MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE DISCOUNTS FOR VETERANS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Motorcycle insurance premiums can vary widely, but numerous discounts are available, particularly for military members, veterans, and law enforcement. Leveraging these discounts is key to obtaining affordable coverage.

Many major insurance carriers recognize the service of military personnel and offer specific discounts:

• Providers: Many insurance providers, including Harley-Davidson^® Insurance, offer military discounts.

• Eligibility: Generally, extends to active-duty military personnel, members of the National Guard and Reserves, military retirees, and sometimes veterans. Specific eligibility criteria should be confirmed with each insurer.

• Amount: Discount percentages vary. If not explicitly stated, this is a good question to ask your insurance agent.

Similar discounts are often available for police officers.

• Providers: Harley-Davidson Insurance and other insurance companies are known to offer a law enforcement discount.

• Eligibility: Typically requires full-time employment in a qualifying law enforcement role. Insurer definitions may vary slightly.

Beyond profession-specific discounts, riders can often significantly lower their premiums by qualifying for other common motorcycle insurance discounts. These frequently include:

• Safety Course: Completing an approved rider safety course, such as those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or specific military programs.

• Rider Experience/Mature Rider: Savings for riders with several years of experience or those above a certain age threshold (e.g., 45+).

• Responsible Driver/Claim Free: Maintaining a clean driving record without accidents or violations for a specified period (typically 3 years).

• Association Membership: Belonging to specific groups like the Harley Owners Group^® motorcycle group (H.O.G.^®).

• Payment Methods: Discounts for paying the policy premium in full upfront, setting up automatic electronic funds transfer (EFT) payments, maintaining a consistent on-time payment history.

• Multi-Cycle: Insuring more than one motorcycle on the same policy or with the same company.

• Home Ownership: Some carriers offer a discount simply for being a homeowner, even if the home isn't insured with them.

Maximizing savings means stacking multiple insurance discounts - not just the military or law enforcement discount. Factors like riding experience, training, payment methods, and bike features can all add up.

Beyond standard exclusions, these groups may face unique challenges:

• Overseas Coverage Gaps: Obtaining coverage from a US-based insurer for a motorcycle stationed overseas is a significant hurdle, often requiring riders to seek local insurance in the host country. Be sure to ask your cycle insurance agent about these details.

• High Rates for Certain Profiles: Young, inexperienced riders, particularly those under 25-28, often face very high premiums, especially if they own sport bikes known for higher claim rates and expensive repairs. Military or law enforcement status may not fully mitigate these age/vehicle type rating factors.

• Military Base Regulations: Service members must comply not only with state motorcycle laws but also with regulations specific to the military installation where they ride or reside. This often includes mandatory completion of MSF or equivalent safety courses and carrying proof of completion. Failure to comply could result in base riding privileges being revoked, separate from insurance status.

• Claim Issues: As with any insurance, disputes or difficulties can arise during the claims process. It’s important to understand policy requirements and timelines for submitting claims, as failure to comply could lead to denial, even for otherwise covered events.

The unique demands of military life, particularly deployments and frequent relocations, necessitate specific considerations and policy adjustments regarding motorcycle insurance.

Military personnel deployed for ≥30 days typically store motorcycles. Military-focused insurers offer reduced-coverage options for stored vehicles:

In some states, you may be able to suspend coverages associated with active riding, such as liability and collision, while maintaining comprehensive coverage. This ensures the bike remains protected against non-operating risks like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather damage while stored, but at a significantly reduced premium.

PCS moves are a standard feature of military life, but they introduce significant insurance implications. Moving to a new state means confronting a new set of rules:

• State Requirement Changes: Each state has its own minimum requirements for motorcycle liability insurance limits, as well as potential mandates for UM/UIM or PIP coverage. A policy compliant in one state may be insufficient in another. Riders must ensure their coverage meets the legal requirements of their new duty station.

• Policy Portability and Rate Changes: Motorcycle insurance policies may be portable, but rates usually change after a PCS. Premiums depend on the garaging location, which factors in traffic, theft rates, weather, and state laws. Service members should report their new address and request an updated quote promptly.

• Re-quoting Opportunity: Comparing local quotes may reveal lower rates if your current provider is no longer the best option.

• Continuous Coverage: It is vital to maintain continuous insurance coverage during the transition to avoid legal issues and potential rate increases associated with coverage lapses.

Proactive research and quoting before the move allow for accurate budgeting and the opportunity to secure the best available rate at the new location.

Taking a motorcycle overseas during a military assignment brings unique motorcycle insurance hurdles. Unlike auto coverage, US-based insurers often won’t cover motorcycles abroad and may decline coverage outside the U.S., forcing riders to seek local insurance.

This can be costly and complex, requiring early research into host-country policies and systems.

Military and law enforcement riders face unique insurance hurdles—but they also unlock unique advantages. Whether you're navigating a PCS, prepping for deployment, or simply looking to lower your premium, staying informed and proactive is key.

Shop smart, stay covered, and ride with confidence—wherever duty calls.

We’re ready to help. Get a motorcycle insurance quote today from one of the most respected motorcycle insurance agencies. We’ll help protect you and your bike now and in the future.