Motorcycle insurance Ontario under 25

All drivers in Ontario are legally required to have motorcycle insurance. If you're under the age of 25 and new to riding, you may have some insurance questions. To get clarity before you hit the road, read through our motorcycle insurance guide below.

What is motorcycle insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is a type of coverage specifically designed for those who prefer to ride on two wheels rather than four. While all types of motorcycles are required to have insurance, the individual policy may vary. Here are the coverage options available to you:

Third-party liability

Third-party liability insurance, also known as liability car insurance, is a type of mandatory motorcycle insurance in Ontario. It protects policyholders if they cause bodily injuries or property damage to a third party while operating their motorcycle. Should a lawsuit be filed against you, this motorcycle insurance covers medical bills, repairs, legal fees, and other associated costs with your settlement, up to your coverage limits.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is also a type of mandatory motorcycle insurance policy. It provides compensation to riders, passengers, and pedestrians injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault, including medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and more.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage, which is again mandatory in Ontario, protects policyholders if they are in a collision with an underinsured or uninsured motorist. This motorcycle insurance in Ontario also covers you if you are hit by a hit-and-run driver.

Optional motorcycle coverages

For more protection on the road, riders may opt for additional coverage options, such as:

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage will cover the cost of bike repairs if you are in an at-fault accident. Before your insurance provider covers your repairs, you'll need to pay a deductible.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage also covers vehicle repairs. However, comprehensive car coverage specifically covers damages that occur as a result of non-collision perils. Common perils include theft, vandalism, severe weather, falling objects, and more.

Direct compensation - property damage

Ontario riders have the option of opting out of direct compensation - property damage. Essentially, if you are in a collision with an at-fault driver, this motorcycle insurance policy allows you to deal directly with your own insurance company, rather than the other drivers. Ultimately, this policy ensures you are swiftly compensated for your losses following a collision.

Accident forgiveness

One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among Ontario motorcycle riders is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement, to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim.

Note: coverage varies by province.

How much does Ontario motorcycle insurance cost when you're under 25?

Car insurance rates for under 25 riders in Ontario tend to be higher than those with more experience behind the wheel of a vehicle, given that statistically, those under 25 are high-risk drivers, and more likely to get into a collision.

As such, motorcycle insurance costs for first-time drivers or riders can be as expensive. The average cost of motorcycle insurance in Ontario for those under 25 can be as high as $2500 annually. If you're thinking about buying a motorcycle, we suggest comparing costs for young drivers car insurance in a vehicle versus Ontario motorcycle insurance to see what the difference will be in what you pay for your premium.

What factors affect the cost of motorcycle insurance in Ontario

Beyond your age, what you pay for standard motorcycle insurance in Ontario depends on several factors. The factors that insurance companies consider when calculating motorcycle insurance rates include:

• Where you live in Ontario, rural areas tend to yield lower insurance premiums, given that urban areas have higher accident rates and theft rates.
• Your driving history a clean driving record free of traffic violations can result in cheaper motorcycle insurance.
• Whether you opt for standard motorcycle insurance or add additional insurance coverage to your plan.
• Your claims history, the more insurance claims, the greater the risk for insurance companies.
• Your deductible amount.
• The year, make and model of the motorcycle you have.

Should I get year-round or seasonal motorcycle insurance?

Many new riders debate whether they should purchase year-round or seasonal motorcycle insurance in Ontario, given that it's unlikely they'll be able to ride throughout the winter. It's important to note that most insurance providers don't offer seasonal insurance coverage. However, the option to cancel or pause your coverage may be possible.

That said, leaving your motorcycle uninsured during a portion of the year is a risk. Without coverage, you could be left paying for any repairs or replacements on your own if your bike is damaged or stolen, which is why purchasing year-round motorcycle insurance may be a better option.

How can I save money on auto insurance?

To save on motorcycle insurance in Ontario when you're under 25, consider doing the following:

• Work with an insurance broker to shop around and compare motorcycle insurance quotes from different insurers.
• Ask whether you qualify for any discounts; many insurers offer different saving options to customers that they may not be aware of.
• Pay for your motorcycle coverage upfront to avoid monthly administrative fees.
• Consider increasing your deductible amount.
• Ensure that the coverage you purchase reflects your needs as a rider.
• Maintain a clean record throughout your driving history.

How can I stay safe on my motorcycle?

There are numerous benefits of motorcycle riding, from exploring new motorcycle routes in Alberta and other provinces on the West Coast to meeting new riders and exploring the great outdoors. That said, motorcycle riding safety is always an imperative topic to discuss, especially if you're travelling in a group setting.

When it comes to group motorcycle safety, we recommend keeping more experienced riders at the front of your group and allowing less experienced ones to follow. This can help keep a good pace on the road and allow for experienced navigation. We also suggest taking breaks throughout the journey to refuel, eat, and use the restroom. Lastly, rather than riding side-by-side, consider staggering riders. This will help you avoid getting into a collision should something unexpected occur.

How can I share the road with motorcycles?

Sharing the road with motorcycles can be daunting if you're in a vehicle. One of the most important things you can do in terms of safety is to consistently check your blind spots. As riders are smaller than cars, they could be hidden in your mirrors. So, do shoulder checks and scan your surroundings as often as possible to avoid a collision.

Additionally, those in vehicles should also give riders enough room on the road. Remember to keep your distance in case you need to brake suddenly.

Never pass another motorcyclist in the same lane as you. They are legally allowed to have their own lane. If you need to switch lanes, do so safely by moving into the lane next to you and back into your original lane.

How BrokerLink can help

At BrokerLink, we help Canadians find affordable coverage. With access to multiple auto insurance policies, our brokers are able to help you compare insurance rates, unlock discounts, and answer any questions you may have like adding a teen to your policy, myths about motorcycle insurance, or car insurance in general.

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