{"id":3367,"date":"2026-07-01T22:13:43","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T22:13:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=3367"},"modified":"2026-07-06T14:46:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T14:46:50","slug":"why-wear-motorcycle-helmet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/motorcycle-insurance\/motorcycle-safety\/why-wear-motorcycle-helmet\/","title":{"rendered":"Motorcycle Helmets and Insurance: Safety, Laws, and Savings\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/a>. Whether you’re a new or experienced rider, understanding these topics can help you stay safe, comply with the law, and save money.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Should You Wear a Motorcycle Helmet?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Motorcycles are fun, but inherently dangerous. Motorcycles are less visible to other drivers on the road, and unlike cars, they don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding your state\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 States that have repealed universal helmet laws have seen a drop in helmet use and an increase in motorcycle fatalities.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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your motorcycle insurance is mandatory<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the right helmet, understanding your state\u2019s laws, and selecting appropriate insurance coverage are all key steps to protecting yourself and your investment. Whether you\u2019re a casual rider or a daily commuter, staying informed and prepared will help you enjoy the ride safely and confidently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Many People Suffer Fatal Head Injuries Due to Not Wearing a Helmet on a Motorcycle?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surviving a severe motorcycle accident<\/a> without a helmet significantly increases the chances of suffering a traumatic brain injury or enduring serious, lifelong complications. Wearing protective gear\u2014especially a helmet\u2014is a smart choice every time you ride. In many states, it\u2019s also a legal requirement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the risks of riding without a helmet highlights the importance of knowing your state\u2019s helmet laws. Let\u2019s review what those laws look like across the country. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Motorcyclist<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

What States Have Motorcycle Helmet Laws?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s take a closer look at the various state laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

State<\/strong> <\/td>Helmet Law<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
Alabama <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Alaska <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Arizona <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Arkansas <\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
California <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Colorado <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Connecticut <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Delaware <\/td>Helmet required for 18 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
District of Columbia <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Florida <\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Georgia <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Hawaii <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Idaho <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Illinois <\/td>No helmet law <\/td><\/tr>
Indiana <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Iowa <\/td>No helmet law <\/td><\/tr>
Kansas <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Kentucky <\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Louisiana <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Maine <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Maryland <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Massachusetts <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Michigan <\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Minnesota <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Mississippi <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Missouri <\/td>Helmet required for 25 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Montana <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Nebraska <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Nevada <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
New Hampshire <\/td>No helmet law <\/td><\/tr>
New Jersey <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
New Mexico <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
New York <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
North Carolina <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
North Dakota <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Ohio <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Oklahoma <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Oregon <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Pennsylvania <\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Rhode Island <\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
South Carolina <\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
South Dakota <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Tennessee <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Texas <\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Utah <\/td>Helmet required for 20 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Vermont <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Virginia <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Washington <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
West Virginia <\/td>Helmet required for all riders <\/td><\/tr>
Wisconsin <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr>
Wyoming <\/td>Helmet required for 17 and younger <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Does the State Care if I Wear a Helmet on My Motorcycle? The Role of a Universal Helmet Law<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wearing helmets not only protects riders physically but also reduces the burden on healthcare systems and insurance companies. Motorcycle insurance requirements vary by state<\/a>, but most states require at least liability coverage for damages or injuries in an accident. Liability coverage<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing why helmet laws exist helps you make informed decisions about your safety and legal responsibilities. Now, let\u2019s explore how to choose the best helmet for your needs. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Silhouetted<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

What is the Best Motorcycle Helmet?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should consider other protective riding gear \u2011 for both you and your bike \u2011 as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Right Gear for Your Motorcycle Can Save You Money on Insurance<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motorcycle Features That May Lower Insurance Costs<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n