Motorcycle insurance in Ontario

Yes. If you ride a motorcycle, moped, or scooter on public roads in Ontario, you need valid insurance. A motorcycle policy typically includes required liability protection, accident benefits, direct compensation for property damage, and uninsured automobile coverage. You can also add optional coverage for damage to your own bike, including collision and comprehensive coverage.

Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your motorcycle if it’s damaged in a covered collision or upset. This can include contact with another vehicle, an object, the road surface, or a tip-over. If your motorcycle is financed, leased, newer, customized, or expensive to repair, collision coverage can be especially important.

Comprehensive coverage helps protect your motorcycle from losses other than collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, and certain weather-related damage. This coverage may be helpful if your bike is stored in a shared garage, parked outdoors, or has a higher theft risk.

Your premium can depend on your bike, declared value, engine size, riding experience, driving record, location, use, storage, chosen coverage, deductible, and claims history. Customizations and accessories can also affect coverage needs, so be clear about any upgrades when requesting a quote.

Many mopeds and scooters used on public roads require insurance, but registration and licence requirements depend on the vehicle’s design, speed, and engine or motor. Your advisor can help determine whether your scooter or moped needs motorcycle-style coverage and what options are available.

In many cases, yes, but it often depends on having the right optional coverage, such as collision or comprehensive. While some policies include a specific limit for protective gear like helmets, jackets, and boots, others may require an endorsement for “custom parts and equipment” to fully protect high-end apparel.  

Because safety gear is a significant investment for Ontario riders, it’s important to keep your receipts and ask your advisor how your specific policy handles damage to riding gear after an accident or theft. 

Effective July 1, 2026, Ontario’s auto reform changes the structure of Statutory Accident Benefits. Medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits remain mandatory, while many other benefits become optional. For motorcycle riders, that means benefits such as income replacement, caregiver support, housekeeping and home maintenance, dependant care, death and funeral, and indexation should be reviewed before renewal.

Westland’s reform guidance notes that policies are expected to renew with current coverage and limits unless a client actively chooses to remove optional benefits in writing. However, the structure is changing, so riders should not assume they understand what’s included. Review your renewal package and speak with an advisor before making changes.

Not without understanding what you may be giving up. A lower premium can look appealing, but optional benefits may help replace income, support dependants, provide caregiver help, or assist with death and funeral costs after a serious accident. Riders are physically exposed, so reviewing these benefits carefully is important.