Motorcycle Insurance in the U.S. and Canada — What International Riders Need to Know
- Motorcycle Express
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
One of the most common concerns riders have today isn’t shipping — it’s insurance.And it’s completely understandable.
The landscape has changed. What used to be relatively straightforward now requires a bit more planning and awareness — especially for international riders bringing foreign-registered motorcycles into North America.
🇨🇦 Canada — A Provincial System
In Canada, motorcycle insurance is handled at the provincial level, not nationally.
This means:
Requirements vary by province
Insurance is often tied to residency and registration
Not all provinces operate the same way
👉 This is where many riders encounter confusion.
To give a general sense:
Quebec: minimum liability is typically $50,000 CAD
Ontario: minimum liability is typically $200,000 CAD
In most provinces, riders are required to carry a baseline level of liability coverage, with higher limits strongly recommended.
👉 In practice, many riders aim for higher liability limits where available, but options for foreign-plated motorcycles are often more limited. In the U.S., many states require minimum liability coverage (often around $300,000), so it’s important to confirm that your policy meets local requirements.
🔑 Why Canada Can Be Confusing
Because insurance in Canada is regulated at the provincial level, there is no single national process for foreign riders — which is why planning based on your point of arrival is so important.
📘 Official References (Canada)
👉 For official information on bringing a motorcycle into Canada:https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d19/d19-12-1-eng.html
👉 For federal guidance on vehicle import requirements:https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/canadian-environmental-protection-act-registry/importing-motorcycles-road-vehicle-regulations-guide.html
👉 For a general overview of how motorcycle insurance works across Canada:https://www.nfp.ca/personal-risk/car-home-motorcycle-and-rv-insurance/motorcycle-insurance/
🇺🇸 United States — A Different Structure
In the United States, insurance is handled at the state level, and options are generally more accessible for international riders.
However, it’s important to understand the distinction between two very different types of coverage:
✔️ Travel / Medical Insurance (Widely Available)
Many riders obtain travel insurance through providers such as:
World Nomads
InsureMyTrip / InsuBuy
Travel Insured International
These policies typically cover:
Emergency medical care
Hospitalization
Trip interruption
👉 Important: These policies cover the rider, not the motorcycle — and do not meet legal riding requirements.
✔️ Motorcycle Liability Insurance (Required to Ride)
To legally operate a motorcycle on public roads, riders must carry motorcycle liability insurance.
This is separate from travel insurance.
Options for foreign riders are more limited, but may include:
Specialty brokers
International insurers
Short-term or tourist-focused policies
👉 Availability varies by state and individual situation.
⚠️ What’s Changed
In recent years:
Fewer providers offer coverage for international riders
Requirements have become more structured
Short-term and tourist-friendly options are more limited
👉 This is why planning ahead is now essential.
🧭 What Riders Typically Do (Real-World Approaches)
While there’s no one-size solution, most riders successfully navigate this in one of the following ways:
✔️ Align Arrival Location with Insurance Options
Some provinces and states are simply easier to work with than others.
Choosing the right arrival point can significantly simplify the process.
✔️ Use a Layered Coverage Approach
Many riders combine:
Home-country motorcycle insurance
Supplemental liability coverage
This approach can work well, but it’s important to confirm:
Where coverage is valid
What is actually covered
What documentation is accepted locally
✔️ Time Insurance with Your Shipment
Insurance is often easiest to secure closer to your travel date.
We typically recommend:
Begin researching options 60–90 days in advance
Finalize coverage once your shipment timing is confirmed
✔️ Understand When Insurance Is Required
👉 Insurance is required when the motorcycle is operated on public roads.
However:
If the motorcycle is collected by trailer, insurance may not be required immediately
If the bike is stored or not in use, requirements may differ
📍 Practical Starting Points
Because availability changes frequently, riders often begin by exploring:
Provincial or state-based insurance providers
Independent brokers familiar with international vehicles
Specialty providers for foreign-plated motorcycles
👉 You can also view our North America Insurance Resource List here:https://www.motorcycleexpress.com/insurance
🤝 Our Role
While we no longer provide insurance directly, we work with riders navigating this process every day.
We help ensure:
Your shipment timing aligns with your insurance plans
You understand how insurance requirements may affect your arrival and pickup
The overall process remains smooth and well-coordinated
If questions come up along the way, we’re always happy to share guidance based on what we see in practice.
✅ The Bottom Line
Motorcycle insurance in North America isn’t always simple — but with the right approach, it is very manageable.
⭐ A Note of Encouragement
If this part feels complicated, you’re not alone — and it doesn’t mean your shipment isn’t possible.
Riders successfully navigate this every day with the right planning and guidance.
👉 Coming Next
Understanding the Global Shipping Climate — What Every Rider Needs to Know Before Booking
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