The General Motorcycle Insurance
The General offers standard motorcycle insurance for high-risk drivers, but it doesn’t have as many coverage options as competitors.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The General sells affordable motorcycle insurance that is underwritten by another company, Dairyland. Coverage options are pretty standard but this company is a good pick for drivers with accidents on record.
Insuring a motorcycle is a bit different than insuring a car. While some of the coverage options are similar, your bike is limited to certain kinds of coverage with The General. Whether you drive a dirt bike, sport bike, or cruiser, here’s what you need to know about
motorcycle insurance
with The General.Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversDoes The General offer motorcycle insurance?
Yes, you can buy motorcycle insurance from The General as well as standard car insurance coverage. It’s only available in 46 states and your policy is underwritten by another company, Dairyland.
You and your motorcycle need the same kind of coverage as any other driver. This includes basic
liability coverage
, comprehensive
, and collision
coverage. You can also get personal injury protection (PIP)
and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
.The General offers policies for a
wide variety of motorcycles
, including sport bikes, electric motorcycles, dirt bikes, and even ATVs. This company is generally willing to work with high-risk drivers, including people who need an SR-22
.Accident forgiveness is not available with motorcycle insurance from The General.
To get a quote or buy a policy, you can call 844-328-0306, go to their website, or visit a local office. Remember to bring your motorcycle’s VIN.
Cost
There’s not much information on The General’s website about the price of motorcycle insurance with this company. You may be able to pay as little as $20 for basic liability coverage. However, The General says that the average annual cost of motorcycle coverage is about $500.
Because The General specializes in high-risk drivers, you can expect to pay higher than average prices for coverage. However, insurance premiums are highly individualized. Your driving record, your credit score, your history of accidents, and what kind of motorcycle you drive are all factors that will affect how much you pay for coverage with The General.
Coverage options
The General offers a variety of coverage options that will suit most drivers, such as standard liability insurance and full coverage. However, The General’s selection of add-ons is not as robust as other providers.
Here’s a table that shows some of your motorcycle coverage options with The General.
Coverage | Description | Example | Included automatically? | Do I need it? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pays for injuries to others if you’re at fault in an accident | You crash into another driver in a parking lot and they get a concussion. Your BIL policy would kick in to pay for their medical expenses, up to your limit. | No | Probably—check your state’s laws for BIL requirements. | |
Pays for repairs to other drivers’ bikes if you’re at fault in an accident | You hit another motorcyclist while out at the trails, and their bike is damaged. This policy helps pay to repair their bike. | No | Check your state’s laws—but this is a smart addition for most bikers. | |
Comprehensive coverage | Pays to repair or replace your motorcycle if it’s stolen or damaged by fire, vandalism, or a collision with an animal. | Your bike is stolen from the back of your truck. The General helps pay for the actual cash value of the bike minus your deductible. | No | Not required by law, but worth it if you drive a costly bike. |
Collision coverage | Pays to fix or replace your bike if it’s damaged in a collision. | You drive your bike into a mailbox and mess up your front fender. This policy helps pay for repairs. | No | Not required by law, but worth it if your bike is expensive. |
Covers medical bills, lost wages, and bike repairs if you’re hit by an uninsured driver. | You get hit by a car but they don’t have insurance. If they can’t pay out of pocket, The General will cover your costs up to this policy’s limits. | No | Check your state’s laws—UIM may or may not be required in your state. It’s definitely worth it if your state has a high percentage of uninsured drivers. |
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Roadside assistance may or may not be available with The General for your motorcycle. It’s also worth asking if your aftermarket parts and modifications will be covered by your policy.
How to save on The General motorcycle insurance
Like all insurers, there are some discounts available to The General customers. It’s unclear whether these discounts apply to car drivers as well as motorcycle drivers, but here are a few of the discounts that you should ask about:
- Multi-vehicle discount: If you have another type of insurance from The General, likeauto insuranceorhomeowners insurance, you could save on all of them.
- Defensive driver discount: You may be able to get a discount on your premium if you take an approved defensive driving course for motorcyclists.
- Pay in full: Get a discounted rate if you pay for a year’s worth of insurance all at once, instead of making monthly payments.
It’s always worth asking for any other discounts that could be available to you. There may be some discounts available that are not listed on The General’s website. Don’t be afraid to ask an agent what’s possible—it could make a big difference to your insurance payment!
MORE: Essential tips for motorcycle winter storage
The cheapest motorcycle insurance companies
The General may not be the cheapest company for motorcycle coverage—but for high-risk drivers, it may be one of the most affordable options out there. Here are a few more companies that are worth checking out:
- Best all-around: The General ($25 to $52/month)
- Best for high-value bikes: Markel ($35 to $69/month)
Remember to shop around and get quotes from multiple companies. Don’t sign up for the first rate you’re offered!
MORE: 10 ways to get cheap car insurance that’s actually good
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FAQs
Is GEICO or The General better for motorcycle insurance?
The General offers standard coverage that comes at a good price for most drivers. However, GEICO may offer additional coverages that provide better protection. Depending on your needs and the type of bike you own, you might prefer a policy from GEICO.
Is it cheaper to insure a motorcycle than a car?
Yes. The average rate for motorcycle insurance is about $240 per year, while the average car insurance rate is about $1,600 per year. However, high-risk drivers with expensive motorbikes may pay much higher prices for coverage.
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