Minnesota Motorcycle Insurance

Best Cheap Motorcycle Insurance in Minnesota

Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes and more. But how many motorcycles are registered here, approximately 241,556. There are quite a few motorcycles on the roads in Minnesota. But with so many motorcycles come’s the risk of accidents, theft, and other losses, combined with so many uninsured vehicles on the road.  It is best to protect yourself with a good Minnesota motorcycle insurance policy.

We write with several of the best companies for motorcycle insurance in Minnesota so you can keep your knees in the breeze, worry less and spend much more time letting the wind rip through your hair on the Minnesota road and freeways.

The Best Motorcycle Insurance in Minnesota

Progressive

Dairyland

American Modern

Nationwide

Foremost

AAA

American Collectors

Hagerty

Safeco

Minnesota Motorcycle Insurance State Requirements

• Minimum state insurance requirements:
  • $30,000 per person for personal injury
  • $60,000 per person per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage
• The average insurance rate with a clean driving record is $260 per year.

Minnesota Motorcycle Insurance Law Explained

Minnesota law requires you to have a motorcycle license and a motorcycle insurance policy. All motorcycle operators must have:

• Pass a written permit or motorcycle endorsement
• Register their motorcycle and display a valid permit
• Carry motorcycle liability insurance
• Carry proof of insurance when riding
• Wear eye protection: glass, goggles, or face shield.  Windshields do not meet the legal requirements in Minnesota.
• Operators under age 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet, also if you only have a permit
• Permit drivers may not carry passengers and may not ride at night

You must purchase an insurance policy with at least $30,000 to cover bodily injuries for each person, $60,000 for each accident, and $10,000 for property damage, but it’s recommended you carry more. Additional coverage is highly recommended because minimum coverage amounts may not protect you properly if you are involved in an accident. Our agency recommends at least $100,000 per person for bodily injury, $300,000 for each accident, and $50,000 for property damage. Failure to carry adequate coverage can result in owing thousands of dollars for injuries and or damages.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, coverage for bodily injury if someone does not have any or have enough coverage is not required in Minnesota.  Again, this coverage is strongly recommended.

Riding a motorcycle, model or scooter is dangerous. Spending a few extra dollars per month is worth it to you, your passenger, and the other vehicles on the road.

A recent study found that at least 11.5% of Minnesota drivers were uninsured, ranking Minnesota #27 in the USA for the highest number nationally. State court records have revealed that drivers charged with not carrying insurance have dropped by 23% since 2013.  Many believe this is a result of the state requiring drivers to show proof of insurance when registering or renewing the tabs for their vehicles.

As mentioned earlier additional coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists protects you when you are in a collision that isn’t your fault, especially if the person who is at fault doesn’t have adequate coverage. Yes, if the other driver is 100% at fault, their liability insurance will cover costs to repair your motorcycle, medical costs, and other related expenses. Please remember though, without your own adequate protection, you are taking an excessively big risk.

Please consider the potential cost of a motorcycle accident. Depending on the damages and severity of injuries, costs for a non-fatal motorcycle collision can range from $2,500 to $1.4 million, one report noted. Non-fated injuries can result in higher medical bills and the need for ongoing care. Again, please consider the limits of coverage you are selecting when purchasing your Minnesota motorcycle insurance policy. Yes, a policy with our Minnesota independent insurance agency starts at $75.00 per year.  Is that really what you should be buying?

Also, please remember that you are required to carry proof of insurance when you ride a motorcycle. Failing to prove you have insurance when asked by a law enforcement officer could lead to a citation, fines, suspension of your license, and possible jail time.

Minnesota Motorcycle Operation You Should Know

Being a responsible rider can help you avoid traffic fines and tickets and reduce your chances of injury. Here are 10 Minnesota motorcycle laws you should know:

• Earphones or headphones are only allowed in one ear
• Motorcyclists are provided with an affirmative defense when proceeding through an unchanging red light that has shown red for an unreasonable time if no vehicle or pedestrian is approaching the street.
• Cannabis or Alcohol Use: It is illegal to operate a motorcycle under the influence of marijuana and alcohol. It could result in a DUI charge, fees, and penalties, including suspension of your motorcycle license and driving privileges.
• Helmets: Are optional unless you have a permit or are under age 18.
• Lane sharing: The law allows 2 vehicles in the same lane simultaneously. They can be 2 motorcycles cruising side-by-side or a motorcycle and another vehicle.
• Lane splitting: A motorcycle can travel between 2 lanes of traffic faster than surrounding vehicles, but it is illegal to recklessly lane split. It is also illegal for two motorcycles to ride side-by-side, even if both drivers agree to it.
• Seating: A motorcyclist may only ride a permanent seat and must be facing forward with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
• Passengers: Must be able to reach both footrests while seated on the passenger seat and must be facing forward with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
• Careless or Reckless Driving: This applies to motorcycles as well and includes wheelies, stoppies and standing on the seat, etc.
• Hand Signals: Motorcyclists in Minnesota may use hand signals.
• Rearview mirror and horn:  These are required per 169.974 subd. 3

Minnesota Motorcycle Insurance Rates

The rate you pay for motorcycle insurance in Minnesota depends on numerous factors. Things such as your age, marital status, where you live, type of bike, driving record, claims history, coverages selected, and credit score. People always say, what does credit have to do with my insurance?  Studies have shown that a person with lower credit scores is 17% more often to have a claim. Claims determine rates. One might consider this.  A person without money or poor money management skills might turn in that $500 claim, but a person with extra most likely will not.

• Covering a motorcycle in Minnesota will cost you on average about $17.00 -$25.00 a month, or $204.00 to $300.00 a year.  However, rates start at $75.00 for a year for an adult driver, good record, a standard bike, and liability insurance only.

High-performance and sports and high-performance bikes cost more to insure than touring or cruisers motorcycles. Your rate is also impacted by the area of the country you live in.  Minnesota has winter and the motorcycle carriers know this. It is factored into the rates as policies are sold on an annual basis. This way there is no reason to stop and start your policy each year.  You can just enjoy riding when the season or sunny day permits.

You can reduce the cost of your policy by completing a driver safety course. Discounts are available for bike clubs and other memberships as well.

Minnesota Insurance Companies We Write With

We offer numerous options when it comes to buying a motorcycle policy in Minnesota. Having a choice is especially important in the decision-making process.  We offer quotes from the following top-rated carriers:

Progressive – One in three motorcycles on the road is insured by Progressive.

Dairyland – An industry-leading is providing low-cost comprehensive motorcycle insurance in Minnesota and beyond.

American Modern – Surprising low rate and exceptional claims service.

Nationwide – Nationwide is on your side!

Foremost – Part of the Zurich group of companies.

AAA – Auto Club Group Insurance and Member Select, known for driver education classes dating back to the sixties.

American Collectors – Insuring your collector bikes and more.

Hagerty – Specialist in collector motorcycle insurance and much more.

Safeco – Owned by Liberty Mutual, they have been very aggressive in pricing and coverage options over the past few years.

Motorcycle Insurance Quotes

Now that you are well informed on Minnesota’s motorcycle laws and requirements. I hope you now take the time to complete our Minnesota motorcycle quick quote form or give us a call at 952-222-8073. One of our local experienced agents is standing by to help.