but we sure as hell can keep from getting fleeced.
Your insurance rates ain’t just some random number—things like taking a legit rider-training course, your age, your driving record, where you park your beast at night, and what kind of machine you ride all factor in. But don’t worry, road warrior—we’ve got some tricks up our sleeve here at Ridin’ On to help you keep more cash in your pocket and less in the insurance company’s vault. Buckle up, here’s how to cut those premiums down to size.
First and foremost, know that not all insurance companies play by the same rules. Rates, coverages, and discounts are all over the map. So don’t be a sucker—shop around. Ask questions. Grill ‘em like you’re interrogating a shady mechanic. Ask your rep straight-up what kind of discounts they offer. You might be surprised at how much you can shave off your premium. People will spend hours comparing blenders or haggling over a new ride, but when it comes to insurance? They just take the first quote they get and roll with it. Don’t be that person. Take the time, do the legwork, and make sure you’re getting the best damn deal possible.
• Check the rates before you buy the bike, especially if you are under 25 and not married. The rates for a high-performance machine or builder’s titled bike, even for minimum coverage, will surprise you.
• Be sure to get an agreed value policy, so you don’t have to settle for Blue Book pricing if your custom bike is stolen or totaled.
• If you have any non-factory equipped items on the bike, there is probably no coverage for those items. Schedule them specifically as additional items, then there will be no argument in the event you have to file a claim.
• Consider and get a quote for higher limits as an option. It can’t hurt and might not cost that much more for a lot more coverage.
• Always add Uninsured and Underinsured motorist coverage to your policy—the higher the limits, the better!
Got more than one bike? Boom—multibike discount. Rolling with a crew like the AMA or HOG? That membership might score you a sweet deal. Been tearing up the roads for years without wiping out? Some companies reward veteran riders with a mature rider discount. These discounts can knock anywhere from 10% to 20% off your bill, but don’t assume anything—every company and state has different rules. So do your homework and ask the right questions to make sure you’re not leaving cash on the table.
Here are even more extra discounts you should definitely be asking about—because if they’re handing out savings, you damn well better be first in line.
- Garage Kept – If your bike sleeps indoors instead of out on the street where some lowlife can swipe it, insurers might cut you a break.
- Alarm System – Got a theft deterrent? Let your insurance company know. A solid anti-theft setup could knock a few bucks off your premium.
- Recreational Use Only – If your bike is your weekend thrill ride and not your daily grind, you might qualify for a discount. Less time on the road means less risk, and insurers like that.
- Prior Motorcycle Insurance – Switching from one insurer to another? Some companies reward that with a discount—because hey, you’ve already proven you know the drill.
- Take a Rider Course – Completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course can knock 10–15% off your premium. If you’re under 25 (aka, in the “high-risk” zone), this could be your best shot at some serious savings.
- Keep Your Record Clean – No tickets, no wrecks, no nonsense. A clean driving record makes you look like less of a liability, which means lower rates. Keep it tight on the road, and your wallet will thank you.
- Consider a Lay-Up Policy – If you live where winter puts a chokehold on riding season, look into a lay-up policy. It suspends all coverage except comprehensive while your bike is parked for the cold months—just don’t get any wild ideas about sneaking a ride, or you might not be covered.
- Raise Your Deductible – Willing to bet on yourself? Choosing a higher deductible means you’ll pay more out of pocket if something happens, but it’ll drop your monthly premium. If you ride smart and safe, this can be a solid money-saver.
Your insurance rate isn’t just about you, it’s about your ride too. The type of machine you throw your leg over plays a big role in how much you pay. If you’re ripping around on a high- performance sportbike, expect to fork over more cash than someone cruising on a laid-back hog, because insurers see sportbikes as high-risk, high-speed, and high-maintenance. The age of your bike matters too—brand-new machines usually cost more to insure, but if you’re riding something rare or classic, that could jack up the price as well.Picking the right insurance agent or company isn’t something you just do on a whim—it takes time, effort, and a little digging. If you’ve already got car or bike insurance, start there and see what kind of deal they can offer. If not, tap into your network—ask your riding buddies, coworkers, or family where they get their coverage. Your local cycle shop or dealership might have a go-to insurer they recommend, and don’t forget to check out the companies throwing ads right here in Ridin’ On.Insurance ain’t exactly a thrill ride, and buying it is even less exciting. But if you put in the effort to shop around, grab every discount you’re eligible for, and pick the coverage that fits your needs, it can at least give you some peace of mind. Plus, it’ll free up a little extra cash to put toward that gym membership you swore you’d sign up for this year!
