Just like owning a car, having motorcycle insurance is going to be a requirement in many states.  In addition, because riding a motorcycle is more dangerous, it is just a good idea anyway to protect yourself in the case of an accident.

For new riders, the cost of motorcycle insurance can often be a surprise.  In fact, in some instances one year of coverage can be just as expensive as the motorcycle is.  Therefore, it is important to shop around for insurance before actually buying a bike.  This will let you know just how much money you are going to have to spend.  If you buy the bike and then find yourself with a steep insurance premium, you may be tempted to go with cheaper gear and other necessities which can wind up costing you in the long run.  Getting quotes early will also let you know whether you can actually afford to take up a new hobby right now.

I believe that when considering purchasing a new motorcycle and you are a beginner, look for coverage over different sizes and classes of bikes.  That way, you will have a good idea of what does and does not fit into your budget.  For example, you may be fixated on having the latest sport bike, but once the reality of insurance premiums set in, you may need to settle for another class until you gain more experience and your costs go down.  Just know that rates can vary between five to ten times different between different motorcycle styles.  For example, an insurance premium on a basic bike could be as little as $200, but that same premium could balloon to well over $1000 for a flashy sport bike.

When buying motorcycle insurance know that many of the same items that work against you with buying car insurance still apply in this situation as well.  For example, the older you are, the cheaper your insurance will be.  If you are young and a new rider, this double whammy can help to drive up insurance premiums.  However, if you are a little older and a new rider, you may find yourself paying a little less.  In addition, don’t think just because you haven’t had any accidents on a motorcycle, your rates will be less.  Accidents that you have had in a car will also count against you when purchasing motorcycle insurance.  Therefore, having a clean driving record is important when it comes to getting lower rates.

I can tell you, however, that there are ways to cut some costs if you do decide to go ahead with your purchase.  When getting motorcycle insurance, be sure not to over insure.  This means if you are already covered with major medical elsewhere, you may be able to leave it off your policy here and save a little bit of money.  Other ways to save include securing your bike in a garage or other safe area can result in a cut to your insurance costs.  Also, look for discounts if you don’t ride your bike very much and keep your overall mileage low.  Finally, take classes from the DMV or join a group such as the American Motorcycle Association for a discount in your premiums.