You probably love lots of things about your bike: the excitement, the speed and maneuverability, the way it connects you to the road and to other bikers. But part of enjoying it is feeling safe while you’re on it—not just physically, but also financially. When you consider that even the most careful riders can still get into an accident (or have their bike stolen or damaged), the need for good motorcycle insurance is clear. That’s true whether or not it’s required in your state; the risks don’t change just because you cross state lines.

Just like car insurance, the best motorcycle insurance strikes a balance between adequate coverage and affordability. Before you start searching though, it’s essential to understand the precise financial risks posed by riding: the potential cost of damaging your own bike, someone else’s’ property, and the costs involved if you injure someone else. After that, it’s about finding ways to save money and still have the coverage you want from a reputable insurer. As with all insurance, premium amounts will vary from person to person, but my top four picks—Progressive, Safeco, Nationwide, and Foremost—are a great place to start shopping, no matter what kind of bike you own.

The best motorcycle insurance companies have three things in common.

Before getting into specific attributes, let me first say that I only considered companies whose motorcycle insurance is available in at least 40 states (since I wanted ones I could recommend to a national audience). I also threw out companies whose policies are actually underwritten by a different company, since this effectively makes them middlemen between you and your coverage. When you’re filing a claim, you shouldn’t have to play a game of telephone to communicate with the people cutting the checks. After those two basics, my research pointed to four other traits of a great motorcycle insurer.

They’re financially sound.

What matters more in insurance than knowing your claims will be paid? Nothing. All four of my top picks earned “A” ratings from A.M. Best (the leading insurance rating agency), making them safe bets to deliver the cash if and when you need it.

They offer all the major coverage types.

Whether or not it’s required in your state, you should still be able to buy all the protection you want for your bike, from extra liability to replacement cost collision coverage. In addition to the categories listed above, there are also “specialty” provisions and endorsements for things like custom gear and original manufacturer parts, but I focused on the big four: liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive. These address the biggest financial hits you could take as a result of riding your bike.