How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost in Ontario?

Motorcycle insurance in Ontario commonly falls somewhere around $1,500 to $3,500 per year, or roughly $125 to $292 per month, based on published market estimates. That's a broad range, not an average you should expect to pay. Your actual premium depends on your licence level (M1, M2 or full M), age, riding experience, driving record, the type and size of your bike, where you live and the coverage you choose. Some riders will pay less, and new riders on sport bikes can pay considerably more.

Average motorcycle insurance cost in Ontario

There's no official Ontario average for motorcycle insurance, and published figures vary considerably. Comparison sites and brokers commonly quote ranges of about $1,500 to $3,000 or $1,500 to $3,500 a year, while others cite single "averages" closer to $1,600 or $1,650. Each figure reflects that source's own data, riders and time period.

The practical takeaway: use the range to set expectations, but don't budget on it. An experienced rider in their 40s with a clean record and a cruiser in a smaller Ontario town may sit below it. A 20-year-old M2 rider with a supersport bike in Toronto may sit well above it, or find that some insurers won't quote at all.

What does motorcycle insurance cost per month?

A $1,500 to $3,500 annual premium works out to about $125 to $292 a month if paid over twelve months. Some insurers price motorcycle policies around the riding season or offer seasonal arrangements, so the way you pay can differ from a simple monthly split. Ask whether monthly payments include any financing or installment charge.

These are arithmetic examples, not quotes.

Is motorcycle insurance expensive in Ontario?

It can be, especially for new riders. Motorcycles offer riders less protection than cars, so injury claims can be costly, and Ontario policies include accident benefits. FSRA also notes that motorcycle insurance is a specialty insurance product, and not all insurance companies offer it, which means fewer insurers competing for some riders.

What factors affect motorcycle insurance cost in Ontario?

FSRA lists age, driving record, how often you drive, rider training, where you live and the type of motorcycle among the factors that affect premiums. In practice, insurers weigh:

Does where I live affect motorcycle insurance rates?

Yes. Riders in Toronto and other parts of the GTA often face higher premiums than riders in smaller or rural Ontario communities, because dense traffic, theft and higher claim frequency are more common in large urban areas. Where the bike is parked overnight, such as a locked garage versus the street, can matter too. We don't publish city-by-city prices because they vary so much by insurer and rider.

Does your motorcycle type affect insurance rates?

Often more than any other factor. Insurers usually rate bikes by class and performance:

• Sport and supersport bikes are generally the most expensive to insure. High power-to-weight ratios, higher speeds and higher theft rates all push premiums up, and FSRA notes that some insurance companies may not insure certain types of motorcycles.
• Standard and naked bikes often sit in the middle, depending on engine size.
• Cruisers and touring bikes are often less expensive to insure than sport bikes with similar engine sizes, though high-value touring bikes can cost more for physical damage coverage.
• Dual-sport and adventure bikes vary with engine size and use.
• Scooters and limited-speed motorcycles are usually among the less expensive to insure.

Does motorcycle engine size affect insurance cost?

Yes. FSRA says that usually, the bigger the motorcycle, the higher the premium. For a new rider, starting on a smaller, less powerful bike can make insurance far more affordable and easier to find.

Does your age and riding experience affect cost?

Yes. Younger riders are generally rated higher, and riders with little experience face higher premiums regardless of age. FSRA notes riders can expect to pay a lower premium after at least one year of motorcycle riding experience. An older rider who is new to motorcycles may still be rated as inexperienced, even with decades of clean car driving.

How do M1, M2 and M licences affect insurance?

Ontario uses a graduated motorcycle licensing system, and your licence level is one of the biggest pricing factors.

Insurers apply their own rules to each licence level, so we don't quote a fixed percentage change between levels. The direction is consistent though: moving from M1 to M2 to M, with clean riding, typically opens more options.

Is motorcycle insurance mandatory in Ontario?

Yes. FSRA states that insurance for motorcycles is mandatory in Ontario, except in certain situations, such as riding only on your own private property. If you ride on public roads, your motorcycle must be insured.

What is the minimum motorcycle insurance coverage in Ontario?

The same legal base as a car. Every vehicle in Ontario must carry at least $200,000 in third-party liability, and every policy includes the mandatory accident benefits. Since July 1, 2026, only standard medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits remain mandatory; income replacement and several other accident benefits are now optional.

That $200,000 is the legal minimum, not a recommendation. A serious collision involving injuries can easily exceed it, leaving you personally responsible for the rest. Many riders choose $1 million or $2 million in liability. Talk to a licensed broker about the limit that fits your situation.

What motorcycle insurance coverage do you need?

Beyond the mandatory coverage, the main options are:

• Collision or upset pays for damage to your bike if you collide with something or the bike upsets (tips over).
• Comprehensive covers non-collision losses such as theft, fire, vandalism and hail.
• Specified perils covers only the risks named in the policy, such as fire or theft, usually at a lower cost than comprehensive.
• All perils combines collision and comprehensive.
• Optional accident benefits, such as income replacement, now chosen individually since the 2026 reform.

Riders often ask about coverage for aftermarket parts, custom paint and riding gear, such as helmets and jackets. Some policies limit these, so ask how each insurer treats accessories and gear before you buy.

How to save money on motorcycle insurance in Ontario

There's no single trick, but these steps can help you find a competitive rate for your profile:

• Complete recognized rider training. FSRA says riders who complete a motorcycle riding course can expect a lower premium, and a recognized safety course can also shorten your M2 period to about 18 months.
• Keep a clean driving record, on your bike and in your car. Car tickets can affect your motorcycle premium too.
• Choose your bike carefully. A smaller, less powerful bike is usually cheaper to insure, especially for new riders. Get a quote before you buy.
• Compare multiple insurers. Because motorcycle insurance is a specialty product, prices and eligibility vary a lot between companies.
• Ask about discounts for training, experience, anti-theft devices, or being a member of a riding association, where offered.
• Consider adding the bike to an existing policy. FSRA notes that a stand-alone motorcycle policy may be more expensive than adding the bike to your existing auto insurance, and your insurer may offer a discount if your car is insured with them too.
• Review your deductible, choosing one you could actually pay after a claim.
• Store and secure the bike well, ideally in a locked garage.
• Ask about seasonal or storage arrangements for the months you don't ride.

Can I get seasonal motorcycle insurance in Ontario?

Some insurers offer arrangements for the off-season, such as reducing coverage while the bike is stored and keeping protection like fire and theft in place. Availability and terms vary by insurer. Never ride on public roads without the full mandatory coverage in force.

Why compare motorcycle insurance through a broker?

Because not every insurer offers motorcycle coverage, FSRA suggests checking with your broker, agent or insurance company to find one that does. If you can't find coverage in the regular market, FSRA notes the Facility Association can provide it, usually at a higher premium.

An independent insurance broker in Ontario saves you from calling insurers one by one. BrokerUnion is a RIBO-licensed independent brokerage, not an insurer. Our brokers can:

• explain how your licence level, experience, bike, location and record are likely to affect your quotes
• compare insurance coverage from the insurers available to us that write motorcycles
• line up quotes on the same liability limit, deductibles and coverages
• check whether adding the bike to your existing auto policy, or bundling with home insurance, lowers your total
• review your policy each season as your experience and licence level improve

BrokerUnion can compare available options based on your profile, coverage needs and insurer eligibility. We can't promise the lowest price, but we can show you what's available and explain the trade-offs.

Frequently asked questions

About BrokerUnion

BrokerUnion Insurance Inc. is an independent, RIBO-licensed insurance brokerage headquartered in Pickering, Ontario. This guide was written by the BrokerUnion Insurance Team using FSRA and Government of Ontario sources.

Insurance rates, coverage availability and eligibility vary by insurer and individual circumstances. The information in this article is for general educational purposes and does not constitute an insurance quote or advice. Policy wording and the terms of the applicable policy govern.