Key Risk Factors

• No protective shell or padding like automobiles
• Vulnerability to weather, road conditions, and debris
• Higher speeds are possible with a lighter vehicle
• Difficulty for other drivers to see motorcycles
• Limited ability to avoid collisions
• Serious injury is more likely than accidents in enclosed vehicles
• Fatal outcomes occur from relatively minor accidents

Variables Affecting Individual Risk

• Frequency: Weekly riders are at a higher risk than occasional riders
• Mileage: Annual miles traveled affects exposure
• Experience: Veteran riders have a lower risk than new riders
• Type of riding: Highway vs. street vs. track
• Motorcycle type: Sport bikes are at a higher risk than cruisers
• Protective equipment: Helmet and gear practices matter
• Age: Younger riders are at a statistically higher risk

Why This Matters for Insurance

• Higher mortality means higher expected claims
• Higher premiums are necessary to cover increased risk
• Some insurers decline motorcycle riders entirely
• Those who insure riders charge materially higher rates
• Underwriting will be more detailed than for standard applicants
• Riding activity is not ignored or treated as a minor factor

Questions Underwriters Ask

• Do you own or operate a motorcycle?
• How frequently do you ride (monthly miles/hours)?
• How many years have you ridden?
• What type of motorcycle do you ride?
• What type of riding (street, highway, track)?
• Have you had motorcycle accidents?
• Do you ride competitively or for sport?
• What safety equipment do you consistently use?

Underwriting Outcomes by Profile

• Occasional highway rider, 10+ years experience: Table rating 1-2 (15-25% increase)
• Regular commuter (100-200 miles/week): Table rating 2-3 (25-50% increase)
• Frequent rider (300+ miles/week): Table rating 3-4 or decline
• Racing/track days: Often declined or heavily rated
• New riders (under 2 years): Higher rating even if infrequent
• Recent accident history: Decline or substantial rating

Medical Underwriting Considerations

• Standard underwriting applies to health factors
• A medical exam may be required, depending on the coverage amount
• Motorcycle risk is added on top of the health assessment
• Pre-existing health conditions still affect underwriting
• Riding risk and health risk combine for the total premium
• Some conditions may interact with riding risk concerns

Example Premium Comparison

• Non-rider, age 35: $400,000 coverage = $35/month
• Same person, occasional rider: $35/month + 20% = $42/month
• Same person, regular rider: $35/month + 35% = $47/month
• Same person, frequent rider: $35/month + 50% = $52/month
• Cost difference: $7-17/month or $84-204/year for riders
• Over 20-year policy: $1,680-$4,080 cumulative difference

Factors Within Rider Control

• Gaining more years of riding experience lowers the rating
• Reducing annual riding mileage lowers the rating
• Choosing lower-risk motorcycle types lowers the rating
• Avoiding racing or track activities lowers the rating
• Demonstrating consistent safety practices lowers the rating
• Maintaining a clean driving record (motorcycle and car) lowers the rating

Insurer Variation

• Some carriers decline all motorcycle riders
• Some accept occasional riders only
• Specialty high-risk insurers are more motorcycle-friendly
• Independent agents have access to more companies than direct carriers
• Shopping multiple insurers is essential for competitive rates
• Rates can vary 20-30% for an identical risk profile between insurers

Policy Type Considerations

• Term life: Most appropriate for most riders; 20-30 years recommended
• Cost-effective: More affordable despite the motorcycle rating
• Coverage amount: Can be higher with term than with whole life
• Whole life option: Consider if coverage to age 100+ is desired
• Conversion right: Can convert to permanent if circumstances change
• Avoid short-term: A 10-year term may be insufficient for family needs

Coverage Amount Strategy

• Calculate total family financial need (mortgage, debt, income replacement)
• Motorcycle riders should NOT reduce coverage to lower premiums
• Increased risk means increased importance of adequate protection
• Example: Family needing $750,000 should obtain $750,000, not less
• Accept slightly higher premiums rather than reduce coverage
• Review coverage annually and increase if needs grow

Combining Coverage Types

• Group coverage through the employer: Foundation protection
• Individual term: Supplement group for total need coverage
• Consider permanent policy: Small amount locks in lifetime coverage
• Motorcycle rating affects total cost, so plan accordingly
• Higher coverage amounts may have multiple policies from different insurers

Information to Prepare

• Motorcycle ownership details (year, make, model, type)
• Estimated annual riding miles or hours
• Years of riding experience (start date when began)
• Primary riding purpose (commute, leisure, sport, etc.)
• Motorcycle safety certifications or training completed
• Standard safety equipment used (helmet type, protective gear)
• Any motorcycle accidents or violations in the past 5-10 years
• Driving record for motor vehicle violations

Application Timing

• Medical underwriting: 1-2 weeks if exam required
• Records retrieval: 1-2 weeks for motorcycle/driving records
• Underwriting review: 1-2 weeks for decision
• Total timeline: 2-4 weeks, typical for approval
• Denialsare  typically decided within 2-3 weeks
• Don’t apply to multiple companies simultaneously (impacts credit)

Working with Your Agent

• Tell your agent upfront about motorcycle riding
• Ask which insurers are most rider-friendly before application
• Request agent shop multiple companies
• Ask about the motorcycle experience of the underwriter
• Clarify any underwriting questions during the process
• Request an appeal if a denial is received (circumstances may change the outcome)

Full Transparency Approach

• Disclose all motorcycle activity honestly
• Provide a realistic assessment of riding frequency
• State experience level accurately
• Disclose any motorcycle accidents or violations
• Answer all questions completely and truthfully
• Update information if circumstances change
• A higher premium now is better than a denied claim later

How Insurers Discover Misrepresentation

• Motorcycle accident claim triggers investigation
• Medical records from the accident reveal motorcycle involvement
• Police reports document motorcycle accident details
• Social media and online presence are reviewed in the claims investigation
• Friends or family interviews may reveal riding activity
• Motorcycle clubs or online forums may document activity
• Insurance investigators actively look for misrepresentation

Real Consequence Examples

• Rider dies in motorcycle accident; family denied death benefit due to non-disclosure
• Rider claims motorcycle is an occasional hobby; actually races weekly
• Claims investigation uncovers Instagram posts showing frequent riding
• Family receives nothing after months of waiting for benefit payment
• Widow left to pay the mortgage alone after relying on life insurance

Safety Certifications and Training

• Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) courses
• Rider training and defensive riding courses
• Safety certifications from recognized organizations
• Advanced rider training for experienced riders
• Can reduce rating by 10-15% when documented
• Demonstrates a serious approach to safety

Risk Reduction Practices

• Reduce annual riding mileage if possible
• Limit riding to safer conditions (daytime, dry weather, highways)
• Avoid racing, track days, or sport riding
• Transition to a lower-risk motorcycle type
• Maintain a clean driving record (no violations)
• Participate in safety associations or groups
• Use high-quality safety equipment consistently

Motorcycle Type Considerations

• Cruisers/touring: Lower insurance ratings (safer perceived)
• Standard motorcycles: Moderate ratings
• Sport bikes: Higher ratings (high-performance reputation)
• Dirt bikes/dual-sport: Ratings vary; off-road use concerns underwriters
• Motorcycle choice affects the premium alongside other factors
• The insurer can be asked about specific models before purchase

What to Look For in an Insurer

• Specific experience in underwriting motorcycle riders
• Accepts your particular riding profile
• Competitive pricing for motorcycle activity
• Clear underwriting guidelines (not vague rejection)
• Underwriters who understand the motorcycle community
• Reasonable requirements for documentation
• Supportive claims process for motorcycle incidents

Shopping Strategy

• Work with independent agents with access to multiple carriers
• Provide agents with complete information upfront about the riding
• Ask agents which companies are most receptive to motorcycle riders
• Request quotes from at least 3-4 different companies
• Compare not just premiums but underwriting conditions
• Don’t apply directly to multiple companies yourself (credit impact)
• Let your agent coordinate multiple company submissions

Red Flags to Avoid

• The agent suggests not disclosing motorcycle activity
• The application does not ask about motorcycle riding
• Insurer offers identical rates for riders and non-riders
• Underwriter dismisses riding as “not relevant”
• The company has no experience with motorcycle applicants
• The application process is vague or unclear about coverage

Will my motorcycle riding automatically disqualify me from life insurance?

Direct answer: No, motorcycle riding does not automatically disqualify you, but it will affect your premium and may limit which insurers can accept you.

Most reputable insurers accept motorcycle riders, particularly if riding is infrequent or cautious. Some carriers specialize in high-risk hobbies and occupations and view motorcycle riders as routine business. The outcome depends on your specific riding profile, your experience level, and which company you apply with. Declining from one insurer does not mean you cannot get coverage—simply that the company has its own underwriting guidelines. Shop multiple insurers to find one willing to cover your situation.

How much more will I pay due to motorcycle riding?

Direct answer: Expect premiums 15-50% higher than standard rates, depending on riding frequency and experience. The exact increase varies by insurer and your specific profile.

An occasional rider with 10+ years of experience might see a 15-25% increase. A frequent rider or newer rider might see 35-50% or higher premiums. Some insurers price more aggressively for motorcycle activity than others, making shopping multiple carriers important. For example, a $30/month standard policy might become $35-45/month for a motorcycle rider. While meaningful, this cost is manageable over a 20-year term policy and should not prevent obtaining necessary coverage.

What if I don’t mention my motorcycle when applying?

Direct answer: Never omit or minimize motorcycle riding on your application. This is misrepresentation and can result in your family being denied the death benefit.

If you die in a motorcycle accident and the insurer discovers you failed to disclose the activity, your policy can be rescinded, and your family receives nothing. Insurance companies investigate motorcycle-related deaths thoroughly. Medical records from the accident, police reports, and social media all reveal the truth. Your beneficiaries will face a financial crisis when the insurance company denies the claim. The slightly higher premium you pay by being honest is insignificant compared to ensuring your family gets paid when it matters most. Always disclose fully.

Can I get coverage if I race motorcycles competitively?

Direct answer: Competitive motorcycle racing is difficult to insure through standard carriers but may be available through specialty insurers with higher premiums or potentially declined.

Motorsport activity is viewed as substantially higher risk than street or recreational riding. Many standard insurers decline competitive racers entirely. Some specialty high-risk insurers accept racers, but at significantly elevated premiums. Track days and amateur racing may be treated similarly or separately, depending on the insurer. If you race motorcycles, disclose this clearly during the application and work with your agent to find appropriate coverage. Never attempt to hide racing activity—it will be discovered if a claim arises.

If I stop riding motorcycles, can I get a rate reduction?

Direct answer: Yes, if you permanently stop riding, you can typically request a rate review and receive a lower premium based on your reduced risk profile.

After you have been rated for motorcycle activity and the policy is in force, if you stop riding, you can notify your insurer and request a policy amendment removing the motorcycle rider and associated rating. The rate reduction becomes effective typically on your next policy renewal. You will need to confirm in writing that you no longer own or operate a motorcycle. Some companies may request proof, such as no motorcycle registrations in your name. The rate reduction is not automatic—you must request it and provide confirmation of no longer riding.

Do I need to report motorcycle activities to my insurer if coverage is already in place?

Direct answer: You should notify your insurer of significant changes in riding activity, such as increasing from occasional to frequent riding or starting competitive racing.

If your riding habits change materially after the policy is issued, you have an obligation to update your insurer. This is part of maintaining accurate information with your carrier. Failing to report significant increases in riding activity could be considered misrepresentation at the time of a claim. If you initially disclosed occasional riding at 50 miles/week and later are riding 300 miles/week, this material change should be reported. Your premium may increase, but maintaining honesty protects the validity of your coverage for your family.