(EN) 
Canada - ENWhat is Motorcycle Insurance and How Does It Work?
On this page
- What is motorcycle insurance?
- Who needs motorcycle insurance?
- Types of motorcycle insurance coverage in Canada
- Key differences between car insurance and motorcycle insurance
- What affects your motorcycle insurance premium?
- Common motorcycle insurance mistakes to avoid
- How to find the best motorcycle insurance for you
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of the open road, the wind in your face, and the freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle. Whether you’re commuting through the city or exploring Canada’s scenic highways, motorcycling is exhilarating — but it also comes with some risks.
That’s where motorcycle insurance comes in. It can help protect you financially if you’re involved in an accident, your bike is damaged or stolen, or you cause injury or property damage to others. While some types of coverage are required by law across Canada, riders can also top up their policy with extra protection to better suit their riding habits and budget.
This guide explains how insurance for motorcycles works in Canada, the available coverage options, and how much it can cost. It also gives practical tips to keep your premiums affordable, while ensuring you have the protection you need.
Key takeaways
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Motorcycle insurance can help protect you financially if you’re involved in an accident, your bike is damaged or stolen, or you cause injury or property damage to others.
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Motorcycle insurance isn’t optional. You must have coverage to legally ride on public roads in Canada.
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At minimum, riders need to carry third-party liability insurance. However, insurance rules aren’t the same across Canada. The coverage you’re required to carry depends on your province or territory, make sure to confirm the applicable requirement.
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Many riders choose additional coverage for extra protection. Common options include collision coverage, which helps pay to repair or replace your bike after an accident, or additional equipment coverage, which can help protect custom parts and your accessories.
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How much insurance costs for a motorcycle depends on many factors, including your driving record, engine size, riding experience, location, and motorcycle type.
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You may be able to reduce your premiums by taking an approved motorcycle training course, choosing a higher deductible, and maintaining a clean driving record.
What is motorcycle insurance?
Motorcycle insurance is a policy designed specifically for the risks of riding. Like car insurance, motorcycle insurance may help cover costs if you’re involved in an accident, your motorcycle is stolen or damaged, or you cause injury or property damage to others. Just like a helmet helps protect you on the road, motorcycle insurance helps safeguard your finances in case the unexpected happens.
In Canada, motorcycles that operate on public roads must be insured, although minimum coverage requirements vary by province and territory. Coverage may also extend to certain scooters, mopeds, and three-wheeled vehicles, depending on the insurer, so just make sure to verify the specific insurance requirements before heading out on the road.
Who needs motorcycle insurance?
Motorcycle insurance is legally required across all Canadian provinces and territories if you ride on public roads. However, the exact coverage requirements vary by province and territory. The following groups typically need coverage:
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Registered motorcycle owners. If your motorcycle is registered for use on public roads, it must be insured according to your province or territory’s minimum coverage requirement.
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Licensed riders, including thosewith learner’s or graduated motorcycle licences. For instance, riders with M1 and M2 licences in Ontario and Class 8L, Class 8, and Class 6 riders in British Columbia must ensure the motorcycle they operate is properly insured before hitting the road.
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Scooter and moped users. If you ride a scooter or moped that is permitted on public roads, you generally need motorcycle insurance. However, the requirements vary depending on the vehicle’s classification and the province or territory where it’s registered.
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Anyone financing or leasing a motorcycle. In many cases, lenders or leasing companies may require coverage beyond the provincial or territorial minimum, such as collision or comprehensive insurance.
One thing to note: insurance isn’t generally required for standard electric bicycles (e-bikes), but your homeowners’ insurance policy may offer coverage. Make sure to verify how much and what is covered.
Types of motorcycle insurance coverage in Canada
Here are some of the most common types of motorcycle insurance coverage available in Canada:
Third-party liability
Third-party liability coverage helps protect you financially if you’re responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property in an accident. If a claim is filed against you, your policy could help cover costs, such as medical expenses, vehicle repairs or replacement, legal fees, and settlements, up to your coverage limit.
This coverage is mandatory for motorcycles operated on public roads across Canada, but the minimum amount you must carry depends on your province or territory. For example, riders in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta must carry at least $200,000 in third-party liability coverage. Quebec uses a different system: bodily injury coverage is provided through the province’s public insurance plan, while riders must also carry at least $50,000 in civil liability coverage for property damage.
Because accident-related costs can add up quickly, many riders choose higher coverage limits for peace of mind.
Collision coverage
This coverage helps pay to repair or replace your motorcycle if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. While collision coverage isn’t mandatory, it might be worth considering if you ride an expensive or brand-new motorcycle or if you’re newer to riding.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage helps cover damage caused by things other than a collision. That includes risks such as theft, vandalism, fire, severe weather, and falling objects.
Comprehensive coverage isn’t typically mandatory, but it can be especially valuable if you own a newer bike or store it offsite during the off-season. After all, your motorcycle can still be damaged even when it’s parked in the garage.
Accident benefits coverage
If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, accident benefits could help cover expenses while you focus on recovery. Depending on your policy and where you live, it may help pay for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, and funeral costs.
One of the advantages of accident benefits coverage is that it applies regardless of who caused the accident. In many provinces and territories, this coverage is mandatory, but you may not need to add it separately since it’s often built into standard policies for motorcycle insurance.
Uninsured motorist coverage
This coverage can help protect you if you’re injured or killed by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or can’t be identified. It’s mandatory in many provinces and territories, and it’s often included in standard motorcycle insurance policies. As with other types of coverage, the rules and coverage limits vary depending on where you live.
Roadside assistance coverage
Optional roadside assistance coverage gives you 24/7 emergency help if you run into trouble on the road. Common covered services include fuel delivery, flat tire assistance, battery boosts, and towing.
With RBC’s 24/7 Satellite Road Assistance coverage, you’re covered across Canada and the United States, so help is never too far away when you need it. This coverage is optional and available at an additional cost.
Key differences between car insurance and motorcycle insurance
Car insurance and motorcycle insurance serve the same basic purpose: each protects you, your vehicle, and others on the road. But because motorcycles present different risks than cars, insurers use different factors to calculate premiums.
Here are some key factors that can affect your motorcycle insurance quote:
Safety and risk of injury
When you drive a car, you’re protected by a seatbelt, airbags, and the vehicle’s frame which can absorb impact. On a bike, there’s much less separating you from the road.
In an accident, your risk of serious injury is higher on a motorcycle, and insurance premiums generally reflect that.
Motorcycle model, style, and features
Just as the type of car you drive affects your insurance costs, the motorcycle you ride plays a big role in determining your premiums. But because motorcycles vary so widely in performance and purpose, insurers often pay even closer attention to factors such as bike style, engine size, and custom modifications when assessing risk.
A sport bike, for example, will usually cost more to insure than a cruiser because it’s built for speed and performance. Adventure bikes may also come with higher premiums because they’re made for both on and off-road use. Engine size can also affect your rates, with larger, more powerful motorcycles often costing more to insure.
Vulnerability to theft
Unfortunately, motorcycles can be easier to steal than cars. Even with security features, a determined thief can lift a wheel-locked motorcycle into/onto a truck. Because of that increased theft risk, comprehensive coverage — which protects against theft — may cost more for a motorcycle than it would for a car.
What affects your motorcycle insurance premium?
Insurance companies look at many factors when calculating your premium. Some relate to you as a rider, while others have to do with the motorcycle itself, where you ride, and the coverage you choose.
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Your age and riding experience. Newer and younger riders are generally considered riskier to insure because they have less experience. Riders with a full motorcycle licence (like M in Ontario or Class 6 in British Columbia) may pay less than those with learner’s or graduated licences.
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Type of bike. What you ride matters. In general, high-powered sports bikes are more expensive to insure than cruisers, while motorcycles with larger engines often come with higher premiums.
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Age and value of the motorcycle. Insurers consider what it might cost to replace or repair your motorcycle. Newer, higher-value bikes usually cost more to insure, while older bikes may cost less, depending on their condition. Classic or collector motorcycles may be an exception, since their value may be higher than their age suggests.
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Driving and claims history. A clean driving record can help keep your premiums down.If you have a track record of multiple accidents or insurance claims, your premiums may be higher.
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Licensing and training courses. You may qualify for an insurance discount(s) if you complete an accredited motorcycle training course. Check with your insurer for details.
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Where you live and usage patterns. Insurers often consider factors such as your location, annual mileage, and how you use your motorcycle. Someone who commutes daily in heavy city traffic may face different risks than someone who takes an occasional pleasure trip on back country roads.
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Safety features and anti-theft devices. Anti-theft devices, such as wheel locks, immobilizers, and GPS trackers, may help reduce the risk of theft and could cut your premiums.
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Coverage types and deductible. The more protection you choose, the more you’ll typically pay. Raising your deductible can lower your premium, but it also means paying more out of pocket if you need to make a claim.
Common motorcycle insurance mistakes to avoid
Choosing motorcycle insurance isn’t just about finding the lowest premium. It’s also about understanding what your policy covers and making sure it still fits your needs.
Here are four common mistakes to watch for.
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Underestimating how much coverage you need. It may be tempting to cut your premiums back by opting for the lowest level of coverage available — but that could end up costing you later. If you’re in a serious accident, the minimum coverage required by law may not provide as much protection as you’d like.
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Not reporting modifications. From custom seats to aftermarket exhausts, modifications can affect your bike’s value and the coverage you need. Make sure you report all upgrades or mods, especially any that affect value, safety, or performance.
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Overlooking policy exclusions. Every insurance policy has limits and exclusions. Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to understand what’s covered, what’s not, and whether there are any restrictions related to who rides your motorcycle or how/where it’s used.
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Letting your policy lapse. Since many Canadians store their bike during the colder months, it can be easier to lose track of your insurance renewal dates. Review your coverage regularly and make sure your policy remains active whenever you plan to ride. If your policy lapses, coverage for theft and other insured losses may not be available.
How to find the best motorcycle insurance for you
Every rider is different. Some live for winding back roads and weekend escapes, while others rely on their motorcycle to get them where they need to go every day. Whatever your jam, the right insurance can help you spend less time worrying about the unexpected and more time enjoying the ride.
Ultimately, the best motorcycle insurance for you depends on your unique needs. Get started with an online motorcycle insurance quote in minutes with RBC Insurance, or book a call with a licensed RBC Insurance advisor.
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FAQs about motorcycle insurance in Canada
What is the minimum motorcycle insurance required in Canada?
At minimum, you must carry third-party liability coverage to legally ride a motorcycle on public roads in Canada. That’s the starting point for every rider. Depending on where you live, you may also be required to carry other types of coverage.
How much does motorcycle insurance cost in Canada?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your premium depends on factors such as your age, driving record, riding experience, location, type of motorcycle, and coverage choices.
Is motorcycle insurance cheaper than car insurance?
Sometimes, but not always. Motorcycle insurance can cost less than car insurance in some situations, but your premiums depend on factors such as your riding experience, driving record, location, and the type of bike you own. The easiest way to compare is to get an online motorcycle insurance quote.
You can work with a licensed RBC Insurance advisor to find ways to keep your premiums manageable.
Do I need insurance if I only ride my motorcycle occasionally?
Yes. Even when it’s parked for long stretches, your bike could still be stolen, vandalized, or damaged. If you only ride seasonally, ask your insurer about options such as storage coverage or seasonal rating coverage (which is year-round coverage, but the premiums are adjusted during riding season and off-season storage).
Does motorcycle insurance cover my riding gear and helmet?
Not necessarily. Standard motorcycle insurance doesn’t always cover riding gear or accessories but topping up your coverage may be an option, depending on your insurer. Check your policy details or ask your insurer what protection is available.
What happens if I get into an accident with an uninsured rider?
It depends on your policy and where you live. In some parts of Canada, uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory and often included in a standard motorcycle insurance policy. This coverage can help protect you if you’re injured by an uninsured or unidentified driver.
Do motorcycle safety courses lower my insurance rates?
Often, yes. Depending on your insurer, completing an approved motorcycle safety course may qualify you for an insurance discount. Plus, it makes you a better rider which in the long run will likely mean lower rates.
*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Not everyone who uses online platforms or calls in will be able to get a quote or buy an insurance policy.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
