Texas law requires motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance, just like car owners. But the state minimums are low, and a serious accident can easily exceed them. Understanding what coverage you need — and what you're giving up if you skip it — is worth the time.
What Texas Law Requires
Texas requires motorcycle riders to carry minimum liability coverage of:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
For many riders, these minimums are a starting point, not a finish line. A single serious accident can generate medical bills and legal claims that far exceed $30,000 per person.
Coverage Types for Motorcycles
Liability — Required by law. Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others.
Collision — Pays to repair or replace your motorcycle if you're involved in an accident, regardless of fault. Required by most lenders if you're financing your bike.
Comprehensive — Covers non-collision losses: theft, fire, vandalism, weather damage, and animal strikes. Texas has significant hail risk, and motorcycles stored outdoors are vulnerable.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) — Pays for your injuries if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance. Texas has a high rate of uninsured drivers — this coverage matters.
Medical payments (MedPay) — Covers your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of fault. Useful if you don't have strong health insurance.
Guest passenger liability — Covers injuries to a passenger on your bike if you're at fault in an accident. Standard liability covers the other party; this covers your passenger.
Accessory coverage — Covers custom parts, equipment, and accessories beyond the factory configuration. If you've invested in aftermarket upgrades, make sure they're covered.
What Affects Your Premium
Motorcycle insurance rates in Texas vary based on:
- Type of bike — Sport bikes and high-displacement motorcycles typically cost more to insure than cruisers or touring bikes.
- Your riding history — Accidents and violations increase rates.
- How you use the bike — Year-round commuting vs. seasonal recreational riding.
- Where you live — Urban areas with higher theft rates and traffic density cost more.
- Your age and experience — Newer riders typically pay more.
- Storage — Keeping your bike in a garage reduces comprehensive premiums.
Common Gaps Riders Miss
Helmet and safety gear — Standard motorcycle policies don't cover the cost of replacing your helmet and riding gear after an accident. Some carriers offer an endorsement for this.
Trip interruption — If your bike breaks down far from home, some policies cover lodging and transportation costs. Worth asking about if you do long-distance touring.
Lay-up periods — Some riders try to suspend coverage during winter months to save money. This can backfire: comprehensive losses (theft, weather damage) can happen year-round, and a lapse in coverage can affect your rates when you reinstate.
How to Get a Quote
Motorcycle insurance is straightforward to quote. You'll need your bike's year, make, model, and VIN, along with your riding history and the coverage types you want.
At McKnight Insurance Services, we shop motorcycle coverage across multiple carriers to find the right fit for your bike and your budget. Call or text us at 817.277.6166, or start your application online.
McKnight Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond. We represent multiple carriers and work for you — not the insurance company.