Motorcycle Insurance in Georgia: Laws, Coverage, and Costs

Are you confident your motorcycle insurance meets Georgia’s legal standards?

What would happen if you got pulled over—or worse, had an accident—and found out too late your coverage was lacking?

This guide will walk you through everything Georgia motorcyclists need to know about insurance—what’s required by law, the smartest optional coverages to consider, what it all costs, and how to save money without sacrificing protection.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The exact insurance coverage Georgia law requires—and the penalties for falling short
• Optional coverage types that smart riders choose for greater peace of mind
• How much motorcycle insurance really costs in Georgia (with top carrier comparisons)
• Factors that impact your rates and the best ways to save
• Tips for choosing the right policy and avoiding costly mistakes

Georgia’s Motorcycle Insurance Laws: What You Must Know

Legal Requirements Under Georgia Code

In Georgia, motorcycles are treated like motor vehicles—meaning you must carry liability insurance to ride legally. Under Georgia Code § 40-6-11 and § 40-9-37:

• Motorcycle insurance is mandatory
• Riding uninsured is a misdemeanor
• Insurance status is tracked electronically via GEICS

What Counts as a Motorcycle?

Georgia defines a motorcycle as any motor vehicle with no more than three wheels, a seat or saddle for the rider, and the ability to travel on public roads—excluding mopeds and tractors.

Proof of Insurance Rules

You must carry proof of insurance while riding—either physical or digital. Law enforcement is required to ask for it during stops. If you can’t produce proof, you’ll face a $25 fine (but not a license suspension).

Minimum Coverage Requirements: 25/50/25

To ride legally, you must have at least:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 per accident for property damage

Why it matters: These minimums may not cover serious accidents—many riders opt for higher limits.

Penalties for Riding Without Insurance

Immediate consequences include:

• Suspension of registration and license
• Fines up to $185
• Motorcycle impoundment
• Reinstatement fees ($25–$160)

Long-term risks: If you’re uninsured during an accident, you’re personally liable for all damages—which can mean wage garnishment, lawsuits, or worse.

Understanding Your Coverage Options

Required: Bodily Injury and Property Damage (BI/PD)

Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others—not yourself. Also includes legal fees if you’re sued.

Highly Recommended Optional Coverages

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM):
Protects you from drivers with no (or not enough) insurance. Covers medical bills, lost wages, motorcycle repairs, and more.

Comprehensive Coverage:
Pays for non-collision incidents like theft, weather damage, fire, or animal strikes.

Collision Coverage:
Covers damage to your bike in any crash—regardless of fault.

Medical Payments (MedPay):
Covers your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. Includes ER visits, ambulance rides, surgery, and more.

Specialized Motorcycle Coverages

Accessories & Custom Parts (CPE):
Protects custom gear like chrome upgrades, custom seats, saddlebags, and performance mods. Many policies start at $3,000 coverage with options up to $30,000 or more.

Safety Riding Apparel (SRA):
Covers damaged gear—helmets, jackets, gloves, and boots—up to $3,000, typically without a deductible.

Roadside Assistance & Trip Interruption:
Covers towing, flat tires, emergency fuel, and travel costs if you break down away from home.

Total Loss Coverage for New Bikes:
Replaces your totaled bike with a brand-new one (not depreciated value) for recent model years.

What Is “Full Coverage” Motorcycle Insurance?

Though there’s no true “full” coverage, the term typically includes:

• State-required BI/PD liability
• Comprehensive and collision
• UM/UIM
• MedPay
• Custom parts and gear protection

Tip: Choose your limits and deductibles based on your motorcycle’s value, your budget, and your risk tolerance. A well-rounded policy starts with the right quote.

Motorcycle Insurance Costs in Georgia: What to Expect

Average Costs

• Minimum liability: ~$12/month or $142/year
• Full coverage: ~$60/month or $724/year
• Overall average: ~$38/month or $456/year

Georgia rates are about 19% higher than the national average.

Cheapest Full Coverage Rates by Company

1. Harley-Davidson Insurance: $21/month
2. Dairyland: $22/month
3. Allstate: $30/month
4. Progressive: $33/month
5. Geico: $49/month

Regional Price Differences

• Most Expensive: Atlanta – $53/month
• Least Expensive: Valdosta, Brunswick, Thomasville – $33/month

Use these averages as a guide—but remember, your rate depends on you. Want to know your exact number? Get a quote today.

What Affects Your Motorcycle Insurance Rates?

1. Age & Experience:
   Younger or new riders pay more. Rates drop around age 25.
2. Driving Record:
   Tickets and accidents increase costs. A DUI can triple your rates.
3. Motorcycle Type:
   Sport bikes cost more to insure than cruisers or standard bikes.
4. Location & Storage:
   Urban riders pay more; secure garages and anti-theft devices reduce premiums.
5. Coverage Choices:
   Higher limits or lower deductibles = higher premiums.
6. Personal Factors:
   Credit score, marital status, education, and military service all influence pricing.

Only a personalized quote can help you understand how these factors affect your premium. Take two minutes and get one now.

9 Money-Saving Strategies for Georgia Riders

1. Compare Quotes from Multiple Insurers
2. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course (MSF-approved)
3. Get a Full Class M Motorcycle License
4. Bundle with Home or Auto Insurance
5. Keep a Clean Driving Record
6. Choose Higher Deductibles (if you can afford them)
7. Install Anti-Theft or GPS Devices
8. Pay Your Premium Annually
9. Join Motorcycle Associations (AMA, HOG)

Use these tips to lower your rate—then act on them by getting your quote and locking in savings.

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Insurance Policy

For New or Financed Bikes:

• Full coverage is often required by lenders
• Consider gap coverage if your loan exceeds the bike’s value

For Older or Paid-Off Bikes:

• Consider skipping collision if the bike’s value is low
• Liability remains essential

For Custom or High-Value Motorcycles:

• Get extra CPE coverage
• Document all modifications with photos and receipts

Recommended Minimum Coverage Levels:

• Liability: 100/300/100
• UM/UIM: Match your liability limits
• MedPay: At least $5,000–$10,000

Not sure where to start? Getting a quote is the fastest way to see which coverage levels make the most sense for you.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

• What discounts do I qualify for?
• How are claims handled?
• Are repair shop choices limited?
• Does it cover out-of-state riding?
• Are seasonal or storage discounts available?

Ask these questions—and then get a quote to compare real answers in action.

Georgia-Specific Considerations

Seasonal Riding and Storage

• Ask about lay-up or seasonal policies
• Maintain comprehensive coverage even when storing

Event and Rally Coverage

• Confirm your policy covers organized rides and non-competitive events

Even if you only ride part of the year, getting a quote helps you adjust your coverage and avoid overpaying.

Common Motorcycle Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

1. Relying on Minimum Coverage Only
2. Skipping UM/UIM Coverage
3. Not Reporting Custom Mods
4. Assuming Home Insurance Covers Motorcycle Gear
5. Failing to Review Your Policy Annually

Avoid these pitfalls—get a quote that accounts for your full situation and protects what matters most.

Work with a Motorcycle Insurance Expert

Choosing the right coverage can be complicated. At The Oak Insurance Group, we help Georgia riders:

• Avoid coverage gaps
• Access discounts
• Select policies tailored to your riding habits
• Handle claims with confidence

Let’s start with a quote—and work from there.

Conclusion: Ride Protected with Peace of Mind

At the end of the day, motorcycle insurance isn’t just a legal necessity—it’s your first line of defense when life on two wheels takes a wrong turn. This is especially true in Georgia, where insurance requirements are strict and uninsured drivers are far too common. Now that you understand the laws, coverage options, and cost-saving strategies, you’re in a stronger position to ride protected.

Your next step? Get a quote that reflects your needs, your bike, and your budget.

Whether you’re cruising through Atlanta or winding through North Georgia’s scenic routes, knowing you’re properly insured brings unmatched peace of mind. Get a quote today—your ride and your wallet will thank you.