Finding the Best Motorcycle Insurance in Texas

Riding a motorcycle in the Lone Star State can be an exhilarating experience. With wide open roads and beautiful scenery, Texas is a great place to explore on two wheels. However, finding the right motorcycle insurance is crucial to protect you in case of an accident. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about getting the best motorcycle insurance coverage in Texas.

Why Motorcycle Insurance is Essential in Texas

While some states don’t require motorcycle insurance, Texas mandates liability coverage for all motorcyclists. Without proper insurance, you could face steep fines and penalties if you’re involved in an accident. Here are some key reasons why motorcycle insurance is critical:

• It’s the law. Texas requires that all motorcyclists carry at least minimum liability coverage. The minimums are:

  • $30,000 for injuries/death per person
  • $60,000 for injuries/death per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage

• Protects you financially. A major accident can easily exceed the minimum coverage limits. Having ample insurance protects your finances from massive medical bills, lost wages, motorcycle repair costs and other expenses.

• Covers damages to others. Your policy covers injuries and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident. This protects you from potentially bankrupting lawsuits.

• Provides additional coverage. Comprehensive and collision coverage can replace your bike if it’s damaged or stolen. Medical payments coverage helps pay for your medical treatment. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if the other driver has no insurance.

Factors That Influence Motorcycle Insurance Costs in Texas

Insurance rates can vary widely between motorcycle owners in Texas. Companies calculate your exact premium based on these major factors:

• Your age. STATISTICS
• Driving history. STATISTICS
• Bike type. STATISTICS
• Displacement size. STATISTICS
• Coverage limits. HIGHER LIMITS = HIGHER PREMIUMS
• Deductibles. HIGHER DEDUCTIBLES = LOWER RATES
• Location. URBAN AREAS MORE EXPENSIVE
• Credit history. BETTER CREDIT = BETTER RATES
• Claims history. MORE CLAIMS = HIGHER COSTS
• Insuring multiple bikes. MULTI-BIKE DISCOUNTS MAY APPLY

To get the lowest possible rates, maintain a clean driving record, take a motorcycle safety course, choose higher deductibles, limit your coverage to essentials and ask about multi-policy or multi-bike discounts.

Required Minimum Motorcycle Insurance in Texas

At a minimum, Texas state law requires:

• $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability

This coverage, often abbreviated as 30/60/25, provides basic protection but has significant limitations:

• Only covers injuries/damage you cause to others
• Provides nothing for your own medical bills or vehicle repairs
• Low limits may not be sufficient in major accidents
• Does not cover theft or vandalism to your motorcycle

That’s why most experts recommend going beyond the minimums to give yourself proper financial protection. We’ll explore additional coverage options later in this guide.

Top Motorcycle Insurance Providers in Texas

The largest national insurers along with some Texas-based companies offer motorcycle insurance across the state. Here are some of the top options to consider:

National Carriers

• Progressive: Competitive rates and discounts for multi-bike policies, safety courses, loyalty, paying in full and more. Lots of coverage customization options.

• Geico: Known for low premiums and good customer service. Policy bundles motorcycle with other insurance for multi-line discounts.

• Allstate: Established company with broad coverage and discounts for safety gear, anti-theft devices, bundling policies and early signing.

• State Farm: Popular for local agent support. Loyalty discounts for homeowners or auto insurance customers. Rates increase sharply at age 25.

Texas-based Providers

• Texas Farm Bureau: Low rates and dividends for claim-free customers. Must qualify for membership to buy a policy.

• Germania Insurance: Specializes in minimum liability coverage at low rates. Higher limits have high premiums. Best for riders with perfect records.

• Congressional County Mutual: Local insurer with customizable options. Comprehensive coverage requires $1,000 deductible. Mixed customer reviews.

• American Access Casualty: Caters to high-risk riders. Annual premiums paid monthly have expensive fees. Read fine print carefully.

When comparing quotes, make sure you’re getting accurate apples-to-apples price estimates from multiple insurers. Enter the same coverage limits, bike details and personal info for the most precise rate analysis.

Types of Motorcycle Insurance Coverage to Consider

Beyond the minimums, you can enhance protection by adding these key coverage options:

Liability Insurance

Covers injuries or damage that you cause to others in an accident. Includes:

• Bodily injury: Pays for medical treatment, lost wages and other costs if you injure or kill someone with your motorcycle.
• Property damage: Repairs or replaces another vehicle, building, fence or other property damaged by your motorcycle.

Tip: Increase limits above the minimums to better protect assets. $100,000/$300,000 is a common level.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

Protects you if the other driver has little or no insurance. Covers medical bills, lost wages and other costs up to your selected limits. Especially important in Texas, which has a high rate of uninsured drivers.

Collision Insurance

Repairs or replaces your motorcycle if damaged in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. Also covers if you overturn or crash your bike with no other vehicle involved. Requires a deductible.

Comprehensive Coverage

Repairs or replaces your bike if stolen or damaged by something other than a collision. Covers theft, vandalism, weather, falling objects and more. Requires a deductible.

Medical Payments (MedPay)

Helps pay for medical treatment, medications, surgery and funeral costs for you and any passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Provides medical, lost wage and other benefits to you and your passengers after an accident, no matter who’s at fault. May overlap with health insurance.

Rider Protection

Unique coverage that pays for medical bills, lost wages and funeral costs if you’re hurt or killed in an accident, regardless of whether a vehicle is involved. Not offered by all insurers.

Accessory Coverage

Reimburses you for theft or damage to riding gear, custom parts, saddlebags, audio equipment and other accessories. Usually subject to a deductible.

When selecting options beyond liability, base the coverage limits on your bike’s value and your overall finances. Higher incomes and pricier motorcycles merit more protection.

How to Get the Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance in Texas

While rates vary by individual, here are some proven ways to find the lowest motorcycle insurance premiums in Texas:

• Comparison shop. Get quotes from at least four different insurance companies. Rates can differ by hundreds per year for the same coverage.

• Ask about discounts. Inquire about savings for safety courses, anti-theft devices, multi-bike policies, loyalty programs and more.

• Increase deductibles. Select the highest deductibles you can afford to lower your premiums. Just be sure you have savings to cover the out-of-pocket costs if you need to file a claim.

• Drop unnecessary coverage. Do you really need collision and comprehensive on an old or low-value motorcycle? Ask yourself if the premium savings are worth the risk.

• Maintain good credit. Insurance companies view customers with excellent credit as less risky and offer lower premiums. Keep your credit score as high as possible.

• Enroll in safety courses. Completing advanced rider training earns discounts up to 15% with some insurers.

• Review discounts annually. Re-apply for any savings opportunities each time your policy is up for renewal. Discounts change and new ones may apply to you.

Finding the right balance of value and cost takes some effort, but the savings can be substantial. Talk with a knowledgeable insurance agent to ensure you’re getting the optimal motorcycle coverage for your needs and budget.

Can You Buy Short-Term Motorcycle Insurance in Texas?

Texas does allow motorcycle owners to purchase short-term insurance policies:

• Length: Short-term policies provide coverage anywhere from one month to twelve months.

• Availability: Most major insurers offer short-term motorcycle insurance in Texas. But some smaller companies only sell annual policies.

• Coverage: Short-term policies typically include all the same options as annual motorcycle insurance.

• Cost: Premiums are usually higher compared to annual coverage, but may make sense if you only ride part of the year.

• Gap insurance: