Can You Get Motorcycle Insurance with a Permit?

Whether it comes to owning, or riding a motorcycle, it is legally mandatory for you to have motorcycle insurance in most states in the US. Without motorcycle insurance, it is illegal for you to either own a bike or even ride it on the streets. It can lead to legal penalties such as a fine of up to $500, and 1-year jailtime, or both, depending on state laws.

Generally, most insurance companies prefer customers with an active motorcycle license. This might leave new riders such as yourself wondering “can I get motorcycle insurance with a permit?”

The good news is, yes you can. While it might take a bit more effort and careful planning, by following this practical guide, you can get your motorcycle license as a permit holder.

Can You Get Motorcycle Insurance with a Permit?

Even though the short answer is, yes you can get motorcycle insurance with a permit, in reality it’s not that easy. This is mainly due to the alarmingly high number of motorcycle accidents in the US.  

According to the NHTSA, 82,687 motorcyclists have been injured in 2022, and 84,898 in 2021. In 2022, there have been 6,143 death of motorcycle riders, which is 1% more than 2021. Based on IIHS report, 36% of motorcycle accidents involve untrained, and unlicensed riders.  

On top of that, young riders from the age of 18 to 21 have a concerning record of getting involved in the highest number of motorcycle accidents. Regardless of individual records, or riding skills, even with a permit you’re potentially regarded as a high risk for most insurance companies.  

So, that’s why it’s harder, and it can be more expensive to get motorcycle insurance with a permit. Despite all odds, there are many insurance companies that do provide motorcycle insurance for permit holders. And, in this guide you will learn practical steps to maximize your opportunities to get one.  

Also Read: Can I Get Motorcycle Insurance Without a License?

How to Get Motorcycle Insurance with a Permit?

Getting motorcycle insurance with a permit can be challenging but it’s easier if you follow the right steps. So, by educating yourself, and implementing practical strategies you can overcome the obstacles and purchase the best motorcycle insurance policy that provides adequate coverage within your budget.

To help you through the process, this step-by-step guide outlines what you need to do to secure motorcycle insurance with a permit.

Find a Motorcycle Insurance Provider that Allows Learner’s Permit 

The first thing that you need to do is to find an insurer that allows a learner’s permit. You can search for auto insurance companies online, or the ones that are nearby. Check the insurance company website, and shortlist at least 5 insurers that provide motorcycle insurance.  

Check the terms and conditions for getting their motorcycle insurance. If it’s not mentioned contact the insurance company using the form on their website or call them to directly talk to their insurance agent.  

Ask the agent whether they provide motorcycle insurance with learner’s permit, if so, the insurance agent should follow you through the information, and documents that you will need to provide. The agent may even arrange an interview later or ask questions to verify whether you’re eligible based on their company’s terms and conditions.  

Additionally, consider using third-party platforms like Reddit, Quora, or motorcycle forums to gather recommendations from other riders and industry experts. These platforms can provide valuable insights and suggestions to help you identify insurers that accept learner’s permits.

It can get quite difficult to find an insurer that provides motorcycle insurance to permit holders. Here at L.A. Insurance, we strive to provide insurance to everyone at an affordable rate. So, if you’re looking for cheap motorcycle insurance as a permit holder, you can consider checking our solutions.  

Apart from motorcycle insurance, as an affordable insurance agency with nationwide operations, we also provide various auto insurance policies.  

Take a Motorcycle Safety Course

The main reason insurance companies are reluctant to provide motorcycle insurance to permit holders such as yourself is, you’re deemed as a much higher risk to them. According to recent studies the chances of getting into a motorcycle accident in the US is 28 times higher than any other vehicle.  

So, this means anyone with a learner’s permit is at higher risk of getting into a motorcycle accident. As a permit holder, there’s a much higher chance of you getting involved in a motorcycle accident and then claiming the insurance to cover the damages.  

The best way for you to prove that you’re a responsible rider, and you’re taking actionable steps to ride safely is by taking a motorcycle safety course. In this course, you will gain practical safe riding experience, as you will learn to:  

• Safe ways to accelerate  
• Effectively use the brakes
• Proper method of shifting gears timely
• Navigating roundabouts and U-turns
• Changing lanes while following traffic laws

After you’re done with the course, you will get a certificate which proves that you’re aware of the safety regulations. You can use it to persuade insurance companies and negotiate the rates.

Maintain a Clean Riding Track Record

If you can maintain a clean riding track record, and show that you haven’t violated any traffic laws, then it can substantially boost your chances of getting motorcycle insurance. A clean riding record will basically demonstrate that you are a safe rider, and as you abide by the state’s traffic regulations, you’re less prone to getting into a motorcycle accident.  

On the other hand, if you have violated traffic laws, and if you’ve even ended up in a motorcycle accident recently, or any time in the last 3 years then it can drastically affect your eligibility requirements.  

However, if you can still prove that you’re willing to change, and you’re now more cautious, then you may be able to persuade the insurer that you’re eligible for motorcycle insurance with a permit.  

You can show evidence of recent improvements in your riding track record, such as obeying traffic laws, and not facing any tickets, fines, or other legal penalties. Every insurer has access to the local DMV database, so they can even cross check to verify your records. So, if you can maintain a clean riding record at a stretch then you have higher chances of securing motorcycle insurance and negotiating better rates as a permit holder.  

Talk to an Insurance Agent

The final step comes down to talking to an insurance agent. During this conversation, you should express your commitment to financial safety, and at the same time you also need to emphasize your proactive approach to safe riding.  

There are many reputed insurance agencies that offer motorcycle insurance to permit holders, but to prove that you’re eligible you need to present yourself as a low-risk rider. To strengthen your claim, you can highlight your safe riding practices and mention any safety courses that you’ve taken.  

Remember, insurance agents want to help you find the right coverage, but as you’re a permit holder it’s even more important to assess any risk factors. So, by presenting yourself as a responsible, and informed rider, you can improve your chances of getting a motorcycle insurance policy that fits your needs within your budget.  

Reasons You Need Motorcycle Insurance Even with a Permit

Whether you’re a licensed rider, or a permit holder, it is legally mandatory to have motorcycle insurance to own and ride a motorcycle. It’s also important to keep in mind that motorcycles are most prone to accidents of all vehicles. So, that puts you under substantial financial risk.

So, to keep yourself financially secure, and maintain legal compliance, it is crucial to have motorcycle insurance even with a permit. Here are some key reasons why it’s essential to have motorcycle insurance for permit holders.

• Legal Compliance: To own a motorcycle, and to ride it you must have motorcycle insurance in most states in the US. Riding uninsured can lead to a fine of $500 or more, up to 1-year jailtime or both.  
• Court Proceeding Costs: You will have to hire a lawyer, and deal with court proceedings. Failure to appear in court trials or not complying with court orders can lead to increased fines, extended jailtime and more severe punishments.  
• Financial Protection: The cost of repairing your motorcycle and compensating the other driver if you’re at fault for the accident can cost a lot. Without being insured, it can be a huge financial burden.  
• Medical Coverage: Depending on the severity of the accident, the medical bills can be very expensive, and difficult to afford. So, avoid the overwhelming financial burden of medical bills, it’s crucial to stay insured.
• Building a Policy History: Getting motorcycle insurance early on can be highly beneficial as it increases the potential for better rates, bundle offers, and discounts.  

Types of Motorcycle Insurance to Consider for Permit Holders 

When it comes to motorcycle insurance, there is a wide range of options to choose from. Depending on the state that you’re residing in, there are a few motorcycle insurance policies that are mandatory, whereas others are optional.  

So, to comply with legal requirements, and to protect yourself financially, the following includes motorcycle insurance that you should consider as a permit holder.

• Liability Motorcycle Insurance: This is a mandatory insurance policy in every state in the US, except New Hampshire, Florida, and Montana. It covers the medical bills, vehicle damage, and property repair expenses of the other driver, their passengers, and any other third party involved. It does not cover any of your expenses.  
• Guest Passenger Liability Insurance: Guest passenger liability insurance is a mandatory requirement in Texas. While it’s optional in other states, it is highly recommended that you have it to cover the medical bills of your passenger in the event of an accident.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance: PIP insurance is mandatory in all 12 no-fault states in the US. This insurance policy is designed to cover your and passenger’s medical bills, loss of income, hospital stays, childcare, physical therapy, disability and rehab costs, along with funeral expenses regardless of whoever is at-fault. Even if it’s not mandatory in your state, it’s highly recommended to get PIP insurance, as it’s a crucial financial protection for motorcyclists.  
• MedPay (Medical Payments) Insurance: PIP insurance is not available in some states which includes Arkansas, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. So, as an alternative you should MedPay insurance to cover medical expenses and treatment costs after a motorcycle accident. MedPay insurance also covers you and your passengers.  
• Collision Insurance: Whether your motorcycle crashes with another vehicle, object or an animal such as a deer, the collision insurance will cover the motorcycle’s repair, and replacement costs up till the coverage limit. This makes it a very essential optional motorcycle insurance policy.
• Comprehensive Insurance: If your motorcycle gets stolen, or gets damaged by vandalism, fire, or due to severe weather conditions like storms, earthquakes, flood among others, the comprehensive insurance will cover your motorcycle’s repair, and replacement costs up to the coverage limit.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance: If any uninsured or underinsured person is responsible for an at-fault accident, then this insurance policy will cover all their liability expenses.  

While you’re on the verge of getting the required motorcycle insurance, make sure to ask your insurer whether you can get these optional insurance policies too, as it’s crucial to stay financially secure.  

Read More: How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost? 

Final Thoughts: Can You Get Motorcycle Insurance with a Permit?  

Yes, it is possible to get motorcycle insurance with a learner’s permit. But to get motorcycle insurance with your learner’s permit, you must act tactfully to prove your eligibility.  

By taking proactive steps, such as maintaining a clean driving record, completing a motorcycle safety course, and working closely with an insurance agent you can secure the best motorcycle insurance coverage to ride legally, and protect yourself financially.  

If you’re facing difficulties, or if you are unsure where to start, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about motorcycle insurance, and how we help permit holders get the best insurance coverage in an affordable budget.  

FAQ

Can you get motorcycle insurance with just a permit?

Yes, you can get motorcycle insurance even with a learner’s permit. However it can be a bit challenging as most insurance companies might see you as a high-risk rider. By applying some proactive steps like maintaining a clean riding record, getting certified in a motorcycle safety course, and by working close with an insurance agent, it is possible to secure motorcycle insurance with a permit.  

Can I register a motorcycle without insurance? 

Nearly every state in the US requires proof of insurance to register a motorcycle except Florida, Montana, and New Hampshire. So, apart from these three states, you cannot register a motorcycle without insurance.

What happens if I get pulled over with a permit and no motorcycle insurance?

Even with a learner’s permit, it is mandatory for you to have motorcycle insurance in almost every state in the US. So, without proof of motorcycle insurance, you can get fined $500, and jailed for up to 1 year, or both.