Motorcycle insurance - often overlooked when purchasing a new (or used) motorcycle - can cost almost as much as your new motorcycle, it seems.

Cheap motorcycle insurance a thing of the past?

How can a new or experienced rider get a good deal on motorcycle insurance? A clean driving record and shopping around are two of the best tools in your arsenal. But even that may not be enough. Choosing a motorcycle with the 'wrong' attributes (displacement, horsepower, sportbike classification, etc.) or one that has bad theft or accident statistics can trigger a dramatic price increase.

In any case, finding cheap motorcycle insurance is certainly a challenge these days.

New riders face an especially frustrating situation - finding adequate insurance that won't eat them out of house and home. After all, if you have to pay 1/4 of the price of your motorcycle every year, you'll find it difficult to continue participating in the sport.

Auto Insurance

Some providers offer 'second vehicle' or 'pleasure vehicle' discounts if you insure your car with them - they will consider the motorcycle as a recreational vehicle that is not used as your main mode of transportation, and will adjust the rates accordingly. If you can make this kind of arrangement with your insurer, you may be able to save a small fortune. It may be the best way to find the cheapest motorcycle insurance policy.

Online motorcycle insurance

You should definitely check out the online insurance companies (there's a list at the end of this article.) Some offer online motorcycle insurance quotes.

Insurance companies offering motorcycle insurance

Need help finding a motorcycle insurance company? Here's a list of motorcycle-friendly insurance companies.

• Foremost Insurance Group
• Geico
• McGraw (Pacific Specialty Insurance Company) (http://www.mcgrawgroup.com/)
• Progressive

We want your input!

Do you know of a good, 'motorcycle-friendly' insurance carrier not listed above? Do you have a story to tell about an insurance company? Tell us or just leave a comment at the end of this article - we'll review the info and add it to this list if it checks out.