Rates for motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old vary based on several factors, including where you live, the make and model of the motorcycle and your driving history. Be sure to get quotes from at least three different insurance companies if you want to find the cheapest motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old.

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How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost for a 16-Year-Old?

Based on our research, the average cost of motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old is $1,146 per year for a full coverage policy. That’s $239 more than the average premium for a 21-year-old rider and $782 higher than a 40-year-old pays.

For liability-only coverage, the average annual rate drops to $302 for a 16-year-old. While this is still double what a 40-year-old pays, it’s closer to the $255 a 21-year-old is charged for the same coverage.

Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance for a 16-Year-Old
Age
Liability-Only
Full Coverage

16

$302

$1,146

18

$313

$1,124

21

$255

$907

40

$141

$364

Which Company Has the Best Cheap Insurance for a 16-Year-Old?

Rates for motorcycle insurance for 16-year-old riders can vary significantly from insurer to insurer, so it’s important to get quotes from at least three different companies. MoneyGeek found that — on average — Progressive offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old at $769 for full coverage and $238 for liability-only.

Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance for 16-Year-Olds
Company
Liability-Only
Full Coverage

GEICO

$250

$899

Nationwide

$409

$1,740

Progressive

$238

$769

Full coverage insurance includes collision and comprehensive coverage. These coverages pay for damage to your vehicle. Liability-only insurance covers damage and injuries you cause to others in an accident. It does not provide coverage for you or your vehicle. Liability-only motorcycle coverage is required in most — but not all — states.

MoneyGeek’s Motorcycle Insurance Recommendation for 16-Year-Olds

After analyzing the average cost of policies, discounts, and service ratings from J.D. Power for most major motorcycle providers, MoneyGeek recommends Progressive as our top pick for 16-year-olds.

Best Overall for 16-Year-Olds: Progressive

Progressive

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Lowest average rates for motorcycle insurance for 16-year-old riders.

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Full range of coverage options, including extra coverage such as roadside assistance.

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Enjoys the same liability limits if added to parents’ policy.

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Don’t sell stand-alone policies to 16-year-olds in some states

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Company has average customer service ratings from J.D. Power.

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Progressive receives more complaints than average, according to the NAIC.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Progressive offers coverage for most legal motorcycles, running from cruisers to custom bikes and even dirt bikes. Standard motorcycle coverage includes bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, comprehensive and collision, and medical payments. Automatic coverages include full replacement cost and no depreciation for parts, accessories, custom parts, custom equipment, and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts.

Optional coverages from Progressive include total loss coverage for a new motorcycle, roadside assistance and trip interruption, carried contents for your personal belongings, disappearing deductible, and enhanced injury protection.

If you’re a parent who adds your 16-year-old to your existing car insurance policy, they’ll automatically have the same coverage you do.

Motorcycle Insurance Cost by State for 16-Year-Olds

Motorcycle insurance rates vary from state to state, in part because each state has its own minimum requirements for coverage and liability. However, rates are also based on other factors, like how many claims are filed where you live. Our review found that Alaska has the cheapest motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old, with an average yearly rate of $419. On the other hand, Rhode Island has the most expensive motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old at $1,440 per year, on average.

Motorcycle Insurance Cost by State for 16-Year-Olds
State
Full Coverage (40-Year-Old)
Full Coverage (16-Year-Old)
Increase vs. 40-Year-Old
% Increase vs. 40-Year-Old

Alabama

$273

$663

$390

143%

Alaska

$200

$419

$220

110%

Arizona

$380

$991

$611

161%

Arkansas

$411

$905

$493

120%

California

$380

$1,034

$654

172%

Colorado

$321

$832

$511

159%

Connecticut

$349

$831

$482

138%

Delaware

$466

$1,268

$802

172%

Florida

$297

$680

$383

129%

Georgia

$399

$1,100

$701

176%

Why Is Insurance Expensive and Hard to Find for a 16-Year-Old?

Motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old rider is more expensive than older riders as a result of their inexperience. Younger riders are seen as more likely to take risks than experienced drivers, potentially causing more accidents and, therefore, more claims.

Keep in mind that many companies don’t offer policies for 16-year-old riders due to risk. Dairyland and Markel typically don’t provide policies to 16-year-old riders. Depending on the state, GEICO, Progressive and Nationwide also won’t offer a separate policy for a 16-year-old. Fortunately, many companies will allow 16-year-old riders to be added to their parents’ policies.

The average annual rate for motorcycle insurance for a 40-year-old rider is just $364, while the typical yearly premium for a 16-year-old is $1,146.

How Can 16-Year-Olds Save Money on Motorcycle Insurance?

There are a few steps you can take to find the cheapest motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old rider.

1
Shop Around and Get Multiple Quotes

Our data suggests a shopper can save up to 56% on motorcycle insurance by comparing quotes from multiple companies.

2
Choose a Cruiser or Beginner Bike, Instead of a Sport Bike

One of the key factors insurance companies look at when determining insurance rates is the type of vehicle you own and how safe it is.

3
Join Your Parent’s Policy

In most cases, you’ll pay much cheaper rates by adding a 16-year-old rider to a parent’s existing insurance policy.

4
If Your Bike Is Paid Off, Consider Liability-Only Insurance

This option can help you save significantly since liability insurance is much less expensive than full coverage. However, keep in mind that you’ll also have to cover your own medical costs, as well as the cost to replace your bike if you’re at fault in an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Motorcycle Insurance

When shopping for motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old, many consumers have questions. MoneyGeek answered some of the most common ones below.

How much does motorcycle insurance cost on average for a 16-year-old?
Who has the cheapest motorcycle insurance cost for a 16-year-old?
How does motorcycle insurance work for a 16-year-old?

Learn More About Motorcycle Insurance

Methodology

MoneyGeek calculated the sample rates on this page by gathering quotes for a 16-year-old Honda Rebel 500 rider with a good driving record.

Our sample premiums reflect the following coverage limits:

  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury coverage
  • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury coverage
  • $25,000 per accident for property damage coverage

When sample rates were for a full coverage policy, note that the policy includes comprehensive and collision with a $500 deductible.

About Karon Warren


Karon Warren headshot

Karon Warren is a finance journalist at MoneyGeek and a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. She has over two decades of experience covering personal finance, health insurance, home insurance, car insurance, mortgages and banking.

Warren earned her journalism degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She creates in-depth, well-researched finance content that educates people and helps them make informed financial decisions.