How to Get Low‑Cost Motorcycle Insurance After a Ticket
A ticket doesn’t have to wreck your motorcycle premium. Use targeted discounts, smarter coverage choices, and the right carriers to bring your rate back down fast.
Why tickets spike motorcycle rates
- Risk tier jumps: Carriers reclassify you into higher‑risk tiers for 3–5 years after moving violations.
- Discounts vanish: Safe rider and clean record discounts often drop off for at least one renewal cycle.
- State factors: Where you ride, garaging, traffic density, and theft rates influence the surcharge.
Immediate steps to lower your premium
- High impactCompare quotes across 5–7 carriers: Rates vary widely post‑ticket; include Progressive, GEICO, and Dairyland in your mix for baseline pricing.
- Fast winTake a motorcycle safety course: MSF or insurer‑approved training can restore a safe rider discount even with a violation.
- TelematicsOpt into ride tracking: Usage‑based programs reward smooth braking, daytime riding, and low mileage.
- BundlePair with auto or home: Multi‑policy discounts can offset the violation surcharge.
- GaragingSecure overnight storage: Locked garage plus anti‑theft devices reduces comprehensive claims risk.
- Pay cadencePay‑in‑full or autopay: Shrinks installment fees and sometimes triggers small discounts.
Coverage configuration that keeps cost low (without gutting protection)
- Liability right‑sizing: Avoid minimums that expose assets. A practical range is $50k–$100k BI per person, $100k–$300k per accident, and $25k–$50k PD depending on state norms.
- Collision deductibles: Consider $500–$1,000 deductibles to cut premium while keeping repairs feasible.
- Comprehensive focus: Retain comp for theft, vandalism, hail — especially for overnight street parking.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Keep UM/UIM for rider injury protection if you’re hit by underinsured drivers.
- Accessories endorsement: Add coverage for aftermarket parts, luggage, and gear if you’ve modded your bike.
- Seasonal or mileage limits: If you ride sparingly, ask about lay‑up or low‑mileage rating to drop cost.
Rebuilding discounts over the next 12–24 months
- Accident/ticket‑free period: Many carriers restore safe rider discounts after 12 months violation‑free; full normalization can take 36+ months.
- Advanced course: Layer MSF Advanced Rider or equivalent to maximize training credits.
- Device credits: Add a disc lock, GPS tracker, or alarm and submit proof for anti‑theft discounts.
- Policy hygiene: Keep continuous coverage, avoid lapses, and verify garaging address accuracy.
Price context (so you know what “cheap” looks like)
Published comparisons regularly list Dairyland, Progressive, and GEICO among the cheapest carriers nationwide for motorcycle insurance. Some datasets cite Dairyland around $22/month for full coverage; other sources rank Progressive lowest for minimum coverage with GEICO and Dairyland close behind. Real prices vary by bike, state, and record — always verify by pulling your own quotes.
General guides show typical national ranges from roughly low‑teens per month for minimum coverage to the low‑30s per month for full coverage, before violations or endorsements adjust the figure. Your post‑ticket rate can exceed these averages depending on severity and local rating factors.
Simple 10‑minute quote playbook
- Gather details: VIN, garaging address, annual mileage, accessories value, training certificates.
- Configure coverage: Liability aligned to state norms, keep UM/UIM and comprehensive, set collision deductible at $500–$1,000.
- Pull 5–7 quotes: Include Dairyland, Progressive, GEICO, and one niche option; save PDFs/screens.
- Apply discounts: Safety course, multi‑policy, anti‑theft, autopay/pay‑in‑full, telematics.
- Reprice quarterly: Re‑check rates every 3–6 months; carriers adjust appetite often post‑ticket.
FAQs: Motorcycle insurance after a ticket
How long will a ticket affect my motorcycle rates?
Typically 3–5 years for moving violations, with the strongest surcharge in the first 12–24 months. Ask your carrier about violation‑free discount timelines.
Which companies are cheapest post‑ticket?
It varies by state, but Progressive, GEICO, and Dairyland are frequently cited among the cheapest options in national comparisons. Always confirm with fresh quotes.
Can training really help after a violation?
Yes. Insurer‑approved motorcycle safety courses can add or restore discounts even if your record isn’t perfect.
Should I drop collision to save money?
Consider raising deductibles before dropping collision. Without collision, you’ll pay fully for your own bike’s damage after an at‑fault crash.
What if I ride only on weekends?
Ask about low‑mileage rating or telematics. Fewer annual miles and safer riding behavior can reduce premiums.
Do accessories and gear need extra coverage?
Yes, if you’ve added aftermarket parts or carry expensive gear. An accessories endorsement ensures those items are covered up to a declared limit.