Pennsylvania motorcycle insurance
Pennsylvania—known as "Rocksylvania" to Appalachian Trail thru-hikers—doesn't have to be a rocky road, so long as you have motorcycle insurance. With the right coverage, you can enjoy all the natural beauty the state has to offer. From massive canyons to breathtaking views of the night sky, Pennsylvania's adventures will satiate any rider's desire for an exceptional ride.
What’s required for all motorcycle riders in Pennsylvania?
Whether you’re exploring the Keystone State’s vast open countryside or a one-way street in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation states that you’re required to have specific equipment to ensure you and your bike remain street legal:
Helmets: As a rider or passenger, you need to wear a helmet unless you’re at least 21 years old and meet at least one of these two requirements:
You’ve accumulated two or more years of riding experience
You’ve completed a motorcycle safety course approved by the Pennsylvania DOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Eyewear: While shatter-proof eyewear is encouraged, any type of protective eyewear will comply with Pennsylvania laws
Mufflers: Mufflers are required, and alterations to increase sound aren’t permitted
Mirrors: Your bike is required to have at least one rearview mirror
Headlight: Your bike’s headlight must be functional
To get a Class M license, you’ll need to pass a basic motorcycle knowledge test and apply for a Class M learner's permit. Learner’s permits allow you to ride between sunrise and sunset while under the instruction and supervision of someone who has a Class M license. Class M permit holders aren’t allowed to have passengers other than a properly licensed instructor. The permit is valid for one year.
Applicants under the age of 18 must hold their permit for a minimum of six months and accrue 65 hours of supervised riding before taking the skills test. They’re also required to take and complete a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course, which contributes 15 hours toward the 65-hour minimum.
What are the motorcycle insurance requirements in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania broadly defines a motorcycle as:
"Any motor vehicle having: a seat or saddle for the use of each rider; not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor; and a combustion engine with a piston or rotor displacement of 50cc or greater."
All motorcycle riders in Pennsylvania must carry insurance coverage. State laws mandate the following minimum limits:
Bodily injury liability: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $5,000 per accident
Pedestrian first party benefits: $5,000
In addition to meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements, it’s also crucial that you cover your total assets in the event of a loss. Consider these additional coverage options:
Bodily injury and guest passenger liability
Guest passenger liability must be equal to bodily injury, and limits must be the same on all vehicles.
$15,000/$30,000
$50,000/$100,000
$100,000/$300,000
$250,000/$500,000
Property damage liability
Limits must be the same on all vehicles.
$5,000
$10,000
$25,000
$50,000
$100,000
Uninsured motorist bodily injury
Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory, but you’ll need to reject it if you choose not to purchase it. Limits must be the same on all vehicles and must be equal to or less than bodily injury limits; limits lower than bodily injury must be rejected. Stacked limits must be rejected.
$15,000/$30,000
$25,000/$50,000
$50,000/$100,000
$100,000/$300,000
$250,000/$500,000
Underinsured motorist bodily injury
Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory, but you’ll need to reject it if you choose not to purchase it. Limits must be the same on all vehicles and must be equal to or less than bodily injury limits; limits lower than bodily injury must be explicitly rejected by the insured.
Stacked and unstacked options are available. This means you have the options to purchase limits that can be combined across all vehicles you insure. You must reject this option if you wish to purchase limits applied to only one vehicle.
$15,000/$30,000
$25,000/$50,000
$50,000/$100,000
$100,000/$300,000
$250,000/$500,000
Be sure you take the opportunity to review the available uninsured and underinsured coverage limits and corresponding premiums as part of your application process.
Still have questions regarding which insurance coverages make sense for you or your bike? Contact us or one of our helpful independent agents.
Build a policy that makes sense for you
Review our motorcycle insurance coverage recommendations for more information.
Does Pennsylvania have any optional motorcycle insurance coverages?
Yes—we have plenty of additional options to help protect you and your bike:
Medical payments
Medical payments coverage isn't mandatory in Pennsylvania, but if you have it, your limits must be the same for each covered vehicle. Optional coverage amounts include:
$500
$1,000
$2,000
$5,000
Comprehensive and collision
These coverages can help protect you financially if your motorcycle is damaged in an incident, regardless of who was at fault.
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.
Motorcycle insurance discounts
We offer money-saving insurance discounts on our already affordable rates. Here are just a few of the discounts available to you:
Multi-vehicle
Homeowners
Paid-in-full
Safety course
Transfer
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Get a Pennsylvania motorcycle insurance quote
With a motorcycle insurance policy, you can take your time and savor all of Pennsylvania’s attractions. It may take time to explore every nook and cranny of the Keystone State—but as riders like you know, it's about the journey, not the destination.
