Updated: November 26, 2025
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GEICO offers California's cheapest minimum coverage motorcycle insurance at $11 per month or $130 annually, 31% below the state average.
GEICO also provides the most affordable rates for full coverage motorcycle insurance at $29 monthly or $353 yearly, 50% cheaper than California's average.
Motorcycle insurance in California costs an average of $14 per month for minimum liability coverage and $53 a month for full coverage policies.
Save up to 25% on motorcycle insurance in California by comparing quotes from at least three providers, bundling with auto or home insurance, and completing a motorcycle safety course. With most insurers, getting a full motorcycle license instead of just an endorsement can reduce premiums by 10% to 15%
California's cheapest motorcycle insurance comes from GEICO at $12 per month or $145 yearly, dominating both minimum and full coverage categories. Rates undercut competitors across all coverage levels, saving riders an average of $80 to $150 annually compared to other budget options.
Progressive is second place at $19 monthly. Dairyland costs $25 monthly. Both provide solid alternatives for riders qualifying for specialized discounts.
| Geico | $12 | $145 |
| Progressive | $19 | $225 |
| Dairyland | $25 | $305 |
| Harley | $37 | $446 |
*Rates are a combined average of minimum and full coverage premiums for a 40-year-old rider driving a 2018 Honda Rebel 500 ABS with 5 years of riding experience and no driving violations.
GEICO and Dairyland offer California's cheapest minimum coverage at roughly $11 monthly, saving riders 29% to 31% compared to the state average. Markel ranks third at $15 monthly but costs 23% more than the two leaders.
Minimum coverage works for riders with older bikes worth under $2,000 or those needing temporary protection between bikes. You'll pay just $132 to $156 annually compared to $498 to $571 for full coverage—a $366 to $435 difference.
| Geico | $11 | $130 | 31% |
| Dairyland | $11 | $136 | 29% |
| Markel | $15 | $178 | 6% |
*Rates are an average of premiums for a 40-year-old rider driving a 2018 Honda Rebel 500 ABS with 5 years of riding experience and no driving violations.
GEICO offers California's cheapest full coverage at $29 monthly or $353 annually, topping Progressive by $145 annually and Dairyland by $218 annually.
Full coverage protects your motorcycle's value and costs only $223 more per year than minimum coverage—worthwhile protection if your bike is worth more than $3,000 or you're still making loan payments.
| Geico | $29 | $353 | 50% |
| Progressive | $41 | $498 | 30% |
| Dairyland | $48 | $571 | 19% |
| Markel | $50 | $599 | 15% |
*Rates are an average for a 40-year-old rider driving a 2018 Honda Rebel 500 ABS with 5 years of riding experience and no driving violations.
Age drives motorcycle insurance costs more than any other factor in California. Sixteen-year-olds pay $186 monthly with Progressive—over $2,200 annually for minimum coverage. By age 21, rates drop to $91 monthly with Geico, cutting costs by 51%. Experienced riders aged 40 with clean records pay as little as $11 to $29 monthly, depending on coverage level.
Shop both providers at age 20 to 21 when this pricing crossover occurs. Your premiums drop 15% to 25% annually through your 20s as you accumulate experience and maintain a violation-free record.
| 16 | Progressive | $186 | $2,232 | 37% |
| 18 | Progressive | $136 | $1,632 | 24% |
| 21 | Geico | $91 | $1,092 | 43% |
*Rates are average of full coverage premiums young riders insuring a 2018 Honda Rebel 500 ABS with 5 years of riding experience and no driving violations.
Additional Cheap Motorcycle Insurance Resources for Teens and Young Riders
GEICO offers the cheapest sport bike coverage at $119 monthly or $1,428 annually for minimum liability, while Nationwide charges $209 monthly. Even at GEICO's lowest rates, sport bike riders pay $1,428 yearly for basic protection—compared to just $130 to $136 annually for cruiser riders with minimum coverage.
| Geico | $119 | $1,428 | 61% |
| Nationwide | $209 | $2,508 | 31% |
*Rates are an average for a 40-year-old rider driving a 2021 Honda CBR1000RR with 5 years of riding experience and no driving violations.
California motorcycle insurance costs $169 annually for minimum coverage and $638 for full coverage—making California the nation's most expensive state for minimum policies and 10th highest for full coverage. California riders pay 27% more than the national average for minimum coverage and 73% more for full coverage compared to states like Montana, Idaho, or North Dakota, where full coverage averages $368 yearly.
| Minimum Liability Coverage | $14 | $169 | 27% |
| Full Coverage | $53 | $638 | 73% |
*Rates are average premiums for a 40 year-old-male insuring a 2018 Honda Rebel 500 ABS with 5 years of riding experience and no driving violations.
Bike type dramatically impacts insurance costs in California. Cruisers cost $16 monthly or $190 yearly for young riders with minimum coverage, while sport bikes run $25 monthly or $305 yearly even for experienced adult riders—a 56% cost difference. The gap widens further for full coverage, where sport bikes cost 8 to 10 times more than cruisers annually.
| Cruiser | $32 | $380 | 5% |
| Sport Bike | $330 | $3,955 | 0% |
*Rates are average of full premiums for a 40 year-old male insuring a 2018 Honda Rebel 500 ABS with 5 years of riding experience and no driving violations.
Sixteen-year-olds pay $94 monthly or $1,133 annually for full coverage. This is nearly double what 21-year-olds pay at $47 monthly or $564 annually. This 50% cost reduction over five years reflects insurers' recognition of improved risk as young riders gain experience. Even minimum coverage shows steep age-based pricing: 16-year-olds pay $25 monthly while 21-year-olds pay just $13 monthly, a 48% decrease.
*Rates are average of young riders insuring a 2018 Honda Rebel 500 ABS with no driving violations.
Teen riders face the highest premiums due to limited experience and higher accident rates, but costs drop dramatically through their early 20s as they accumulate riding history and maintain clean records.
California motorcycle insurance costs 27% more than the national average for minimum coverage and 73% more for full coverage due to state-specific risk factors. These factors explain why California consistently ranks among the nation's highest for motorcycle insurance costs.
Elevated Fatality Rates
According to California Office of Traffic Safety data, motorcycle fatalities increased from 549 in 2020 to 565 in 2021. In 2022, California had the second-highest statewide motorcycle accident fatality count in the country, with 634 deaths, according to the National Safety Council. These elevated fatality statistics directly impact how insurers calculate risk and price policies for the average motorcycle insurance cost California riders pay.
High Theft Rates
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), California led the nation with 9,838 motorcycle thefts in 2022, accounting for 30% of all motorcycle thefts in the United States. This concentration of theft activity—triple the volume of second-place Florida's 4,563 thefts—forces insurers to charge higher comprehensive coverage premiums to California riders.
Urban Traffic and Infrastructure
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), California led the nation with 9,838 motorcycle thefts in 2022, accounting for 30% of all motorcycle thefts in the United States. This concentration of theft activity—triple the volume of second-place Florida's 4,563 thefts—forces insurers to charge higher comprehensive coverage premiums to California rider
Urban Traffic and Infrastructure
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), California led the nation with 9,838 motorcycle thefts in 2022, accounting for 30% of all motorcycle thefts in the United States. This concentration of theft activity—triple the volume of second-place Florida's 4,563 thefts—forces insurers to charge higher comprehensive coverage premiums to California riders.
Urban Traffic and Infrastructure
California has the highest number of motorcycle thefts in 2022 nationwide (9,838), according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists died at 28 times the rate of passenger car occupants in motor vehicle crashes during 2023 (NHTSA data). Dense urban traffic in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego amplifies this national risk pattern through heavier congestion and year-round riding exposure, directly affecting what insurers charge.
Legal Lane Splitting Impact
Lane splitting is legal only in California. Rear-end collision risks drop, but unique claim patterns and liability scenarios emerge that insurers weave into California-specific pricing models.
Higher State Minimum Requirements
California mandates $15,000 to $30,000 to $5,000 liability minimums, exceeding many states requiring $10,000 property damage or lower bodily injury limits. These mandatory coverage floors push base premiums higher before comprehensive or collision gets added.
Year-Round Riding Season
Weather patterns let California riders stay on the road all year. Annual mileage and accident exposure climb compared to states where riders store bikes for four to six winter months, generating more claims per registered motorcycle and pushing average costs higher.
Natural Disaster Exposure
Wildfire seasons deposit ash, cause smoke damage and drop debris on bikes. Earthquake-damaged roads full of cracks and potholes increase accident frequency. These California-specific perils generate comprehensive claims absent in most other states, pushing costs above national averages.
Three factors separate overpaying from securing cheap California motorcycle insurance: comparing multiple insurers, stacking every available discount and choosing appropriate coverage levels for your bike's value. Most riders accept the first quote and miss available discounts, abandoning hundreds of dollars annually.
Knowing what coverage you need can save you from being convinced you need a higher-level policy than necessary.
Minimum coverage costs $169 annually while full coverage averages $638 in California—a $469 difference. The decision hinges on your bike's value and your liquid savings. Before shopping, calculate your motorcycle's actual cash value using Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides.
The coverage decision breaks down simply:
If you can't immediately replace your bike from savings after a total loss, the $39 monthly difference for full coverage protects you from catastrophic out-of-pocket expense. If your bike's value is low and you have available replacement funds, minimum coverage eliminates unnecessary premium costs.
Comparing multiple providers' coverage can help you save up to 60% on motorcycle policies in California. We recommend that you compare multiple companies and use multiple means to get the best pricing.
California riders who compare at least five insurers save an average of $180 annually on motorcycle insurance premiums compared to those who quote only one or two providers. Use online comparison tools, contact local independent agents, and request quotes directly from insurer websites to ensure comprehensive coverage. The 30 minutes invested in comparison shopping typically saves $15 per month—a strong return on your time.
Stacking motorcycle insurance discounts cuts California premiums by 30% to 50% annually, turning a $638 full coverage policy into $319 to $447. Insurers won't apply discounts automatically. You must request each discount and provide documentation: safety course certificates, mileage records, anti-theft system proof, and association membership cards.
The highest-value discounts include bundling at 20% to 25%, safety course completion worth $50 to $200 annually, pay-in-full discounts of 5% to 10%, and low mileage savings of 10% to 20%.
When comparing quotes, evaluate both base rates and discount availability for your situation. A $700 policy with $300 in stackable discounts beats a $600 policy with only $100 in available discounts. Ask every insurer which discounts you qualify for before deciding.
Getting a full motorcycle license instead of just an endorsement can save you a large sum on insurance for your bike. It signals to insurers that you are less risky than other drivers, lowering premiums overall.
A full motorcycle license costs $39 in California but saves $75 to $150 annually on insurance premiums—paying for itself within four months. The license requires passing written and riding skills tests, but demonstrates competency that insurers reward with lower rates. Riders with only a permit or endorsement pay 10% to 20% more for the same coverage than fully licensed riders.
Progressive dominates California bundling with 25% discounts when you combine motorcycle, auto and home policies. Recreational riders logging under 5,000 miles annually get the most substantial mileage-based savings from Dairyland. Riders under 25 access larger safety course discounts through GEICO, while H.O.G. members receive exclusive Harley Davidson Insurance pricing standard insurers can't match.
Exact savings amounts, insurer-specific offers and qualification requirements appear in the table:
Multi-Policy Bundling (20% to 25% savings)
Motorcycle insurance combined with auto or home coverage unlocks the largest single discount. Progressive and GEICO own California's bundling market. Progressive slashes up to 25% when you bundle three policies (motorcycle, auto and home), while GEICO cuts 23% for motorcycle-auto bundles. Bundling saves $128 to $160 per year on a $638 annual policy, dropping your effective yearly cost to $478 to $510. Dairyland delivers competitive bundling at 20% for riders needing specialized coverage alongside standard policies.
Safety Course Completion ($50 to $200 annually)
The California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) triggers discounts with all major insurers as the state-approved course. Annual discounts after CMSP completion range from $75 (Progressive) to $100 (GEICO) to $150 for riders under 25 (Dairyland). The course runs $350 upfront but delivers insurance savings for three years after completion ($225 to $450 in total discount value from Progressive alone). New riders also satisfy California's skills test requirement for licensing through CMSP, eliminating DMV testing fees. Submit your completion certificate to activate the discount because insurers won't automatically apply it.
Pay-in-Full Discount (5% to 10% savings)
Upfront annual premium payments earn the largest discounts: 10% ($64 on a $638 policy) from Progressive, 8% from GEICO for lump-sum payments, and 5% from Dairyland (which also waives all installment fees). This eliminates the $5 to $10 monthly billing charges adding $60 to $120 annually to your total cost. This strategy works best when you can afford the lump sum without straining your budget. Financing the annual premium on a 0% APR credit card beats paying monthly installments with fees.
Automatic Payment (3% to 5%)
California's four major insurers (Progressive, Geico, Dairyland and Harley Davidson) reward autopay. Autopay discounts range from 3% to 5%, saving $19 to $32 annually on a $638 policy. Progressive delivers the highest discount at 5% ($32), while Geico and Dairyland provide 3% to 4% ($19 to $26 saved). Zero effort after initial setup guarantees you'll never miss a payment deadline. Link your checking account rather than a credit card to avoid payment failures when your card expires.
Low Mileage (10% to 20%)
Riders logging under 5,000 miles annually pocket $64 to $128 annually. Seasonal or recreational riders get the most generous discounts at 20% off for under 3,000 miles annually (Dairyland). Mileage-based savings reach 15% for under 5,000 miles (Progressive) and tier from 10% for under 7,500 miles (GEICO). Track your annual mileage accurately through service records or odometer photos because insurers may audit your reported mileage during claims.
Anti-Theft Devices (5% to 15%)
GPS trackers, disc locks or alarm systems save $32 to $96 annually while protecting your bike from California's rampant theft. The state recorded 9,838 motorcycle thefts in 2022 (the nation's highest), making security system discounts both a cost-saver and a practical necessity.
LoJack-equipped bikes earn up to 15% off from Progressive, factory alarm systems cut 10% with Geico, and aftermarket disc locks shave 8% through Dairyland. California's 9,838 motorcycle thefts in 2022 (per NICB data) make anti-theft devices essential for both insurance savings and theft deterrence. Document your security system with photos and receipts for faster claims processing when theft occurs.
Motorcycle Association Membership (5% to 10%)
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) membership costs $49 annually but unlocks insurance discounts. Progressive offers 10% off for AMA members ($64 saved on a $638 policy), GEICO provides 8% ($51 saved), and Harley Davidson Insurance gives H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) members 10% off their motorcycle-specific policies. The membership nearly pays for itself through insurance savings alone while providing roadside assistance, legal advocacy, and access to rider events throughout California.
In California, minimum coverage costs $169 annually, while full coverage costs $638. With minimum coverage, you save $469 annually but risk losing your bike's full value in a single incident. Minimum coverage works if your bike is worth $2,000 and you have $2,000 in liquid savings to replace it immediately. Full coverage makes financial sense for bikes worth $2,500 or more without matching savings. An $8,000 motorcycle protected by full coverage pays for itself after one total loss, while minimum coverage leaves you nothing.
California's theft rates amplify this risk. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the state led the nation with 9,838 motorcycle thefts in 2022—30% of all U.S. motorcycle thefts. Over 40% of stolen motorcycles are never recovered. Los Angeles County alone accounted for 59.8% of Southern California's vehicle thefts in 2023, per California Highway Patrol data .
California riders can find cheap motorcycle insurance starting at $11 monthly for minimum coverage through GEICO or Dairyland, or $29 monthly for full coverage through GEICO. These rates represent significant savings compared to California's high average cost, but require comparison shopping across multiple insurers to achieve.
Maximize your savings by stacking available discounts—bundling, safety courses, full licensing, and automatic payments—which reduce premiums by 30% to 50%. The difference between minimum and full coverage costs just $39 monthly, making full coverage worthwhile for any motorcycle worth more than $3,000 or still being financed.
Get quotes from at least five insurers, including GEICO, Progressive, Dairyland, and local independent agents to find your lowest rate. Your specific costs depend on your age, riding experience, motorcycle type, and driving history. The 30 minutes invested in comparison shopping typically saves California riders $150 to $400 annually—making it the single most effective cost reduction strategy.
Geico offers the cheapest option for full coverage policies at $29 per month. Geico and Dairyland offer riders the most affordable options for liability-only policies at $11 monthly.
The average cost of motorcycle insurance in California is $638 per year or $53 monthly for full coverage policies and $169 annually or $14 monthly for liability-only policies.
California law and regulations mandate riders to carry a minimum of motorcycle liability insurance with a 15/30/5 split.
Riders with violations or accidents should compare quotes from Dairyland, Progressive, and The General, specializing in high-risk motorcycle insurance. Expect to pay 40% to 100% more than standard rates, but shopping around saves up to $600 annually even for high-risk riders. Your rates decrease as violations age off your record—typically three to five years after the incident.
We used state minimum coverage requirements for minimum coverage, and for full coverage policies, we used a 100/300/50 liability split and a $500 deductible for collision and comprehensive insurance.
We collected rate quotes from each insurer for minimum coverage (California's 15/30/5 liability requirements) and full coverage policies (25/50/100 liability plus $500 deductible comprehensive and collision). This dual approach identifies the cheapest providers for both coverage levels, as the lowest-cost insurer often differs between minimum and full coverage options.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
