Best Motorcycle Insurance in Utah

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Contributor, Benzinga
August 12, 2020

Utah’s friendly roads make it a beautiful state to explore on your motorcycle. Experience the breathtaking experience of the Rocky Mountain region or meander the lively streets of Salt Lake City. Find a motorcycle insurance policy to help you see the sites safely.

Let Benzinga’s guide help you understand Utah’s motorcycle insurance requirements and find motorcycle insurance coverage today.

Utah Motorcycle Insurance: An Overview

All riders in the Beehive State must carry liability insurance. The average annual rate with a clean driving record is $794.

State minimum insurance requirements include:

  • $25,000 in coverage for bodily injury per person
  • $65,000 in coverage for total bodily injury when more than 1 person is hurt in an accident 
  • $15,000 in coverage for property damage per accident

Utah Motorcycle Insurance Law Explained

Proof of insurance is required before registering a motorcycle in Utah. Motorcycles are considered highway vehicles – you must take financial responsibility for any injury or damage your bike causes. 

Your policy should have these minimum coverage limits per accident: 

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person 
  • $65,000 for total bodily injury in an accident  
  • $15,000 for property damage

The minimum coverage limits may not be sufficient, so you’ll need to obtain higher limits to provide further protection. These may include:

Personal injury protection (PIP). Utah is a “no-fault” state – you must carry personal injury protection coverage to cover your injury-related expenses after an accident irrespective fault. It isn’t mandatory that PIP be part of your motorcycle insurance policy in the state. However, your insurance carrier may still provide it as an option.

Optional coverages. If you realize that motorcycle liability insurance doesn’t provide full coverage, here are optional coverages you may consider:

  • Collision. This coverage will help facilitate repairs if your motorcycle is damaged in an accident.
  • Comprehensive. This coverage helps cater for repairs after incidents that aren’t accident-related, like vandalism or theft.
  • Towing and labor. This coverage may help provide and offset towing and emergency roadside assistance expenses in case of a mechanical breakdown.

You’ll be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and law enforcement if you’re riding without proof of insurance or fail to provide it upon request. Your registration and license may be suspended if you’re convicted of riding without insurance. You’ll also pay at least $400 in fine for a 1st offense.

Utah Motorcycle Traffic Laws You Should Know

Besides proof of insurance, you’re required to test for and obtain a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to ride a bike on Utah’s public roads. 

Here are other common Utah motorcycle traffic laws you should know:

Registration. Unless exempted, you may not operate a motorbike in Utah unless it is registered according to Utah statutes. You must register your motor vehicle within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.

Licensing. A temporary learner permit will be issued if you’re at least 16 years old and have a valid class D or commercial driver license. The permit is only valid for 6 months, but you can’t carry passengers or ride on a highway with a speed of 60 mph or more within the first 2 months of issue. 

Motorcycle endorsements follow a tiered system and your bike restriction depends on the size of the bike you used during your skills test.

Safety inspections. Although safety inspections aren’t required for all motorcycles, 1st-time ATV registration requires a safety inspection.

Required equipment. Your motorcycle should be equipped with a head lamp, tail lamp, stop lamp, mirror, horn, muffler that comply with Utah requirements, foot rests for passengers and tire tread depth should be at least 2/32 inch.

Helmet use. Riders are encouraged to wear an approved helmet when operating a bike. You shouldn’t operate a bike without a helmet if you’re below 18 years of age.

Handlebars. Handlebars shouldn’t go above your shoulder height when you’re operating the bike

Signaling. You must signal your intention to turn or change lanes for at least 2 seconds before making the turn or lane change.

Passengers. You can’t carry another person unless your bike is designed to carry more than 1 person.

Lane use. Motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane. However, it’s unlawful to ride between rows of vehicles or lanes of traffic (lane filtering).

Drunk driving. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or above is considered intoxication, and you could be convicted for driving under influence. You may attract penalties like a license suspension, fines and an increase in your insurance rate.

Utah Motorcycle Insurance Rates Per Bike

Motorcycle insurance rates will vary in different parts of the state. You should expect to pay an average of $794 per year — slightly higher than the national average. Knowing how insurance providers calculate your premium will help you take more action to save on your rates. 

Motorcycle insurance companies will typically factor in the following aspects to help determine your premium:

  • Your age, gender and marital status
  • Location
  • Driving record
  • Credit history
  • Insurance claims history
  • Annual mileage

The type of bike will also impact your insurance rates. Harley Davidson, Honda or Kawasaki motorcycles may bring a higher premium for the features that come with these bikes. 

The engine size in cubic capacity (cc) will also impact your premium. You’ll pay more for a higher-capacity engine than a lower-capacity engine.

The cost of insuring a standard bike is different from that of insuring a vintage bike. Vintage bikes are often old models that have undergone restoration to improve their aesthetic value. This modification makes it difficult for insurers to assess its actual value – you’ll have to agree on a cash value.

Motorcycle Insurance Quotes in Utah

Start your comparison shopping with these quotes from top providers in Utah.

CompanyQuote for a 1-year policyPrice Rating
Farm Bureau$6984
Amica$8413
Dairyland$194.805
Allstate$4995
MetLife$6594

Motorcycle Insurance Discounts

You may still save a considerable amount off your current premiums or even the quoted rates if you take advantage of the discounts at your disposal. It’s upon you to seek these saving opportunities since your insurer may overlook or forget to highlight the discounts. 

Many insurance providers will give discounts for:

  • Enrolling in a safety course. You may qualify for a discount on your insurance by completing a training course that helps you become a safer rider.
  • Becoming a preferred operator. A preferred operator is a rider with a clean driving record – no tickets, accidents or traffic violations in your name. Most insurers will provide significant discounts to their qualifying preferred motorcycle operators.
  • Tapping into your rider network. You could shave 10% or more off your motorcycle insurance costs if you belong to a motorcycle organization or association, including Harley Owners Group, American Motorcycle Association, Honda Riders Club of America and more.
  • Bundling policies. You’ll save on your insurance rates for bundling multiple policies, say buying your motorcycle insurance from the same company that insures your home.

Here are discounts offered by Utah’s top motorcycle insurance providers.

CompanyDiscounts OfferedOverall Rating
Farm BureauMultiple bike discount, loyalty discount, homeowner discount, claims-free discount and a smart rider discount3.7
AllstateTransfer discount, multiple bike discount, homeowner discount, riding group discount, claims-free discount, rider experience discount, anti-lock brake discount and a safety course discount5.0
AmicaMultiple bike discount, homeowner discount, anti-lock brake discount and an anti-theft discount4.0
DairylandMultiple bike discount, loyalty discount, homeowner discount, riding group discount and a safety course discount4.7
MetLifeMultiple bike discount, claims-free discount, anti-lock brake discount, anti-theft discount and a safety course discount4.7

Best Motorcycle Insurance Providers in Utah

Utah residents aren’t short of motorcycle insurance provider options. Premiums for 1-year policies vary greatly, ranging from below $200 to over $1,000 per year. Your rates will depend on the carrier you choose and your needs. 

Compare these leading motorcycle insurance providers in Utah today.

Choose Your Motorcycle Coverage

Think about your insurance needs and how much risk you can handle when you choose coverage for you and your motorcycle. Stick to the minimum coverage limits only if you can pay for damages out-of-pocket. You’ll want to consider higher limits and more types of coverage if you want coverage that extends beyond basic liability.

Speak with your insurance provider to understand how specific motorcycle coverages may best suit your needs and how you can secure the lowest possible rates. Start with our recommended providers to find a motorcycle insurance policy today.

Money-saving Motorcycle Insurance

Harley-Davidson Insurance Services provides services as a trusted motorcycle insurance agency that knows all about the motorcycle lifestyle. The company stands behind its policies with industry-leading services, coverage and support. You’ll also get money-saving motorcycle insurance discounts and experienced customer service and claims support. 

You can get Harley-Davidson Insurance today with a free, quick quote.