Dirt Bike Insurance

A dirt bike is a lightweight motorcycle with knobby tires and a tough suspension, designed to accommodate off-road use and rugged terrain. Some states require dirt bike insurance by law, even if you only ride off-road. In other states, whether to insure the bike is up to you. Regardless, getting the proper coverage for your dirt bike can be wise, considering the risk it might pose to you and others. Just one accident without the right coverage could end up costing you big-time.

Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can help you find all the dirt bike insurance you need. They can recommend the ideal policy for your unique dirt bike. But until then, here's a breakdown of dirt bike insurance, what it covers, and more.

Do You Need Insurance on a Dirt Bike?

Though similar, dirt bike insurance should not be confused with motorcycle insurance. Dirt bikes are considered off-highway vehicles and aren't categorized as street-legal unless you add specific features, including headlights, tail lights, and turn signals. For off-road dirt bike riding, you need coverage that more effectively addresses the dangers that may arise on trails, dirt paths, or other off-road riding situations.

Most localities require street bike riders to be covered by a car insurance policy. However, since unmodified dirt bikes are not street-legal, few areas require off-road riders to be insured. You may still want to consider protecting yourself and your finances with dirt bike insurance, though. A comprehensive insurance policy can save you from high out-of-pocket costs due to injury, theft, and damage to your bike, as well as potential lawsuits related to third-party claims of property damage or bodily injury caused by you and your dirt bike.

What Does Dirt Bike Insurance Cover?

The type of dirt bike insurance you need depends on how you plan to use the vehicle. If you only plan to use your dirt bike to make occasional trips or to ride gentle slopes and trails, you'll need different coverage than if you intend to participate in high-speed motocross competitions against other riders. Here are some of the most common options when it comes to dirt bike insurance:

Bodily injury liability insurance: This protects you against the cost of medical expenses from injuries you cause other people, including your passengers, while riding your dirt bike. It covers the injured person’s doctor visits, medications, lost wages, physical therapy visits, hospital stays, and funeral expenses.
Property damage liability insurance: This can pay for damage to other people’s property you cause with your dirt bike. Depending on the insurer and the policy, this portion of your liability coverage may be combined with bodily injury.
Comprehensive insurance: This can reimburse you for the theft of your dirt bike from your home, trailer, or transport vehicle. It can also protect you from many other threats to your dirt bike that aren't collision-related, such as vandalism and damage from severe weather.
Collision insurance: This covers damage to your dirt bike if you hit objects or other riders. Though typically optional, this coverage can help you recover financially if your bike gets damaged in a collision with a tree, fence, boulder, or another trail rider, even if you're at fault.
Medical payments insurance: This can reimburse you for medical expenses if you or your passengers get injured in an accident. It helps cover many potential medical costs from a dirt bike accident, even if you were at fault.
Roadside assistance coverage: This can pay for professional help services if you get stuck in sand or mud while out riding. It can also help pay for professional transport of the dirt bike if it breaks down away from home.
Total loss coverage: This can reimburse you for the full replacement value of your dirt bike, minus the cost of your policy's deductible, if it's declared a total loss. Coverage is typically only available for newer dirt bikes.

Some dirt bike insurance companies cover street bikes but not off-road or motocross bikes. Working with an independent insurance agent can be extremely helpful since these agents know exactly where to find the right coverage for your specific dirt bike.

How Much Does Dirt Bike Insurance Cost?

The cost of dirt bike insurance can vary depending on many factors, but you can get a liability-only policy for as low as $75 per year. Some of the factors that may influence the cost of your policy include:

The make and model of the dirt bike
How often and where the dirt bike is used
How the dirt bike is stored when not in use
How much coverage you need
Any prior claims history

An independent insurance agent can help you find affordable dirt bike insurance in your area.

Here's How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

Independent insurance agents know which carriers offer the dirt bike insurance you need. They can shop and compare quotes and policies from many insurance companies. Ultimately, they'll get you matched to the policy that offers the best overall blend of coverage and cost. And down the road, your agent can help file claims for you and update your coverage as necessary.

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