It’s legally required to have motorcycle insurance in Texas — and for good reason. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, more than 1,800 bikers were seriously injured in Texas in 2019. MoneyGeek looked at six Texas insurance companies to find the best and cheapest motorcycle insurance. This was done to help riders understand the different rates and coverages. There are many motorcycle insurance plans in Texas, and we can help you find the best one for your needs.
Riding a motorcycle in the Lone Star State is an exciting way to explore the open roads and feel the wind in your hair. But before you hit the highway it’s crucial to protect yourself and your bike with quality motorcycle insurance. I’ve done the research to help my fellow riders find the best motorcycle insurance in Texas.
As an avid biker in the Dallas area, I understand the importance of comprehensive coverage at an affordable rate. Texas actually has certain minimum requirements for motorcycle insurance, including liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage While these minimums meet the state’s legal requirements, most experts recommend getting more robust protection
In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about motorcycle insurance in Texas, including:
- Cost of coverage
- Minimum requirements
- Top providers
- Discounts available
- How to get a quote
I’ll also share my tips for finding the ideal policy based on my own experience insuring bikes in the Lone Star State. Let’s start by looking at how much coverage costs on average.
Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance in Texas
The cost of motorcycle insurance in Texas varies quite a bit depending on your specific situation. Factors like your driving record, bike type, coverage limits and deductibles all impact your premium amount.
However, we can look at statewide averages to get an idea of typical costs. According to recent data, average annual premiums in Texas are:
- $472 for a full coverage policy
- $184 for basic liability coverage
Full coverage includes comprehensive and collision, which pay for damage to your own bike. Liability-only meets the state minimum requirements.
Compared to the rest of the country, motorcycle insurance costs about 30% more in Texas – likely due to the state’s high rate of motorcycle accidents. I’ll discuss how to find the cheapest rates later in this article. First, let’s look at Texas’ minimum requirements.
Texas Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
The Lone Star State legally mandates that all motorcyclists carry a minimum level of liability coverage. Here are the specifics:
- $30,000 bodily injury per person – Covers medical bills and lost wages for each individual injured
- $60,000 bodily injury per accident – Total coverage for all injuries in a single accident
- $25,000 property damage – Repairs or replacement for damage to another vehicle or property
You must also carry personal injury protection (PIP) unless you specifically reject it in writing. PIP helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident – regardless of who was at fault.
While this satisfies the legal minimums, most experts recommend buying more extensive liability limits of at least 50/100/50. Collision and comprehensive are also advised to fully protect your bike.
Next let’s look at the top recommended insurers in Texas.
Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies in Texas
With dozens of motorcycle insurers to choose from, it can be tricky to identify the best options. Based on affordability, coverage options and customer satisfaction, these consistently rise to the top in the Lone Star State:
Harley-Davidson
As the name implies, Harley-Davidson specializes in serving Harley riders. But they offer policies for all types of bikes. With strong customer service and unique coverage add-ons, they top the list of Texas motorcycle insurers:
Pros
- Lots of available discounts
- Specializes in motorcycle insurance
- Extra coverage for riders
Cons
- Limited availability in some states
- HOG membership required for some discounts
Dairyland
Ideal for high-risk riders, Dairyland offers some of the most affordable rates in Texas. They’re known for flexible underwriting and great customer service.
Pros
- Competitive pricing, especially for full coverage
- Lots of discount opportunities
- Policies available for high-risk riders
Cons
- Not available in every state
- Website and apps could be more user-friendly
Progressive
With tons of customization options and bundling discounts, Progressive is another top choice for motorcycle coverage.
Pros
- Highly customizable policies
- Lots of ways to save, including multi-policy discounts
- Available nationwide
Cons
- Rates can be higher than some competitors
- Very large company, so customer service varies
I always recommend comparing quotes from at least these top three insurers to find your best option. Now let’s look at ways to save.
Discounts on Motorcycle Insurance in Texas
The cost of coverage quoted above reflects average rates, but you may be able to reduce your premium significantly through discounts. Here are some common ways Texas riders can save:
- Bundling – Insure both your home/car and bike with the same provider
- Safety course – Take an approved motorcycle safety class
- Club membership – Belong to a motorcycle club or rights organization
- Claims-free – Go multiple years with no accident claims
- Secure storage – Store your bike in a locked garage
Discounts and eligibility vary between insurers, so ask each company what they offer when requesting quotes.
How to Get Motorcycle Insurance Quotes in Texas
Now let’s look at how to actually shop for and compare motorcycle insurance quotes in Texas:
- Determine your coverage needs – Decide if you want just basic liability or more comprehensive protection
- Check insurer eligibility requirements – Review if you meet any criteria for discounts
- Gather details – Have your driver’s license, VIN, and mileage estimate handy
- Request quotes – Reach out to insurers directly and/or use quote comparison tools
- Compare policies – Review coverage details, limitations, total cost, financial strength ratings and customer satisfaction
- Choose your provider – Select the insurer that best fits your situation
I recommend starting your search 6-8 weeks before your current policy expires so you have plenty of time to explore all your options.
Tips for Finding the Best Motorcycle Insurance in Texas
As someone who’s insured bikes in Texas for years, I have a few additional tips to share:
- Take the MSF safety course – it can save you 10% or more on your premiums
- Ask about usage-based discounts – they track your safe driving habits through an app or device to earn lower rates
- Store your bike securely when not riding – theft is a big risk that increases premiums
- Increase your deductibles to lower your rate – but only if you have savings to cover the out-of-pocket costs in a claim
- Bundle with home or auto insurance for multi-policy discounts
- Avoid lapses in coverage – gaps can make you a high-risk customer
Finding the right coverage at the best price takes some effort, but pays off in safety and savings. I hope these insights help my fellow riders get quality motorcycle insurance protection here in the Lone Star State. Ride safe out there!
Cheapest Liability-Only Motorcycle Insurance Quotes in Texas
The carriers offering the cheapest motorcycle insurance in Texas with liability-only coverage rates include the following:
- Progressive: $79 per year
- Markel: $89 per year
Progressive’s rates are 86. 59% lower than the most expensive option in Texas, which is Nationwide. Nationwide offers its liability-only policies at a hefty price of $589 per year.
The Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies in Texas
To find the best motorcycle insurance companies in Texas, we looked at three main factors: the range and number of products they offer, their customer service, and how stable their finances are.
Based on these attributes, MoneyGeek discovered that Harley-Davidson offers the best motorcycle insurance in Texas. 1
Pros
- They have a number of discounts for riders, and it’s easy to qualify.
- They specialize in motorcycle insurance
- They have unique coverages for motorcycle riders, made by bikers
Cons
- They do not offer auto insurance
- Their premium perks are only available for HOG members
- They are not present in Hawaii, Alaska and Washington, D.C.
Harley-Davidson specializes in motorcycle insurance — so much so that they only offer motorcycle insurance. They have a MoneyGeek score of 97. 01 out of 100 and were highly ranked in terms of total products and services. In Texas, their full coverage policies cost about $292 a year, while their liability-only policies cost about $115 a year.
The company gives riders great discounts, and Harley Owners Group (HOG) members get even more benefits. It costs $49 a year to become a member of the HOG. Paying on time, having and insuring multiple bikes, taking the H-DTM Riding Academy New Rider Course, and more are all easy ways for members and non-members to get discounts.
Harley-Davidson makes motorcycles, so it makes sense that they also sell other types of bikes, like trikes and scooters, in addition to motorcycles and sports bikes. They also offer guest passenger liability, optional equipment coverage, optional equipment replacement cost and rental reimbursement coverage. 2.
Pros
- Give discounts to riders who belong to a club or motorcycle group.
- has a mobile app that makes it easy to check information or pay bills
- Known to insure high-risk riders
Cons
- Does not offer their services in all states
- Does not have an official ‘claims response time’ promise
- Does not offer all their discounts in all states
Dairyland offers the next best motorcycle insurance in Texas. MoneyGeek gave them a score of 95. 86 out of 100. Their liability-only policies cost about $128 per year, while their full coverage policies cost about $205 per year, which is the least in the state.
Dairyland offers more than just the basic types of insurance, like bodily injury, personal property, comprehensive, and collision. They also offer options for roadside assistance, guest passenger, and physical damage plus. They also provide discounts with simple requirements, such as a multi-cycle discount, homeownership discount and more.
Customers can get to Dairyland through a mobile app or a web portal. There, they can pay their bills and see information about their accounts. They have different payment plans and payment methods to cater to all their clients. 3.
Pros
- Offer a wide range of discounts
- People who get a quote for motorcycle insurance over the phone or online should get a discount.
- Reward policyholders who have had no accidents in three years
Cons
- In NC, NY, and CA, they don’t offer their Large Accident Forgiveness coverage.
- Disappearing deductible is also not available in all states
- Perks and discount availability depends on the state and situation
Progressive was given a MoneyGeek score of 95. 31 out of 100 in Texas, closely following Dairyland and ranking well in terms of affordability. Their liability-only policies cost about $79 a year, which is the lowest in the state. Their full coverage policies cost about $334 a year.
The company knows that each rider has different needs, which is why they let policyholders change the limits of their coverage and policy. They even have coverage just for motorcycles, like Carried Contents®, which protects riders’ personal items while they’re riding in case they get lost, stolen, or damaged. This includes phones, camping equipment or hunting gear.
Progressive also offers plenty of opportunities for riders to qualify for discounts. For example, you can get simpler and easier-to-get discounts by getting quotes online or over the phone, getting a motorcycle endorsement, and paying in full. There are some extra discounts if you have had Progressive for at least four years and have not had any claims for at least three years.
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FAQ
What is the average cost of motorcycle insurance in Texas?
Which insurance company is best for motorcycles?
Who offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance?
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Cheap Motorcycle Insurance Provider
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Average Annual Minimum Coverage Rate
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Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate
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1. Geico
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$141
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$12
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2. Allstate
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$157
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$13
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3. Progressive
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$160
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$13
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4. Dairyland
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$166
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$14
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How do I get cheap motorcycle insurance in Texas?
If you’re looking for cheap motorcycle insurance in Texas, choose a company with affordable rates and member discounts without sacrificing coverage. Get a Nationwide motorcycle insurance quote in Texas by clicking the “Start your quote” button above or finding an agent in your city below. Is motorcycle insurance required in Texas?
What is the best motorcycle insurance in Texas?
A full-coverage policy is the best insurance option for riders in Texas because it offers both comprehensive and collision coverage. Comprehensive insurance helps protect a rider’s bike in case it gets damaged outside of an accident, while collision coverage pays for damages to the motorcycle in case you are responsible for an accident.
Does Texas require motorcycle insurance?
Texas has mandatory insurance requirements for all drivers, including motorcyclists. The Lone Star State requires drivers to purchase liability insurance with the following minimum Texas motorcycle insurance requirements: $60,000 per accident. You can purchase higher coverage limits and additional coverage like collision or comprehensive coverage.
Who insures motorcycles in Texas?
We insure a wide range of motorcycles including scooters, sport bikes, trikes, cruisers, dual sports and more. Maybe that’s why thousands of Texans already insure their motorcycles with Nationwide. If you’re looking for cheap motorcycle insurance in Texas, choose a company with affordable rates and member discounts without sacrificing coverage.