Motorcycle insurance pays for injuries and damage you cause (liability) and can also cover your own bike, gear and medical bills. Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina require motorcycles to carry the same minimum liability as cars. Florida does not require motorcycle insurance to register a bike, but riders 21 and older who ride without a helmet must carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits, and Florida's PIP does not cover motorcycle riders.
- Required in every state we serve
- Liability coverage at the state auto minimums
- Not covered by car insurance
- Motorcycles need their own policy
- Common add-ons
- Collision, comprehensive, UM/UIM, accessory and custom-parts coverage
- Helmet laws
- Vary by state; coverage applies either way
- Bundle savings
- Multi-policy discount with a GEICO auto policy
Motorcycle coverages at a glance
| Coverage | What it pays for | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury & property damage liability | Injuries and damage you cause to others | Required in GA, AL, SC and NC; strongly recommended in FL |
| Uninsured / underinsured motorist | Your injuries when the at-fault driver can't pay | Required in SC and NC; recommended everywhere |
| Collision | Damage to your bike from a crash, any fault | Anyone with a loan, lease or a bike they couldn't easily replace |
| Comprehensive | Theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, animal strikes | Riders who park outdoors or in high-theft areas |
| Medical payments | Your and your passenger's medical bills | Especially useful in Florida, where PIP doesn't cover riders |
| Accessory / custom parts | Chrome, saddlebags, custom paint, aftermarket parts | Anyone who has customized their bike |
| Roadside assistance | Towing and help if you break down | Long-distance and touring riders |
Why motorcycle coverage works differently
On a motorcycle there's no steel cage around you, so injuries in even a low-speed crash tend to be more serious and more expensive than in a car. That's why medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage matter more for riders than for most drivers.
In Florida this gap is bigger. Florida's no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers car occupants, but it does not pay for injuries to motorcycle riders, even if you carry PIP on a car. Riders who skip a helmet must carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits, and most riders choose more.
Your auto policy also doesn't extend to your bike. A motorcycle needs its own policy, though insuring both with the same company usually earns a multi-policy discount.
How much motorcycle insurance do you need?
Start with your state's minimum, then ask whether it would cover a serious crash. Minimum liability limits were set years ago and rarely cover today's medical bills.
Add uninsured motorist coverage. If a driver without insurance hits you, this is often the only coverage that pays for your injuries.
Add collision and comprehensive if the bike is financed or you couldn't afford to replace it out of pocket.
Insure your upgrades. Factory policies cover factory parts. If you've added custom paint, exhaust, seats or luggage, accessory coverage protects that investment.
Ways to lower your motorcycle rate
Complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or similar rider course, keep a clean riding and driving record, bundle with your auto or home policy, insure more than one bike on the same policy, store the bike in a garage, and choose a deductible you could comfortably pay. Riding year-round in the Southeast means you can't count on an off-season discount, so comparing your quote is where most of the savings come from.
Motorcycle rules by state
| State | Insurance requirement | Helmet law |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Not required to register. Riders 21+ without a helmet must carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits. PIP does not cover motorcycle riders. | Required under 21; optional 21+ with $10,000 medical coverage |
| Georgia | Liability of at least 25/50/25 | Required for all riders |
| Alabama | Liability of at least 25/50/25 | Required for all riders |
| South Carolina | Liability of at least 25/50/25 plus uninsured motorist coverage | Required under 21 |
| North Carolina | Must meet North Carolina's liability minimums (50/100/50 since July 1, 2025) | Required for all riders |
Helmet law summary from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or insurance department.
Available in these states
Motorcycle Insurance FAQ
Is motorcycle insurance required in Florida?
Florida does not require insurance to register or ride a motorcycle. However, riders 21 and older who ride without a helmet must carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits, and if you cause a crash you can be held financially responsible. Most riders carry liability, uninsured motorist and medical coverage.
Does Florida PIP cover motorcycle accidents?
No. Personal Injury Protection does not cover motorcycle riders, even if you have PIP on a car policy. Medical payments coverage or health insurance fills that gap.
What motorcycle insurance is required in Georgia and Alabama?
Both states require motorcycles to carry at least 25/50/25 liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage on a motorcycle in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage along with 25/50/25 liability on registered vehicles, including motorcycles.
Does my car insurance cover my motorcycle?
No. A motorcycle needs its own policy. Insuring your car and bike with the same agency usually earns a multi-policy discount.
Are my helmet and riding gear covered?
Basic policies cover the bike. Accessory or custom-parts coverage can extend to gear and aftermarket parts up to the limit you choose. Ask us what's included when you quote.
Can I get motorcycle insurance for just part of the year?
In the Southeast most riders ride year-round, so coverage typically stays active all year. Keeping continuous coverage also avoids gaps that can raise your rate later.
How much does motorcycle insurance cost?
Motorcycle insurance is usually cheaper than car insurance for the same rider. The bike's engine size and value, your age and riding record, where you live, how many months you ride and the coverages you choose set the price. Sport bikes cost the most to insure; cruisers and touring bikes often less. A quote takes about two minutes.
Do I need motorcycle insurance to register a bike?
Yes in every state we serve: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois and Ohio all require at least liability coverage to register and ride a motorcycle on public roads.
Does motorcycle insurance cover a passenger?
Your liability coverage can pay for a passenger's injuries if you are at fault, and medical payments or PIP (where available) can help regardless of fault. Confirm guest passenger liability is included when you quote; it is standard on most GEICO motorcycle policies.
Sources: NHTSA: State motorcycle helmet use laws. Last reviewed October 2026.