If you’re a motorcycle owner in Utah, it’s a legal requirement to have motorcycle insurance, specifically with liability coverage.
PHOTO Courtesy | FREEPIK
This insurance type is meant to cover any property damage or injuries caused to others if you’re found responsible for an accident while riding your motorcycle.
Utah’s state law mandates a minimum coverage known as 25/65/15. This means your policy should meet or exceed the following coverage thresholds:
– Bodily injury liability coverage: $25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident.
– Property damage liability coverage: $15,000 per accident.
While these are the required minimums, you have the option to include additional coverage in your motorcycle insurance policy.
Requirements for Motorcycle Riders in Utah
Here are some important rules of the road to abide by when operating a motorcycle in Utah:
– All operators and passengers under 21 must wear helmets.
– Ensure your motorcycle’s handlebars do not surpass the height of your shoulders while seated, and maintain both hands on the handlebars except for brief hand signals.
– To legally ride with a passenger, your motorcycle must have a designated passenger seat and footrests or pegs.
– Your motorcycle must have at least one side-view mirror.
Cost of Motorcycle Insurance in Utah
Motorcycle insurance in Utah typically averages around $794 per year. However, since rates are tailored to individual circumstances, this figure serves as a general estimate. Several factors can influence your insurance costs, including:
– The value, make, model, and year of your bike(s)
– Your age, gender, occupation, and years of riding experience
– Your history of traffic citations and insurance claims
– The estimated annual mileage of your rides
– Whether you own or rent your home
– The size of your deductible
To ensure you get a policy at a fair price, it’s wise to reach out to multiple insurance providers for personalized quotes. Independent agents can streamline this comparison process for you.
Motorcycle Insurance Discounts Available in Utah
Numerous motorcyclists in Utah have the opportunity to access several discounts on motorcycle insurance provided by insurance firms. You might qualify for reduced rates due to various factors, including:
– Successfully completing an accredited motorcycle safety course
– Being a member of an eligible organization or riding association
– Paying your yearly premium upfront
– Combining your motorcycle insurance with other policies such as auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or renter’s insurance
A trustworthy insurance agent, concerned about your welfare, will ensure that your policy incorporates all applicable discounts you qualify for.
Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies in Utah
Ready to begin your search for insurance quotes but uncertain about where to begin? Here are some providers worth considering, tailored to suit your rider profile.
1. Best for enthusiasts: Markel
The advantages of Markel include lower rates and numerous safety discounts. Markel holds an AM Best rating of A and a BBB rating of A-.
Their Jerry’s rating stands at 91/100. In Utah, Markel’s motorcycle insurance rates are typically competitive, which might be particularly attractive to motorcycle enthusiasts, as motorcycle insurance is one of their primary specialties.
They offer a variety of rider-specific discounts and coverages, such as trailer, rental reimbursement, mechanical breakdown, and accessory coverage. Taking an approved safety course could qualify you for a policy discount with Markel.
However, it’s important to note that you cannot bundle Markel motorcycle insurance with home insurance.
2. Best for cheapest rates: Progressive
The benefits of Progressive include overall low rates and a broad range of coverage options. Progressive holds an AM Best rating of A+ and a BBB rating of A+.
Their Jerry’s rating is 84/100. In Utah, Progressive not only provides some of the most cost-effective motorcycle insurance rates but also offers an extensive selection of coverage options and discounts.
In addition to basic coverage, Progressive offers total loss coverage, carried contents coverage, enhanced injury protection, and accessories and custom parts (CPE) coverage, among others.
In summary, if you’re searching for comprehensive coverage at an affordable price, it’s advisable to request a quote from Progressive.
3. Best for safety discounts: Nationwide
The advantages of Nationwide include numerous coverage options and the ability to insure vintage bikes. Nationwide holds an AM Best rating of A+ (Superior) and a BBB rating of A+.
Their Jerry’s rating is 85/100. In addition to offering a wide array of standard motorcycle coverage options, Nationwide allows you to customize your policy to suit your specific needs, such as if you own multiple bikes, have a customized ride, or possess a vintage bike.
Nationwide also provides various motorcycle insurance discounts, many of which are safety-related. For instance, you may qualify for savings by completing an approved safety course, using a theft-recovery device on your bike, or having factory-installed anti-lock brakes.
Additionally, being a member of a motorcycle club, like the Harley Owners Group, could entitle you to a discount, or you could save by bundling insurance policies.
The advantages of Dairyland include robust coverage for high-risk riders and quality add-ons. However, the downside is their high rates. Dairyland holds an AM Best rating of A+, a BBB rating of A+, and a Jerry’s rating of 82/100.
For high-risk drivers, particularly those subject to SR-22 requirements, finding affordable insurance can pose a challenge.
In such cases, Dairyland is worth considering. While Dairyland’s average rates are relatively high, they align closely with state averages for motorcycle insurance, and you won’t need to compromise on coverage options.
Dairyland offers various optional coverage types, including replacement cost coverage, OEM coverage, and more.
Be sure to carefully review their insurance discounts to determine your eligibility, especially if you’re a member of a motorcycle club or you own a Harley-Davidson.
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