We recommend products and services based on unbiased research from our editorial team. We make money via affiliate links, which means if you click a link on our site, we may earn a commission. Any commissions we receive do not affect our recommendations; if you want to know more about how that works, read more.
Progressive Motorcycle Insurance Review
Progressive is a major U.S. personal lines insurer with a leading position in motorcycles. Founded in 1937, the company pioneered direct-to-consumer innovations and today identifies itself as America’s No. 1 motorcycle insurer, a status supported by its latest SEC filings and rating-agency commentary. Progressive’s special lines segment (which includes motorcycles) reported over 6 million policies in force at year-end 2024, underscoring its scale in this niche (Progressive 10-K/Annual filing; AM Best company profile; Progressive monthly PIF).
The Claim
Progressive markets itself as the No. 1 U.S. motorcycle insurer and emphasizes broad, customizable coverage at competitive prices. Highlighted options include OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts coverage, generous custom parts and accessories limits, and digital-first shopping and claims experiences (Progressive motorcycle).
Is it true?
Yes — the leadership claim is credible. Progressive’s most recent annual report states it is the largest U.S. writer of motorcycle insurance, and major rating agencies characterize Progressive as a leader in motorcycle and other recreational lines. Note that NAIC public exhibits don’t publish a stand‑alone “motorcycle” market‑share table; leadership is evidenced via company filings and independent industry analyses. Progressive’s special lines book (including motorcycles) exceeded 6 million policies in force as of year‑end 2024 (Progressive annual filing; Progressive Annual Report; monthly PIF).
Customer experience is competitive but not uniformly top‑ranked. Independent benchmarks such as J.D. Power’s industry studies show mixed satisfaction across large national carriers, with price dynamics weighing heavily. See the latest editions for current results: J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and a separate J.D. Power study evaluating claims satisfaction. The key takeaway: market leadership does not automatically equate to the highest satisfaction, and results vary by region and product.
While auto and motorcycle insurance are distinct products, the broader trend is consistent: satisfaction has been pressured industry‑wide by higher premiums and claim costs, though digital service improvements are helping some carriers close gaps (J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study; J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Motorcycle Insurance Study).
Product Overview
- In business since: 1937
- A.M. Best financial strength rating: A+ (Superior) (Progressive IR credit ratings) (A.M. Best definitions)
- Moody’s financial strength rating: Aa2 (Progressive IR) (Moody’s definitions)
- S&P Global financial strength rating: AA (Progressive IR) (S&P definitions)
- Better Business Bureau rating: B- (verify current status directly with BBB; ratings can change)
- Pros: Customizable coverage for vintage/custom bikes; OEM parts option and high accessories limits; strong digital quote/claim tools; widely cited market leader in motorcycles (Progressive motorcycle; Annual Report)
- Cons: Satisfaction varies by region and price environment (J.D. Power 2024); add‑ons increase premiums; rates have faced upward pressure industry‑wide (BLS CPI – motor vehicle insurance; The Zebra 2025)
Features
Insures classic and custom motorcycles
Progressive is well‑suited for vintage, antique, or custom bikes. OEM parts coverage can be selected so replacements come from the original manufacturer, and policies offer built‑in protection for custom parts and accessories when you add comprehensive and collision — typically up to $3,000 included, with optional increases up to $30,000 for highly customized machines (Progressive motorcycle).
Riders can also benefit from broader specialty-line practices now common in the segment: explicit coverage for riding gear, flexible limits for accessories, and seasonal adjustments. Industry trends highlight theft prevention expectations, climate‑related comprehensive risks (hail, flood), and growing attention to EV component coverage (NICB theft guidance; NOAA billion‑dollar disasters; IEA EV Outlook).
“To really make a motorcycle your own, you have to accessorize it. Foot pegs, hand warmers, chrome buttons, you name it, there’s an accessory for that. If you have your bike customized at all, it’s essential that your insurance covers those accessories. Without coverage for your accessories, if you were to wreck and they were damaged, insurance would only pay for the cost of the factory parts, and your investment in your accessories would be lost.”
Melanie Musson Insurance Expert, CarInsuranceComparison.com
Easy quote process
Most riders can quote online in minutes by entering bike details, rider info, and desired limits. Eligible discounts are applied in real time, and you can bind direct or via an independent agent. Progressive’s Snapshot telematics program personalizes rates based on driving behavior, potentially lowering costs for safer habits, while risky patterns can raise rates (Snapshot). Digital servicing continues to expand across the industry — photo estimating, status tracking, and clear communication are now key satisfaction drivers (J.D. Power motorcycle study).
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
UM/UIM helps protect you if an at‑fault driver has no insurance or not enough. It’s especially relevant for riders because medical and legal costs can escalate quickly. Nationally, an estimated 14.0% of motorists were uninsured in 2022, with wide differences by state — a strong case for robust UM/UIM limits (Insurance Information Institute).
“Insurance laws vary by state, but one thing is certain — the rider cannot rely on the at-fault driver having adequate insurance in the event of an accident. State law minimum policy limits are $25,000/$50,000 in South Carolina and many other states across the U.S. What this means is that one person can collect up to $25,000 maximum and the policy will pay $50,000 maximum for the whole accident. In the unfortunate event of a motorcycle accident, the emergency room bill alone is going to exceed a minimum policy.”
Justin Lovely Motorcycle Injury Lawyer in South Carolina and President-Elect of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers
State rules vary: Kansas mandates UM/UIM BI at 25/50; New York requires UM BI 25/50 and offers optional SUM (UIM) up to your liability limits; Illinois requires UM BI 25/50 and UIM when you buy higher liability limits; Virginia now requires auto liability insurance for all registered vehicles (Kansas DOI; NY DFS; Illinois DOI; Virginia DMV).
Best practice in 2025: Target UM/UIM limits that match your bodily injury liability limits (e.g., 100/300 or 250/500 when feasible), and consider stacking where allowed by state law. Progressive’s guidance aligns with this approach (Progressive UM/UIM explainer; PA stacking rules).
“If I would give one piece of advice to someone purchasing motorcycle insurance, it would be to buy as much underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage as you can afford. You don’t want to rely on the person that hits you to have enough coverage. Make sure you insure yourself!”
Gabriel Levin Personal Injury Lawyer in Center City, Philadelphia
Loyalty rewards
Progressive’s loyalty benefits can include accident forgiveness tiers and long‑tenure perks, and bundling with auto/home/boat can unlock multi‑policy discounts. As with all insurers, verify the specific eligibility and availability in your state, and compare against competing carriers’ loyalty and telematics programs to maximize value.
Possible drawbacks
Customer satisfaction rating
Independent studies show mixed satisfaction for large national carriers. J.D. Power’s latest motorcycle and auto insurance studies highlight that price and claims experiences are dominant drivers, with many big brands scoring around segment averages depending on region. Check the most recent results and consult the NAIC Consumer Complaint Index to compare normalized complaints by company and line (J.D. Power motorcycle; J.D. Power auto; NAIC Consumer Complaint Index).
Coverage upgrades can be pricey
Advertised teaser prices (e.g., “$75/year”) typically reflect bare‑bones liability and can exclude important protections like comprehensive, collision, and UM/UIM. Since 2024, the motor vehicle insurance CPI has remained elevated as parts, labor, and medical severities increased, though there are signs of moderation in 2025. Shop multiple carriers and consider telematics and higher deductibles to help manage costs (BLS CPI; The Zebra 2025).
The Competition
| Progressive | Farmers | Markel | Safeco | |
| Our review | ||||
| A+ | A | A | A | |
| See latest study | See latest study | See latest study | See latest study | |
| See NAIC index | See NAIC index | See NAIC index | See NAIC index | |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Compare rates | Compare rates | Compare rates | Compare rates |
*Customer complaints are registered by the NAIC and measured relative to the company’s market share.
Progressive vs. Farmers Insurance
Progressive emphasizes direct online quoting, robust self‑service, and usage‑based pricing via Snapshot, while Farmers leans on agent guidance and its Signal telematics app. If you prefer digital speed and end‑to‑end online binding, Progressive typically makes it simpler; if you want agent advice and tailored bundling, Farmers’ distribution can be appealing. Pricing has been volatile since industry‑wide increases in recent years, so quotes can shift; telematics enrollment can materially affect net premiums at both carriers (Snapshot; Farmers Signal; J.D. Power Digital Experience).
Progressive vs. Markel American
Markel is a specialty carrier focused on motorcycles and other recreational vehicles. It offers niche coverages (e.g., tailored accessories limits, transport trailer and roadside options) and underwriting for powersports and collector segments, which can be advantageous for highly customized or specialty bikes. Progressive, as the largest U.S. motorcycle insurer, balances specialty breadth with mass‑market digital tools. Because pricing depends heavily on bike type, customization, location, and usage, compare both for identical limits and deductibles (Markel motorcycle; Progressive motorcycle).
Progressive vs. Safeco
Safeco sells through independent agents and offers strong bundling options and a telematics program (RightTrack) for safe drivers. Progressive’s hybrid distribution lets you quote and manage policies digitally or via agents, with Snapshot available for behavior‑based pricing. Given the recent stabilization in some markets after steep rate hikes, it’s smart to compare multi‑policy packages and UBI discounts side by side, especially if you value agent consultation versus direct digital control (Safeco RightTrack; J.D. Power auto study).
Progressive Motorcycle Insurance FAQ
The Bottom Line
Progressive is widely recognized — by its own filings and industry sources — as the No. 1 U.S. motorcycle insurer, combining specialty coverage depth (OEM parts, high accessories limits) with strong digital tools. Just remember that headline prices typically reflect minimum liability; adding comprehensive, collision, and higher UM/UIM limits (a best practice many riders follow by matching UM/UIM to their liability limits) will raise the premium. Given recent pricing dynamics, compare quotes across several carriers and consider telematics to tailor costs, then choose limits that reflect your medical and liability exposures (Progressive filings; UM/UIM guidance; BLS CPI).
Recently Added
