
North Carolina motorcycle insurance can be a bit overwhelming, but understanding your options can make a big difference.
In North Carolina, motorcycle insurance is mandatory, and you'll need to have at least the state's minimum coverage requirements.
The minimum coverage requirements in North Carolina are $30,000 for bodily injury to one person, $60,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage.
You can also choose to add additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision coverage, to protect your bike from damage.
A unique perspective: Cell Phone Coverage
Rider Requirements
To ride a motorcycle in North Carolina, you'll need a full provisional or regular driver's license, as well as a motorcycle learner's permit or a motorcycle endorsement. These rules don't apply to mopeds, but you'll still need to follow the same safety guidelines.
To get an endorsement, you'll need to complete a knowledge test and an off-street motorcycle skills test. This will ensure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to ride safely on North Carolina roads.
Here are the motorcycle requirements in North Carolina:
- A license plate visible from 50 feet away at night
- A horn audible from 200 feet away
- A rear-view mirror
- An exhaust system
- A headlight allowing you to see 200 feet in front of you; this headlight must be on at all times
- A speedometer
- A red rear light visible from 500 feet away; this light must also be lit at all times while riding
- A rear brake light visible from at least 100 feet away
- A foot peg or rest for passengers
Requirements
In North Carolina, all bikers are required to have motorcycle insurance. This is a state law that's in place to ensure riders have some level of protection in case of an accident.
The minimum insurance requirements in North Carolina are quite specific. You'll need to have liability insurance coverage with the following limits: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per incident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per incident for property damage.
Additionally, you'll also need to have uninsured motorist coverage with the following limits: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Here's a breakdown of the minimum insurance requirements in North Carolina:
These requirements may seem like a lot, but they're in place to protect you and others on the road.
Rider Laws
To ride a motorcycle in North Carolina, you'll need a full provisional or regular driver's license, as well as a motorcycle learner's permit or a motorcycle endorsement.
In North Carolina, it's mandatory to wear a helmet that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, no matter what age you are.
To get a motorcycle endorsement, you'll need to complete a knowledge test and an off-street motorcycle skills test.
Here are the requirements for your motorcycle in North Carolina:
- A license plate visible from 50 feet away at night
- A horn audible from 200 feet away
- A rear-view mirror
- An exhaust system
- A headlight allowing you to see 200 feet in front of you; this headlight must be on at all times
- A speedometer
- A red rear light visible from 500 feet away; this light must also be lit at all times while riding
- A rear brake light visible from at least 100 feet away
- A foot peg or rest for passengers
You must also follow specific laws in North Carolina, including the prohibition on lane splitting and the requirement to wear a helmet at all times.
Insurance Options
Riders in North Carolina can customize their insurance plans to protect themselves in nearly any incident.
Motorcyclists can tailor their insurance to cover collision damages done to the motorcycle by someone else in an accident.
Comprehensive coverage is also available to cover damages caused by theft, vandalism, fires, or other incidents.
Uninsured/Underinsured coverage is a must-have for many riders, as it protects them in case the other party doesn't have insurance or their insurance doesn't cover the full extent of the damages.
You can get multiple motorcycle insurance quotes at once using online comparison tools, which save you time and effort.
Independent insurance agents represent multiple insurance companies, offering a wider range of low-priced motorcycle insurance quotes and helping you find a better deal.
Explore further: Motorcycle Medical Insurance
Saving Money
Saving money on motorcycle insurance in North Carolina is a great way to ride with confidence. One way to do this is by taking a motorcycle safety course, which can offer cheaper insurance.
Completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course can qualify you for discounts on your motorcycle insurance. You can also take a defensive driving course to demonstrate your commitment to safe riding.
Low mileage usage can also lead to cheaper insurance. If you ride infrequently, you might be eligible for mileage-based motorcycle insurance discounts.
Bundling your motorcycle insurance with other policies, such as car insurance or homeowners insurance, can simplify your insurance management and save you money. Most insurance companies provide discounts for bundling.
Here are some policies you can consider bundling with your motorcycle insurance:
- Car Insurance
- SR22 Insurance
- Motorcycle Insurance
- Home Insurance
- Renters Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Health Insurance
- RV & Trailer Insurance
- Boat & Watercraft Insurance
Additionally, having a clean driving record and maintaining a safe motorcycle can also lower your insurance costs.
Cost and Pricing
The cost of motorcycle insurance in North Carolina can vary greatly depending on the type of policy and provider. A full-coverage policy will cost you an average of $377 per year, which is $13 or 3% higher than the national annual average of $364.
If you choose a liability-only policy, your premiums will be significantly lower at around $85 per year or $7 a month. This is $56 less than the national annual average of $141 for liability-only insurance.
Here are the cheapest liability-only motorcycle insurance quotes in North Carolina:
If you're looking for a full-coverage policy, Harley-Davidson and GEICO are the cheapest options, with annual premiums of $179 and $208 respectively.
Cost for Most Riders
The cost of motorcycle insurance in North Carolina can vary depending on the type of policy and insurance company. A liability-only policy costs an average of $85 a year for most riders.
A full-coverage policy, on the other hand, can cost up to $377 per year, which is $13 more than the national average. This policy provides more protection and higher liability limits, making it a safer option for most riders.
If you're looking for the cheapest options, Nationwide and GEICO offer liability-only coverage for $82 per year, which is 9.4% cheaper than Progressive's average rate. For full-coverage policies, Harley-Davidson and GEICO are the cheapest options, with prices starting at $179 and $208 per year, respectively.

Here's a comparison of the average costs for different types of policies in North Carolina:
These prices are based on a motorcycle insurance policy with a clean driving record and a 50/100/25 liability-only policy. It's essential to compare quotes from top insurance companies to ensure you're getting the best rate for your motorcycle insurance.
How Much Is Required?
In North Carolina, the minimum liability-only allowance is 30/60/25. This translates to $30,000 per-person bodily injury liability, $60,000 per-accident bodily injury liability, and $25,000 property damage liability.
The average cost of motorcycle insurance in North Carolina is $377 per year for a full-coverage policy, which is significantly higher than the $85 per year for a liability-only policy.
You're required to have a minimum of $30,000 per-person bodily injury liability, $60,000 per-accident bodily injury liability, and $25,000 property damage liability in your policy.
To give you a better idea of the minimum requirements, here's a breakdown of the minimum coverage:
All motorcycles in North Carolina must have a minimum liability-only allowance of 30/60/25, meaning your insurance policy will offer up to $60,000 in coverage for all those injured in an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the cheapest for motorcycle insurance?
According to national averages, Dairyland offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance, with an average monthly cost of $22.
Sources
- https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/motorcycle/north-carolina-insurance-requirements
- https://injury.dannygloverlawfirm.com/motorcycle-insurance.html
- https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/motorcycle/best-cheap-motorcycle-insurance-in-north-carolina/
- https://eliteinsuranceco.com/insurance-services/motorcycle/
- https://www.cheapinsurance.com/blog/smart-tips-for-affordable-motorcycle-insurance-in-north-carolina/
Featured Images: pexels.com