How Much is Motorcycle Insurance for a 16-Year-Old?

When it comes to purchasing motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old in the US, it can be surprisingly expensive. Officially, age 16 is the legal age to acquire a motorcycle license, and insurance but the youngest riders are often considered as high-risk riders by most insurance companies due to lack of riding experience and perceived tendency toward risky behavior.  

So, that’s why 16-year-olds are charged the highest interest rate on average. Of course, the rate varies based on location, demographics, and personal factors, but it’s still the most expensive.  

How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost for a 16-Year-Old?

If you’re considering purchasing minimum liability-only then you can expect to pay an annual premium of above $300. According to recent studies it was found that the average liability only motorcycle insurance rate in the US is $340 for 16-year-olds per year. If you decide to purchase full coverage motorcycle insurance then it can cost you $103 per month, or $1,232 per year on average.  

If you compare the liability only motorcycle insurance rate for the following ages such as 21, and 35, and 50, you will notice that the average motorcycle insurance rate for 16 years old is almost double.

The annual average motorcycle insurance rate is $194 for 21-year-olds, $173 for 35-year-olds, and $191 for 50-year-olds. So, yes, it’s inevitable that motorcycle insurance rates are heavily influenced by age, particularly because of poor track records, and the perceived risk of the youngest riders getting into more accidents.

This draws another question, why is there so much disparity just based on age? Does age truly lead to risky behavior on the road, and are there more reasons? It’s time to explore deeper and get a more in-depth understanding.

Why Do 16 Year Olds Pay the Highest?

Based on the national average cost of liability only motorcycle insurance of $13 per month, or $156 per year, 16-year-olds happen to pay 2.18 times higher for motorcycle insurance in the US compared to the national average.  Does that make motorcycle insurance expensive? Well, it typically does for 16-year-olds, and here’s why. 

Struggling to find an affordable insurance agency offering cheap motorcycle insurance rates with the best coverage options? Consider checking our motorcycle insurance solutions.

More Prone to Reckless Riding 

Apparently most teenage riders of 16 years are prone to speeding and indulging in other risky behavior such as illegal motorcycle racing and pulling dangerous bike stunts. While experiencing such thrilling experiences, they’re often found putting themselves and others in danger.

So, as teenagers have a higher tendency and are more prone to reckless riding, the youngest riders of age 16 are generally perceived as high-risk riders to most insurers, and that’s why this age group is charged the highest motorcycle insurance rate on average.

Lacks Riding Experience 

As 16-year-old teenagers are new riders who have recently either received a learner’s permit or their motorcycle license, this proves that they’re still inexperience beginners. Whether it’s the perceived lack of riding skills, or these new riders being inexperienced make it riskier to insure them.

This is especially because the youngest riders tend to be the most dangerous, especially due to their lack of experience. According to the NIH, the highest number of motorcycle accidents have been caused by a single motorcycle which typically had a young, and inexperienced rider which is 54.3% for riders between ages of 16 to 24.

Negligent Riding 

One of the most important things to do while riding a motorcycle is to ensure that you’re completely focused on the road. Teenagers often give in to the thrill, and ride recklessly by unnecessarily speeding, making risky overtakes and turns.

These negligent riding practices can often lead to severe motorcycle accidents, which could lead to substantial insurance claims of hefty amounts up to the coverage limits. So, this is another reason why 16-year-olds are perceived to be riskier and are charged much higher premiums compared to older age groups.

Can I Join My Parents’ Motorcycle Insurance Policy?

The good news is, yes you can join your parents’ motorcycle insurance policy, and that can substantially reduce your motorcycle insurance premiums. By joining either of your parents’ motorcycle insurance policy, you will be charged slightly higher than what they’re charged.

So, this means you can spend a significant amount on your monthly/annual premiums. Although motorcycle insurance rates vary depending on the types of motorcycle insurance that you’re purchasing, choice of coverage, credit score, riding history, location, and many other factors other than just age.

If you’re willing to join your parents’ motorcycle insurance policy, you better ask them to get in touch with your insurance company to get a quote for the additional premiums. In that way, you will know how much you exactly need to pay for premiums, it will definitely be a lot cheaper than getting a separate policy on your own.

For example, if your parent is paying a rate of $20 for minimum liability per month, then you may probably get one at $30 or $40 per month, whereas you would have to pay around $340 per month on your own with a separate motorcycle insurance policy. 

The Bottom Line

Getting motorcycle insurance at the age of 16 can be challenging, while some insurers don’t offer it for 16-year-olds, while others charge a significantly high rate of about $340 per year on average.  

You can significantly save up if you can get motorcycle insurance with your parent’s policy. However, that may not always be a viable option, especially if you’re living in another state.  

Regardless, age is not the only factor used to determine motorcycle insurance rates, there are many others. Often it can get overwhelming to find affordable options, but as we commit to providing the best motorcycle insurance coverage at the cheapest rate, you can consider finding an agent nearby or contact us with your query or concern for a free consultation and quote today.  

FAQ

Why is motorcycle insurance so expensive for a 16-year-old? 

The main reason motorcycle insurance is so expensive for a 16-year-old is the perceived tendency to ride recklessly and lack of riding experience which could lead to more accidents and higher insurance claims.

What is the average cost of motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old in the US? 

On average motorcycle insurance costs about $340 for a 16-year-old in the US, but it can vary depending on multiple factors such as age, riding experience, license status, location, choice of insurance coverage and more. 

How much is motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old in Texas? 

The average rate for motorcycle insurance in Texas is $121 per month or $1,452 per year.

How much is motorcycle insurance for a 16-year-old in California? 

The average rate for motorcycle insurance in Texas is $149 per month or $1,788 per year.