How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Insurance in California 

As a motorcyclist, you probably enjoy better fuel efficiency, maneuverability and the freedom to feel the wind in your face. But you also face greater risks of theft, vehicle damage, and more catastrophic accidents, due to a lack of a steel cage to protect you.  

One way to help protect yourself is to choose the right motorcycle insurance in California and understand what factors affect the premium rates. Motorcycle insurance is just as vital as car insurance—and in many ways, it can be even more important.  

California requires motorcycle drivers to have sufficient motorcycle insurance. The right policy can also help you recover financially if your motorcycle is stolen, vandalized, damaged in the course of an accident or if you injure someone or damage someone else’s property. Some insurance policies even help pay for your medical costs and lost damages while you recover.  

Take a closer look at what coverage is available, how to keep your costs low, and some California motorcycle insurance best practices.  

Roadmap to Ideal Protection: What Are the Different Types of Motorcycle Insurance? 

Just like in car insurance policies, there are many different types of motorcycle insurance in California. These coverage areas include:  

• Liability Coverage: Liability insurance addresses your liability in an accident. Since California is an at-fault state, you may be responsible for some or all of the damages and injuries, depending on your responsibility for the incident. With liability coverage, you don’t have to pay for damage unless it exceeds your insurance coverage limit. 

• Collision Coverage: This insurance covers the costs of repairs or replacement for your own motorcycle after an accident. It may also include roadside assistance. 

• Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage applies to most events outside of collisions, including damage from natural disasters, vandalism damage, and motorcycle theft.  

• Motorcycle Accessory Coverage: This additional coverage protects electronics, custom paint jobs, and additional gear that falls outside typical motorcycle coverage. 

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Some motorists may be driving without insurance, or their policy may not fully cover all the damage. While the responsible party should cover the remaining costs, they might not have the money. This insurance can cover the gap with protection so you can get repairs and medical care. 

California’s motorcycle insurance requirements are $30,000/$60,000 liability coverage for bodily injury or death and $15,000 for property damage liability. Comprehensive and collision coverage is not required, but it’s generally advisable. 

When you choose the right motorcycle insurance in California, it’s important to consider more than just the types of coverage.  

For example, while you need to maintain at least the state-mandated liability minimum, you might also want supplemental coverage so you pay less money out of pocket for different incidents. You can also request higher levels of coverage in different areas, such as medical coverage or coverage for repairs, though higher coverage amounts will increase your premiums.  

Also, consider particular norms in California policies. Lane-splitting is considered legal in California, but not all insurance policies cover incidents that occur while lane-splitting. California also has more year-round policies because of temperate riding conditions throughout the seasons. 

Calculate the Costs: Factors That Affect Motorcycle Insurance Rates 

Many different factors can impact your California motorcycle insurance rates. When you want to choose the right motorcycle insurance in California, it’s important to balance the monthly premiums with the benefits of robust coverage. Learn more about what goes into your rate calculations below. 

How Does Your Driving Record Impact Your Premiums? 

Your driving record can have a significant impact on your premiums—both positive and negative. A long record of safe driving can lower your premiums over time. However, a history of collisions, reckless driving, or legal infractions can increase your premiums because insurance underwriters see those as risks.  

Personal factors that can affect your California premiums include the following:  

• Age 

• Specific neighborhood or location 

• Credit scores 

• Experience driving a motorcycle in California 

• Anticipated mileage per year 

The types of coverage you select will also significantly impact the prices.  

Your Metal Steed: How Does Your Bike Affect Your Premiums? 

Your motorcycle can have almost as much impact on your insurance premiums. More powerful motorcycles tend to have higher premiums than lower-powered motorcycles used for recreation or off-highway driving. High-performance motorcycles go faster and are associated with more severe accidents, so they have high premiums because of the increased risk. 

Some additional bike-specific factors that can affect your rates are:  

• Crashworthiness and safety rating 

• If your bike is at risk of theft because of its make, model, and special customizations 

• Cost of repairs and replacement parts for your type of bike 

Some of these factors are outside of your control, while you may be able to change others over time. But with this information, you can understand why you’re seeing the rates and offers you’re seeing. Then you can be ready to comparison shop and choose the right motorcycle insurance in California for you. 

Strategies for Saving: Tips on Lowering Motorcycle Insurance Costs 

As you shop, there are strategies you can use to save money and keep your insurance rates as low as possible over time. Try these tips: 

• Raise your deductible. A higher deductible on collision and comprehensive reduces the risk calculation for your insurance provider, meaning you can have a much lower monthly rate. 

• Look for motorcycle insurance discounts. Some insurance companies offer general discounts for bundling, if you’re a student or a veteran, and if you have a clean driving record. They may also lower the premium if you complete a California-certified motorcycle safety course.  

• Consider insurance when buying your next bike. If you’re getting a new motorcycle, shop with insurance in mind by looking for safer and more durable bikes. You can also install anti-theft devices for additional savings. 

There’s also one more big savings opportunity: comparison shop so you can choose the right motorcycle insurance policy again and again over time. 

Policy Pit Stops: Why Should You Regularly Review Your Policy and Compare Quotes? 

Different insurance providers offer different rates based on the additional services they offer, the discounts they provide, and how they weigh different factors. Some insurance providers also offer coverage to high-risk motorcycle riders that other companies might refuse.  

A great way to save money is to shop around for new policies every six or twelve months. With just a quick search, you can see if your rate is inflated or if new, better options are available. 

As part of this strategy, regularly review your policy. If you know what’s covered and what’s not, you can make smarter choices than if you don’t know what your current policy covers. 

How Do You Get Your Motorcycle Insured? 

Getting motorcycle insurance is easy. An insurance provider can give you a quote for state-mandated minimum coverage or comprehensive coverage. They just need details about your motorcycle, your driving history, and what coverage you want. The trickier part is making sure you’re getting a good deal and driving safely.  

Cost-U-Less Insurance makes it easy to apply for quotes, understand the details of every option, and start your coverage. You can get your rate online now, or call (800)390-4071. You can also find a nearby office and visit in person to speak to a Cost-U-Less independent insurance agent to choose the right motorcycle insurance in California.