Progressive Motorcycle Insurance Review

Progressive insurance is numero uno when it comes to motorcycle insurance. But don’t take our word for it…they’ll tell you themselves.

Why is Progressive the motorcycle insurance leader? Well, as with any successful insurance product, they’ve got to fire on all cylinders…coverage, pricing, and marketing.

They claim to insure 99% of all motorcycles (and motorcyclists) and their list of types of bikes is pretty impressive.

It doesn’t matter if you have a moped, scooter, dirt bike, sportbike, cruiser, trike, autocycle, Enduro, ATV or even UTV and custom bike. They likely have you covered. Even if you’ve got something they don’t specifically mention, they want you to call in to arrange coverage.

The company also offers a wide range of coverages and discounts for customized protection. The discounts are automatically applied when you request an online quote on their website or over the phone.

Progressive has been in the motorcycle game for over 35 years, so they’re up for the challenge.

Let’s take a look at Progressive’s motorcycle insurance program in a little more depth.

What type of Progressive motorcycle insurance coverage is available?

Progressive offers liability only and full coverage to riders, similar to the options you’d receive with an automobile.

Of course, determining what coverage you need for you and your bike is between you and your insurance agent or customer service rep.

What Progressive Offers for Free (automatically included at no extra cost)

• Full replacement cost and no depreciation
• Accessories and custom parts/equipment coverage
• Small accident forgiveness (up to $500 cost to Progressive)
• Large accident forgiveness (over $500, offered after 4 years accident-free with Progressive)
• OEM parts when bike is repaired

Standard Coverages

• Bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage
• Comprehensive and collision
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist
• Medical payments coverage

Add-on Coverages

• Total loss coverage
• Carried contents (personal belongings like phones, gear, etc.)
• Roadside assistance and trip interruption
• Enhanced injury protection (pay up to $250 each week for 2 straight years)
• Disappearing deductible (25% off your deductible each policy period you don’t have a claim, down to $0)

As far as the basics go, if your bike isn’t worth very much, you don’t have a loan on it, and you don’t have a lot of cash on hand (or at risk in the event of a liability suit), state minimum coverages may be for you.

Conversely, if you have an expensive bike, owe money on it, and have finances you want to protect against a possible lawsuit, you’ll probably want to opt for full coverage, including both comprehensive coverage and collision coverage.

It’s also a good idea to take Progressive up on the uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (or medical payments coverage, depending on the state you live in). Why?

If you’ve ridden a bike for any amount of time, you know most people don’t seem to notice you, and there are a record number of drivers that admit to driving without any (or very little) insurance. Do the math.

Also, be sure to inquire about Guest Passenger Liability laws in your state. Liability coverage is a good idea if you carry passengers on the bike with you.

What’s Progressive motorcycle insurance pricing?

• Progressive advertises a motorcycle insurance policy for as low as $75 per year
• But know that it’s going to be your basic bare bones policy
• Which might work for some riders but probably not all
• Also consider the fact that #1 isn’t necessarily best or better than other insurers who aren’t as well known and might be cheaper for the same coverage

At the moment, they’re advertising a rate of $75 per year for a basic, liability-only policy.

We’re going to get to the discounts in a second, but make sure you understand the following first. No matter how many discounts a company offers, their starting rates are the most important part of the equation.

A company that offers you a 50% discount on an $800 policy is still more expensive than a $350 policy with no discounts. There is not a magic, pre-determined cost for a motorcycle insurance policy (or any other policy for that matter).

If you have a TV, radio, Smart Phone or internet connection, you have heard of Progressive and all of their products and services. They tend to spend a lot of money on advertising and have one of the most recognizable insurance mascots in Flo.

Progressive also leads the motorcycle industry due to their distribution channel. They sell coverage both “direct,” and via independent insurance agents.

Interestingly, they disclaim on their website that pricing may vary based on how you get a policy.

In other words, if you buy directly from Progressive company versus an independent agent or broker, the cost could be different. So if you’re sold on Progressive, you may want to price shop via their different channels to ensure you’re getting the lowest price.

While State Farm insures 40 million drivers (in the U.S. and Canada, according to the small print) through their agency channel, Progressive also has a lot of people pushing their products.

What are the Progressive motorcycle insurance discounts?

The discounts listed below are exclusive to the motorcycle insurance program. Progressive offers several additional discounts as part of their overall premium rating structure.

Quote in advance – You could get a discount if you quote at least one day before your actual policy starts.

Claims Free Renewal – Make it through a policy term with no insurance claims and your next term is discounted. No guarantee your next premium is actually cheaper…You may actually still pay more if Progressive raises their rates prior to your renewal policy taking effect.

Multi-policy discount – If your home, car, boat or RV are insured with Progressive, you could save on your motorcycle insurance if you bundle it with another insurance product.

Homeowner – Premiums all have to do with previous claims. Apparently, individuals who own homes file fewer claims. You’ll get additional savings on your motorcycle insurance even if your home is not insured by Progressive.

LoJack® – If the bike gets stolen and there is a guarantee from LoJack® the bike will be found, you can expect to pay less. Note: This discount only applies if you purchase comprehensive coverage, which would relate to a theft.

Paid In Full – Insurance companies save money when they don’t have to bill you regularly…and with this discount, a part of those savings are passed on to you.

Prompt Payer – Pay your insurance premium on time for one year and they’ll make it worth your while with a discount.

Responsible Driver – Clean MVR and C.L.U.E. report for 3 years? Discount! Progressive will reward you if you’ve had no accidents or violations.

Automatic payment – Once you request a quote, sign up for automatic bill pay to immediately reduce your rates.

Safety Course – You may earn a discount for completing an approved motorcycle safety course. Oh…and it may save your life as well!

Experienced Rider – The longer you ride (safely), the higher the potential discount.

(photo: infectedroot)