California motorcycle insurance
It’s been said that "California is the America of America," and for a good reason. The Golden State is a consistent frontier of what's possible in the United States. Given that California has almost every type of terrain within its borders, it's no surprise that you can expand your limits within this great state.
We understand your passion for riding and we don’t want a lack of motorcycle insurance to keep you from everything the Golden State has to offer. We’re here to help you prepare so you can safely encounter the unlimited adventures awaiting you!
Is your bike ready for the road?
Get your motorcycle in ride-ready shape.
What’s required of all motorcycle riders in California?
You’re required to register your bike with the California DMV. If you don't have insurance, you could have your license suspended for a year, and may have to give up your right to pain and suffering damages if you're in an accident while uninsured—even if you're not at fault.
If you're under 21 years old, you must have a learner's permit for six months before you can apply for a license. During the 12 months that you have a learner’s permit, you’re not allowed to have passengers on your motorcycle.
Follow your minimum insurance coverage requirements and adhere to the following when riding your motorcycle in California:
Ride within 10 mph of surrounding traffic.
Follow safety rules for lane splitting:
Don’t lane split when traveling over 30 mph.
Don’t lane split near large vehicles, like RVs and semis.
Avoid riding in the shoulder lane.
Check to be sure that your motorcycle has a properly functioning muffler, mirrors, and front/rear turn signals.
Provide your passengers with footrests.
Be sure your handlebars are no greater than 6 inches above your shoulder height.
Wear DOT-approved helmets that feature visible DOT stickers (rider and passenger).
Turn your headlight on while riding if your motorcycle was built after 1978 (even during daytime).
What are the motorcycle insurance requirements in California?
Levels of insurance coverage are different for every rider and every motorcycle. There are various options to suit each riders’ specific needs and lifestyle, but each state requires minimums. Let’s discuss.
California’s motorcycle insurance minimums are expressed as 15/30/10, which means:
$15,000 for bodily injury liability for each person injured in an accident
$30,000 maximum bodily injury liability per accident
$10,000 for property damage liability per incident
Still not sure where to start with your motorcycle insurance? We're happy to help you determine what coverage fits you and your ride. Lower insurance limits may mean a lower monthly premium, but likely higher medical and repair bills out of your pocket in the event of an incident. We’re looking forward to discussing which options will work best for you.
Planning a ride on multi-lane highways?
Learn the basics of lane-splitting on California roads.
Does California have any optional motorcycle insurance coverage?
In addition to the liability coverage you already have, you can get other forms of additional California motorcycle insurance. We have plenty of options to help protect you and your bike:
Medical payments
Collision
Comprehensive
Roadside assistance
Whether you're riding a Harley-Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, BMW, Triumph, Indian, or something else, if you’ve added personal touches with optional equipment to your bike, we can insure it.
Build a policy that works for you
Customize your motorcycle insurance with help from these recommendations.
Get a motorcycle insurance quote with Dairyland
Insurance quotes are quick and free. You’ll just need to:
Have your bike’s year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) on hand.
Answer some additional questions about your bike (e.g. customizations, where it’s kept, whether you’ve taken a rider safety course, etc.).
Select the coverages you want.
California motorcycle insurance discounts
If you're interested in policy discounts, you're in luck! We offer several to choose from.
The following discounts on your motorcycle insurance are available in California:
Mature driver
Multi-policy
Operator safety course
Good driver motorcycle program
When you request a quote, don’t be shy—ask for your discounts.
California’s Pacific Coast Highway offers motorcycle riders like you unrivaled access to beaches, forests, mountains, and some of America’s most iconic structures. Plan your ride with this guide.
California’s Avenue of the Giants gives you unmatched access to giant redwoods. This rider’s guide includes route tips, must-sees, and safety advice as you plan your trip.
The Angeles Crest Highway winds through scenic Southern California, offering motorcycle riders mountain views, hiking trails, and thrilling curves and elevation gains. We’ll help you plan your ride.
Get a Dairyland® quote for California motorcycle insurance
California offers riders so much that the state requires the Pacific Ocean itself to impose limitations. Even at the land’s end, the Golden State's coast is an incredible sight to behold.
Just like the nation's third-largest state offers ample opportunity to explore cutting-edge ideas and experiences, California provides you the opportunity to pioneer your own exciting adventures on the road.
Just be sure you leave prepared, so you ride safe and without worry of your motorcycle insurance coverage. Our customer service team is looking forward to getting you ready with a quote today.
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