
In Virginia, you're required to have a certain level of motorcycle insurance coverage to register your bike and ride on public roads.
The minimum liability coverage is $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 for property damage per accident.
This means that if you're involved in an accident, your insurance will help cover the costs for the other party's medical expenses and vehicle repairs, up to these limits.
As you shop for motorcycle insurance, consider factors like your bike's value, your riding experience, and the type of coverage you need.
On a similar theme: How Does Bike Insurance Work
Do Riders Need?
Do Riders Need Motorcycle Insurance in Virginia?
Yes, riders in Virginia are required to have insurance for their bikes.
If you're caught riding without insurance, you'll have to pay a $500 fee to the DMV to drive your motorcycle, but this doesn't provide any coverage.
You'll need to carry liability insurance to cover damages or injuries caused in an accident.
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To register your bike, you'll need proof of insurance.
Here are the key facts to keep in mind:
- Liability insurance is required to cover damages or injuries caused in an accident.
- Proof of insurance is needed to register your bike.
- Paying a $500 fee to the DMV allows you to drive your motorcycle, but doesn't provide any coverage.
Types of Insurance Coverage
In Virginia, you'll want to consider a few key types of insurance coverage to protect yourself on the road. Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverages are required for motorcycle insurance, helping with damages from accidents caused by someone who isn't insured or doesn't have enough coverage.
Liability coverage provides financial protection if you're found responsible for an accident causing injury or property damage.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive insurance coverage is a broad type of protection that safeguards against various risks.
It protects against theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, as seen in the coverage options available.
This type of coverage is often included in auto insurance policies, which is a common type of insurance.
Having comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind, knowing that you're protected against unexpected events.
It's essential to review your policy to understand what's covered and what's not, so you're not left with unexpected expenses.
Liability
Liability coverage is a must-have for motorcycle riders in Virginia, as it provides financial protection if you're found responsible for an accident causing injury or property damage.
In Virginia, liability coverage is a crucial part of a full coverage policy, which is recommended for most riders. This type of policy typically includes at least 50/100/25 coverage.
Having liability coverage can give you peace of mind, knowing you're protected in case of an accident.
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How to Get a Quote
Getting a motorcycle insurance quote in Virginia is a straightforward process. You can request quotes online with just a few pieces of information.
To get started, you'll need to have your personal details, such as your age and address, readily available. This will make the process much quicker and easier.
You'll also need to have information about your riding experience and record, as well as your motorcycle's mileage, year, make, and model. This will help insurance providers give you a more accurate quote.
Having your preferred insurance coverages in mind will also help you compare quotes more effectively. Some common coverages to consider include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and comprehensive and collision coverage.
Here are some common coverage limits to be aware of:
With this information in hand, you'll be well on your way to getting a motorcycle insurance quote in Virginia that meets your needs and budget.
Cost and Requirements
In Virginia, motorcycle insurance is required by law, and riders must carry liability insurance to cover damages or injuries caused in an accident.
The average annual rate of motorcycle insurance in Virginia is $413 or approximately $34 per month for a full coverage policy, which is better for most riders. A liability-only policy costs an average of $197 per year.
To register a bike in Virginia, proof of insurance is needed, and riders must have a minimum of $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person and $60,000 per accident, along with $20,000 of property damage liability.
Here are the minimum insurance requirements in Virginia:
Note that these requirements will increase to 50/100/25 on January 1, 2025.
Cost and Requirements

In Virginia, motorcycle insurance is a must-have, and the law requires riders to carry liability insurance to cover damages or injuries caused in an accident. This is a crucial aspect of riding in the Commonwealth.
The minimum insurance requirement in Virginia is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $20,000 for property damage liability. This is a bare minimum and does not provide adequate protection for most riders.
If you're caught riding without insurance, you'll face a $500 fee to the DMV, on top of the usual registration fees. This doesn't provide any coverage, so it's essential to have a valid insurance policy.
Here's a breakdown of the minimum insurance requirements in Virginia:
It's worth noting that Virginia is an at-fault state, which means you'll be responsible for the damages or injuries caused in an accident. Having adequate coverage will protect you from spending out of your savings.
Riders in Virginia are also required to wear a helmet and have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license. These laws can affect insurance rates and safety.
Cost by City

If you're considering buying a motorcycle, you're probably wondering how much insurance will cost you. The cost of motorcycle insurance in Virginia varies significantly depending on where you live.
Riders in Bristol, Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Winchester pay the lowest rates, with an average cost of $26 per month for a full-coverage policy. This is because these cities have lower rates of theft and poorly maintained roads.
Riders in Norfolk, on the other hand, pay the highest rate in the state, at $65 per month. This is likely due to the city's high theft rates and poorly maintained roads.
Here's a breakdown of the average motorcycle insurance cost in Virginia by city:
Keep in mind that these rates can vary depending on your individual circumstances, and it's always a good idea to shop around for insurance quotes.
The Companies
Progressive is the best motorcycle insurance provider in Virginia, offering the lowest rates for both liability-only and full-coverage policies.
GEICO and Progressive are among the cheapest full coverage motorcycle insurance providers in Virginia, with average annual premiums of $294 and $258, respectively.
Nationwide offers the most expensive full coverage policy in Virginia, costing $644 a year, which is 60% more than Progressive's policy.
Here are the top 6 motorcycle insurance companies in Virginia, listed in order of their annual premiums:
Discounts and Savings
Completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course can lead to inexpensive motorcycle insurance in Virginia.
Taking a defensive driving course demonstrates your commitment to safe riding and can lead to discounts.
Riding infrequently might make you eligible for mileage-based discounts.
Motorcycles equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) or theft prevention devices often qualify for cheaper motorcycle insurance.
Bundling motorcycle insurance with other policies like home insurance or car insurance offered by the same carrier is a fantastic way to save money.
Most insurance companies provide discounts for bundling, sometimes as high as 10-15%.
Equipping your motorcycle with an alarm system or a GPS tracker can deter theft and lower motorcycle insurance costs.
Motorcycle storage in a locked garage or secure location reduces the risk of theft and vandalism, leading to potential insurance premium discounts.
By understanding the factors influencing the price of motorcycle insurance, exploring discount insurance options, and implementing safety measures, you can get a cheap motorcycle insurance quote.
Here are some policies you can consider bundling with motorcycle insurance:
- Car Insurance
- Home insurance or Renters Insurance
- SR22 Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Health Insurance
- RV & Trailer Insurance
- Boat & Watercraft Insurance
Rider Laws and Requirements
In Virginia, motorcycle riders must wear a helmet at all times along with eye protection. This is a strict law that applies to all riders.
The minimum insurance requirement for motorcycle riders in Virginia is $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person and $60,000 per accident, along with $20,000 of property damage liability.
All motorcycle riders in Virginia must have an insurance policy with a minimum amount of liability coverage. This is a requirement that will be enforced as of July 1, 2024.
As of January 1, 2025, the minimum insurance requirement will increase to $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person and $100,000 per accident, along with $25,000 of property damage liability.
Here's a breakdown of the minimum insurance requirements in Virginia:
- July 1, 2024 - $30,000 bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability
- January 1, 2025 - $50,000 bodily injury liability per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability
It's essential to note that the insurance company should automatically increase your coverage limits when the new law goes into effect. However, you may still see an increase in your motorcycle insurance rates.
Additional Coverage Options
If you're looking for extra protection on the road, consider adding some optional coverages to your motorcycle insurance policy. Custom Equipment Coverage, for example, protects aftermarket parts and equipment added to your motorcycle after purchase.
You can also opt for OEM Endorsement, which ensures repairs to your motorcycle are made with new parts from the original manufacturer. This can be a big plus if you're particular about keeping your bike in top condition.
Medical Expense Coverage is another option to consider, covering medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.
Related reading: What Is a Medical Insurance Carrier
Accessory
If you're looking to enhance your motorcycle insurance coverage, there are some great options to consider.
Custom Equipment Coverage is a must-have if you've added any aftermarket parts or equipment to your bike after purchase. It protects these valuable additions in case of an accident or damage.
Roadside Assistance is another valuable option that can save you a lot of stress in case of a breakdown. It includes services like towing, battery jump start, fuel delivery, and tire changes.
If you frequently travel with your motorcycle, Trip Interruption Coverage is worth considering. It covers unexpected expenses if your bike breaks down far from home.
Here are the optional coverages mentioned earlier, summarized for easy reference:
- Custom Equipment Coverage: Protects aftermarket parts and equipment.
- OEM Endorsement: Ensures repairs with new parts from the original manufacturer.
- Medical Expense Coverage: Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
- Roadside Assistance: Provides help in case of a breakdown.
- Trip Interruption Coverage: Covers unexpected expenses if your bike breaks down far from home.
- Towing and Labor Coverage: Covers towing and labor costs associated with a breakdown.
Optional
Optional coverages can be a lifesaver, especially if you've customized your motorcycle or take it on long trips. Custom Equipment Coverage protects aftermarket parts and equipment added to your motorcycle after purchase.
If you're particular about your bike's original parts, you might want to consider OEM Endorsement, which ensures repairs are made with new parts from the manufacturer.
Medical expenses can add up quickly, so Medical Expense Coverage is a good idea, covering you and your passengers in the event of an accident.
Roadside Assistance is a must-have for anyone who's ever been stranded on the side of the road. It provides help with towing, battery jump starts, fuel delivery, and tire changes.
If your motorcycle breaks down far from home, Trip Interruption Coverage can help cover unexpected expenses.
Here are some optional coverages to consider:
- Custom Equipment Coverage
- OEM Endorsement
- Medical Expense Coverage
- Roadside Assistance
- Trip Interruption Coverage
- Towing and Labor Coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the cheapest for motorcycle insurance?
Dairyland is the cheapest option for motorcycle insurance, with an average monthly rate of $22. Other affordable options include Progressive ($23/month) and Harley-Davidson ($24/month).
Sources
- https://shoretaxinsurance.com/en/virginia-motorcycle-insurance/
- https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/motorcycle/best-cheap-motorcycle-insurance-in-virginia/
- https://www.cheapinsurance.com/blog/cheap-motorcycle-insurance-tips-for-virginia-riders/
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/best-cheap-motorcycle-insurance-virginia
- https://www.sanfordinsuranceva.com/motorcycle-insurance/
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