Motorcycle Insurance in Myrtle Beach, SC

What Is Motorcycle Insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is a specialized policy designed to protect riders, their bikes, and others on the road. While it shares some similarities with auto insurance, motorcycle coverage addresses risks unique to two-wheeled vehicles—from the increased vulnerability of riders to the custom parts many owners add to their bikes.

South Carolina requires motorcycle insurance to ride legally on public roads. But beyond meeting state minimums, the right policy protects your investment in your bike and shields you from financial devastation if an accident occurs.

Why Myrtle Beach Riders Need Motorcycle Insurance

The Grand Strand offers some of the best riding conditions on the East Coast. Mild winters mean year-round riding for many Myrtle Beach motorcyclists, and coastal highways like Ocean Boulevard and Highway 17 draw riders from across the region. That extended season also means more time exposed to risk. Here's why proper motorcycle insurance matters:

• South Carolina law requires liability coverage. You must carry at least 25/50/25 liability coverage to register and operate a motorcycle in SC—$25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.


• Your auto policy won't cover your bike. Motorcycles require separate policies. Even with full coverage on your car, you have zero protection when riding without motorcycle-specific insurance.


• Riders face higher injury risks. Without the protective shell of a car, motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries more often. Medical bills add up fast, making adequate coverage essential.


• Bikes are theft targets. Motorcycles are easier to steal than cars, and Myrtle Beach's tourism traffic creates opportunities for thieves. Comprehensive coverage protects against theft and vandalism.


• Custom parts need separate coverage. That aftermarket exhaust, custom seat, or upgraded lighting may not be covered under a standard policy without adding custom parts and equipment coverage.

What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

Motorcycle insurance policies bundle several coverage types. Understanding each helps you build protection that matches how you ride and what you own.

Liability Coverage

Liability pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. This is the coverage South Carolina requires. If you're at fault in a collision, liability covers the other party's medical bills, vehicle repairs, and legal costs if they sue. It doesn't cover your own injuries or bike damage.

Collision Coverage

Collision pays to repair or replace your motorcycle after an accident, regardless of fault. Whether you lay the bike down on a curve near Murrells Inlet or get rear-ended at a stoplight in Conway, collision coverage handles your bike's damage minus your deductible.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive covers non-collision damage: theft, vandalism, fire, flooding, falling objects, and animal strikes. Deer collisions are common on rural roads around Georgetown and Pawleys Island, making comprehensive coverage particularly valuable for riders who venture beyond city limits.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage protects you when another driver causes an accident but lacks adequate insurance. Given how many out-of-state visitors drive through Myrtle Beach—some with minimal coverage from their home states—uninsured motorist protection is worth serious consideration.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments, or MedPay, covers your medical expenses after an accident regardless of fault. It pays immediately, without waiting for fault determination, helping cover deductibles, copays, and costs your health insurance might not.

Guest Passenger Liability

If you carry passengers, this coverage pays for their injuries in an accident. Standard liability may not fully extend to passengers on your own bike—check your policy or ask your agent about guest passenger protection.

Optional Motorcycle Coverage Worth Considering

Beyond core coverages, several add-ons address specific needs Myrtle Beach riders often have:

Custom parts and equipment coverage: Standard policies cover your bike at factory specifications. If you've invested in aftermarket exhausts, chrome, saddlebags, audio systems, or performance upgrades, you need additional coverage to protect that investment.

Accessory coverage: Helmets, jackets, gloves, and riding gear add up quickly. Accessory coverage replaces gear damaged in a covered accident.

Roadside assistance: Breaking down on Highway 501 or along the Waccamaw Neck is no fun. Roadside assistance covers towing, fuel delivery, flat tire service, and lockout help.

Trip interruption coverage: If your bike breaks down or is damaged far from home, trip interruption helps cover lodging, meals, and transportation while repairs are completed.

Loan/lease gap coverage: If your motorcycle is totaled and you owe more than its actual cash value, gap coverage pays the difference so you're not stuck with a loan on a bike you can't ride.

Motorcycle Types and Insurance Considerations

The type of motorcycle you ride affects your coverage needs and premium costs.

Cruisers: Harleys, Indians, and metric cruisers dominate the Myrtle Beach riding scene. These bikes often accumulate custom parts over time, making custom equipment coverage important. Cruiser riders typically see moderate premiums due to the bikes' relaxed riding position and demographics.

Sport bikes: Higher speeds and performance-oriented design mean sport bikes cost more to insure. Younger riders on sport bikes face the highest premiums. If you ride a sport bike, shopping multiple carriers is especially important—rates vary dramatically.

Touring bikes: Gold Wings, Road Glides, and other touring motorcycles carry higher values and often feature extensive electronics and accessories. Coverage limits should reflect replacement costs, and custom parts coverage matters if you've added to the factory setup.

Dual-sport and adventure bikes: If you ride off-road, confirm your policy covers off-pavement use. Some policies exclude damage occurring on unpaved surfaces.

How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

Motorcycle insurance premiums in South Carolina depend on several factors:

Your bike: Engine size, value, and theft rates for your make and model all influence cost. A new Harley touring bike costs more to insure than a ten-year-old Honda cruiser.

Your riding history: Clean driving records mean lower premiums. Accidents, tickets, and DUIs raise rates significantly.

Your experience: New riders pay more than veterans. Completing a motorcycle safety course can earn discounts with many carriers.

Your coverage choices: Higher limits and lower deductibles increase premiums. Liability-only coverage costs less than full coverage with collision and comprehensive.

Where you live: Urban areas like Myrtle Beach typically have higher rates than rural communities due to traffic density and theft frequency.

Annual premiums for Myrtle Beach riders range from a few hundred dollars for basic liability on an older bike to over a thousand for full coverage on a newer motorcycle. The only way to know your cost is to get quotes—and because rates vary widely between carriers, comparing multiple options matters.

South Carolina Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

South Carolina mandates minimum liability coverage for all registered motorcycles:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person


• $50,000 bodily injury per accident


• $25,000 property damage per accident

These minimums satisfy legal requirements but may leave you exposed. A serious accident can easily exceed $50,000 in medical costs alone. Most agents recommend higher limits—50/100/50 or 100/300/100—especially for riders with assets to protect.

Why Choose Moore & Associates for Motorcycle Insurance

Moore & Associates has served Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand since 1979. As an independent insurance agency, we represent multiple motorcycle insurance carriers—not just one company. That means we can compare coverage options and pricing to find a policy that fits your bike, your riding style, and your budget.

Our local agents ride these roads too. We understand the coverage needs of Myrtle Beach motorcyclists, from daily commuters in Surfside Beach to weekend cruisers exploring Litchfield and North Myrtle Beach. Whether you own a cruiser, sport bike, touring rig, or vintage restoration, we'll help you build the right protection.

Get a Motorcycle Insurance Quote in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Our motorcycle insurance agents serve Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and surrounding areas including North Myrtle Beach, Atlantic Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield, Pawleys Island, and Georgetown. Contact Moore & Associates today for a free quote.