Yamaha Bolt Insurance

The Yamaha Bolt — also known as the XV950 — combines the style of an old-school bobber with modern tech and features. The 942cc (58 cubic engine) V-twin is air-cooled and fuel-injected, with a 5-speed transmission and 2-into-1 exhaust. Many reviewers have claimed the Bolt, produced under Yamaha’s sub-brand Star, is a better all-around bike than its American rival, the Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster. There is especially true of the R-spec version, which Yamaha calls an “urban performance bobber.”

While cruisers are typically less expensive to insure than sport bikes, this is a sports-oriented bobber with nearly 1000cc of displacement. For this reason, it’s important to compare policies and quotes from multiple insurers, or else you could end up paying an arm and a leg to insure your Bolt.

Yamaha Star Bolt Insurance Rates

The factors that contribute to your insurance rates are myriad, from the make/model/age of the bike to your driving history, location, credit score, annual mileage, security measures, and more. Then there’s the level of coverage you choose, from simple liability to full coverage, including comprehensive and collision.

That said, it’s instructive to look at the rates of real Bolt owners, if only to gain of an idea of what to expect. Below, we’ve gathered rates from other Bolt owners:

• Male, 24, Chicago, full coverage, Progressive:  $350 / year ($29 / month)
• Male, 26, California, full coverage, Allstate:  $312 / year ($26 / month)
• Male, 27, Wisconsin, full coverage, Progressive:  $324 / year ($27 / month)
• Male, 39, St. Louis, full coverage, State Farm: $536 / year ($45 / month)
• Male, 43, Brooklyn, full coverage:  $980 / year ($82 / month)
• Male, 44, Northern Virginia, full coverage, Progressive: $481 / year ($40 / month)
• Male, 58, South Carolina, full coverage, Markel:  $373 / year ($31 / month)

As you can see, rates vary substantially, but most fall into the range of around $30 per month. That said, many of these owners remarked that they were quoted upwards of $1000 per year by other companies before they found the policy they currently have. For this reason, it’s imperative to compare quotes and companies before you buy.

Yamaha Bolt History

Introduced in 2013, the Yamaha Bolt — aka the Star Bolt or XV950 — is an entry-level sports cruiser with a 942cc V-twin, fuel injection, 5-speed transmission, and belt drive. Unlike a liquid-cooled engine, the air-cooled V-twin recalls the engines of old-school bobbers, while the bike has garnered a reputation in the customization scene and led to a strong aftermarket of custom parts and accessories.

Cycle World has praised the bike’s “all-day saddle” and strong torque. As far as performance, the Bolt managed 46 rear wheel horsepower on the dyno and nearly 53 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of just over 100 mph.

Yamaha Bolt Coverage Recommendations

At the very minimum, most states require you to carry liability coverage on your bike, though the minimum coverage amounts vary from state to state. While liability-only might be the most inexpensive option, it’s rarely the best — remember that liability only covers damages to third parties in an accident — not you or your bike. Moreover, if you finance your Bolt, the bank or finance company will require you to carry full coverage, which includes both comprehensive and collision coverage.

Compare Rates

In order to get the lowest rate you can, it’s crucial to request rate quotes from the various insurance providers. Rates vary widely from company to company and region to region — so this is the best way to keep your rates low and your pockets full. Fortunately, we’ve made it easy to request rates online. Enter your zip code to begin.