How Much is Motorcycle Insurance in Illinois and Factors That Affect It

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In Illinois, the average cost of motorcycle insurance is around $150 to $300 per year, depending on various factors. This is significantly higher than the average cost of car insurance.

One of the main factors that affect motorcycle insurance rates is the type of bike you own. For example, a high-performance bike like a Harley-Davidson can cost upwards of $400 per year to insure, while a more modest bike like a Honda Rebel may only cost around $100 per year.

Another factor that can impact your motorcycle insurance rates is your age and experience level. Younger riders, especially those under 25, tend to pay more for insurance due to their higher risk profile. In Illinois, riders under 25 can expect to pay an average of $250 per year for insurance.

Your driving record is also a critical factor in determining your motorcycle insurance rates. If you have a clean driving record with no accidents or tickets, you can expect to pay lower rates than someone with a history of reckless driving. In Illinois, riders with a clean record can save up to 20% on their insurance premiums.

Understanding Motorcycle Insurance in Illinois

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In Illinois, you're required to have liability insurance before registering and operating a motorcycle, with mandatory coverages including Bodily Injury Liability, Guest Passenger Liability, Property Damage Liability, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage.

The minimum limits of liability coverage for Bodily Injury and Guest Passenger Liability in Illinois are $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 Property Damage coverage per accident.

You'll also need Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Illinois offers various discounts for motorcycle insurance, including a home ownership discount, multi-cycle discount, loyalty discount, rider group discount, multi-line discount, Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) member discount, winter discount, and full ownership discount.

Here's a list of the Illinois motorcycle insurance discounts:

  • Home ownership discount
  • Multi-cycle discount
  • Loyalty discount
  • Rider group discount
  • Multi-line discount
  • Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) member discount
  • Winter discount
  • Full ownership discount

These discounts can help lower your insurance costs and make owning a motorcycle more affordable in Illinois.

Factors Affecting Cost

The type of bike you plan to ride significantly impacts how much you'll pay for motorcycle insurance in Illinois. The value of your bike, safety features, crash rate for that model, and theft rate are all considered when determining your premium.

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Motorcycles equipped with advanced safety features like ABS, airbags, and security features can qualify for cheaper insurance due to their lower risk profile. These features can make a big difference in your insurance rate.

Rider's age and experience also play a role in determining insurance costs. Younger riders with less experience tend to have higher rates than more experienced riders. For example, 18-year-old drivers with one year of experience usually have higher rates than someone in their 30s with ten years.

Here are some key factors to consider when looking at motorcycle insurance costs in Illinois:

  • ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) can often qualify for cheaper insurance
  • Airbags provide crucial protection and may lower your insurance rates
  • Security features like alarms, immobilizers, or GPS tracking systems can make you eligible for discounts

Rider's Age and Experience

Rider's age and experience play a significant role in determining motorcycle insurance rates. The younger and less experienced you are as a rider, the higher your rates tend to be.

Riders under 25 years old often face higher premiums due to their lack of experience on the road. This is a common trend in the insurance industry, not just for motorcycle insurance.

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For example, 18-year-old drivers with one year of experience usually have higher rates than someone in their 30s with ten years. This difference in rates can be substantial.

More experience behind the wheel, especially on motorcycles, can lead to lower insurance rates. However, this doesn't mean that older riders will always pay less.

Factors Influencing Rates

Your location and riding habits are two key factors that influence the cost of motorcycle insurance. For example, drivers in urban areas generally experience elevated rates of accidents and crime, resulting in increased insurance rates.

Your riding habits also impact your insurance premiums. Those with a history of reckless driving, such as speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs, pay more for insurance than those with a clean driving record.

The type of bike you plan to ride is another significant factor affecting your insurance rates. The value of your bike, safety features, crash rate for that model, and theft rate are all considered when determining your premium.

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Motorcycles equipped with advanced safety features, such as Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), airbags, and security features, can qualify for cheaper motorcycle insurance due to their lower risk profile.

Here's a breakdown of the factors influencing motorcycle insurance rates:

  • Location and riding habits
  • Type of bike
  • Safety features
  • Riding history

Your age and experience also play a role in determining your insurance rates. Young riders and those with less experience tend to have higher rates, with 18-year-old drivers with one year of experience often paying more than someone in their 30s with ten years of experience.

High-Cost vs. Low-Cost States

When it comes to motorcycle insurance costs, some states are definitely more expensive than others. New York has the highest car insurance cost at $305 per month. State laws and risk factors in your area can significantly affect how much your motorcycle insurance costs. I've seen firsthand how different laws and regulations can impact insurance prices. New York's high costs are likely due to its strict laws and high-risk factors. Meanwhile, Georgia has the lowest car insurance cost at $75 per month.

Coverage and Deductibles

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In Illinois, your deductible directly impacts your premium, so a higher deductible can result in lower premiums, but you'll pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim.

Choosing the right deductible is crucial, and it's worth considering raising it if you have collision and comprehensive insurance. For example, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 (or more) will lower your motorcycle insurance cost.

Your insurance agent or broker can help you determine the right deductible for your needs, and you should also consider your state's minimum insurance requirements. In Illinois, you can find the most updated information on your state's DMV or insurance department website.

To save money on motorcycle insurance in Illinois, consider increasing your deductible, but be prepared to get a lower insurance check if you make a collision or comprehensive claim.

Here are some deductible options to consider:

Remember, the more coverage your state requires, the higher your insurance cost will be. In Illinois, the minimum insurance requirements include a deductible of $500 for collision and comprehensive insurance.

Saving Money and Choosing Coverage

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To save money on motorcycle insurance in Illinois, consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverage if your bike is older and its value is low. This can substantially cut your motorcycle insurance costs.

You can also save money by bundling your motorcycle insurance with other policies, like car or homeowner's insurance, through the same provider. This can bring down your motorcycle insurance rate and make insurance more affordable across the board.

Additionally, you can save money by taking a motorcycle safety course, completing a defensive driving course, or having a motorcycle equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) or theft prevention devices. These factors can qualify you for discounted motorcycle insurance.

Saving Money

Saving money on motorcycle insurance is a top priority for many riders. You can save big by bundling your motorcycle insurance with other policies, like car or homeowner's insurance, through the same provider, which can offer discounts of up to 15%.

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One of the most effective ways to save money is to shop around and compare quotes from different insurers. Each insurance company has its own formula for setting rates, and you won't know if you're overpaying until you compare motorcycle insurance quotes.

Taking a motorcycle safety course can also lead to cheaper insurance. Completing a course offered by an organization such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation can result in lower rates, especially for riders under age 25.

Dropping comprehensive and collision coverage can also cut your motorcycle insurance costs, but this usually makes sense when your bike is older and its value is fairly low.

You can also save money by storing your bike over the winter in colder-weather states, as many insurers offer a "lay-up" discount in which only comprehensive coverage remains on your motorcycle over the winter.

Here are some additional ways to save on motorcycle insurance:

  • Complete a motorcycle training course to lower your premiums
  • Get a multi-vehicle discount by insuring more than one bike or a bike and a car
  • Qualify for an organization discount if you belong to a motorcycle club or similar organization
  • Store your bike over the winter to qualify for a "lay-up" discount

By implementing these strategies, you can save money on your motorcycle insurance and enjoy the freedom of the open road.

Choosing Coverage

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Choosing coverage for your motorcycle insurance is a crucial step in saving money and ensuring you're properly protected on the road. Most states require you to carry at least a liability policy to ride on the road.

To start, consider your state's minimum insurance requirements, which you can usually find on your state's DMV or insurance department website. Your insurance agent or broker can also help you with this.

Assessing your coverage needs is key to choosing the right policy. If you frequently ride your bike or own a new or high-valued motorcycle, consider full-coverage insurance. If you live in an area with all four seasons, seasonal motorcycle insurance can lower your premiums during the winter months when you're not riding.

In Illinois, you can also opt for additional coverages like motorcycle collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

To give you a better idea of the options available, here are some common limits of liability and optional coverages:

By considering these factors and options, you can choose the right coverage for your motorcycle insurance and save money in the process.

Micheal Pagac

Senior Writer

Michael Pagac is a seasoned writer with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. With a background in research and journalism, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, tackling a wide range of topics with ease. Pagac's writing has been featured in various publications, covering topics such as travel and entertainment.

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