Motorcycle insurance for the way you ride.
Liability, physical damage, uninsured motorist, and coverage for custom parts and gear, for cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes and scooters.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed November 2026 · How this page is researched
Riders need more than the minimum
California requires motorcycles to carry at least the state's minimum liability insurance. Minimum liability doesn't pay for your bike or your own injuries, and riders are more likely than drivers to be seriously hurt by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
I compare carriers on the coverages that matter to riders: uninsured motorist limits, agreed value for custom and classic bikes, parts and accessories, and gear. Pricing varies widely by bike type and rider experience.
- LiabilityInjuries and damage you cause to others, required by California law.
- Uninsured motoristYour injuries when the at-fault driver has no or too little insurance.
- Collision and comprehensiveDamage to your bike from crashes, theft, fire or vandalism.
- Parts and gearCustom parts, accessories, helmets and riding gear.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Bike: year, make, model, VIN and custom parts.
- Rider: license number, M1 endorsement and years riding.
- Training: any rider safety courses.
- Storage: where the bike is parked.
- Use: commuting, weekend or touring.
- Current policy: declarations, if you have one.
California's rules for riders, by the code
The DMV's Motorcycle Handbook says the financial responsibility sections of the Vehicle Code apply to motorcycle owners and operators. For policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, Vehicle Code 16056, as amended by SB 1107, sets the floor at $30,000 for injury or death of one person, $60,000 for two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage in one accident. Instead of a policy, the DMV also accepts a $75,000 cash deposit, a $75,000 surety bond, or a DMV self-insurance certificate. My 30/60/15 breakdown shows what those limits pay. Other states set their own minimums, so outside California the floor varies by state.
License classes and permits
- Class M1: any two-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized scooter, plus everything in M2.
- Class M2: a motorized bicycle, moped or motorized scooter. It does not include a full-size motorcycle.
- Class C: the handbook says Class C holders may ride a motorcycle with a sidecar attached or a three-wheel motorcycle.
- Instruction permit: no passengers, no freeway riding and no riding at night.
- Under 21: you must complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program course before the DMV issues the permit, then hold the permit for at least 6 months. The course certificate (DL 389) is valid for 12 months from the issue date.
The coverages riders most often go without
Liability is the only part the law makes you carry. When I review a bike policy, these are the lines I check first on the declarations page:
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist. Insurance Code 11580.2 requires the insurer to offer it with limits equal to your bodily injury liability limits, though it does not have to offer more than $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. To delete it or take lower limits, you and the insurer sign a written agreement; CDI calls it a waiver. That agreement carries over to renewals and to replacement policies from the same insurer, so a rejection signed years ago may still apply. My UM/UIM guide explains the coverage, and UM rules by state covers other states.
- Medical payments. CDI describes it as paying medical expenses for you or your passengers no matter who is at fault. The lowest limit you can buy is $1,000 per person, and it is optional, so confirm it is listed.
- Collision. CDI describes it as covering damage caused by contact with another vehicle or an object, such as a guardrail. Check whether it settles on actual cash value or agreed value, explained below.
- Aftermarket parts. Triple-I notes that many policies cover only factory-standard parts, and CDI describes extra-equipment coverage for custom equipment that is permanently installed. List every aftermarket part and keep the receipts.
Passengers and the off-season
The DMV handbook says only experienced riders should carry passengers, and it recommends practicing away from traffic first. Before anyone climbs on, check the bike and the policy:
- Seat and footrests: the handbook calls for a seat large enough for both of you and footrests for the passenger.
- Child passengers: the bike needs passenger footrests, and the child's feet must be able to reach them. The handbook says children should wear a full-face, U.S. DOT compliant, properly fitted helmet.
- Permit holders: an M1 or M2 instruction permit does not allow passengers at all.
- Medical payments: if you carry it, CDI describes it as paying for your passengers' medical expenses too, regardless of fault.
If the bike sits for months, ask about a lay-up policy. Triple-I describes these as sold mainly in northern states: all coverage except comprehensive is suspended over the winter while the bike is not ridden. Most California riders ride all year, so tell me only if the bike truly sits parked.
Motorcycle insurance, answered
Is motorcycle insurance required in California?
Yes. Motorcycles must carry at least California's minimum liability insurance, or other proof of financial responsibility.
Does my auto policy cover my motorcycle?
No. Motorcycles need their own policy, though some carriers offer a discount if you insure both with them.
Are custom parts covered?
Standard policies include a limited amount for custom parts and accessories. Higher amounts need to be added.
Does motorcycle insurance cover my passenger?
Liability can cover a passenger's injuries, depending on the policy. Check for guest passenger liability.
Will California's minimum liability limits go up again?
Yes. Vehicle Code 16056 raises the minimums by $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident and $10,000 for property damage (to $50,000, $100,000 and $25,000) for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2035.
Can I ride with a passenger on a California motorcycle permit?
No. The DMV Motorcycle Handbook says the M1/M2 instruction permit allows no passengers, no freeway riding and no riding at night.
Do you offer motorcycle insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in all 50 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
- CDI Bulletin 2023-1: SB 1107 financial responsibility increase (VC 16056, Ins. Code 11580.2)
- California Vehicle Code 16056 (FindLaw, current as of Jan. 1, 2026)
- California Insurance Code 11580.2 (FindLaw, current as of Jan. 1, 2026)
- California DMV: Insurance Requirements
- California DMV: Motorcycle Handbook (DL 665, rev. 2/2024)
- CHP: California Motorcyclist Safety (lane splitting, VC 21658.1)
- CDI: Automobile Insurance Guide
- CDI: So You've Had an Accident, What's Next?
- Triple-I: Motorcycle insurance
- Triple-I: Insuring your classic car (agreed value)
Send your bike and license. I'll shop it.
Your bike details and riding experience are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
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