If you are convicted of a DUI it is indeed going to impact your ability to secure the best rates on insurance as a driver or a motorcyclist. A DUI does not make you uninsurable but for a few years at least it will mean that insurance companies will see you as a higher risk and set your rates accordingly.

DUI and Motorcycle Insurance Basics

There is a common misconception held by some that if you receive a DUI while driving a car it will have no bearing on your motorcycle insurance rates as they are different types of vehicles with a different licensing test and operate in completely different ways. This is not the case.
A DUI conviction applies to you as a person, not to the type of vehicle you choose to get around in. that means whether you drive a car, a truck, a motorcycle or even a moped the DUI will affect your insurance rates as the insurance companies do not make that kind of vehicle specific consideration (they would still charge you a higher rate after a recent DUI if you had a spaceship!)
When you apply for a motorcycle insurance policy your general driving record is accessed by the insurance company and your DUI will show up to them. If it is a black mark from years ago and you have had a good clean driving history ever since many insurance companies will not hold it against you, assuming based on your history that you made a mistake and have taken the right steps to become a safer driver. Often those convicted of a DUI are mandated to attend safety courses, and the completion of these will show up on your record and count in your favor. Therefore even if a DUI conviction does not come with that kind of condition attached voluntarily taking one of these courses will go a long way towards minimizing the impact a DUI will have on your insurance rates, both for motorcycle insurance and auto insurance.
The Impact of a DUI on an Existing Motorcycle Insurance Policy

The impact a DUI has on a new motorcycle insurance policy is one thing, but what will happen if you have a motorcycle insurance policy in effect and are convicted of a DUI?
One thing you will probably need help from your insurance company is the filing of an SR 22 information form. An SR-22 is a document that shows proof of financial responsibility. You’ll need an SR-22 if the police catch you driving (technically riding if you a motorcyclist) under the influence, driving with a suspended license or driving without insurance.
You will usually be required to carry the SR-22 for a certain amount of time (usually two to three years). Once you have properly fulfill that time period with no more blemishes (including too many tickets for minor violations) your SR-22 status expires and that is when your motorcycle insurance rates, which will certainly be raised right after your DUI, should start to go back down. The initial form has to come form your insurance carrier and in most cases they will file it for you and just send you a copy to keep on hand. You should check though as although most insurance companies do file the SR 22 for you that is not always the case and you may have to do the legwork yourself.
Tips for Overcoming the Motorcycle Insurance Rate Impact of a DUI

As mentioned, whether you are buying a new motorcycle insurance or have one in effect a DUI is going to impact the cost and flexibility of your policy for some time. There are some steps you should take though to make sure that you give yourself the best possible chance to minimize that impact. Here are some tips:

• Take Classes: Many times driver education and safer driving/riding courses are mandated by a court issuing a DUI conviction but even if they are not it will look very favorable on your record if you complete some.
• Avoid Tickets; Many people are motorcyclists and car drivers. Tickets issued against either type of vehicle will count against you when it comes to motorcycle insurance and if you already have a DUI on your record you really do not need any more black marks. So that means you need to be especially careful about speed limits, where you park and even the condition of your vehicles as a broken tail light is a ticket as well!
• Downgrade your Bike – If you have a DUI on your record and you also ride and own a powerful, zippy sport bike you may want to consider garaging it for a while and swapping to a different bike unless you are willing to pay very high motorcycle insurance premiums. Sporty biles already cost more to insure than any other kind and if you have DUI as well that figure is likely to double or even triple.
• Add safety Features to Your Bike – Just like auto insurance your motorcycle insurance policy rates can usually be reduced if you have certain security and safety measures implemented on your bike. While motorbikes cannot really be equipped with air bags but they can have security alarms and many manufacturers are offering other safety features like on-board camera for better rear views and additional lights for better visibility.

Check out what can happen when you drink and ride: