Best and Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance in Florida: Companies, Coverage Options and Cost in 2024

It will likely come as no surprise that motorcycles are popular in Florida. So popular, in fact, that there are nearly 600,000 motorcycles registered in the Sunshine State, according to The Motley Fool. That's second only to California, a much bigger state both in terms of land area and population.

It's easy to see why bikers like Florida. The state boasts terrific year-round weather, gorgeous scenery, and coast roads practically designed for motorcycle riding. Florida also is home to Daytona Beach Bike Week, which bills itself as the “World's Largest Motorcycle Event.” However, Florida also is known as one of the most dangerous places for motorcyclists. If you want to ride safely and legally in the Sunshine State, there are steps all drivers must take, including purchasing Florida motorcycle insurance.

Do I need motorcycle insurance in Florida?

Florida's insurance requirements for motorcycles can be confusing. The state has a no-fault law for automobile accidents, but the same does not hold true for motorcycles.

Florida has a financial responsibility law, however, which applies to all motor vehicles in the state, including motorcycles. This law requires drivers to prove that they have the ability to cover their financial liability that may arise from an accident. A motorcycle owner can do this by getting a self-insurance certificate from Florida's Bureau of Financial Responsibility, usually based on their net worth.

The other, more common option, is to buy coverage from a motorcycle insurance carrier in Florida. Policies are often reasonably priced, especially if you have been on the road awhile. It's even better if you stay with the same insurance company.

As you might expect, the focus for many motorcycle riders is on personal injury and medical bills as opposed to property damage. Florida's minimum motorcycle insurance requirements are:

• $10,000 for one person for bodily injury liability,
• $20,000 for two or more people for bodily injury liability, and
• $10,000 per crash for property damage liability.

You have the choice to purchase higher coverage limits and additional coverage such as collision or comprehensive, but it’s encouraged that all bikers consider these insurance coverages. Additional liability motorcycle insurance coverage would offer more protection to you and your assets if you were to be found at fault for an accident. Make sure that your passenger is also secure. In the event of a crash you want them to be protected as well.

If you were to get into an accident with your motorcycle and you didn't have collision coverage, you would be on your own to pay for the damages to your bike. Likewise, if your motorcycle were damaged by a fire or severe weather and you didn't have comprehensive motorcycle insurance coverage, you wouldn't be covered for the damages.

How much does motorcycle insurance cost in Florida?

The cost of motorcycle insurance in Florida varies greatly based on the type of bike that you have, your age and driving history, and other factors. There is such a wide range of what could go into determining your motorcycle policy, but we have some information listed below.

If you're an experienced rider, you may pay around $500 per year for motorcycle insurance. The price can vary based on where you live within the Sunshine State and if you want liability insurance alone or optional coverages.

If you're a new driver, you should expect to pay a high price for motorcycle insurance. Likewise, if you have a luxury motorcycle of high value, your premium could cost more than $1,000 per year. Vintage bikes and custom motorcycles can have a bit more of a price tag than a regular run of the mill bike.

There are many factors that affect the cost of motorcycle insurance in Florida, including:

• Your age
• Your driving record
• Where you live
• Where you store your bike
• Your motorcycle, the type of bike and age of your bike
• If your motorcycle has any modifications
• How much you drive each year (seasonal or full time)
• Your deductible

The motorcycle insurance company you choose can also affect your average cost. Get at least three or more quotes to find the best price for your needs, otherwise you may not end up with the most affordable coverage.

How can you save money with the type of insurance that you have?

Proving financial responsibility will cost different amounts for different people. If you're depending on motorcycle insurance coverage options, insurance underwriters have to evaluate your risk. Your required coverage may also be higher if you're leasing or financing your bike. Motorcycle insurance laws don't require collision insurance, but you have to protect your lender's liability as well per the contracts you sign with them.

However, by obtaining proof of motorcycle insurance, you are going to avoid any costs associated with anything that may happen to your bike, whether it's on the road or in your garage. Not to mention there are different types of coverage, and you're not required to have all of them.

Most motorcycle insurance companies in Florida offer the following coverages:

• Liability coverage in Florida: Liability coverage is a required motorcycle insurance coverage in Florida. There are two forms of liability coverage: bodily injury liability and property damage liability.
  • Bodily injury liability covers injury or death to other people in an accident that you caused while on your motorcycle.
  • Property damage liability covers damage that you caused to another person’s property, such as their car.
  • Motorcycle insurance liability also covers legal expenses in case you are sued. Liability doesn’t cover any injury to you or damage to your motorcycle. This coverage doesn’t have a deductible.
• Collision coverage in Florida: Motorcycle insurance collision coverage protects your bike if it were damaged in a collision with another vehicle. In the event that you're in an at-fault accident in which your motorcycle is damaged, your motorcycle insurance company would cover the cost of damages, up to your policy's limit, after you pay your deductible.
• Comprehensive coverage in Florida: Motorcycle insurance comprehensive coverage protects your motorcycle from damages not caused by a collision. Comprehensive covers damages from fire, theft, vandalism and anything else not caused by a car accident, such as severe weather like a flood or hail. Similar to collision coverage, your motorcycle insurance company would cover the cost of damage, up to your policy's limit, after you pay your deductible
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in Florida: Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you from drivers on the road who either don't have insurance or don't have enough insurance coverage. If you were to get into an accident with someone who is uninsured or underinsured, this coverage would help pay for medical treatment, lost wages, and damage to your bike. The limits would depend on your chosen coverage.
• Medical payments coverage in Florida: Medical payments coverage would pay for medical payments from injuries to you or any of your passengers in an accident while you were on your motorcycle. Medical payments motorcycle insurance coverage is not available in all states. If you have medical insurance, you may think you don't need this coverage, but some medical insurers exclude injuries related to auto or motorcycle accidents. So you could be on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars in a severe accident.
• Personal injury protection coverage in Florida: Some states require drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) or no-fault insurance. This coverage is used instead of medical payments coverage in some states. In an accident, it would cover medical payments for injuries to you and your passengers regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Do you need optional motorcycle insurance coverages in Florida?

In addition to the motorcycle coverages listed above, there is also a large selection of optional motorcycle insurance coverage options available in Florida. You may be able to add the following coverages to your policy once you have a motorcycle license. While you don't necessarily need every single option listed because that would run your annual cost through the roof, you can at least see what the extra coverage options are, and make your choice from there.

• Coverage for customized motorcycle parts in Florida: Most of the time, standard collision and comprehensive coverages don't cover motorcycle parts that aren't factory parts. For example, if you replaced your factory fenders with custom fenders, they may not be covered under a standard collision and comprehensive policy. If you've modified your bike, you may be able to add coverage for the customized parts. Coverage for customized motorcycle parts would protect your after-market purchases.
• Motorcycle trailer coverage in Florida: If you have a trailer for your motorcycle, make sure to ask your motorcycle insurance company about coverage for your transport trailer. Many companies offer coverage for your trailer for up to $7,500.
• Roadside assistance in Florida: Roadside assistance provides you with service in the event that you're caught with a bike mechanical or electrical malfunction. It may even include towing in some cases. With roadside assistance, you could get help for various issues including if your bike ran out of gas, has a dead battery, has a flat tire and so on without taking the risk of leaving it on the side of the road.
• Rental reimbursement in Florida: While your bike is getting fixed, you may need a rental in order to get around. Rental reimbursement coverage will allow you to get money back from your insurance company for a rental.

• How much coverage does a standard motorcycle insurer offer?

When you apply for an insurance policy, you'll tell the your insurer what you drive and give them your information. That way, they can look up your driving history, address, etc. If you choose fuller coverage, you have the option to choose replacement cost coverage or actual cash value coverage for your bike if it's a total loss.

• Replacement cost in Florida: You have the option to choose replacement cost coverage or actual cash value coverage for your bike if it’s a total loss.
  • Actual cash value (ACV): ACV would give you a payout of the value of your bike at the time of its loss. Actual cash value would take into consideration the depreciation of your motorcycle. So if you're planning on buying a similar model, how much you have to pay on top of what you get may depend on how well you took care of your bike.
  • Replacement cost coverage: If you want more coverage, you can choose to have replacement cost coverage which may pay out enough for you to get a new bike. Talk with your motorcycle insurance company when you purchase a policy to find out which option is best for your bike.
• Lay-up motorcycle insurance: Most Florida motorcyclists will not need lay-up insurance, which is handy if you live in the northern part of the United States and only drive your motorcycle seasonally while storing it away in the winter months. Lay-up motorcycle insurance allows you to keep your comprehensive coverage active while pausing your other coverages.

How can you find the best and cheapest motorcycle insurance in Florida?

When shopping for motorcycle insurance in Florida, you have a few options to find the best and cheapest motorcycle insurance in Florida. Some car insurance companies allow policyholders to add motorcycle insurance to their car insurance policy as an endorsement or rider. If you buy a separate policy, you can still bundle it with your auto, home, renters, and other insurance policies for bundling discounts.

Be aware that if you add your motorcycle to your car insurance policy as an endorsement or rider, you may be restricted in the coverage options you have. Standalone Florida motorcycle insurance policies are typically more flexible and customizable and may even be more affordable.

You also want to be upfront with whether or not you have an additional rider with you, or if you have custom equipment on your bike. These things can change what your auto insurer will charge.

To find the best deals on motorcycle coverage, you'll want to shop around. You should get motorcycle insurance quotes from multiple companies so you can compare motorcycle insurance cost and coverage options. The cheapest option isn't always the same for every driver. Keep in mind, cheap motorcycle insurance isn't always the best choice for you and may not offer you the best financial protection. Always make sure it has the coverage you need first.

Use the table at the top of this page to find the highest rated motorcycle insurance companies in your zip code. In this table, you can see which motorcycle insurance companies in Florida customers say are the best. You can sort through companies and find the ones from which you want to get quotes.

If you want to read customer reviews of the company, click the company name in the table and you will be directed to the company's profile page containing more information and reviews.

What kind of motorcycle insurance discounts are available in Florida?

There is a wide array of discounts in existence, and the Florida options are no different. Many companies offer motorcycle insurance discounts to Florida residents to help you save money on coverage for your bike. You can receive discounts based on you and your motorcycle.

Discounts vary by company and eligibility. The following motorcycle insurance discounts are commonly offered.

• Multi-policy discount in Florida: You may be able to bundle your motorcycle insurance with other insurance policies from the same company. This discount may apply if you insure your motorcycle along with your car, home, apartment, condo, boat, or RV with the same company. This is an easy way for insurance companies to get more business with less marketing costs. So they give you a discount.
• Multiple motorcycles discount in Florida: Some motorcycle insurance companies offer a discount if you insure more than one motorcycle with the same company.
• Biker group discount in Florida: Many motorcycle insurance companies offer biker group discounts or riding association discounts if you're a member of certain motorcycle organizations. Some examples of motorcycle organizations include the American Motorcycle Association and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
• Mature riders discount in Florida: If you've had your motorcycle insurance for a high number of years, your motorcycle insurance company may offer you this discount.
• Safe driver discount in Florida: You may qualify for a safe driver motorcycle insurance discount if you've been motorcycle insurance claim free for a particular amount of years.
• Safety and security discounts in Florida: If your motorcycle has certain safety and security features, such as anti-lock brakes or an anti-theft device, you may be eligible for a discount.
• Motorcycle safety course discount in Florida: If you take a motorcycle safety course to educate yourself, you may qualify for a discount on your insurance.
• Renewal discount in Florida: If you renew your motorcycle insurance policy with the same insurer, you may be rewarded with a discount. Again, you're making their job easier. So they pass some of their savings onto you.
• Transfer discount in Florida: Some motorcycle insurance companies offer a discount to bikers who switch or transfer their motorcycle insurance to them. Of course, make sure you're getting the same or better coverage if you take them up on this offer.

What does Florida require for motorcycle licensing?

To get on the road, you need insurance for motorcycle operation. Before that, you need to get your motorcycle license. Florida offers two options for motorcycle licenses: drivers can obtain either a motorcycle-only license or a motorcycle endorsement for their current, valid Florida driver's license. In order to obtain a motorcycle endorsement, drivers must complete an approved motorcycle safety course within one year of applying for the endorsement and present the certificate at the appropriate licensing office.

In order to obtain a motorcycle-only license, drivers must be at least 16 years old. If the driver is under 18 years old, they must hold a Learner's License for one year with no traffic convictions. Drivers must pass the knowledge test for obtaining a regular driver's license and must complete an approved motorcycle safety course.

What other laws apply to motorcycle drivers in Florida?

Florida is one of the few states that does not require motorcyclists to wear a helmet. Only drivers and passengers under 21 are required to do so. If you are over 21 and you decide to drive or ride a motorcycle without a helmet, you are required to carry insurance that will cover at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as the result of an accident. Florida does, however, require motorcycle drivers to wear eye protection.

The state has no age restrictions on passengers, but does require that passengers ride on a seat designed to accommodate them in addition to having their own foot pegs. Florida also requires only one side-view mirror and does not require turn signals. Lane splitting is illegal in Florida, but drivers are allowed to drive side-by-side in one lane of traffic.

What is Florida weather like for motorcyclists?

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for good reason: the state averages 237 days of sunshine per year. Still, weather in Florida can be variable, with thunderstorms occurring daily in the summer during the long, warm, and humid summers. Florida also is known for being in the path of hurricanes, as the state has been hit by more storms than any other U.S. state. Still, most motorcyclists will find that Florida’s excellent weather makes it a great place for biking year-round. If you're interested in just a seasonal policy, talk to your insurer to see if there are any hidden costs associated with getting a policy like that.

How does Clearsurance rate and rank the best motorcycle insurance companies in Florida?

Consistent with its mission towards greater transparency, Clearsurance does not keep its rating and ranking formulas in a black box. Our algorithm analyzes a range of inputs from our independent community of insurance customers, including:

• Price
• Customer Service
• Claim service
• Likelihood to renew

The algorithm also takes into account the percentage of what customers say the company does well vs. the percentage of what customers say the company could do better. By looking at the financial strength rating as well as the customer satisfaction ratings, you can get a better idea of what company is going to be right for you.

The Clearsurance customer ratings and rankings of the best motorcycle insurance in Florida are derived entirely from customer reviews and ratings. This way, you can shop for competitive rates, but also be given the inside scoop on most companies.