If you receive a ticket for not wearing a helmet, your premiums may go up: Just as not wearing a seatbelt can make getting cheap car insurance quotes difficult, not wearing a helmet in states where it is required by law can cause your motorcycle premiums to rise.

If you don’t plan to wear a helmet, you’ll likely need extra coverage: When you’re shopping for auto insurance online, it’s not likely that you’ll be asked whether you plan to wear a seatbelt. That’s because most states require all drivers to wear them. This is not true of helmets, however. In many parts of the U.S., it’s the driver’s choice. If you live in one of these states and plan to drive without a helmet, you’ll likely need to carry extra medical coverage because you’re at a higher risk of serious injuries.

Always follow the laws of the state you are in: If your state requires you to wear a helmet and you’re in a state where helmets are optional, you’ll still be covered if you decide not to wear one and get into an accident. If you’re insured in a helmet-optional state, you still have to obey local helmet laws if you travel elsewhere. Of course, regardless of local legislation, wearing a helmet is always a smart idea.