Cheapest and Best Motorcycle Insurance in North Carolina November, 2024

For budget-conscious individuals, Harley-Davidson (Sentry Insurance) offers the most affordable option, with a highly competitive monthly rate of only $17.

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Updated: 24 September 2024
Written by Bob Phillips
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Finding suitable motorcycle insurance in North Carolina can be tricky, but you’ve come to the right place. Based on our experience, the best provider combines extensive coverage with outstanding customer service.

Having spent more than 15 years in the insurance industry, I’ve witnessed how cutting corners on motorcycle insurance can lead to serious issues. It’s not only a legal requirement but also essential for safeguarding your investment.

Our guide leverages years of experience to help you steer clear of pitfalls and find the most reliable and affordable options for your motorcycle.

Best Motorcycle Insurance In North Carolina 2024

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Best Overall - Harley-Davidson (Sentry)
USAA-emblem
Best for Military Members - USAA (Progressive)
Best Motorcycle Insurance, North Carolina, 2024

Compare The Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies In North Carolina

Overall Rating Cheapest For AM Best Rating J.D. Power Rating Online Experience Get A Quote
Harley-Davidson
4.9

Overall

A+

Not Rated

9/10

Instant Quote
GEICO
4.8

Bundling Insurance

A++

830

9/10

Instant Quote
USAA
4.6

Military Members

A+

809

7/10

Instant Quote
Allstate
4.7

Customer Service

A++

816

8/10

Instant Quote
Scroll to see comparisons

Our Methodology

To determine the best motorcycle insurance in North Carolina, I relied on unbiased information from AM Best for financial stability and J.D. Powers for customer satisfaction. Additionally, I considered feedback from various consumer review sites and my experience as a former property and casualty insurance agent.

65

Quotes Analyzed

15+

Years Of Industry Experience

22

Brands Reviewed

35+

Research Hours

Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies in North Carolina


Best Overall

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Satisfaction
9/10 Claims
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Harley Davidson is the top choice for motorcycle insurance in North Carolina, offering strong policies and excellent service through Sentry Insurance. This partnership offers a unique benefit.

Harley Davidson’s policies are backed by Sentry, a respected name in insurance, ensuring reliability and financial stability. Sentry’s A+ rating from AM Best highlights their ability to meet policyholder commitments.

In North Carolina’s diverse and challenging riding conditions, Harley Davidson’s insurance, backed by Sentry’s expertise, is tailored to meet the needs of motorcyclists. These policies offer comprehensive coverage and customer-oriented services, making them a wise investment for riders.

Harley Davidson’s customized insurance solutions paired with Sentry’s established reliability make it the leading choice for motorcycle insurance in the state.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Tailored coverage options specifically for motorcyclists
  • Supported by Sentry Insurance, known for its financial stability and reliability
  • Provides various discounts and rewards for safe riders and H.O.G. members
Drawbacks
  • Some riders might not want coverage from a third-party insurer
  • Coverage may be more advantageous for Harley Davidson bike owners than for other brands
  • Limited availability in certain regions

Best For Bundling Insurance

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Satisfaction
9/10 Claims
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

For those looking to bundle insurance in North Carolina, GEICO is a great choice, especially with motorcycle insurance. Their affordable rates across different insurance products make them a preferred option for North Carolina residents seeking to streamline their coverage.

What distinguishes GEICO is its ability to seamlessly combine motorcycle, auto, and home insurance into one comprehensive policy. This not only simplifies management but also often results in considerable savings for policyholders.

GEICO is renowned for its affordability and user-friendly services. Their digital tools, like a detailed website and a highly-rated mobile app, make managing policies easy. Furthermore, GEICO’s customer service is highly rated, ensuring efficient help for policyholders.

This ensures easy access to policy information and hassle-free claims processing for North Carolina motorcyclists. GEICO’s mix of affordability, convenience, and dependable customer service makes it a prime choice for bundling insurance in the Golden State.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Offers competitive pricing with various discounts
  • User-friendly online tools and a mobile app make policy management easy
  • Efficient claims processing and a strong reputation for customer service
Drawbacks
  • Coverage options might be less specialized for motorcycles than those from providers focusing solely on motorcycle insurance
  • Some customers report variability in customer service experiences
  • Some customers report variability in customer service experiences

Best for Military Members

Overall Rating
4.6

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Satisfaction
8/10 Claims
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

For military members, USAA is the leading choice for motorcycle insurance, providing tailored services and a reliable partnership. By understanding the unique needs of the military community, USAA has selected Progressive, an A+ (Superior) rated company, to manage coverage and claims. This partnership combines Progressive’s proven motorcycle insurance record with USAA’s commitment to serving military personnel and their families.

By working with Progressive, USAA ensures its members benefit from specialized motorcycle insurance backed by financial stability and expertise. Furthermore, USAA’s highest rating in customer service from J.D. Powers showcases its dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Service members benefit from this partnership through smooth service, prompt claims handling, and policies that address the unique aspects of military life. The cooperation between USAA and Progressive delivers a dependable, comprehensive insurance solution to military riders.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Tailored services and discounts specifically for military members and their families
  • Coverage and claims are managed by Progressive, known for its motorcycle insurance expertise
  • USAA is highly rated for customer service, providing a responsive and supportive experience
Drawbacks
  • USAA membership is exclusive to military members, veterans, and their families, restricting access for the general public
  • Some policyholders may prefer dealing directly with a single insurer rather than through a partnership
  • Coverage options and benefits might be more generic, as they are part of a larger, non-specialized insurance portfolio

Best for Customer Service

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Satisfaction
9/10 Claims
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Allstate is a top choice for motorcycle insurance in North Carolina, primarily due to its exceptional customer service. Known for its personalized approach, Allstate ensures every policyholder gets attentive and customized assistance, which is crucial for motorcyclists with unique needs different from standard auto insurance clients.

In North Carolina, a state with a vibrant and extensive biking community, Allstate’s local agents offer invaluable support. These agents, knowledgeable about North Carolina’s road laws and riding culture, provide insights and guidance beyond standard insurance queries. Additionally, Allstate’s strong online and mobile platforms complement their personalized service, allowing for convenient 24/7 access to policy management and claims filing.

The blend of experienced local agents, effective digital tools, and a dedication to customer satisfaction makes Allstate the top choice in North Carolina for exceptional motorcycle insurance service.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Offers an extensive range of coverage options and customizable policies to meet individual needs
  • Provides access to local agents who offer personalized service and understand regional insurance requirements
  • Includes a variety of discounts, such as those for safe riding and multiple policies
Drawbacks
  • Premiums may be higher than those of some other insurance providers
  • Discounts and policy options can vary widely based on individual circumstances
  • Some riders may find the policy options better suited for casual riders rather than professional or competitive riders

Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance In North Carolina For Minimum Liability Coverage

Our research shows that USAA (through Progressive) offers the most affordable minimum coverage rates in North Carolina, with a monthly cost of just $6.

The “cheapest minimum coverage for motorcycle insurance in North Carolina” category refers to the most affordable policies that comply with the state’s minimum legal requirements for motorcyclists. These policies generally include basic liability coverage, which covers expenses for bodily injury and property damage that the rider may cause to others in an accident.

Factors like driving history play a major role in determining insurance rates in this category. Riders with a clean driving record generally enjoy lower premiums, as insurers see them as less risky. On the other hand, those with a history of accidents or traffic violations often face higher rates, as insurers deem them more likely to be involved in future incidents.

Notably, an accident can significantly raise your insurance rate, as it indicates a higher risk of expensive claims for the insurer. This risk assessment directly affects the cost of minimum coverage insurance in North Carolina.

Insurance Provider Minimum Coverage Annual Cost (Paid in Full)
Progressive $72
Geico $74
Allstate $79
Dairyland $83
 

Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance For Full Coverage

Our extensive research revealed that Harley-Davidson (Sentry) offers the most affordable full coverage motorcycle insurance in North Carolina, priced at $31 per month.

The “cheapest full coverage for motorcycle insurance in North Carolina” category refers to the most budget-friendly insurance options that exceed the state’s minimum liability requirements. Full coverage usually includes comprehensive and collision insurance, offering extensive protection against events like accidents, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.

Insurance rates in this category are significantly impacted by a rider’s driving history. A clean record typically results in lower premiums, as insurers perceive these riders as lower risk.

On the flip side, a history of accidents or traffic violations frequently leads to higher rates because these riders are seen as higher risk. More specifically, being in an accident can notably raise your rate as it increases the insurer’s perception of future claim likelihood.

Company Average Monthly Rate for Full Coverage
Harley-Davidson $31
Geico $37
Progressive $44
Allstate $50
Nationwide $56

Average Cost Of Motorcycle Insurance In North Carolina

The typical monthly expense for full coverage motorcycle insurance in North Carolina amounts to $36.

Company Average Monthly Rate for Full Coverage
Harley-Davidson $31
Geico $37
Progressive $44
Allstate $50
Nationwide $56

Average Cost Of Motorcycle Insurance In North Carolina – By City

Your motorcycle insurance rates in North Carolina will vary depending on your city. For instance, riders in large metropolitan areas face higher rates compared to those in rural areas due to the higher accident rates in densely populated zip codes.

These ten cities offer the lowest motorcycle insurance rates in North Carolina:

Rank City Average Monthly Rate
1 Greenville $55
2 Fayetteville $58
3 Jacksonville $60
4 Asheville $62
5 Winston-Salem $65
6 Durham $67
7 Raleigh $70
8 Wilmington $72
9 Greensboro $75
10 Charlotte $78

Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, having motorcycle insurance isn’t just important—it’s required by law. The state mandates that all motorcyclists carry at least the minimum insurance coverage to legally ride on public roads. This regulation ensures financial accountability for any damages or injuries in the event of an accident.

In North Carolina, the minimum insurance coverage includes liability insurance, which pays for bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others in an accident.

The law specifically requires at least $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to multiple people, and $25,000 for property damage. However, this basic coverage does not cover the rider’s own injuries or motorcycle damages.

For more extensive protection, riders often look into additional coverages like collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Collision insurance covers damage to your motorcycle from accidents, while comprehensive insurance handles non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is crucial in North Carolina due to the high number of drivers and riders who might lack adequate insurance.

Although the law sets minimum insurance requirements, riders should assess their specific needs based on factors such as the value of their motorcycle, how often they ride, and their personal financial situation.

Additionally, not carrying the required insurance can lead to penalties like fines, license suspension, and even motorcycle impoundment.

How To Get A Motorcycle Insurance Quote

Obtaining a motorcycle insurance quote is simple and involves several steps:

Gather Your Personal Information: Before beginning, make sure you have your personal information ready, such as your full name, address, date of birth, and driver’s license number. Also, gather details about any additional riders who may use the motorcycle.

Collect Your Motorcycle’s Details: You will need detailed information about your motorcycle, including the make, model, year, engine size, and vehicle identification number (VIN). Be sure to have details on any modifications or safety features, as these can impact your quote.

Determine Your Insurance Needs: Think about the type of coverage you need, including liability limits and whether you want additional options like comprehensive, collision, or uninsured motorist coverage.

Research Insurance Providers: Research insurance companies that provide motorcycle insurance. Review their reputation, customer service ratings, and financial stability.

Get Quotes: You have the option to request motorcycle insurance quotes through different channels: online, by phone, or in person. Simply share the information you’ve collected with the insurance provider. Utilizing online forms can swiftly provide you with multiple quotes simultaneously, offering convenience. (Services like Insuranceopedia can assist by providing multiple quotes, making your decision-making process smoother.)

Compare Quotes: After obtaining multiple quotes, compare them based not only on price but also on coverage options, deductibles, and any exclusions or limitations. Ensure you’re comparing similar coverage types across different quotes.

Ask About Discounts: Ask about any discounts you might be eligible for, such as those for safe driving, bundling multiple policies, or completing motorcycle safety courses.

Review Quotes and Select a Policy: Evaluate all the information and choose the policy that provides the best mix of price and coverage for your needs.

Provide Additional Information and Make Your Purchase: After choosing a provider, you might need to submit additional information or documents. Review the policy details, make your first payment, and receive your proof of insurance.

After choosing a provider, you might need to submit extra information or documents. Review the policy details, make the first payment, and get your proof of insurance.

 

FAQs

How much is motorcycle insurance in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the average monthly cost for full coverage motorcycle insurance is $31.

Who is the cheapest motorcycle insurance company in North Carolina?

The cheapest motorcycle insurance company in North Carolina is Harley Davidson at $17 per month. Coverage and policyholder service for Harley Davidson is provided by Sentry Insurance Company.

Do you need motorcycle insurance in North Carolina?

North Carolina law requires all motorcycle operators to have motorcycle insurance.

Sources

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