Owning a motorcycle in Pennsylvania offers an incredible sense of freedom. But before you hit the open road, it’s important to understand how motorcycle insurance works in the Keystone State.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions Pennsylvania riders have about motorcycle insurance, licensing, and registration.
1. Do I Get Motorcycle Insurance Before or After Registration in Pennsylvania?
You must get motorcycle insurance before registering your bike in Pennsylvania. Proof of insurance is required to complete registration at the DMV. Once your policy is active, you’ll receive an insurance ID card (printed or digital) that you must show when registering the motorcycle.
2. Can I Drive a Motorcycle With a Car License in Pennsylvania?
No. To legally operate a motorcycle in Pennsylvania, you must have a Class M motorcycle license or a Class M learner’s permit (fill out form DL-5 to apply for a learner’s permit). A standard Class C driver’s license only allows you to drive cars and light trucks, not motorcycles.
To get your motorcycle license, you’ll need to pass a written test, vision screening, and a road skills test (unless you complete a state-approved Motorcycle Safety Program course).
3. Can I Get Motorcycle Insurance Without a License in PA?
Technically, yes, but it’s not simple. Some insurers allow you to purchase motorcycle insurance without a motorcycle license if you have a permit or plan to store and insure the bike before riding. However, options may be limited, and your premiums may be higher.
If you’re buying a bike but haven’t yet obtained your motorcycle license, it’s best to speak with an insurance agent who can guide you through available policies for unlicensed or learner riders.
4. Can I Get Non-Owner Motorcycle Insurance in PA?
Yes. Non-owner motorcycle insurance provides liability coverage when you ride motorcycles you don’t own, like borrowing a friend’s bike or renting one. This coverage protects you financially if you’re at fault in an accident.
It does not cover damage to the motorcycle itself, so you may still need supplemental coverage from the owner or rental company.
5. Does Pennsylvania Require Motorcycle Inspection?
Yes. Just like cars, motorcycles in Pennsylvania must pass an annual safety inspection. This check makes sure your bike meets safety standards for brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components.
Inspections must be performed at a state-approved inspection station, and you’ll need a valid inspection sticker to legally operate your motorcycle on public roads.
6. Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in Pennsylvania?
Yes. All motorcycles registered in Pennsylvania must be covered by liability insurance. The state’s minimum requirements are:
- $15,000 for bodily injury per person
- $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 for property damage
Keep in mind, these are only the minimum limits. Many riders choose higher coverage levels or add-ons like collision and comprehensive to better protect themselves and their bikes.
7. Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Passengers in PA?
Basic liability insurance does not automatically cover passengers. To protect a passenger injured in an accident, you’ll need to add Guest Passenger Liability to your policy. This coverage helps pay for their medical bills if you’re at fault in a crash.
8. Can I Pause My Motorcycle Insurance During Winter?
Some insurance companies offer seasonal or lay-up policies that reduce coverage while your motorcycle is stored for the winter. Typically, comprehensive coverage remains active (to protect against theft, vandalism, or fire), while liability and collision coverage are paused.
Before doing this, confirm with your insurer that you’ll still meet Pennsylvania’s continuous insurance requirements for registered vehicles.
9. Do Helmets Affect My Insurance Rates in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law requires helmets for riders under 21 or those with less than two years of riding experience who haven’t completed an approved safety course. While helmet use doesn’t directly affect your premium, wearing one can significantly reduce the severity of injuries. And some insurers offer discounts for completing a motorcycle safety course that includes helmet training.
Get a Motorcycle Insurance Quote Online
One of the best ways to get motorcycle insurance rates is to compare quotes from multiple companies. But if you’ve tried to get one insurance quote before, you know they can actually be quite time-consuming. So comparing quotes from numerous different companies and understanding the proper level of coverage for you can take up far too much of your time.
At Kind Insurance, we’re an independent insurance agency. That means we work with multiple different insurance companies, shop around, and find the best plan for you. As a team of licensed insurance providers, we’ll ask detailed questions to determine exactly what level of coverage you need before getting quotes. Shopping for motorcycle insurance is easy with Kind Insurance. You tell us about yourself and your ride, we find the best plan for you.