Before you hop on your motorcycle for your next road trip, consider purchasing the best motorcycle insurance in Michigan to protect you and your bike as a smart investment. The right motorcycle insurance serves as critical protection for all riders and owners, whether you have an iconic Triumph Bonneville, a sporty Honda or an all-American Harley Davidson. Safety is important on the roads, and insurance provides important protections.
Motorcycle insurance can vary between carriers, so doing your research before purchasing your coverage can help ensure you find the right policy for your bike. Some policies cover more accessories, for example, while others may not have a full replacement cost. If you have customized your bike, such as with chrome additions or custom paint, be sure to ask your carrier whether these enhancements are covered.
Best Motorcycle Insurance in Michigan
- Best Overall: Allstate
- Best Customer Service: Harley Davidson
- Best for Military Families: USAA
- Best for Accessory Coverage: Markel
- Best Known: Progressive
What is Motorcycle Insurance?
Motorcycle insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to provide coverage for motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, dirt bikes, trikes and other types of 2- and 3-wheeled vehicles.
Types of Motorcycle Insurance Explained
Motorcycle insurance is a type of property and casualty coverage designed to provide protection for motorcyclists. The policy is a stand-alone policy, which means you can purchase just a motorcycle policy from an insurance carrier. You do not need to have a separate car insurance policy in addition to your motorcycle policy. However, if you do carry several policies from the same insurance company, you may qualify for a discount for having multiple policies. The carriers that offer the best motorcycle insurance in Michigan likely offer many discounts.
Motorcycle insurance consists of several key components, including the following:
Liability
Liability insurance is designed to cover injuries and damages to other people and their property. If you cause harm or damages to someone, the liability portion of your policy can help pay for these losses.
Collision
The collision portion of your motorcycle policy exists to cover property damage to your bike from accidents involving collisions with other vehicles or fixed property.
Comprehensive
Your comprehensive coverage is designed to cover property damage to your bike from hazards besides collisions. This could include storm or weather damage, partial theft or fire damage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is important coverage. This protects you if you are involved in an accident with someone who does not have insurance or who has low limits of insurance coverage. For example, if you were injured in an accident and the other vehicle carried a small policy, you could go back to your own policy for additional coverage once the other driver’s policy was exhausted.
Customized Motorcycle Parts
Some motorcycle policies have coverage for customized motorcycle parts. This coverage is designed to help cover custom or after-market parts and additions to your bike if they are damaged in a covered loss. Some policies apply depreciation to this coverage while other carriers in Michigan offer full replacement cost on customized motorcycle parts.
Michigan Motorcycle Laws
Second, it’s important to know how to protect yourself and get the coverage you need. You’re required to meet these Michigan motorcycle insurance requirements:
- $20,000 coverage for bodily injury or death involving 1 person in a single accident: Starting July 2, 2020, the minimum requirement increases to $50,000.
- $40,000 coverage for bodily injury or death involving more than 1 person in a single accident: Beginning July 2020, the minimum requirement increases to $100,000.
- $10,000 coverage for property damage in a single accident
Best Motorcycle Insurance Providers in Michigan
Benzinga analyzed dozens of insurance policies to determine ratings. Here are our 4 Best Michigan Motorcycle Insurance picks.
- Pay-per-mile insurance from an established company
1. Allstate: Best Overall
Allstate is the best overall motorcycle insurance in Michigan. Allstate is more expensive than GEICO (about $140 per year), but its coverage and discounts bolster its rating.
Coverage features include personal injury protection, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement and OEM parts. Discount extras include policy transfer, riding group, claims-free and rider experience offers.
- Comprehensive coverage/Business Owners' Policy
2. Harley Davidson: Best Customer Service
Owning a motorcycle is a big deal and insuring it comes with trusting a company to have your back if an accident ever happens. Harley Davidson's insurance provides outstanding customer service and personalized experience for every customer. They offer a ton of discounts and their claims process is highly rated.
Their prices may seem higher than average but you will be covered for everything in the event of a loss. This also comes with perks like Harley Davidson genuine motor parts and accident forgiveness.
3. USAA: Best for Military Personnel
USAA is the best motorcycle insurance for military personnel.
- Active military members
USAA serves active duty, guard and reserve, veterans, cadets and midshipmen and their families.
Benzinga maxed out USAA’s rating at 5 stars (which factors in price, availability and offerings) and J.D. Power offers USAA an “among the best” designation.
USAA is the only provider solely focused on military personnel and their families.
4. Best for Accessory Coverage: Markel Insurance Co.
Markel is a specialty insurer for motorcycles — it does not insure cars or trucks and has customized its motorcycle coverage with riders in mind.
Markel insures accessories, such as saddlebags, helmets and riding apparel. Policyholders can set their accessory coverage limits.
- Supplemental coverages
5. Best-Known as the No. 1 Bike Insurer: Progressive
Progressive bills itself as the No. 1 bike insurer in the U.S., and it insures almost every kind of motorcycle, scooter or moped. Its coverage has full replacement cost and no depreciation built in.
Progressive also has accident forgiveness, so policyholders who have remained claims-free for 4 years or who submit a claim less than $500 won’t see a premium increase because of it.
Michigan Motorcycle Insurance Law Explained
Michigan is a no-fault motor vehicle policy state, which means that if you’re involved in an accident, it doesn’t matter who is at fault. You file a claim with your own insurance company. Motorcycles are not included under the no-fault law and you do not need to purchase a no-fault policy. Instead, you must buy minimal liability coverage. Minimal liability coverage protects you against liability for property damage, bodily injury or death suffered by another by a motorcycle, according to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).
Under 21 years old? You must wear a helmet, according to Michigan law. You’ll pay more for the wind in your hair if you’re 21 or older and choose not to wear a helmet. You’ll be required to carry at least $20,000 in medical benefits coverage.
Frequently take others on bike rides? You must carry medical coverage for any passengers or those passengers must carry medical benefits.
Michigan Motorcycle Rates
Many types of motorcycles zip around Michigan. The most popular motorcycle brands in the U.S. include Harley-Davidson, Polaris, Ducati, BMW, Honda and Yamaha. The type of bike you have influences insurance rates and a few other factors do, too:
- Age, driving record and where you live: As with auto insurance, rates are higher when you’re younger. Maintain a clean driving record to help keep costs low. Living and riding in rural areas cost less, and in urban areas, it costs more.
- Type of motorcycle you ride: Your insurance costs will be higher if your bike is sporty or expensive.
- Age of your motorcycle: The replacement cost is higher for newer motorcycles. Motorcycles that have aged a few years will cost less to insure but this logic gets thrown to the shoulder if you insure a vintage bike.
- Number of miles you ride yearly: Plan to spend less on insurance if you’re a weekend rider. Is your motorcycle your primary mode of transportation? Plan to spend more.
- Motorcycle storage: Your motorcycle is more prone to damage and theft if you park outdoors, so expect a higher rate. Your bike is more protected if you park in a garage.
- Mature rider discounts: Age is hardly something that you can control, but if you’re a mature rider, use it to your advantage!
- Safety/training course discount: This can be especially helpful to younger riders or riders with blemished records.
- Organization discounts: Joining a club or riding group may help you lower costs (and you’ll meet people who share your passion, too!)
- Lay-up policies: Michigan is a 4-season state. Storing your motorcycle during inclement weather months may lower your rates.
Motorcycle Insurance Quotes
| Company | Quote for a 1-year Policy | Price Rating |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | $700 | 4 |
| Allstate | $499 | 5 |
| American Modern | $902 | 3 |
| Ameriprise | $750 | 4 |
| Amica | $841 | 3 |
| Auto-Owners | $659 | 4 |
| Farmers | $587 | 4 |
| Foremost | $489 | 5 |
| Hagerty | $1,354 | 2 |
| Harley Davidson Insurance | $1,062.49 | 2 |
| Liberty Mutual | $758 | 4 |
| Markel | $978 | 3 |
| MetLife | $659 | 4 |
| National General | $487 | 5 |
| Nationwide | $695 | 4 |
| Progressive | $970 | 3 |
| Rider Insurance | $1,162 | 2 |
| Safeco | $854 | 3 |
| State Farm | $598 | 4 |
| USAA | $478 | 5 |
| Westfield | $954 | 3 |
Motorcycle Insurance Discounts
| Company | Discounts Offered | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | Multiple bike, Loyalty, Homeowner, Claims-free, Anti-theft, Safety course | 4.7 |
| Allstate | Multiple bike, Homeowner, Riding group, Claims-free, Rider experience, Anti-lock brake, Safety course | 5.0 |
| American Modern | Multiple bike, Homeowner, Claims-free, Safety course | 4.0 |
| Ameriprise | Multiple bike, Loyalty, Claims-free, Smart rider, Anti-lock brake, Anti-theft, Safety course | 4.0 |
| Amica | Multiple bike, Homeowner, Anti-lock brake, Anti-theft | 4.0 |
| Auto-Owners | Multiple bike, Homeowner, Anti-lock brake, Anti-theft, Safety course | 4.0 |
| Farmers | Multiple bike, Loyalty, Homeowner, Riding group, Anti-lock brake | 4.3 |
| Foremost | Multiple bike, Loyalty, Homeowner, Riding group, Anti-lock brake, Anti-theft, Safety course | 4.7 |
| Hagerty | Multiple bike | 3.7 |
| Harley Davidson Insurance | Multiple bike, Loyalty, Homeowner, Riding group, Claims-free, Rider experience, Anti-theft, Safety course, Motorcycle license | 3.7 |
| Liberty Mutual | Multiple bike, Homeowner, Riding group, Rider experience, Anti-lock brake, Anti-theft, Safety course | 4.7 |
| Markel | Multiple bike, Loyalty, Claims-free, Rider experience, Anti-lock brake, Anti-theft, Safety course | 4.0 |
| MetLife | Multiple bike, Claims-free, Anti-lock brake, Anti-theft, Safety course | 4.7 |
| National General | Multiple bike, Homeowner, Claims-free | 4.7 |
| Nationwide | Multiple bike, Homeowner, Riding group, Anti-lock brake, Safety course | 4.7 |
| Progressive | Multiple bike, Homeowner, Claims-free, Anti-lock brake, Safety course, Motorcycle license | 4.3 |
| Rider Insurance | Multiple bike, Loyalty, Homeowner, Military, Riding group, Claims-free, Rider experience, Smart rider, Anti-lock brake, Anti-theft, Safety course, Motorcycle license | 3.0 |
| Safeco | Multiple bike, Loyalty, Homeowner, Riding group, Claims-free, Rider experience, Anti-lock brake, Anti-theft, Safety course | 4.3 |
| State Farm | Multiple bike, Homeowner, Claims-free, Anti-theft, Safety course | 4.7 |
| USAA | Multiple bike, Loyalty, Military, Claims-free, Safety course | 5.0 |
| Westfield | n/a | 3.3 |
How to Compare Motorcycle Insurance
When you compare motorcycle insurance, consider the things most important to you as a rider and owner. Do you often travel far from home with your motorcycle? In that case, vacation rental may be an important feature. Will you customize your bike with accessories and after-market parts? If so, full replacement coverage and accessory coverage could be necessary for you.
Another way to compare insurance companies is to consider their customer complaints and reviews. Perhaps a bigger carrier that has more experience insuring motorcycles is right for you, knowing its agents have more knowledge of your particular needs as a biker.
If you are interested in specialized insurance coverage designed specifically for your motorcycle and you have a Harley-Davidson, you might consider Harley-Davidson Insurance for the convenience factor of having your insurance, warranty, financing and maintenance with one corporation.
You can also compare motorcycle insurance based on rates. Some carriers offer lower rates in general, while others have various discounts that can significantly lower your rates. Bundling your other insurance products with your motorcycle insurance can help you save money, and you can ask your home or auto insurance company whether they provide motorcycle insurance as a 1st step.
How to Buy Motorcycle Insurance
Buying motorcycle insurance does not have to be complicated. Many carriers, including Progressive, have digital applications you can fill out online. Some carriers allow you to compare rates and options from lots of different companies at once. Because rates can vary greatly from insurance company to company, shopping around to compare your options is one way to get the best rate on your motorcycle insurance.
Get Your Motor Running
Born to be wild? Like the feel of the breeze as you cruise down the open road? Whatever the reason, decide which factors are most important to you when you choose motorcycle insurance and you’ll pick the insurance provider that best suits your needs.
If you are interested in insurance in Michigan check out our article on Best Car Insurance for the leading companies and bundle your car and motorcycle for an even better deal.
*Metrics used for quote: 2017 Harley Davidson FLHTK, 35-year-old male, discounts applied. Policies reflect state minimum coverage options. We make every effort to provide the most accurate quotes based on the profile above. Due to the many combined variables involved in insurance quotes, the only way to get an accurate quote is to enter your own information through our partners' secure websites.
Money-saving Motorcycle Insurance
Harley-Davidson Insurance Services provides services as a trusted motorcycle insurance agency that knows all about the motorcycle lifestyle. The company stands behind its policies with industry-leading services, coverage and support. You’ll also get money-saving motorcycle insurance discounts and experienced customer service and claims support.
You can get Harley-Davidson Insurance today with a free, quick quote.
About Maurice Draine
Maurice Draine is a former insurance agent, broker, underwriter tech, and agent sales support rep with over 15 years of professional writing experience. Maurice helps insurance, financial, and various online and ad agencies, create the words that drive customers to their websites and keeps them there.