What Is Motorcycle Insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is a policy that protects you financially if you're involved in an accident, your bike gets damaged or stolen, or you injure someone else while riding. California law requires all motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance that covers injuries and property damage you might cause to others. Beyond the legal minimum, you can add coverage that protects your own bike, your medical expenses, and more. FOCO Insurance Services helps San Bernardino riders compare quotes from multiple carriers to find the right balance of protection and affordability.

When you ride a motorcycle, you face unique risks that car insurance doesn't fully address. Your bike is more exposed to the elements, more vulnerable to theft, and offers less protection in a crash. That's why motorcycle insurance exists as a separate product with coverage options designed specifically for two-wheeled vehicles. Whether you ride a cruiser through downtown San Bernardino, take your sport bike out to the Angeles National Forest, or cruise the Inland Empire on weekends, the right policy keeps you protected without breaking the bank.

Most riders bundle their motorcycle coverage with their auto or home policy to save money, but even standalone policies can be affordable when you shop around. The key is understanding what coverage you actually need versus what's just optional padding. That's where working with an independent agent makes a difference—you get options from multiple insurance companies instead of being stuck with one carrier's rates.

What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

Motorcycle insurance policies include several types of coverage, each protecting you from different risks. California requires liability coverage, but most riders add optional protections to fully safeguard their investment and their financial security. Here's what's typically available:

Liability Coverage (Required in California)

This is the foundation of any motorcycle policy and the only coverage California legally requires. Liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident where you're at fault. California's minimum requirements are $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. However, these minimums often aren't enough to cover serious accidents. Many San Bernardino riders choose higher limits—$100,000/$300,000 or more—to protect their assets if they're sued after a crash.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your motorcycle if it's damaged in an accident, regardless of who caused it. Whether you hit another vehicle, run off the road, or get hit by an uninsured driver, collision coverage handles your bike's repairs up to its actual cash value. This coverage requires you to pay a deductible (typically $500 to $1,000) before the insurance kicks in. If you're financing or leasing your motorcycle, your lender will usually require collision coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects your motorcycle from non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, fire, weather damage, and animal strikes. San Bernardino's property crime rates and the fact that motorcycles are easy targets for thieves make comprehensive coverage especially valuable. This coverage also requires a deductible, but it gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected even when the bike is parked.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage protects you if you're hit by a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance to cover your injuries and damages. Given that many California drivers operate illegally without coverage, this protection is crucial. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and bike repairs when the at-fault driver can't. Many riders consider this as important as liability coverage.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments (MedPay) coverage pays for your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. It covers hospital bills, surgery, ambulance rides, and follow-up care. Since motorcyclists are more likely to suffer serious injuries in crashes, MedPay provides an important financial safety net. It supplements your health insurance and can help cover deductibles and co-pays.

Accessory and Custom Parts Coverage

If you've added custom parts, aftermarket accessories, or performance upgrades to your bike, standard policies might not cover their full value. Accessory coverage extends protection to your custom exhaust, upgraded suspension, premium wheels, audio systems, and other modifications. Make sure to document these additions with receipts and photos when you add this coverage.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance covers towing, fuel delivery, flat tire service, and other emergency help when your motorcycle breaks down. Given that bikes are more prone to mechanical issues and harder to push when they fail, this relatively inexpensive add-on can save you from costly tow bills and dangerous roadside situations.

How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost?

Motorcycle insurance costs vary widely based on multiple factors unique to you and your bike. While we can't provide specific dollar amounts—since every rider's situation is different—understanding what affects your rate helps you make informed decisions and potentially lower your premium.

Factors That Affect Your Motorcycle Insurance Rate

Your motorcycle's type and value play a major role in determining your premium. Sport bikes with high-performance engines typically cost more to insure than cruisers or standard bikes because they're statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. A brand-new Ducati will have a higher premium than a 10-year-old Honda Shadow. Engine size matters too—larger, more powerful bikes generally cost more to insure.

Your age, riding experience, and history significantly impact your rate. New riders under 25 typically pay more than experienced riders over 30. If you've taken a motorcycle safety course through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, many insurers offer discounts. Your riding record matters just as much as your driving record—accidents, speeding tickets, and DUIs will increase your premium substantially.

Where you live and store your bike affects your rate. Urban areas like San Bernardino typically have higher rates than rural areas due to increased theft risk and accident frequency. If you park your motorcycle in a locked garage rather than on the street, you'll likely pay less. Your annual mileage matters too—the more you ride, the higher your premium, since more time on the road means more exposure to risk.

Ways to Potentially Lower Your Premium

Bundling your motorcycle policy with your auto or home insurance usually qualifies you for multi-policy discounts. Many carriers offer discounts for completing safety courses, installing anti-theft devices, being a member of motorcycle associations, or insuring multiple bikes. Choosing higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage will lower your premium, though you'll pay more out-of-pocket if you need to file a claim.

The most effective way to find competitive rates is to compare quotes from multiple carriers. Insurance companies weigh risk factors differently, so rates can vary significantly. Working with an independent agent like FOCO Insurance Services gives you access to multiple carriers' rates without having to contact each company individually. We shop the market for you and present your best options side-by-side.

Do I Need Motorcycle Insurance?

Yes, California law requires all motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance before operating their bike on public roads. You must show proof of insurance if stopped by law enforcement, and riding without it can result in fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. Beyond the legal requirement, motorcycle insurance protects you from financial devastation if you cause an accident or your bike is damaged or stolen.

Even if you only ride occasionally or keep your motorcycle stored most of the year, you still need coverage if it's registered. Letting your insurance lapse can result in registration suspension, and gaps in coverage can make future insurance more expensive. If you truly won't ride for an extended period, ask about storage coverage options that maintain your policy at a reduced rate.

Who Needs More Than Minimum Coverage?

While California only requires liability insurance, most riders benefit from comprehensive protection. If your motorcycle is worth more than a few thousand dollars, collision and comprehensive coverage protect your investment. If you're financing your bike, your lender will require these coverages. If you don't have substantial health insurance or emergency savings, medical payments coverage provides crucial protection for your own injuries.

Riders who've invested in custom parts, accessories, or performance upgrades need accessory coverage to protect these additions. If you depend on your bike as primary transportation for work or school, roadside assistance and rental reimbursement coverage keep you mobile if your motorcycle breaks down or is in the shop after an accident.

Higher liability limits are essential for riders who have assets to protect. If you own a home, have savings, or earn a good income, the state's minimum coverage won't protect you from a lawsuit after a serious accident. Legal costs and injury settlements can easily exceed California's minimum requirements, putting everything you own at risk. Most insurance professionals recommend liability limits of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.

How to Get Motorcycle Insurance in San Bernardino

Getting motorcycle insurance in San Bernardino is straightforward when you work with a local independent agent who knows California's requirements and the unique risks Inland Empire riders face. FOCO Insurance Services has protected San Bernardino motorcyclists for over 19 years, and we make the process quick and hassle-free.

Start by gathering basic information about yourself and your motorcycle. You'll need your driver's license number, motorcycle VIN, make and model, approximate annual mileage, and details about where you store the bike. If you have a current insurance policy, have that handy too—it helps agents compare your existing coverage and find better options.

California requires all motorcyclists to carry minimum liability coverage of $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. However, these minimums rarely provide adequate protection. Most San Bernardino riders choose higher limits and add collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage for complete protection.

Why Shop Local in San Bernardino

Working with a local agent who understands San Bernardino's specific challenges gives you an advantage. We know which carriers offer the most competitive rates for Inland Empire riders, which companies handle claims efficiently, and how local factors like theft rates and traffic patterns affect your coverage needs. We're familiar with popular riding routes through the San Bernardino Mountains and Angeles National Forest, and we can recommend coverage that matches how you actually use your bike.

Independent agents like FOCO Insurance Services represent multiple insurance carriers, so we shop the market for you instead of being limited to one company's rates. We compare quotes from several top-rated insurers and present your best options side-by-side. This saves you time and typically results in better coverage at lower rates than you'd find going directly to a single carrier.

Getting a quote takes just minutes. You can call our office, visit us in person at our San Bernardino location, or request a quote online. We'll ask questions about your riding habits, coverage preferences, and budget, then provide personalized recommendations from multiple carriers. Once you choose a policy, we handle all the paperwork and ensure you receive proof of insurance immediately so you can ride legally right away.

Get Your Free Motorcycle Insurance Quote

Ready to protect your bike and yourself with the right coverage at a competitive rate? FOCO Insurance Services makes it easy. We've been serving San Bernardino riders since 2006, and we know how to find coverage that matches your needs without exceeding your budget. Our team shops multiple top-rated carriers to ensure you get the best combination of protection and price.

Getting started takes just minutes. Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation quote. We'll compare options from several insurers, explain your coverage choices in plain language, and help you make an informed decision. Whether you ride a sport bike, cruiser, touring bike, or dirt bike, we have the expertise and carrier relationships to get you covered quickly and affordably.

Don't settle for the first quote you receive or overpay with a company that doesn't specialize in motorcycle coverage. Let FOCO Insurance Services do the shopping for you. Call us, stop by our San Bernardino office, or request a quote online. We're here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and get you the protection you need to ride with confidence throughout California.