How Much is Motorcycle Insurance in Michigan?

If you’re thinking of purchasing motorcycle insurance in Michigan any time soon, the first concern that comes to mind is the cost. The average monthly premium of motorcycle insurance in Michigan costs around $21/month, or $253/year for minimum liability-only coverage.

If you opt for full coverage, it can cost you $78/month, or $942/year on average. The average motorcycle insurance premium here is based on a 40-year-old rider with 5 years of clean riding experience.

The actual cost of your motorcycle insurance will depend on several factors, such as your riding experience, license status, insurance claims history, the type of motorcycle, choice of coverage, age, and location.

In this article, you will learn the average cost of motorcycle insurance in Michigan by city and age, and then explore each of the factors to understand how your premium can vary.

Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance in Michigan by City

The average cost of motorcycle insurance in Michigan can significantly vary based on the city you’re located in. The table below shows motorcycle insurance premiums in each city in Michigan as follows.

Source: ValuePenguin

The average cost of motorcycle insurance mainly varies from one city to another in Michigan due to differences in road structure, population density, number of vehicles on the road, frequency of accidents, number of motorcycle insurance claims, crime rate, and overall weather conditions.

Cities with a higher number of vehicles on the road, more complex infrastructure, and severe weather conditions have a higher chance of more frequent accidents leading to more insurance claims. This is the reason cities like Detroit have a much higher motorcycle premium compared to Battle Creek.

If you’re looking for a reliable insurance agency offering affordable motorcycle insurance coverage in Michigan, you should consider exploring PLPD’s wide range of motorcycle insurance solutions.

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Cost of Motorcycle Insurance by Age

When it comes to determining insurance rates, age is often a crucial factor that insurers consider. While the youngest riders, ranging from 16 to 20, typically pay the highest, the age-based rates start to decline from 20, until the rates gradually start to increase after 65.

Source: TheZebra

What Factors Affect the Cost of Motorcycle Insurance in Michigan?

Typically, your motorcycle insurance rate is determined by evaluating different factors. Here are some of the key factors that affect the cost of motorcycle insurance in Michigan.

Riding Experience

Your riding experience is a significant factor that directly affects your motorcycle insurance premiums. If you’ve a good riding experience with no accidents, traffic violations, or legal penalties, then you will be eligible for lower rates, discounts, and bundle offers.

However, with a poor riding record, your motorcycle insurance rate is likely to increase, and if you have multiple traffic violations, accidents, and legal penalties on your record, you may get tagged as a high-risk rider, leading to higher premiums.

License Status

According to Michigan law, you cannot ride a motorcycle, nor own one in your name, without a valid motorcycle license or a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. To ensure that you’re legally compliant, most insurers in Michigan require an active motorcycle license.

If you’re a new rider, you may be eligible to get insurance with a learner’s permit. However, if your license has been suspended or revoked, you will need to get an SR-22 certificate as an alternative to motorcycle insurance.

Typically, an SR-22 certificate is issued to high-risk riders, so they come at a significantly higher rate with liability-only coverage.

Insurance Claims History

Whether you’re renewing your policy with your existing insurer or switching to a new one, your insurance claims history will be thoroughly reviewed to determine your motorcycle insurance premium.

The more insurance claims you have made in the past 3 years, the higher your premium is likely to be. If you were involved in at-fault accidents where you have claimed insurance, the chance of getting a significantly increased premium is much higher.

On the other hand, if you haven’t made any insurance claims in recent years, then your insurance rate may not increase. You may even get rewarded with lower rates and discount offers.

Type of Motorcycle

The type of motorcycle you ride, its make, model, and engine size have a big impact on your insurance premium. Sport bikes and high-performance motorcycles generally cost more to insure because they’re faster, riskier to ride, and more expensive to repair.

On the other hand, cruisers and standard motorcycles tend to come with lower premiums since they’re less likely to be involved in high-speed accidents. Insurers also consider factors like the bike’s age, replacement cost, and theft risk when setting your rate.

Choice of Coverage

Ultimately, your motorcycle insurance rate mainly depends on your choice of coverage. If you purchase the mandatory liability-only coverage, then you may pay the minimum premium.

However, if you want to ensure adequate and enhanced financial protection, it is essential to get optional coverages such as collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, uninsured/underinsured (UI/UIM) insurance, gap insurance, personal injury protection insurance (PIP), and medical payments coverage (MedPay), among others.

The combination of liability insurance coverage, along with the optional ones, is commonly known as full coverage. So, the more coverage you pick, the higher your motorcycle insurance rate is likely to be as you’re acquiring more protection in your policy.

Age

Your age is another major factor that insurers consider when calculating motorcycle insurance premiums. Younger riders, especially those under 25, are typically charged the highest rates. Insurers view them as a higher risk because they have less riding experience and are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.

As you gain more experience and reach your 30s and 40s, your premiums generally decrease, provided you maintain a clean record. Riders in their 50s and 60s often enjoy some of the lowest rates, since they’re considered more responsible and less likely to take risks. However, premiums can start to rise again for riders older than 65 if age-related health issues are seen as a factor that increases risk on the road.

Location

Motorcycle insurance premiums can significantly vary based on location alone. Riders in large cities like Detroit or Dearborn often face higher rates because of greater traffic density, higher accident frequency, and increased risk of theft or vandalism. On the other hand, smaller towns and rural areas typically see lower premiums since there’s less traffic and fewer claims filed.

Even within the same state, your ZIP code can make a difference. Insurers use local data on accident rates, crime statistics, and repair costs to calculate your risk level. That’s why two riders with identical profiles may pay very different premiums depending on where they garage their bikes.

Tips to Lower Motorcycle Insurance in Michigan

The good news is that you don’t have to settle for high motorcycle insurance rates in Michigan. By following the right steps, you can reduce your premium and still keep the protection you need. Here are some practical tips to help you save on motorcycle insurance in Michigan.

• Maintain a Clean Riding Record: Avoiding accidents, traffic violations, and claims over time can help you qualify for lower premiums and safe rider discounts.

• Take a Riding Safety Course: Completing an approved motorcycle safety course not only improves your riding skills but also helps you prove that you are taking steps to become a responsible rider. This increases your chances of qualifying for lower rates, discounts, and bundle offers.

• Compare Motorcycle Insurance Quotes: Rates vary between insurers. Getting quotes from multiple providers helps you find the best coverage at the most affordable price. 

• Reduce Annual Mileage: If you ride less than 7,500 miles per year, you can apply for mileage-based coverage, also known as telematics insurance. This will help you save up to 40% on annual premiums.

• Join a Rider’s Club: Membership in certain motorcycle associations or clubs can make you eligible for exclusive insurance rates and discounts.

• Consider Higher Deductibles: Opting for higher deductibles can significantly reduce your motorcycle insurance premiums, but make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket cost in case of a claim.

• Explore Discounts and Bundle Offers: Check if you qualify for additional discounts, such as multi-policy bundles, auto, homeowner, or renter’s insurance packages, or loyalty rewards.

The Bottomline: Cost of Motorcycle Insurance in Michigan

If you want to save on motorcycle insurance and spend the bare minimum, then you have the option to just invest in liability-only coverage, which comes at an average annual premium of $253 per year.

However, if you want enhanced protection, it is essential to opt for full coverage, which comes at an average annual premium of $942 on average.

If you’ve read this far, you already know that the average rate is just an estimate. Your actual motorcycle insurance premium depends on your choice of coverage, age, location, and several other factors.

So, if you need help choosing the right coverage based on your requirements and budget, fill out the contact form to get a free quote and consultation from a specialized PLPD agent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is motorcycle insurance per month in Michigan?

The average monthly cost of motorcycle insurance in Michigan is around $21 for minimum liability coverage and $78 for full coverage.   

Do motorcycles need insurance in Michigan?

Yes. In Michigan, it is legally required for all motorcycles to carry at least the state’s minimum liability coverage, which is $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (commonly written as 50/100/25). This coverage helps pay for injuries or damage you may cause to others while riding. 

At what age does motorcycle insurance go down in Michigan?

Motorcycle insurance rates generally start to decline around age 25. Premiums typically continue to decrease as riders enter their 30s and 40s, assuming they maintain a clean riding record. 

Are older motorcycles cheaper to insure in Michigan?

In general, older motorcycles are cheaper to insure because their current market value is lower. However, classic or vintage bikes may carry higher premiums if their actual cash value or collectible status is high, as insurers may consider them more costly to repair or replace.