Motorcycle Insurance in Virginia
Experts break down motorcycle insurance costs, coverage, companies, and more in Virginia.
Written by
Ann Herro has been writing about insurance and employee benefits for over 15 years. She has covered topics as easy as insuring a car, and as difficult as transparency in healthcare costs.
Reviewed by
Jeff Green has held a variety of sales and management roles at life insurance companies, Wall street firms, and distribution organizations over his 40-year career. He was previously Finra 7,24,66 registered and held life insurance licenses in multiple states. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University.
Virginia is a stunningly beautiful state that lies between the Atlantic coast and the Appalachian Mountains. The state’s majestic beauty and pleasant climate are influenced by its unique location and topography, making it an ideal place for motorcycle riding.
But don’t set out on a ride without first protecting yourself and others on the road. Motorcycle owners need protection from a wide range of potential property and liability risks that are present in both the urban and rural areas of Virginia.
A local independent insurance agent can help you find the best motorcycle insurance in Virginia for your needs and budget. These agents can answer your questions and help you compare free quotes from multiple insurance companies.
Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in Virginia?
There are over 195,000 motorcycles registered in Virginia. If you’re one of these bike owners, you must have motorcycle insurance.
Just like other motor vehicle owners, Virginia state law mandates that motorcycle owners carry liability coverage up to the following minimum limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $20,000 per accident
Bodily injury liability insurance covers you if you are at fault in an accident and someone other than yourself is injured. Property damage liability insurance covers damage to another person's vehicle or property in an accident that is your fault.
Although liability coverage is mandatory, it’s a good idea to carry higher liability coverage limits and additional coverage options that extend to you and your motorcycle.
What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover in Virginia?
Your mandatory liability coverage protects other drivers if you cause an accident while operating your motorcycle. Motorcycle liability coverage pays for property damage and injuries that you cause, and even covers many of your legal costs if you're sued.
Other than increasing your liability limits to ensure you're sufficiently protected, it's a good idea to insure yourself against injury and your motorcycle against theft and damage. Consider that there are over 800 motorcycle thefts reported in Virginia in a given year. If you don’t purchase certain types of coverage, you’ll have no financial recourse for repairing or replacing your stolen bike.
These are the additional types of motorcycle insurance coverage that you may want to consider to better protect your investment in your bike:
- Collision: Protects your motorcycle if it is damaged in an accident
- Comprehensive: Covers your bike in the event of a non-collision incident, such as theft, vandalism, hail damage, and more
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Provides for you if you are in an accident with someone who is uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the full extent of the damage to you or your motorcycle
- Medical payments: Offers you and others who ride with you medical and hospitalization payments if injured
You might also need additional coverage if your bike has custom parts and accessories. Most basic motorcycle policies will only cover factory standard parts. Other optional coverage includes lease/loan gap coverage, guest passenger liability, towing and labor (or roadside assistance), and rental reimbursement coverage.
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How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost in Virginia?
The average annual cost of motorcycle insurance in Virginia is $703. But your premiums may be higher or lower than average depending on certain risk factors and the types of coverage that you purchase.
A policy with more comprehensive coverage and higher coverage limits will cost more than a policy that covers the bare minimum.
What’s more, insurance companies will consider your age and driving record, your credit score, where you live and travel, whether you ride year-round or just seasonally, the make and model of your motorcycle, and any custom components you have added to your bike.
A more expensive bike or a more risky riding profile will likely result in more costly motorcycle insurance. By getting multiple quotes for motorcycle insurance in Virginia, you can find the policy that offers the best protection for your budget.
What Are the Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies in Virginia?
It can be simple to find the best motorcycle insurance companies in Virginia. A local independent insurance agent can help you get motorcycle insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies, so you can select the best policy for your needs and budget.
How Can an Independent Insurance Agent Help Me Find the Best Motorcycle Insurance in Virginia?
Instead of getting an online quote, find an independent insurance agent now, and get one-on-one consultation and affordable options for the best coverage for your unique needs. Your agent will work with you free of charge, offering you a variety of options so you can make the best choice.
What’s more, your agent will be there for you when claim time comes. They know the ins and outs of the process and will make sure your claim is handled appropriately.
Contact an agent today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/#insurance.asp