Preparation is crucial to a safe and fun ride. Start by purchasing a motorcycle insurance policy that'll help keep you protected—and compliant—while touring Maryland's twisting mountain and coastal roads.
To help protect yourself and the riders and drivers around you, familiarize yourself with Maryland motorcycle laws. Key topics include:
Motorcycle license: You need a valid Class M motorcycle license to operate a motorcycle in Maryland.
Helmets: Both riders and passengers are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet with their chinstraps fastened.
Eye protection: Riders must wear eye protection gear (either their helmet or riding goggles) unless the motorcycle has a windshield.
Earplugs: Most earplugs are banned in Maryland.
Audio equipment: You’re allowed to use helmet speakers that produce sound in only one ear.
Footrests: Footrests for both the driver and passenger are required.
Headlights: Your motorcycle must have at least one headlight, one red rear light, and one brake-activated red stoplight.
Mufflers: Your motorcycle must have a muffler loud enough to alert other motorists of your presence.
Lane splitting: Riding between gaps in slow-moving or stationary traffic is prohibited.
Lane sharing: Riding side-by-side with other riders in one lane is illegal.
For additional information, check out the official Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual.
Before you can legally operate a motorcycle within the state, you need to meet the minimum motorcycle insurance requirements. The motorcycle insurance coverage minimums in Maryland are:
$30,000 for bodily injury liability or death for one person
$60,000 for bodily injury liability or death of two or more people
$15,000 for property damage liability
$30,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
$60,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
$15,000 for uninsured property damage
After buying a motorcycle insurance policy, you must submit proof of insurance to the MVA.
Call 800-334-0090 for help, or check out these insurance recommendations.
The mandatory Maryland insurance requirements may not offer enough coverage following a major accident, or in the event of other, more specific losses. That’s why we offer several optional insurance coverages, including:
This coverage insures upgrades you make to your bike, including specialized or optional equipment.
If you experience a mechanical breakdown or other mid-ride emergency, roadside assistance can provide towing and other services.
Comprehensive insurance covers repairs if your motorcycle is stolen, vandalized, or damaged in a collision with an animal. Collision coverage helps pay for repairs if you hit a stationary object, or even if it tips over and is damaged.
If you or your passenger is injured in an accident, this insurance helps cover the medical expenses for both.
Make sure your motorcycle is in ride-ready condition.
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.
One advantage of Dairyland® motorcycle insurance is the wide selection of money-saving motorcycle insurance discounts we offer.
Depending on your unique situation, you could qualify for the following discounts available in Maryland. Here are just a few of the many discounts we offer in this state:
Multi-vehicle
Rider group
Homeowner
Loyalty
Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) member
Rider course
Transfer
When was the last time you reviewed your motorcycle insurance policy? If it’s been a while, you may not be taking advantage of your available discounts, and your coverages might not align with your situation anymore.
Here’s what else to look for as you reassess your motorcycle insurance.
Stretching roughly 140 miles, this ride is rich in history, scenery, and beautiful open roads. The Panhandle Run takes you across Old National Road—America’s first federal road, built in the 1800s.
Covering approximately 64 miles, Catoctin Mountain Park features plenty of trails, woodlands, and great fishing spots. Take a break from exploring and swing by one of the country restaurants in Thurmont, or grab a quick bite at one of the several fruit stands on Route 550.
This 56-mile loop follows the Potomac River and offers views of the picturesque scenery of Charles County. Several backroads offer clear views of the Potomac, while the numerous twists and turns keep you on your toes. Just be sure to prepare for a bumpy ride, as the road surface is often rough.
Whether your ride of choice is a custom motorcycle, street bike, chopper, dirt bike, or cruiser, you can get affordable Maryland motorcycle insurance today. We’ll work with you to build a policy that offers the coverages you need—and a payment plan you can afford.
Start by requesting a free Maryland motorcycle insurance quote today.