How to Insure Motorcycles in Massachusetts

Whether it’s your primary mode of transportation or just used for occasional rides on the weekends, motorcycles offer a daring way to explore the open road! 

However, all the fun of riding your bike also comes with some added risks. So, before setting off on your next ride, you’ll need to purchase the right protections to cover you and your motorcycle for any potential damages or injuries. 

At Berry Insurance, we’re used to helping motorcyclists insure their bikes with the right coverage they need for every journey. In this article, we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about Massachusetts motorcycle insurance - including what it covers and how much it will cost. 

Table of contents: 

• What is motorcycle insurance? 
• What is covered by motorcycle insurance? 
• What is not covered by motorcycle insurance? 
• Who needs motorcycle insurance? 
• How much does motorcycle insurance cost? 

What is motorcycle insurance? 

Since motorcycles experience all the same risks (and sometimes more) as all the other vehicles they share the road with, you’ll want to make sure you have all the same protections for your bike. Massachusetts motorcycle insurance works similar to your standard car insurance policy - but with a few key differences to cater to motorcycles. 

This type of policy provides protection for multiple different types of motorcycles and bikes, including cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes, scooters/mopeds, custom bikes, and more. 

What is covered by motorcycle insurance? 

Motorcycle insurance covers mishaps that can happen while you’re on or off the road. Types of coverages offered on a motorcycle insurance policy can include: 

Liability:

Liability coverage is mandatory in most states and can help pay for damages to other vehicles or objects, injuries to other drivers/passengers, and lawsuits if you’re sued due to an accident. 

Comprehensive: 

Comprehensive coverage is typically required if you’re financing or leasing your bike and protects against events beyond your control - including theft, vandalism, windshield damage, fire, hitting an animal, and acts of nature/weather. 

Collision: 

This coverage is typically required by your lender and can pay for damages resulting from a crash with another vehicle or object or if your bike overturns, regardless of who’s at fault. 

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM):

These optional coverages pay for repairs or replacement of your bike up to your policy’s limits if your motorcycle is damaged by a motorist with no insurance or without enough coverage. UM and UIM coverages also cover your injuries, up to the limits of your policy, if you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist. 

Medical payments: 

This optional coverage pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers if you’re in an accident, regardless of fault. 

Other optional coverages:

Other optional coverages typically available to add onto your policy can include coverage for damages to your motorcycle or towing if you’re left stranded after a crash or breakdown. Speaking with your insurance agent or provider can help to narrow down the necessary coverages for your policy. 

So, what is not covered by motorcycle insurance? 

As with any type of insurance policy, there will still be some exclusions or restrictions that are crucial to know. 

Damage from negligence or lack of maintenance: 

While your policy should cover damages to your bike, it will not handle any breakdowns or claims related to standard wear and tear/negligence on your part - meaning it’s important for you to properly upkeep your bike as needed. 

Intentional bodily injury or property damage: 

Insurers will also not provide coverage for any claims found to be intentionally made by the rider, causing either bodily injury or property damage. 

Lost wages for you or injured passengers (PIP):

When operating a motorcycle or motorized bike you are not eligible for personal injury protection or PIP. You will instead need to purchase medical payments coverage mentioned above. 

Personal property in your motorcycle: 

If you store any personal property in/on your motorcycle, you won’t receive coverage from your motorcycle insurance policy. Just like a standard auto insurance policy, claims for damages to personal property in your vehicle would need to be filed under your home, renters, or condo insurance. 

Commercial use:

Motorcycle insurance is usually designed to only cover personal use of your bike, meaning any damages or claims resulting from commercial/business use of the vehicle may not be covered. 

Competition/races

Similar to commercial use, some insurers will specifically exclude use of your motorcycle or bike for competitive use or races. This can include timed events, speed tests, or events on a race track. 

Who needs motorcycle insurance? 

If you live in Massachusetts, you are required to have motorcycle insurance for motorized bikes, motorcycles, sports bikes, cruisers, and more at the state minimum limits. 

However, with the rising costs of vehicles, repair parts, and medical bills - the cost of claims could quickly exceed coverage limits if you only have the state minimums. Having increased coverage on your policy will ensure you’re fully protected if you experience a claim. 

How much does motorcycle insurance cost? 

How much does motorcycle insurance cost? 

Unfortunately, this isn't a straight forward answer. Since there are several significant factors that can greatly influence the cost of your individual policy, the rates between policyholders tend to vary greatly. 

Such factors can include: 

• The type/value of the motorcycle
• The riding and claims history 
• Driver age
• Driver experience
• Location 
• Coverages you select

Typically we see motorcycle insurance policies fall somewhere around $700 per year. 

Additionally certain standard auto policy discounts are not offered or do not apply to motorcycles, such as multi-vehicle and mileage based discounts. However, certain rider courses you can take can potentially bring down your policy’s premium. 

Protecting your bike on the road

We know you’ve already likely spent a ton of money on your motorcycle and may not be eager to buy an insurance policy. But now that you know all about the crucial coverages it provides riders, you can work with your trusted insurance agent or carrier to develop the perfect policy for you and your motorcycle. 

Want to know more about what goes into shopping for insurance? Since you will want to work with the best agency or carrier to help protect your bike, you’ll need to know what to look for when shopping for coverage. Learn more about what to look for in this guide: What to Look For when Selecting an Insurance Agency or Company.