Our Top 3 Picks for Best Motorcycle Insurance Carriers

You’ve seen glossy magazines and likely frequented bike dealerships in Syracuse and places like Brewerton and Cicero. You’re no stranger to the fact that motorcycles and their various options are so numerous it’ll make your head spin, even if you’re the most hardcore enthusiast.;

Chances are, you didn’t purchase the first motorcycle you came across. Instead, you invested time in researching various styles and models to find the one that best suited your preferences. Your interest in this article indicates that you’re equally committed to selecting the ideal insurance policy for your bike.

It’s a wise move that many savvy riders make, too.

But identifying the perfect insurer that will offer the most relevant coverage for modern bikers is not a simple task. On top of that, there’s a scarcity of articles on the subject, and even fewer focus on New York State and the CNY region specifically.

We’re starting a new trend by upending that tired tradition.

We’ve funneled our years of motorcycle insurance experience and policy writing in CNY into this article. That way, you don’t have to waste precious time sifting through endless pages of irrelevant content to find motorcycle insurance info specific to your needs and locality.

Having worked with several motorcycle insurance carriers over the years, we’ve learned which ones understand the unique needs of our bikers and are tapped into biking culture, given the policy options they offer.

After years of careful vetting, we now know who the top New York motorcycle insurance carriers are, and we’re ready to share that knowledge with you!

It’s no surprise you want to make a well-informed decision when it comes to your bike insurance, just as you did when choosing your motorcycle. Gaining ample knowledge before proceeding is a wise move.

Through this article, we’ll guide you in selecting the best insurance option by presenting the three leading motorcycle insurers in New York State.

How We Chose Our Top 3 Motorcycle Insurance Carriers

You might be aware that motorcycle insurance differs from car insurance. However, you may not realize there are unique differences among motorcycle insurance policies across various carriers.

Some insurers may offer motorcycle coverage more as a convenience than a priority. Opting for a convenient policy is not always ideal. Instead, we advise you to choose an insurance company that views motorcycle coverage as crucial as any other offering.

To assist you, we’ve identified the top three carriers providing exceptional motorcycle policies in New York State. Our selection criteria focused on two aspects:

1. customized coverage options catering to bikers’ needs and
2. efficient claims services

Essentially, we sought carriers with excellent coverage and swift, hassle-free claims processing.

Here are our top 3 picks:

1. Progressive Insurance

Progressive deserves credit for its ability to provide comprehensive insurance coverage beyond just homes and automobiles. They’ve positioned themselves as a top choice for insuring boats, RVs, snowmobiles, and, yes, motorcycles.

Progressive offers a complete suite of insurance policies tailored specifically for modern bikers. They cover a diverse range of bike types (even ones that are difficult to insure), from street sports to trikes and Enduros, making them highly inclusive.

This wide coverage goes hand-in-hand with their option for Agreed Value protection, which—as stated in our essential motorcycle coverages article—means you get the current value of your bike, no matter how old it is when you have an accident.

Agreed Value is the primary coverage we recommend for all bikers if they can obtain it.

Progressive knows medical bills can be expensive if you get hurt on your bike. That’s why they let you choose up to $25,000 in Medical Payments coverage. This is a vital coverage we explained in that same essential coverages article.

The truth is numerous other insurance providers restrict this coverage to just $1,000.

That’s not enough!

Be aware of this distinction when choosing your insurance.

Other Coverage Highlights

Progressive also offers some great benefits for bikers, such as:

• Accessory coverage. $3,000 in accessory coverage for free when you buy comprehensive and collision protection. You can also upgrade to $30,000 if you need more. This is important because most bikes have at least $3,000 worth of accessories added by the dealer or the owner.
• Sign and Drive towing service. No need to pay upfront for towing. Just sign the receipt and go.
• Trip Interruption coverage. If you break down more than 100 miles from home, they’ll cover up to $100 per day for lodging and $50 per day for food, up to $500 total. This can help ease the cost burden while your bike is being repaired.
• Friendly to newbie riders. Progressive welcomes riders who are new to biking, unlike some other carriers who may reject you due to inexperience.

Claims Handling

Claims at Progressive are managed 24 hours a day, ensuring timely support. Their claims specialists undergo extensive training in motorcycle-related matters, and many of them are bikers as well.

You’ll have a dedicated representative throughout the entire claim process, providing a seamless and refreshing experience.

Furthermore, Progressive values its agency partnerships and offers consistent pricing, whether you purchase coverage directly or through an agency like Horan. This enables you to support your local community while still obtaining top-quality insurance services.

To learn more about Progressive, including its origins and other robust policy offerings, read our comprehensive review of the carrier.

2. Geico

You’ve probably heard of Geico unless you never watch TV, drive on highways, or listen to the radio. The carrier dominates the car insurance market thanks to its catchy ads and slogans.

But did you know that it also offers highly competitive motorcycle insurance? They share similar coverage offerings with Progressive, making the decision between the two comparable to choosing between Coke and Pepsi.

However, unlike Progressive, you can’t buy a Geico policy from a local agent. You have to call an 800 number or go online to get a quote through their user-friendly portal and choose your coverage.

This means you need to have some knowledge of insurance terms and options before you sign up.

Additionally, although Geico’s claim service isn’t as superb as Progressive’s, it still surpasses the industry average.

3. Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance has become a popular choice for motorcycle insurance in the last seven years. They have earned high ratings for customer service from JD Power and Forbes. Erie also offers essential coverages that bikers need. In addition to standard protections, you can expect:

• Gear and safety apparel coverage. Protection for items that include your helmet, eyewear, and riding boots. All are automatically covered.
• Accessory coverage. Your custom paint, chrome, saddlebags, and other enhancements are also covered.
• Medical Payments coverage. This can help pay for your medical expenses if you’re injured in an accident.
• Roadside Assistance. For a needed tow if your bike breaks down.
• 12-month policy. You get a full year of protection with no seasonal changes.

One of the benefits of Erie is that you can add your bike to your auto policy. This means you only have one bill and one policy to deal with. And if your bike gets damaged by your car, you only need to make one phone call to file a claim.

And Erie’s claim service is excellent! You’ll also get the support of an independent agent who works with Erie, as we do.

For a more in-depth look at Erie Insurance, its history, and the policies it offers, read our detailed review of the company.

Choose the Right New York Carrier for Your Bike

Investing in the right motorcycle insurance policy is crucial for protecting both yourself and your bike, and that starts with choosing the right carrier. By reviewing our top three carriers—Progressive, Geico, and Erie Insurance—you can make an informed decision based on their strengths, coverage options, and claims services.

Each offers distinct advantages and excellent coverage, allowing you to choose an insurer that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. Be sure to thoroughly compare quotes and features for each one before making your final choice, as your safety and your bike’s protection hold great importance.

We want you to enjoy the road, but we also want you to be safe while doing so. Ultimately, arming yourself with the knowledge presented in this article will ensure you select the best insurance provider, enabling you to enjoy your motorcycle adventures with peace of mind.

As an agency with years of experience and many motorcycle insurance policies to our credit, we can help you secure tailored coverage that meets your needs, expectations, and budget.

To get started, simply click the Get a Quote button below, and a Horan insurance specialist will contact you. The journey to adequate protection and miles of cruising idyllic CNY country roads is moments away. We’re waiting to hear from you.

But if you need more info to make a well-informed policy-buying decision, read “4 Factors That Affect the Cost of Motorcycle Insurance.”