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In North Dakota, you are legally required to have motorcycle insurance to keep your bike on the road. The state sets the bar at a minimum of 25/50/25 for liability, and you also have to carry Uninsured Motorist coverage. To keep your costs down, your best moves are usually bundling your policies or finishing a safety course. At CheapInsurance.com, we’re here to help riders across the Peace Garden State find that sweet spot between solid protection and a price that actually fits the budget.
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Riding across the vast plains of North Dakota or through the rugged beauty of the Badlands is a legendary experience, but it comes with some real legal duties. In North Dakota, having the right insurance isn’t just about showing a card to an officer, it’s about building a safety net so one bad day on the road doesn’t wipe out everything you’ve worked for.
At Cheap Insurance, we want to help you cut through the legal talk so you can get back to what matters: the ride.
Types of Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
What It Covers
Liability insurance covers damages you cause to others in an at-fault accident. It includes two components:
- Bodily Injury Liability: Pays for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and legal fees if you injure someone in an accident
- Property Damage Liability: Covers damage to another person’s vehicle, building, fence, or property
State Minimum Requirements
Every state (except NH and VA) requires minimum liability coverage, typically expressed as three numbers (e.g., 25/50/10):
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 property damage per accident
⚠️ Important: State minimums may not be enough for serious accidents. Consider higher limits like 100/300/100 for better protection.
Average Cost
Liability-only insurance averages $154/year nationally but varies by state and driver profile.
What It Covers
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your motorcycle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It covers:
- Damage from colliding with another vehicle
- Damage from hitting a stationary object (tree, pole, guardrail)
- Damage from single-vehicle accidents (rollover, running off road)
When You Need It
Collision coverage is optional but required if you finance or lease your motorcycle. Even if you own your motorcycle outright, collision coverage is recommended if:
- Your motorcycle is worth more than $3,000-$4,000
- You can’t afford to replace it out-of-pocket
- You live in an area with high accident rates
How Deductibles Work
You choose a deductible (typically $500, $1,000, or $2,000). If you file a claim, you pay the deductible and insurance covers the rest. Higher deductibles = lower premiums.
Average Cost
Collision coverage adds approximately $150-$250/year to your premium, depending on your vehicle value and deductible.
What It Covers
Comprehensive coverage (often called “comp” or “other than collision”) protects your motorcycle from non-collision damage, including:
- Theft – If your motorcycle is stolen
- Vandalism – Keyed paint, slashed tires, broken windscreen
- Weather damage – Hail, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes
- Fire – Motorcycle fires from any cause
- Falling objects – Trees, branches, debris
- Animal strikes – Hitting a deer or other wildlife
- Riots and civil disturbances
When You Need It
Comprehensive is optional but required by lenders if you finance or lease. Consider comp coverage if:
- You live in an area prone to storms, floods, or hail
- Your area has high theft or vandalism rates
- You park on the street or in an unsecured area
- Your motorcycle is worth more than $3,000-$4,000
Average Cost
Comprehensive coverage typically costs $75-$150/year, less expensive than collision because the risk is lower.
What It Covers
Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who:
- Has no insurance (uninsured motorist)
- Has insufficient coverage to pay for your damages (underinsured motorist)
- Flees the scene (hit-and-run)
UM/UIM coverage typically includes:
- Bodily injury: Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering for you and your passengers
- Property damage: Repairs to your motorcycle (in some states)
Why It Matters
According to the Insurance Research Council, approximately 1 in 8 drivers nationwide is uninsured. In some states, that number is as high as 1 in 4. Without UM/UIM coverage, you could be stuck paying out-of-pocket if an uninsured driver hits you.
Is It Required?
Some states require UM/UIM coverage, while others make it optional. Even if not required, it’s highly recommended for financial protection.
Average Cost
UM/UIM coverage typically adds $100-$300/year to your premium—a small price for significant protection.
What It Covers
Personal Injury Protection (PIP), also called “no-fault insurance,” covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who caused it.
PIP typically covers:
- Medical bills (hospital, surgery, rehab, prescriptions)
- Lost wages if you can’t work due to injuries
- Funeral expenses
- Childcare costs (if you’re injured and can’t care for children)
- Essential services (housekeeping, lawn care while recovering)
PIP vs. Medical Payments (MedPay)
Some states offer Medical Payments (MedPay) instead of or in addition to PIP. MedPay is similar but typically:
- Covers only medical expenses (not lost wages or other costs)
- Has lower coverage limits
- Is less expensive than PIP
Is PIP Required?
PIP is required in no-fault states (Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and others). Check your state requirements.
The Motorcycle PIP Difference While Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is often a standard inclusion for auto insurance, it works differently for riders. In some states, PIP may be optional or even unavailable for motorcycles. This is primarily due to the increased physical risk inherent to riding; because motorcycle accidents are statistically more likely to result in significant medical costs, insurers price this “no-fault” coverage to reflect that reality.
Average Cost
PIP coverage costs $150-$400/year depending on your state, coverage limits, and deductible.
Optional Add-Ons to Consider
1. Rental Reimbursement
Covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim. Typically $20-$40/year.
2. Roadside Assistance
Provides towing, flat tire changes, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts. Usually $15-$30/year.
3. Gap Insurance
If you owe more on your motorcycle loan than the motorcycle is worth (upside-down), gap insurance covers the difference if your motorcycle is totaled. Essential for new motorcycle buyers with low down payments.
4. Custom Parts & Equipment Coverage
Covers aftermarket upgrades like custom wheels, stereo systems, or performance modifications not covered under standard policies.
5. Safety Apparel Coverage
This pays for the repair or replacement of protective gear, such as your helmet, leather jacket, and riding boots, if they are damaged in a covered accident.
6. Guest Passenger Liability
This is a crucial add-on. This covers the medical expenses of a passenger injured while riding on your motorcycle.
Should You Add Optional Coverage?
Consider your needs:
- New motorcycle with loan → Add gap insurance
- Long commute or frequent road trips → Add roadside assistance
- No backup transportation → Add rental reimbursement
- Ride with passengers → Add guest passenger liability
The Breakdown of a North Dakota Policy
Think of your motorcycle insurance like a series of shields. Each one is there to protect you from a different kind of financial hit.
Liability Coverage This is the one the state insists on. It doesn’t cover your bike or your medical bills; instead, it pays for the damage you might cause to other people. North Dakota law requires:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) / No-Fault North Dakota is a No-Fault state for cars, which can get confusing for riders. While PIP is usually required for cars, it’s often optional for motorcycles. However, because bikes don’t have a metal cage around them, many riders choose to add Medical Payments (MedPay) or optional PIP to make sure their own doctor bills are covered regardless of who caused the crash.
Collision and Comprehensive: While the state doesn’t force you to get these, they are the only parts of your policy that actually look out for your bike.
- Collision: Pays to fix your motorcycle if you hit another vehicle or an object.
- Comprehensive: Covers the acts of nature stuff,think theft, fire, or the heavy hail damage that often rolls across the plains. It also covers you if you hit a deer, which is a very real risk on North Dakota backroads.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): This is also mandatory in North Dakota. It’s your backup plan for when you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance or a driver who flees the scene. It ensures your medical bills are covered even when the other person can’t pay.
North Dakota Laws You Need to Know
Staying legal means keeping up with a few specific rules that help keep everyone safe.
- Helmet Laws: If you’re under 18, you’re legally required to wear a DOT-approved helmet. Once you hit 18, it’s your choice, though wearing one is always a smart move for your physical and financial safety.
- Eye Protection: This is a big one. Unless your bike has a windshield that is high enough to protect your eyes, you must wear goggles, safety glasses, or a face shield.
- Handlebar Height: To stay legal, your grips can’t be higher than your shoulders when you’re sitting on the bike.
- Lane Splitting: As of 2026, lane splitting (riding between moving cars) is illegal in North Dakota. You are, however, entitled to the full use of your lane, just like any car.
- Proof of Insurance: You need to be able to show your insurance card (physical or digital) if you’re pulled over.
Guidance From A Professional
Tito Bucheli, licensed insurance agent and analyst of CheapInsurance.com, recommends that motorcycle riders should treat the national average as a starting point, not a final number.
“An average of about $493 a year gives riders a realistic expectation, but it does not mean that is what you personally should pay. Motorcycle insurance pricing is highly individualized. Some riders can land well below that number simply by comparing options and adjusting deductibles or coverage limits to fit their situation.”
The real difference shows up when you actually start looking at more than one quote.
Finding the Right Balance
A common trap is just grabbing the state minimums to save a few dollars. But consider this: if you clip a new truck, $25,000 for property damage won’t go very far. You would be responsible for the rest of that bill out of your own pocket.
On the other hand, if you’re riding an older bike that’s already seen its best days, you might skip collision coverage to keep your premium low. It’s worth checking your policy every year to make sure it still fits what you’re riding and what you have to protect.
Real Ways to Lower Your Bill
You don’t have to cut corners on protection to get a better rate. Here’s how most North Dakota riders save:
- The Bundle: Putting your bike, car, and home on the same policy is almost always the biggest discount you’ll find.
- Safety Courses: Taking a certified rider safety course makes you a safer rider and usually triggers a nice discount from your insurer.
- The Deductible: If you have some savings set aside for emergencies, raising your deductible to $500 or $1,000 will drop your monthly payment immediately.
- Winter Lay-Up: Since North Dakota winters are long, ask about a “lay-up” policy. This keeps your theft/fire protection active while you’re parked but lowers the cost since you aren’t out on the icy roads.
At the end of the day, North Dakota motorcycle insurance is about having peace of mind. When you know you’re covered, you can stop worrying about the paperwork and enjoy the open road. The team at CheapInsurance.com is here to help you navigate the rules and find a price that works for your life.
CheapInsurance.com by the Numbers
Motorcycle Insurance
Data analysis: Annual Savings from Motorcycle Insurance Comparison Sites
Founded in California in 1974 as an insurance agency, CheapInsurance.com has spent decades helping people find affordable coverage. Over time, we became one of the first brokerages to go online in 1998, making insurance shopping faster and easier.
Our mission has always been simple: insurance is a basic necessity, not a luxury. That’s why our technology quickly scans the marketplace in seconds, compares rates, and uncovers discounts that might otherwise be missed. In addition, we explain coverage in clear, simple terms.
As a result, people get real options and can avoid overpaying for features they do not need, while still maintaining strong, reliable protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Motorcycle Insurance
Is motorcycle insurance required in North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota requires motorcycle owners to carry liability insurance to legally ride on public roads. Riders must meet the state minimum liability coverage limits for bodily injury and property damage and provide proof of insurance when registering a motorcycle.
How much does motorcycle insurance cost in North Dakota?
Motorcycle insurance costs in North Dakota vary based on riding experience, driving record, motorcycle type, location, and coverage selections. Rural areas and lower traffic density often contribute to lower insurance quotes compared to more populated states.
What affects motorcycle insurance rates in North Dakota?
Insurance companies consider factors such as age, riding history, engine size, annual mileage, coverage limits, deductibles, and where the motorcycle is stored. Completing a motorcycle safety course may also help reduce insurance costs in North Dakota.
