Motorcycles are High Risk

• All motorcycles are considered a high risk for insurance companies. Statistics show that a higher percentage of motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries or death than other vehicles even when the riders are wearing helmets. For insurance companies, all motorcycles insured have the potential to be a loss for the insurer regardless of all other factors.
  
  

Location and Insurance Costs

• Insurance is regulated on a state-by-state basis. On top of that, the ZIP code where you live will affect your rates, along with things such as whether you park the motorcycle in a protected private garage at night. Your average insurance costs could range from around $200 to as much as $1000 or more, when all of the factors have been calculated.
  
  

Motorcycle Type and Size

• The type of motorcycle you are insuring is important in determining the average cost of insurance. A touring bike is considered more stable and safe than a sport or racing bike. Similarly, a small engine is less costly than a large one. For example, a 200cc engine is less risky for insurance companies than a 600cc engine.
  
  

Personal Demographics

• Your specific information will also make a difference in your insurance costs. A single male is more expensive to insure than a married man, and motorcycle riders under the age of 25 are among the riskiest riders to insure for any type of vehicle, including motorcycles. Furthermore, if you live in a ZIP code with a high crime rate and park your bike on the curb, your rates will be higher than if the crime rate is low and the bike is parked in a private garage at night.
  
  

Tips for Lower Rates

• Maintaining a safe driving record is the best way to save money on your motorcycle insurance. Other ways to save on costs include taking a motorcycle safety course such as those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, raising the deductible on your coverage or omitting coverages such as collision insurance. Other discounts are available for people who work for a government agency or have a Bachelor's degree or better. Even police officers and firemen are eligible for discounts on motorcycle insurance.