Harley-Davidson motorcycles cost more to insure than standard bikes, but your actual premium depends on the model, your riding history, and which coverage types you choose
Harley-Davidson bikes fall into the motorcycle insurance category, which means you cannot use a car insurance policy to cover them. Insurance companies treat Harleys differently from smaller or sport bikes because they are heavier, more expensive to repair, and often ridden differently. A standard Harley-Davidson Street 750 or Road King will cost more to insure than a 250cc beginner bike, but less than a high-performance sport bike — though this varies by insurer and your personal situation.
The core difference between Harley insurance and car insurance is that motorcycle policies are built around the specific risks of riding: you have no protective shell, you are more visible to other riders, and repair costs for Harley parts are steep. Your insurer will want to know your age, how long you have ridden, whether you have taken a safety course, and what you plan to do with the bike — commuting daily is riskier than weekend cruising.
Key Takeaways
- Harley-Davidson motorcycles require a separate motorcycle insurance policy, not an add-on to your car insurance.
- Your premium is shaped by the specific Harley model, your age and riding experience, your driving record, and which coverage types you select.
- Liability coverage is required by law in every state, but collision and comprehensive coverage are optional — though lenders require them if you financed the bike.
- Taking a motorcycle safety course can lower your premium by 5 to 15 percent at many insurers, and some offer discounts for bundling your Harley policy with a car or home policy.
- Harley-specific insurers like Progressive and Geico often have lower rates than regional carriers, but you should compare quotes from at least three companies before choosing.
What coverage types are included in a Harley motorcycle policy
Liability coverage is the foundation of every motorcycle policy and is required by law. It pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else — their medical bills, their vehicle repair, their property. Every state sets a minimum liability limit, which varies from $15,000 to $50,000 per person and $30,000 to $100,000 per accident. Most riders carry higher limits than the minimum because a serious crash can cost far more.
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your Harley if you crash it, regardless of who is at fault. This is optional unless you financed the bike — then your lender requires it. Collision comes with a deductible, usually $250, $500, or $1,000. You pay that amount out of pocket when you file a claim, and the insurer covers the rest.
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from events other than a crash: theft, vandalism, weather, fire, or hitting an animal. Like collision, it has a deductible. If you own your Harley outright, you can skip comprehensive, but if you financed it, your lender will require this too. Comprehensive is usually cheaper than collision because crashes are more common than theft.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you if another rider or driver hits you and either has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your injuries. This is optional in most states but strongly recommended, especially if you ride in heavy traffic or commute daily.
How insurers calculate your Harley-Davidson premium
Your age is one of the largest factors. Riders under 25 pay significantly more than riders 25 and older because younger riders have more accidents. If you are over 50 and have a clean record, you may see lower rates than a 30-year-old with a speeding ticket.
Your riding experience matters just as much. If you have held a motorcycle license for five years or more, insurers view you as lower risk than someone with a license for six months. Some companies ask whether you took a motorcycle safety course — the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course or your state's equivalent — and offer a discount if you did, usually 5 to 15 percent off your premium.
Your driving record is checked for car and motorcycle violations. A DUI, reckless driving charge, or multiple speeding tickets will raise your motorcycle premium. A clean record for the past three to five years can earn you a discount.
The specific Harley model affects your rate. A Harley Street 750 costs less to insure than a Road King or a Softail because it is lighter and cheaper to repair. High-performance models or custom Harleys with expensive aftermarket parts cost more. If you modify your bike — adding a turbo, changing the engine, or installing custom bodywork — tell your insurer, because they may adjust your premium or require additional coverage.
How you use the bike matters too. Commuting 40 miles each way on a highway is riskier than riding 10 miles to a local bar on weekends. Some insurers ask whether you use the bike for business or pleasure, and business use can increase your rate.
Comparing quotes from different insurers
Harley riders have options beyond the major national carriers. Progressive, Geico, and State Farm all write motorcycle policies, but so do regional insurers and companies that specialize in motorcycles. Dairyland, Nationwide, and American Family all offer motorcycle coverage. Rates vary widely — the same rider might pay $80 a month with one insurer and $140 with another.
To compare fairly, get quotes from at least three companies using the same information: same bike model and year, same coverage limits, same deductibles. Most insurers let you request a quote online in 10 to 15 minutes. Write down the total annual premium, not just the monthly payment, because some companies quote a lower monthly rate but charge higher fees.
Ask each insurer about discounts you might not think to mention. Bundling your Harley policy with a car or home policy often saves 10 to 25 percent. Paying your premium in full upfront instead of monthly can save 5 to 10 percent. Some insurers discount for safety features — an anti-theft device, a GPS tracker, or a security system — or for completing a safety course.
Do not choose based on price alone. Read reviews about how each company handles claims. A $20-a-month savings means nothing if the insurer takes three months to pay a claim or denies it unfairly. Check the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint database to see how many complaints each company has received relative to its size.
What happens if you finance your Harley
If you took out a loan to buy your Harley, your lender — usually a bank or Harley-Davidson Financial Services — will require you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage for the life of the loan. They do this because they own the bike until you pay it off, and they want to protect their investment. You cannot drop these coverages without the lender's written permission, even if you want to save money.
Your lender may also require a minimum liability limit, often higher than your state's legal minimum. Check your loan documents to see what coverage limits and deductibles the lender specifies. Some lenders require a $250 deductible; others allow $500 or $1,000. A higher deductible lowers your monthly premium but means you pay more out of pocket if you crash.
If you pay off your loan, you own the bike outright and can drop collision and comprehensive if you choose. Many riders keep these coverages anyway because a Harley is expensive to replace, but it becomes your decision.
Discounts and ways to lower your premium
A motorcycle safety course is one of the most reliable ways to reduce your premium. The MSF Basic RiderCourse takes two days and costs $150 to $300 depending on your location. Many insurers will knock 5 to 15 percent off your premium if you show them a completion certificate. Some states also waive the riding test at the DMV if you complete an MSF course, which saves you time and money.
Installing anti-theft devices can lower your rate. A GPS tracker, an alarm system, or an immobilizer that prevents the bike from starting without a key all reduce theft risk. Some insurers offer 5 to 10 percent discounts for these devices. Get a quote from your insurer before you buy — they may have a list of devices they recognize and discount for.
Bundling policies is often the largest discount available. If you insure your car and your Harley with the same company, you might save 15 to 25 percent on both policies. If you also have a home or renters policy with them, the discount can grow. Ask your insurer for a bundled quote before you commit.
Paying in full upfront instead of monthly usually saves 5 to 10 percent. Some insurers also offer discounts for paperless billing, for setting up automatic payments, or for being a long-term customer. Ask what discounts you are currently receiving and whether any others explore to you.
What to do if you are denied coverage or quoted a very high rate
If an insurer denies you coverage or quotes a rate you cannot afford, you have options. Some states run high-risk pools or assigned-risk programs for riders who cannot find coverage in the regular market. These programs may provide you can get liability coverage, though the premium is usually higher. Contact your state's Department of Insurance to learn whether your state has this program and how the process works.
If you were denied because of your riding record, ask the insurer why. Some companies will reconsider if you complete a safety course or if enough time has passed since your violation. A DUI or reckless driving charge will stay on your record for years, but a speeding ticket may stop affecting your rate after three to five years.
If you are young or new to riding, consider starting with a smaller, less expensive Harley model. Insurance companies charge less to insure a Street 750 than a Road King, so choosing a lighter bike can lower your premium significantly while you build riding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my car insurance to cover my Harley-Davidson?
No. Motorcycle insurance is a separate policy. Your car insurance does not cover any motorcycle, even if you own both. You must purchase a dedicated motorcycle policy for your Harley. Some insurers let you bundle the policies for a discount, but they are always separate contracts.
What is the cheapest Harley model to insure?
The Harley Street 750 is typically the cheapest to insure because it is the lightest and least expensive to repair. Larger models like the Road King or Softail cost more. Sport-oriented models and custom bikes with expensive parts cost even more. Ask your insurer for a quote on the specific model you are considering before you buy.
Do I need comprehensive coverage if I own my Harley outright?
Comprehensive is optional if you own the bike free and clear. However, many riders keep it because a Harley is expensive to replace if it is stolen or damaged by weather or vandalism. Comprehensive is usually cheaper than collision, so the cost is modest. If you cannot afford both, collision is more important because crashes are more common than theft.
Will my premium go down after I turn 25?
Possibly. Age 25 is when many insurers lower rates because accident statistics improve. However, your rate depends on multiple factors — your riding record, how long you have held a license, and your specific bike matter too. You may see a rate drop at 25, but it is not may provide. Ask your insurer whether your rate will change on your birthday.
What should I do if my Harley is stolen?
Contact the police and file a report, then call your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer will pay the claim minus your deductible. Provide the police report number, your bike's VIN, and any photos you have of the bike. Your insurer may take several weeks to investigate and pay the claim. If you financed the bike, the insurer will pay the lender first, then you receive any remaining amount.