Motorcycle Helmets and Insurance: Safety, Laws, and Savings 

Millions of people enjoy riding motorcycles. Some ride occasionally, others ride every weekend, and some depend on their motorcycle for daily transportation. Regardless of how often you ride, wearing a motorcycle helmet is crucial for your safety. This guide explains why wearing a motorcycle helmet is essential, reviews helmet laws by state and shows how your gear and choices can affect your motorcycle insurance. Whether you’re a new or experienced rider, understanding these topics can help you stay safe, comply with the law, and save money.  

Why Should You Wear a Motorcycle Helmet? 

Motorcycles are fun, but inherently dangerous. Motorcycles are less visible to other drivers on the road, and unlike cars, they don’t have the protective metal frame surrounding the rider. Because of this, any additional protection a motorcyclist uses can significantly reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries in the event of a crash. 

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets reduce the risk of head injury by up to 69% and lower fatalities by 37% for riders and 41% for passengers. Helmets absorb impact and protect your head, which is especially important since motorcycles lack the protective metal frame that cars have. 

Understanding your state’s helmet laws is essential for legal compliance and safety. As of 2021, 18 states and the District of Columbia require helmets for all riders, 29 states require helmets for younger or novice riders, and three states have no helmet laws. Generally, helmets must meet federal safety standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) under FMVSS 218 to be considered compliant. 

Helmet laws not only protect riders but also reduce healthcare costs and insurance claims. States that have repealed universal helmet laws have seen a drop in helmet use and an increase in motorcycle fatalities. Wearing a helmet also helps you avoid legal complications and can positively impact your insurance claims, especially in states with comparative negligence laws. 

Beyond helmets, the gear and features of your motorcycle can influence your insurance costs. Safety features like anti-lock brakes, airbags, and anti-theft systems can lower premiums. Additionally, wearing protective clothing and using reflective gear can improve your visibility and safety on the road. 

Your motorcycle insurance is mandatory and typically includes liability coverage, which is required by law in most states. You have the option of adding coverages like collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, medical payments, roadside assistance, and coverage for custom parts and accessories. If your motorcycle is financed, your lender may require some of these policies. Completing an approved motorcycle safety course and holding a valid motorcycle license can also help reduce your insurance premiums. 

Choosing the right helmet, understanding your state’s laws, and selecting appropriate insurance coverage are all key steps to protecting yourself and your investment. Whether you’re a casual rider or a daily commuter, staying informed and prepared will help you enjoy the ride safely and confidently. 

How Many People Suffer Fatal Head Injuries Due to Not Wearing a Helmet on a Motorcycle? 

Not wearing a helmet increases your risk of fatality in a crash by 37 percent. In 2025, over 6,500 motorcyclists lost their lives in crashes, and approximately 40 percent of them were not wearing helmets. 

Surviving a severe motorcycle accident without a helmet significantly increases the chances of suffering a traumatic brain injury or enduring serious, lifelong complications. Wearing protective gear—especially a helmet—is a smart choice every time you ride. In many states, it’s also a legal requirement. 

Understanding the risks of riding without a helmet highlights the importance of knowing your state’s helmet laws. Let’s review what those laws look like across the country. 

What States Have Motorcycle Helmet Laws? 

It depends on the state you live in and, in some cases, other factors, such as the rider’s age. Across most states, motorcycle helmet laws fall into a universal helmet law, partial helmet laws, or no-law category, with three states having no helmet law. Let’s take a closer look at the various state laws. 

In states that require an approved helmet, it generally must meet federal safety standards set by the Department of Transportation under FMVSS 218. Helmets meeting these standards are considered protective headgear and are designed to absorb impact and reduce the force transferred to your head in a collision. 

Observed motorcycle helmet use was 84% in states with laws covering all riders, compared with 54% in states without them, showing how helmet laws can influence compliance. 

Understanding your state’s helmet laws is just one part of staying safe and compliant as a rider. Next, let’s look at why these laws exist and how they impact you. 

Why Does the State Care if I Wear a Helmet on My Motorcycle? The Role of a Universal Helmet Law 

Mainly because motorcycle crashes result in significant human and societal costs, and following the law is essential to maintain your license and vehicle registration. State legislators also recognize the pain and long-term disabilities suffered by those who survive serious motorcycle accidents. According to the CDC, if all motorcycle riders wore helmets, the U.S. could save approximately $1.5 billion annually in medical and related expenses. 

The Highway Safety Act of 1966 originally mandated states to implement universal motorcycle helmet laws to qualify for federal highway safety funding. However, many states repealed these universal helmet laws in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to increased fatalities and injuries. States that have repealed universal helmet laws have seen significant drops in helmet use and increases in motorcycle fatalities. This demonstrates the critical role helmet laws play in highway safety. 

Wearing helmets not only protects riders physically but also reduces the burden on healthcare systems and insurance companies. Motorcycle insurance requirements vary by state, but most states require at least liability coverage for damages or injuries in an accident. Liability coverage helps pay for damages or injuries you cause to others in an accident. Your motorcycle insurance has its limits, especially if you suffer a severe head injury in a motorcycle accident. 

Knowing why helmet laws exist helps you make informed decisions about your safety and legal responsibilities. Now, let’s explore how to choose the best helmet for your needs. 

What is the Best Motorcycle Helmet? 

Today, motorcycle helmets run the gamut and picking one can be confusing. Most helmets for sale for road use should meet Department of Transportation federal safety standards. Before you ride, check for a DOT sticker on your motorcycle helmet. As long as you purchase it from a reputable dealer, you should be fine. 

Whether you prefer an open-face, modular, half, dual-sport, off-road, full-face, or another style, there’s a helmet suited to your riding needs. Choosing the best motorcycle helmet depends on your riding environment and how much visibility you want, including options with reflective materials that enhance your presence to other motorists and road users. Riders who frequent city streets and highways may need a different helmet than those who enjoy off-road adventures. 

The most important factor is ensuring your helmet fits properly. With so many options available, avoid purchasing one unless it feels secure and comfortable. Your helmet, often called a brain bucket among motorcyclists, is vital for reducing head injuries during collisions and protecting you from road debris, so invest in the best quality you can afford. 

You should consider other protective riding gear ‑ for both you and your bike ‑ as well. 

Selecting the right helmet is just one part of protecting yourself. The gear and features you choose for your motorcycle can also impact your safety and insurance costs. 

The Right Gear for Your Motorcycle Can Save You Money on Insurance 

Wearing protective gear such as boots, leather chaps, and a sturdy leather jacket significantly reduces the risk of serious injuries if you need to lay your motorcycle down. Proper protection for both you and your passengers enhances safety on the road and helps minimize harm in the event of an accident. Motorcycle-specific policies typically combine required liability coverage with optional protections for your bike and custom parts that standard auto insurance may not include. 

Motorcycle Features That May Lower Insurance Costs 

When considering your motorcycle, think about features you can add or look for when purchasing a new one that could reduce your insurance costs. These motorcycle protections not only enhance safety but may also qualify you for discounts on your motorcycle insurance policy. 

• Antilock Brakes ‑ Like cars and trucks, a lot of motorcycles come with anti‑lock brakes. These allow the rider to brake faster. As a result, they remain in control, thereby avoiding motorcycle accidents. 

• Air Bags ‑ Did you know you may now select a bike with airbags? Typically, the manufacturer installs these just behind the windscreen. An alternative is to select high‑tech riding gear with built‑in airbags. That includes full‑body suits, leather jackets, and motorcycle helmets. 

• Bike Design ‑ Sure, you want a bike that looks great on the road, but at the same time, you want a safe one. Those with a wider or longer frame offer better control and traction. The size and weight of the bike are additional factors. However, always make sure you purchase a motorcycle that best suits your skill level and strength. 

• Anti‑theft System ‑ A lot of insurance companies also give discounted rates for motorcycles designed with anti‑theft systems. 

• Lights ‑ Even certain motorcycle accessories play a role in what you pay for insurance protection. You obviously want lights that enhance your visibility, but those with reflective qualities make it easier for other people on the road to see you. 

Insurance Coverage Options 

Coverage options often include: 

• Liability coverage: Helps pay for damages or injuries you cause to others in an accident. This is typically required by law in most states. 

• Collision coverage: This coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle if it sustains damage from a collision with another vehicle or object. 

• Comprehensive coverage: Covers damage not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters. 

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection: This coverage protects you if you’re involved in a crash with a driver who either lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage. 

• Medical payments coverage: Pays for accident-related medical bills for you and your passengers. 

• Roadside assistance: Offers towing or labor if your motorcycle breaks down. 

• Accessories and custom parts coverage: Protects aftermarket equipment, subject to policy limits. 

Choosing higher deductibles can lower your monthly premium, but you will pay more out of pocket if you file a claim. 

Insurers also rate policies based on factors such as the type of motorcycle, your driving history, and whether you hold a valid motorcycle license. 

Completing a motorcycle safety course or other approved safety course can also lower your premium. 

Understanding your insurance options and the features that can lower your costs is key to protecting yourself and your investment. Next, let’s summarize the main types of motorcycle insurance coverage and why they matter. 

Find Cheap Motorcycle Insurance Online Today 

If you want affordable and reliable insurance, it begins with the motorcycle you choose and the protective gear you use. Even in states without mandatory helmet laws, riders who wear helmets significantly lower their risk of serious injury in motorcycle accidents and often benefit from reduced insurance premiums. 

At Freeway Insurance, we specialize in helping you find the most competitive motorcycle insurance rates tailored to your needs and budget. You can easily obtain a free motorcycle insurance quote online, by calling us at (800) 777‑5620, or by visiting one of our convenient office locations near you. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Helmets and Insurance 

Is wearing a helmet mandatory in all states? 

No. Most states require helmet use for young or novice riders, while 18 states and Washington, D.C., mandate helmets for all motorcyclists. Three states have no helmet laws. 

What type of helmet is legal to wear? 

Motorcycle helmets are required to comply with federal safety standards established by the Department of Transportation (DOT), specifically under FMVSS 218. Additionally, some states recognize helmets certified by organizations like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for extra assurance of safety. 

Are DOT helmets required? 

Yes. In most states with helmet laws, helmets must meet DOT standards (FMVSS 218) to be considered legal and provide adequate protection. Helmets without DOT certification may not be accepted for legal compliance or insurance purposes. 

Do full-face helmets really protect better? 

Full-face helmets offer the most comprehensive protection by covering the entire head and face, reducing the risk of facial injuries and providing better impact absorption compared to open-face or half helmets. They also shield you from debris and weather, enhancing overall safety. 

Does helmet type matter in a crash? 

Yes. Different helmet types provide varying levels of protection. Full-face helmets generally offer superior protection, while half or open-face helmets expose more of the face and jaw, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. 

Can I get a discount on insurance if I wear a helmet and complete a safety course? 

Yes. Completing an approved motorcycle safety course and wearing a helmet can help lower your motorcycle insurance premiums. 

What happens if I don’t wear a helmet and get into an accident? 

Besides a higher risk of serious injury or death, not wearing a helmet can negatively impact your insurance claims or legal compensation, especially in states with comparative negligence laws. 

What insurance coverages should I consider for better protection? 

Besides the required liability coverage, it’s advisable to include collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, medical payments, and coverage for custom accessories.