Indiana Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Updated 2022 Minimums for Riders

Quick Answer: Indiana Minimum Motorcycle Insurance

Indiana requires all motorcycles operated on public roads to carry minimum liability insurance. Following a 2022 increase, the state minimums are 25/50/25:

Indiana is an at-fault (tort) state for motorcycle accidents. Helmets are not required for riders age 18 and older. Indiana does not require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on motorcycle policies.

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What Indiana Law Requires for Motorcycles

Under Indiana Code §9-25-4-5, all motor vehicles registered and operated in Indiana — including motorcycles — must maintain minimum liability insurance. Indiana raised its liability minimums in 2022 from the previous 25/50/10 to the current 25/50/25, significantly increasing the property damage floor.

What Indiana's minimum liability covers:

• Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering for people injured in an accident you cause
• Repairs to another person's vehicle or property you damage

What it does not cover:

• Your own injuries after a crash
• Repairs to your own motorcycle
• Theft, weather, or animal collision damage

Because Indiana does not require PIP on motorcycle policies, riders depend entirely on their own health insurance or optional MedPay for their own medical bills after any crash.

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Indiana's 2022 Minimum Increase: What Changed

Prior to July 1, 2022, Indiana's minimum liability limits were 25/50/10. The property damage minimum was just $10,000 — far below the cost of most modern vehicles. The 2022 increase to 25/50/25 was the first update to Indiana's minimums in decades.

What this means for riders: If your motorcycle policy was issued before 2022 and not reviewed since, confirm it meets the current 25/50/25 requirements. Policies issued under the old minimums may not automatically have updated.

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Helmet Laws in Indiana

Indiana does not require helmets for riders age 18 or older. Riders and passengers under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet.

Insurance implications of riding without a helmet:

• Serious head injuries routinely generate $100,000+ in medical bills
• Indiana is an at-fault state — if an uninsured or underinsured driver causes your injuries, your only recovery is through UM/UIM coverage or litigation
• MedPay or strong health insurance is critical for riders who choose not to wear a helmet

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Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Indiana insurers must offer UM (uninsured motorist) and UIM (underinsured motorist) coverage on motorcycle policies. You can decline both in writing.

Indiana UM/UIM context:

• Indiana's uninsured motorist rate is estimated at 16% — one of the higher rates nationally
• Indianapolis metro and other urban areas have elevated rates of uninsured drivers
• After a crash, if the at-fault driver has no insurance or only the $25,000 minimum, UM/UIM is what bridges the gap

Recommendation: Keep UM/UIM at $100,000/$300,000 or higher. Indiana's relatively high uninsured rate and the exclusion of motorcycles from PIP make UM/UIM especially important for riders.

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Who Must Carry Motorcycle Insurance in Indiana

Must carry insurance:

• All owners of motorcycles registered in Indiana
• Out-of-state riders who establish Indiana residency or register motorcycles here
• Moped operators on public streets (check current Indiana BMV classification for your vehicle)

Exceptions:

• Off-road only: Dirt bikes and motocross bikes used exclusively on private property or designated off-highway trails do not require road liability insurance
• Self-insured commercial operators: Large businesses with multiple registered vehicles may qualify for self-insurance

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Proof of Insurance in Indiana

Indiana requires proof of insurance while operating any motor vehicle, including motorcycles. Present it when:

• Stopped by law enforcement
• Involved in an accident
• Renewing motorcycle registration
• Requested at any official checkpoint

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) operates an electronic insurance verification system — insurers report active policy data to the state. Digital proof of insurance on a smartphone is accepted under Indiana law.

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Penalties for Riding Without Insurance in Indiana

Important: Indiana's reinstatement fees are among the higher in the Midwest — $150 for license reinstatement plus $150 for registration reinstatement. These fees apply on top of any fines.

At-fault accident without insurance: Full personal civil liability for all damages. Indiana courts can enforce judgments through wage garnishment and property liens.

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SR-22 Requirements in Indiana

An SR-22 is a financial responsibility certificate your insurer files with the Indiana BMV.

SR-22 required after:

• Riding or driving without insurance
• OWI (operating while intoxicated) conviction
• Serious traffic violations
• At-fault accident while uninsured

Duration: 3 years from the triggering event. Any lapse in coverage during the SR-22 period triggers immediate license suspension.

Indiana riders with SR-22 requirements typically pay 40–80% more for motorcycle insurance than standard-risk riders.

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Indiana-Specific Riding Conditions

Urban riding (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend): Indiana's urban corridors have high traffic density and elevated rates of uninsured drivers. Urban accident rates support UM/UIM coverage decisions.

Rural riding: Indiana's flat terrain and straight rural highways invite higher speeds. Many county roads have limited sight lines at intersections.

Motorsports culture: Indiana hosts the Indianapolis 500 and significant motorsports tourism. The state has a large riding community and well-established dealer/insurance networks.

Deer collisions: Indiana ranks consistently in the top 15 states for deer-vehicle collisions. Comprehensive coverage addresses deer strikes; liability and collision do not.

Seasonal riding: Indiana's practical riding season runs April through October. Off-season plate surrender is the legal way to cancel insurance during winter without registration penalties.

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Recommended Coverage Beyond Indiana Minimums

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FAQ

What is the minimum motorcycle insurance in Indiana?

Indiana requires 25/50/25 liability (updated 2022): $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage.

Did Indiana recently change its motorcycle insurance minimums?

Yes. On July 1, 2022, Indiana raised its liability minimums from 25/50/10 to 25/50/25. The property damage minimum more than doubled from $10,000 to $25,000.

Does Indiana require helmets for motorcycle riders?

Helmets are required for riders and passengers under age 18. Adults 18 and older may ride legally without a helmet in Indiana.

Does Indiana require PIP on motorcycle policies?

No. Personal Injury Protection is not required for motorcycles in Indiana. Your own medical bills after a crash are covered by your health insurance or optional MedPay — not mandatory coverage.

What happens if I ride without insurance in Indiana?

A Class C infraction, fine up to $500, registration suspension, and SR-22 requirement for reinstatement. Reinstatement fees in Indiana are $150 for the license and $150 for registration plates.

Does my car insurance cover my motorcycle in Indiana?

No. Motorcycles require separate insurance policies. An auto policy does not extend to motorcycles.

Can I suspend my motorcycle insurance during winter in Indiana?

If you surrender your registration plates to the Indiana BMV, you can legally cancel coverage during off-season months without registration penalties. Retain documentation of the plate surrender.

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Key Takeaways

• Indiana minimum motorcycle insurance is 25/50/25 (updated July 2022)
• Helmets not required for adults 18+; MedPay is critical without helmet protection
• Indiana's ~16% uninsured driver rate makes UM/UIM especially important for riders
• No mandatory PIP on motorcycle policies — add MedPay to cover your own medical bills
• Riding uninsured: Class C infraction plus $300 in reinstatement fees
• SR-22 required for 3 years after certain violations

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Indiana motorcycle insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (in.gov/bmv) and the Indiana Department of Insurance (in.gov/idoi), and consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: March 2026
Sources: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Department of Insurance, Indiana Code §9-25-4-5