Custom Motorcycle Insurance
Custom motorcycles and choppers need special insurance because they typically have expensive parts that a basic motorcycle policy won't cover.
Find Cheap Motorcycle Insurance Quotes in Your Area
The type of insurance policy you need for a customized motorcycle depends on how much you've modified it. In most cases, you can get a standard motorcycle insurance policy with add-on coverage for the customizations.
If you have a kit motorcycle or another specialty bike, you'll need an "agreed value" insurance policy. That's because modifications make it harder to determine the value of a custom bike compared to a motorcycle from the dealership.
How do you get custom motorbike insurance?
Since all custom bikes are different, you usually can't get online quotes for custom motorcycle insurance.
Instead, you have to call the insurance company or work with an agent to let them know about your bike's modifications. That way you can get the right type of policy and the right level of coverage.
If you don't tell the insurance company about the customizations, you may only have coverage for a standard motorcycle. Then, your policy won't pay for the value of your changes. Or, the insurance company could deny a claim or cancel your policy because your motorcycle doesn't match their records.
Your bike's level of customization determines your insurance options.
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For motorcycles that aren't heavily customized, you can usually get a standard motorcycle insurance policy with add-on coverage for custom parts and equipment (CPE). This will cover the high costs of custom motorcycle parts and labor.
To figure out how much add-on coverage you need, consider the value of the modifications. For example, the cost of changes to your suspension and exhaust would determine how much extra coverage you need. You can often find this info using the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) motorcycle appraisal guide or Kelley Blue Book.
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For motorcycles that are homemade, composites, have rebuilt frames or have a high value, you'll usually need what's called agreed value motorcycle insurance. This is also sometimes called stated-value motorcycle insurance.
With this type of policy, you and the insurance company agree on how much the bike is worth when you buy the policy. To do this, you'll need to have your bike appraised or send the insurance company receipts for the modifications. The insurance company may also want to inspect your bike.
Then, if it's totaled in an accident, the insurance company will pay you the agreed-upon amount. In comparison, standard motorcycle insurance policies only pay the current market value of the bike.
This type of policy covers you if:
- There's no standard for the bike's value
- It's a classic motorcycle that increases in value
- It's a high-end or specialty bike
Although bikes with fewer customizations can have agreed-value motorcycle insurance, it usually costs more than a standard policy.
- For motorcycles with performance upgrades like a nitrous oxide kit, you may need racing insurance or motorsports insurance. These motorcycles can reach high speeds after turbocharging or other performance upgrades, which makes these bikes too risky for most standard insurance companies.
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For cheap custom motorcycles and DIYers, a liability-only policy from a standard insurance company will meet the minimum insurance requirements so you can legally drive on the roads.
With this type of low-cost policy, the insurance company will cover the cost of damage and injuries you cause to others. But it won't pay for repairs to your motorcycle if you cause an accident.
For that reason, it's not a good choice if you want an insurance policy that will help pay to repair or replace your bike after an accident. This is especially true if your bike is your main vehicle.
Depending on your bike, the insurance company and the level of customization, you may need to show proof of your motorcycle's modifications. This means you may need to get an appraisal, explain the bike's specs or share receipts.
Best insurance companies for custom motorcycles
Company |
Rating
| Custom parts coverage | Agreed value insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | |||
| Harley Davidson | |||
| Nationwide | |||
| Progressive | |||
| Allstate |
NR means a company was not rated by ValuePenguin editors.
How to get custom motorcycle insurance quotes
To get custom-built motorcycle insurance, you usually need to call the insurance company or an insurance agent.
A phone call might seem time-consuming. But it's a good idea to discuss your bike's value and figure out how much coverage you need.
It's usually too difficult to figure out the value of a custom motorcycle online. When you call, you can explain your bike's modifications. That way you can customize your insurance coverage and make sure you and your insurance company are on the same page.
Hagerty's motorcycle insurance is one of the only options with online quotes for some custom motorcycles. You can choose modifications such as increased horsepower, frame modifications, custom rims and custom paint.
Keep in mind, Hagerty sells "agreed value" insurance, and it's usually more expensive than other companies. Comparing quotes from a few companies can help you get the best deal.
What does custom bike insurance cover?
Custom motorcycle insurance includes valuable add-ons to protect your custom ride. It also comes with the standard coverage that you need to drive legally.
Agreed value insurance sets the coverage limit for your bike based on cost to fully replace any upgrades or modifications, regardless of any wear and tear.
This is different from basic motorcycle insurance, which only pays the current market value for your bike, regardless of what the parts cost to replace.
Custom parts coverage protects modifications to your motorcycle, like a custom saddle or handlebars. These are also known as aftermarket parts.
The amount of custom parts coverage you can add to a basic policy varies by company, and can range from $1,000 to $30,000.
Original manufacturer parts (OEM) coverage pays extra to repair your bike using parts from the original manufacturer. Without this coverage, your insurance company may only pay for cheaper aftermarket parts.
Collision insurance pays to fix your bike, even if you cause the accident. If the other driver causes the accident, their liability insurance pays for your motorcycle's repairs.
Comprehensive insurance pays to repair your motorcycle if it's vandalized, stolen or damaged from another event such as a fallen tree limb or fire.
Personal injury protection (PIP) helps pay your medical bills and lost wages after an accident. It's part of the minimum insurance requirements in 16 states.
In other states, you can get medical payments coverage, which pays your medical bills but doesn't cover lost wages if you can't work after a crash.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist pays for your injuries and damage to your custom motorcycle if you're hit by an uninsured driver or someone who doesn't have enough insurance. This can help you avoid any large bills after someone crashes into you.
Liability insurance pays for the other person's medical expenses and property repair bills when you cause an accident. Most states require this type of coverage.
Coverage requirements and options may differ for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, mopeds and scooters. Rather than using a custom motorcycle insurance policy, talk to your insurance company about the specifics of your ride.
Who needs custom motorcycle insurance?
Everyone who owns a motorcycle needs motorcycle insurance. That's because most states require you to have bodily injury and property damage liability if you ride on public highways or roads.
You need a custom motorcycle insurance policy if you've modified your bike in ways that change its value, how it runs or its structure.
Smaller changes like adding saddlebags or some chrome don't require a custom motorcycle insurance policy. But you may want to add extra protection, like custom parts coverage, to your regular motorcycle insurance policy.
Even a motorcycle that's meant only for show and that never sees the open road likely needs insurance. Someone could steal or vandalize your bike, or you might damage it while transporting it to a show. Without insurance, you'll have to pay for any expenses out of pocket.
Because of the high cost of custom parts, upgrades and labor, it's important that your policy covers the total value of your custom motorcycle.
Custom motorcycle insurance discounts
It's generally more expensive to cover a customized motorcycle or chopper. But you can usually get the same motorcycle insurance discounts as factory-built bikes.
Common discounts included:
- Bundling discount
- Motorcycle safety training discount
- Paid-in-full or automatic payment discount
- Anti-theft device discount
- Military discount
- Low mileage discount
Frequently asked questions
Can you get insurance on a custom motorcycle?
Yes, many major insurance companies sell insurance for custom motorcycles, including Progressive, State Farm, Nationwide, Geico and Allstate. Highly modified bikes typically need an agreed value policy. Bikes with fewer modifications may be able to add custom parts coverage to a basic motorcycle policy.
How much does custom motorcycle insurance cost?
Custom motorcycle insurance is usually more expensive than insurance for a standard bike, which costs $33 per month, on average. This is because the insurance policy includes extra coverage for the custom parts and labor.
Do you need insurance for a custom motorcycle?
Yes, if you drive your custom motorcycle on the road, you'll need insurance that meets your state's minimum insurance requirements. Even if you don't use your custom bike or chopper on the road, an insurance policy can protect you if someone steals or vandalizes your bike.
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