Updated: May 22, 2024
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Choosing an insurance plan for your motorcycle can be difficult, especially if you’re a younger rider. When selecting a policy, it’s important to weigh the price, coverage levels and potential discounts associated with each plan. MoneyGeek put together a list of the best motorcycle insurance companies available for 21-year-old riders based on our proprietary quote data, so you can easily compare policies and determine which is right for you.
Insurers charge younger riders higher rates for their insurance. Statistically speaking, younger riders are much more likely to be involved in an accident than older riders, making them riskier to insure. According to our research, the average annual cost of motorcycle insurance for a 21-year-old is $255 for liability-only coverage and $907 for full coverage.
Age | Liability-Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
16 | $302 | $1,146 |
18 | $313 | $1,124 |
21 | $255 | $907 |
40 | $141 | $364 |
Insurance costs fluctuate significantly from company to company. Comparing quotes from different providers can help you find the best deal. For liability-only coverage, GEICO offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance for a 21-year-old at $180 per year. The most affordable option for full coverage is Dairyland, with a $460 average annual premium. Keep in mind that your rates can vary based on personal factors, including your age, location and driving history.
Company | Liability-Only | Full Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. | Dairyland | $245 | $460 |
2. | GEICO | $180 | $679 |
3. | Markel | $358 | $1,614 |
4. | Nationwide | $312 | $1,258 |
5. | Progressive | $194 | $596 |
There are two options for insuring your motorcycle — full coverage insurance and liability-only insurance.
The best motorcycle insurance companies for 21-year-olds provide affordable coverage, excellent customer service and savings opportunities. After analyzing policy costs, discounts and service ratings from J.D. Power for major motorcycle providers, MoneyGeek recommends Progressive as our top pick for 21-year-olds.
Extra coverages for motorcycle riders, including total loss coverage for a new motorcycle and roadside assistance.
An extensive array of other insurance products, allowing customers to save significantly with bundling discounts.
Dairyland ranks higher for customer service and receives fewer complaints than Progressive.
Charges more expensive full coverage rates than some competitors.
Progressive is our top choice because they have the lowest average rates and a wide range of discounts. They also cover full replacement costs with no depreciation for parts, accessories, custom equipment and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. You can buy your plan directly from Progressive or through an independent insurance agent, giving you multiple ways to sign up for coverage.
Many location-based factors affect insurance rates, including local laws, regulations and the number of accidents or other claims filed in a given area. The bottom line — where you live can have a significant impact on your premiums. Moving can change your rates by hundreds of dollars each year, whether you’re going out of state or a few blocks away.
State | Full Coverage (40-Year-Old) | Full Coverage (21-Year-Old) | Increase vs. 40-Year-Old | % Increase vs. 40-Year-Old |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | $273 | $349 | $76 | 28% |
Alaska | $200 | $258 | $58 | 29% |
Arizona | $380 | $437 | $57 | 15% |
Arkansas | $411 | $428 | $16 | 4% |
California | $380 | $521 | $141 | 37% |
Colorado | $321 | $385 | $64 | 20% |
Connecticut | $349 | $465 | $115 | 33% |
Delaware | $466 | $541 | $75 | 16% |
Florida | $297 | $383 | $86 | 29% |
Georgia | $399 | $534 | $136 | 34% |
Hawaii | $351 | $439 | $88 | 25% |
Idaho | $352 | $447 | $95 | 27% |
Illinois | $417 | $475 | $58 | 14% |
Indiana | $449 | $624 | $175 | 39% |
Iowa | $238 | $302 | $64 | 27% |
Kansas | $231 | $287 | $56 | 24% |
Kentucky | $456 | $488 | $32 | 7% |
Louisiana | $459 | $638 | $179 | 39% |
Maine | $319 | $411 | $92 | 29% |
Maryland | $373 | $455 | $82 | 22% |
Massachusetts | $335 | $349 | $13 | 4% |
Michigan | $456 | $652 | $196 | 43% |
Minnesota | $224 | $244 | $20 | 9% |
Mississippi | $530 | $626 | $95 | 18% |
Missouri | $496 | $556 | $60 | 12% |
Montana | $170 | $206 | $36 | 21% |
Nebraska | $344 | $378 | $34 | 10% |
Nevada | $485 | $660 | $175 | 36% |
New Hampshire | $358 | $494 | $136 | 38% |
New Jersey | $557 | $613 | $56 | 10% |
New Mexico | $418 | $464 | $46 | 11% |
New York | $282 | $347 | $65 | 23% |
North Carolina | $377 | $388 | $11 | 3% |
North Dakota | $222 | $289 | $67 | 30% |
Ohio | $315 | $334 | $19 | 6% |
Oklahoma | $320 | $358 | $38 | 12% |
Oregon | $368 | $464 | $96 | 26% |
Pennsylvania | $284 | $403 | $119 | 42% |
Rhode Island | $565 | $790 | $226 | 40% |
South Carolina | $360 | $382 | $22 | 6% |
South Dakota | $237 | $301 | $64 | 27% |
Tennessee | $411 | $456 | $45 | 11% |
Texas | $472 | $567 | $94 | 20% |
Utah | $376 | $452 | $75 | 20% |
Vermont | $337 | $364 | $27 | 8% |
Virginia | $413 | $553 | $140 | 34% |
Washington | $288 | $374 | $86 | 30% |
West Virginia | $490 | $622 | $132 | 27% |
Wisconsin | $291 | $361 | $70 | 24% |
Wyoming | $247 | $256 | $10 | 4% |
The rates listed above are for a full coverage plan.
Just like auto insurance, motorcycle insurance tends to be more expensive the younger you are. The average 21-year-old rider pays $907 each year for full coverage insurance, compared to $346 per year for the average 40-year-old rider. Because older riders typically have more experience on the road, motorcycle insurance costs decrease over time, provided you maintain a good driving record.
Avoiding accidents and traffic tickets goes a long way toward keeping your insurance costs low. Road safety tips — like following traffic laws and avoiding alcohol or drug use while riding — can keep you safe and help you save money.
While insurance tends to be more expensive the younger you are, there are some measures 21-year-olds can take to score significant savings:
Gather quotes from multiple companies to make sure you’re getting the lowest rate for your motorcycle insurance. When comparing policies, always compare plans that offer identical coverage so you know which is the most affordable.
One of the easiest ways to save money on premiums is to use a motorcycle that costs less to insure — insuring a cruiser, moped or other beginner bike costs significantly less than insuring a sports bike.
Staying on your family policy gives you multiple benefits that can help lower your insurance costs. These include bundling discounts and reduced rates for long-term customers or riders who own a house.
If you’ve paid off your bike and can afford to replace it out of pocket, you could consider carrying liability-only coverage. This option saves you money by eliminating the cost of comprehensive and collision insurance. However, it also means you’re responsible for repairing or replacing your bike in the event of an at-fault accident.
Still have questions about the cost of motorcycle insurance for 21-year-old riders? MoneyGeek compiled some of the most common questions people ask to help you find the best policy.
According to our research, the average 21-year-old pays $255 per year for liability-only motorcycle insurance and $907 for full coverage. Keep in mind that insurance rates vary based on your driving history and location, which means your rates may be higher or lower than the national average.
Yes, riders can stay on a parent’s insurance plan as long as they live in the same house. Parents may even be required to list all household residents of driving or riding age on their policy unless they have an individual policy in their name. Insurance company rules and local laws play a big part in determining coverage requirements, so it’s important to do your research if you plan to stay on a parent’s plan.
Generally, motorcycle insurance is more expensive for 21-year-olds than older riders. There are many types of coverage you can add or remove from your motorcycle insurance policy. Researching coverages online or working with an insurance broker can help you figure out the best options for your specific needs.
MoneyGeek calculated the sample rates on this page by gathering quotes for a 21-year-old Honda Rebel 500 rider with a good driving record.
These rates are for the following coverage limits:
In instances where sample rates were for a full coverage policy, note that the policy includes comprehensive and collision with a $500 deductible.
About Rachael Brennan
Rachael Brennan is a licensed insurance agent with over a decade of experience in the industry. She holds a property and casualty (P&C) license across all 50 states and a life, health, and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) license in New York and surrounding states. She writes personal finance and insurance content for MoneyGeek, specializing in property, casualty, health, life, and accidental death and disability insurance.
Brennan earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications from Texas A&M University-Commerce. As a writer, she uses her insurance and personal finance experience to share practical knowledge and help people make informed financial decisions.
