Harley insurance is motorcycle coverage designed for Harley-Davidson bikes, sold through the same insurers who cover other motorcycles but often with rates and options tailored to cruiser and touring models
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are insured through standard motorcycle insurance policies, not through a separate Harley-specific system. You buy coverage from insurers like State Farm, Progressive, GEICO, or Allstate — the same companies that insure other bikes. What differs is that insurers price Harley policies based on the bike's model, year, engine size, and your riding history, and some carriers offer discounts or coverage options popular with Harley owners, such as custom parts coverage or extended roadside information.
The cost of insuring a Harley varies widely depending on the model you own, your age and riding experience, where you live, and how much coverage you choose. A newer Harley Street 750 typically costs less to insure than a Harley Road Glide or CVO model because replacement parts and repair costs are lower. Riders under 25 or those with accident or violation history pay significantly more. The same insurer may quote you $40 a month for one model and $120 for another.
Key Takeaways
- Harley insurance is standard motorcycle coverage available from major insurers; there is no exclusive Harley insurance product, but rates depend on your specific model and year.
- Liability coverage is legally required in all states and covers damage you cause to other people or property; collision and comprehensive coverage protect your own bike but are optional if you own it outright.
- Harley owners often add custom parts coverage, which standard policies may not cover fully, and roadside information, which is useful for touring riders.
- Your rate depends on your age, riding history, the bike's value and repair costs, your location, and how much you ride each year.
- Bundling your motorcycle policy with auto or home insurance, taking a safety course, and paying in full rather than monthly can lower your premium.
What coverage types are included in a motorcycle policy
Liability coverage is mandatory in every state and covers medical bills and property damage if you cause an accident. Your state sets a minimum amount — typically $15,000 to $25,000 per person and $30,000 to $50,000 per accident — but you can buy more. Most riders choose higher limits because a serious injury claim can exceed state minimums quickly.
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your Harley if you crash, regardless of who is at fault. It comes with a deductible, usually $250, $500, or $1,000 — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. If you financed or leased your bike, your lender requires collision coverage. If you own it outright, collision is optional but protects you from a total loss.
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from theft, weather, vandalism, or hitting an animal. Like collision, it has a deductible and is optional if you own the bike free and clear. Many riders in areas with high theft rates or severe weather choose comprehensive even when not required.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you if another rider or driver hits you and either has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your bills. This coverage is required in most states and is often overlooked but critical for motorcycle riders, who face higher injury risk than car drivers.
How Harley model and year affect your rate
Insurers price motorcycle policies partly on repair and replacement costs. A Harley Street 750 has lower parts costs and is cheaper to repair than a Harley Road Glide or a CVO Limited, so premiums are lower. Newer bikes with modern safety features sometimes may have access to for discounts, while older or heavily customized Harleys may cost more to insure because replacement parts are harder to source or more expensive.
Engine size also matters. Larger displacement engines (measured in cubic centimeters, or cc) are associated with higher speeds and greater accident severity, so a Harley Street Glide 1,868cc will typically cost more to insure than a Street 750. Insurers also consider whether the bike is a cruiser, touring model, or sportster, because each category has different accident and theft patterns.
If you modify your Harley — adding custom paint, upgraded exhaust, or aftermarket wheels — standard coverage may not fully cover those parts in a claim. Many insurers offer custom parts and equipment coverage as an add-on, which covers modifications up to a limit you choose. Without it, your insurer may only pay the original factory value, leaving you short if you have invested in upgrades.
Age, riding history, and location impact on premiums
Riders under 25 pay significantly higher premiums because insurance data shows younger riders have higher accident rates. A 22-year-old insuring a Harley may pay two to three times what a 45-year-old pays for the same bike. This gap narrows as you age, and many insurers offer discounts once you reach 25 or 30.
Your riding history is one of the largest factors in your rate. A clean record — no accidents, violations, or claims — qualifies you for the best rates. A single at-fault accident or traffic violation can raise your premium by 20 to 50 percent and may stick with you for three to five years. Multiple incidents or a DUI will make you uninsurable with standard carriers and force you to seek high-risk insurers, which charge substantially more.
Where you live affects rates because theft, accident, and weather claims vary by region. Urban areas with high theft rates charge more for comprehensive coverage. States with severe winters see higher collision claims. Your zip code can shift your premium by 10 to 30 percent compared to a nearby area.
How annual mileage and riding season affect cost
Many insurers ask how many miles you ride per year. Riders who use their Harley only for weekend cruises and store it in winter pay less than those who commute year-round. Some insurers offer seasonal or limited-mileage discounts if you ride fewer than 5,000 miles annually or only during certain months. If you plan to tour extensively, tell your insurer upfront, because some policies have mileage caps or exclude long-distance riding.
Riders who store their bikes during winter or off-season can sometimes suspend coverage temporarily, paying only for liability during storage months. This is common in northern states and can save money if you do not ride November through March. You must notify your insurer before the suspension period begins.
Discounts and ways to lower your premium
Most insurers offer a motorcycle safety course discount, typically 5 to 15 percent off your premium if you complete an approved course like those run by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The discount usually lasts three years, and you may only need to take the course once to may have access to repeatedly with some carriers.
Bundling your motorcycle policy with auto, home, or renters insurance often saves 10 to 25 percent on each policy. If you have multiple vehicles or properties insured, ask your agent about multi-policy discounts. Paying your premium in full rather than monthly can also save 5 to 10 percent, because insurers avoid monthly payment processing fees.
Some insurers offer discounts for anti-theft devices, such as GPS trackers or alarm systems, especially for expensive models. Installing an approved device can lower your comprehensive premium by 5 to 15 percent. Insurers also reward loyalty — staying with the same carrier for multiple years sometimes qualifies you for a retention discount.
Roadside information and other add-ons for Harley riders
Roadside information is a popular add-on for Harley owners, particularly those who tour. This coverage pays for towing, fuel delivery, lockout service, and jump starts if your bike breaks down or you run out of gas far from home. The cost is usually $5 to $15 per month and can save you hundreds if you need a long-distance tow.
Some insurers offer trip interruption coverage, which reimburses hotel and meal costs if your bike breaks down during a planned trip and you cannot continue. This is valuable for riders planning multi-day tours. Medical payments coverage (sometimes called med pay) covers your medical bills up to a limit if you are injured in an accident, regardless of fault, and is often inexpensive to add.
Accessory coverage protects items like saddlebags, GPS units, or communication systems that are not permanently attached to the bike. Without it, these items may not be covered in a theft or accident claim. If you carry expensive gear regularly, this add-on is worth considering.
How to get a quote and compare Harley insurance rates
To get an accurate quote, you will need your Harley's vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on the registration or the bike itself. You will also need your driver's license, riding history, and information about how you plan to use the bike — commuting, weekend riding, or touring. Most insurers let you get a quote online in 10 to 15 minutes.
Compare quotes from at least three carriers, because rates vary significantly for the same coverage. State Farm, Progressive, GEICO, Allstate, and Nationwide all write motorcycle policies, but regional carriers like Dairyland or specialty insurers like Motorcycle.com's partner carriers may offer better rates for certain riders. Ask each insurer about discounts you may have access to for before comparing final prices.
When comparing quotes, make sure you are looking at the same coverage limits and deductibles across all carriers. A $500 deductible policy will cost less than a $250 deductible policy with the same insurer, so adjust deductibles to match before comparing. Also ask whether the quote includes any discounts already applied or if additional discounts are available once you purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance if I only ride my Harley on private property?
Liability insurance is legally required in all states if you ride on public roads. If you only ride on your own property or a closed track, you may not be legally required to carry insurance, but your lender will require it if you financed the bike. Even on private land, insurance protects you if someone is injured and sues.
What happens to my rate if I get into an accident?
An at-fault accident typically raises your premium by 20 to 50 percent for three to five years, depending on your insurer and state. A not-at-fault accident may not raise your rate or may raise it slightly. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness, which prevents your first accident from increasing your premium, though this usually costs extra or requires a clean record for a set period beforehand.
Can I insure a custom or heavily modified Harley?
Yes, but standard policies may not cover custom parts or modifications at full value. You will need to add custom parts and equipment coverage and provide documentation of what you have spent on upgrades. Some insurers specialize in custom bikes and may offer better rates or higher coverage limits for heavily modified Harleys.
Is motorcycle insurance more expensive than car insurance?
Motorcycle insurance liability coverage is often cheaper than car insurance because bikes cause less property damage in accidents. However, collision and comprehensive coverage for a motorcycle can be expensive relative to the bike's value, especially for newer or high-end models. Overall cost depends on the specific bike, your age, and your driving history.
What should I do if my Harley is stolen?
Report the theft to police when ready and get a copy of the police report. Contact your insurer within 24 to 48 hours with the report and your bike's VIN, title, and proof of ownership. Your insurer will investigate and, if the bike is not recovered within a set period (usually 30 days), will pay your claim minus your deductible. Comprehensive coverage covers theft; liability and collision do not.