At Hicks Insurance Group, we’ve been protecting Illinois riders since 1998. As an independent insurance agency partnering with over 14 carriers, we specialize in finding motorcycle coverage that fits your riding style, bike type, and budget. Whether you ride a Harley-Davidson cruiser, a sport bike, a touring motorcycle, or a vintage classic, we’ll customize coverage to match your needs and potentially save you hundreds on premiums through strategic bundling and available discounts.
Illinois requires minimum liability coverage, but that’s rarely enough to fully protect riders. We’ll help you understand the difference between state minimums and adequate protection so you can ride with confidence knowing you’re covered when it matters most.
What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?
Comprehensive motorcycle insurance protects you, your bike, and other people on the road. Understanding each coverage type helps you build the right policy for your riding needs.
Liability Coverage (Required in Illinois)
Liability insurance is required by Illinois law and covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. Illinois minimum requirements are $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 per accident for property damage. However, these minimums are dangerously low. A single serious accident can easily exceed $50,000 in medical bills, leaving you personally liable for the difference. We strongly recommend at least $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 liability limits, and preferably $250,000/$500,000/$100,000 for better protection.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your motorcycle after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. If you collide with another vehicle, hit a guardrail, or wipe out on a curve, collision coverage handles repair costs minus your deductible. This coverage is especially valuable for newer bikes, high-value motorcycles, or any bike you’re still financing. Lenders typically require collision coverage until the loan is paid off. Even a minor crash can result in thousands in repair costs, making collision coverage a smart investment.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects your motorcycle from non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, hail, wind, flood, and animal strikes. Motorcycles are frequent theft targets—according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, over 46,000 motorcycles were stolen nationwide in 2021. Comprehensive coverage ensures you’re not left without a bike or facing a loan balance for a stolen motorcycle. This coverage also pays for damage from severe weather, increasingly common in Illinois, and vandalism, unfortunately common in urban parking areas.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects you when hit by a driver with no or inadequate insurance. This is critical for motorcyclists because you’re vulnerable on two wheels and many drivers carry only minimum limits. UM/UIM coverage pays medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We recommend matching your liability limits.
Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage pays your medical expenses after an accident regardless of fault. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, ambulance fees, and follow-up care. MedPay pays quickly—often before health insurance processes claims—covering deductibles and copays your health insurance doesn’t. For motorcyclists, who face higher injury risk, MedPay provides critical coverage for accident-related medical costs. Consider carrying at least $5,000-$10,000 in MedPay coverage.
Accessories and Roadside Assistance
Accessory and custom parts coverage protects motorcycle customizations like custom seats, saddlebags, and performance modifications at their full value. Roadside assistance covers towing, battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, and lockout service—typically just $10-30 annually and invaluable when stranded on the road.
Who Needs Motorcycle Insurance in Illinois?
Illinois law requires motorcycle insurance for all registered motorcycles operated on public roads. Beyond legal requirements, comprehensive coverage protects your financial security:
- Daily Commuters – If you ride your motorcycle for daily transportation, you face higher exposure to accidents and weather-related damage. Comprehensive coverage including collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection is essential.
- Weekend and Recreational Riders – Even occasional riders need full coverage. A single accident can total your bike and result in serious injuries requiring expensive medical treatment.
- Sport Bike and Cruiser Owners – High-performance sport bikes and premium cruisers often cost $10,000-$30,000 or more. Without collision and comprehensive coverage, you risk losing your entire investment in a theft or accident.
- Riders with Financed Motorcycles – Lenders require collision and comprehensive coverage until your loan is paid off. Don’t risk defaulting on a loan for a totaled or stolen motorcycle.
- Experienced and New Riders – Even experienced riders benefit from comprehensive coverage. Accidents can happen to anyone, and uninsured motorists don’t discriminate based on your riding skills.
How Much Motorcycle Insurance Do You Need?
Illinois minimums aren’t enough to truly protect riders. Here’s what we recommend:
- Liability Coverage: Carry at least $100,000/$300,000/$100,000, with $250,000/$500,000/$100,000 preferred for riders with assets to protect. Consider Umbrella Insurance for an extra layer of liability protection beyond your motorcycle policy limits.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Match your liability limits. If you carry $250,000/$500,000 in liability, carry the same in UM/UIM coverage to protect yourself when others don’t have adequate insurance.
- Medical Payments: Carry at least $5,000-$10,000 in MedPay coverage to bridge gaps in your health insurance and cover immediate accident-related medical costs.
- Collision and Comprehensive: If your motorcycle is worth more than $3,000-$5,000, carry both collision and comprehensive coverage. Choose a deductible ($250-$1,000) you can afford to pay if you need to file a claim.
- Accessory Coverage: If you’ve invested in custom parts and accessories totaling $1,000 or more, add accessory coverage to ensure these upgrades are fully protected.
Illinois-Specific Motorcycle Insurance Considerations
Illinois riders typically ride April-October and store bikes during harsh winters—ask about seasonal discounts for lay-up coverage. Route 66 and scenic Illinois rides offer incredible experiences but present hazards like wildlife and weather, requiring comprehensive and collision coverage. Urban riding in Chicago, Mokena, Orland Park, and Tinley Park involves heavy traffic and theft risks—comprehensive coverage protects against theft while uninsured motorist coverage shields you from uninsured drivers. Illinois has no universal helmet law for adults, but responsible riding habits and safety course completion can reduce premiums.
Ways to Save on Motorcycle Insurance
At Hicks Insurance Group, we help Illinois riders maximize savings through available discounts:
- Multi-Policy Bundling (15-25%): Combine motorcycle insurance with Auto Insurance and Homeowners Insurance for significant savings on all policies.
- Motorcycle Safety Course (5-15%): Completing an approved motorcycle safety course like MSF courses earns discounts and makes you a safer rider.
- Anti-Theft Devices (5-10%): Installing alarm systems, GPS tracking, or secure storage reduces theft risk and lowers premiums.
- Mature Rider Discount (5-10%): Experienced riders over 50 with clean driving records often qualify for mature rider discounts.
- Low Mileage Discount (5-10%): If you ride fewer than 3,000-5,000 miles annually, you may qualify for reduced rates.
- Seasonal Storage Discount: Reduce premiums during winter months when your motorcycle is in storage by switching to comprehensive-only coverage.
Why Choose Hicks Insurance Group for Motorcycle Insurance
As an independent insurance agency serving Illinois riders since 1998, Hicks Insurance Group specializes in finding the best motorcycle coverage at competitive rates. We partner with over 14 carriers, allowing us to compare options and find you the right combination of coverage and price for your specific bike and riding style.
Our team understands the unique needs of Illinois motorcyclists—from seasonal riding patterns to Route 66 road trips to urban commuting challenges. We’ve earned over 1,414 five-star reviews by delivering personalized service, expert advice, and real relationships you can count on. Call us at (708) 532-7474 to get a free motorcycle insurance quote tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Insurance
Is motorcycle insurance required in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois law requires all motorcyclists to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 per accident for property damage. However, these minimums are insufficient for serious accidents.
How much does motorcycle insurance cost in Illinois?
Motorcycle insurance costs vary based on your age, riding experience, driving record, motorcycle type and value, coverage limits, and location. Illinois riders typically pay $300-$1,200 annually for comprehensive coverage, though sport bikes and younger riders may pay more. Cruisers and touring bikes often cost less to insure than high-performance sport bikes.
What’s the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage for motorcycles?
Collision coverage pays for damage to your motorcycle from accidents with other vehicles or objects, regardless of fault. Comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, fire, weather damage, and animal strikes.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage for my motorcycle?
Absolutely. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is critical for motorcyclists because you’re vulnerable to severe injuries, and many drivers carry only minimum liability limits. If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, UM/UIM coverage pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Get Your Free Motorcycle Insurance Quote Today
Ready to protect your motorcycle with comprehensive coverage at competitive rates? Contact Hicks Insurance Group today for a free motorcycle insurance quote. Our independent agency compares options from over 14 carriers to find you the best protection and price for your riding needs.
Call us at (708) 532-7474 or visit our office at 19144 88th Avenue, Mokena, IL 60448. Our experienced team will customize coverage for your motorcycle and help you maximize savings through available discounts.
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
