Wisconsin motorcycle insurance can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry, I've got you covered. In Wisconsin, you're required to have at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $50,000 per accident.
To choose the right insurance for you, consider your motorcycle's value. If your bike is worth more than $7,500, you'll need to purchase a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage. This will protect you from financial loss in case of theft or damage.
Wisconsin Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
In Wisconsin, motorcycle riders are required to carry liability insurance to cover damages or injuries they cause to others. The minimum liability coverage requirements are 25/50/10.
To break it down, this means a rider must have at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, and $10,000 in property damage liability per accident.
Here are the minimum motorcycle insurance requirements in Wisconsin:
Minimum Requirements
In Wisconsin, motorcycle insurance is a must-have to drive legally. You'll need to carry liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
The minimum requirements for motorcycle insurance in Wisconsin are quite specific. Bodily injury liability coverage must cover $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage pays for injuries you cause to others in an accident.
Property damage liability coverage must cover $10,000 per accident. This coverage pays for property damage you cause to others in an accident.
If you're involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you'll also need uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. This coverage must cover $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Here's a summary of the minimum requirements:
These are the minimum requirements, but it's a good idea to consider getting more coverage if you can afford it.
Rider Requirements
To ride a motorcycle in Wisconsin, you must have a Class M motorcycle license or a motorcycle instruction permit. This license or permit requires passing a motorcycle knowledge test, a sign test, and a vision screening.
To get a motorcycle permit, you must be at least 16 years old, have a sponsor, and provide proof of driver's education completion. You'll also need to provide evidence of enrollment in, or completion of, a basic rider course.
Riders under 18 and those with instructional permits must wear a helmet at all times. If you receive a cycle instruction permit, it's valid for six months, and you can renew it for another six months if needed. However, if the permit is renewed two times, you'll need to show proof of enrollment in, or completion of, a BRC.
You must also wear a protective face shield, glasses, or goggles, unless your bike has a windshield extending 15 inches above the handlebars.
Here are the requirements to get a motorcycle permit in Wisconsin:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a sponsor
- Provide proof of driver's education completion
- Provide evidence of enrollment in, or completion of, a basic rider course
- Wear a properly fastened helmet with a chin strap
Methodology
To determine the top motorcycle insurance companies in Wisconsin, we need to understand the methodology used to evaluate them. Affordability makes up 60% of the overall score, with their product portfolio contributing 30% and financial strength metrics from AM Best making up the remaining 10%. This ensures that the best insurance companies are chosen based on a combination of factors.
The companies with the most affordable motorcycle insurance rates in Wisconsin were identified by comparing several quotes. This helps riders find the best deals on their insurance premiums. MoneyGeek used data from the DMV, Wisconsin's Department of Transportation, and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance to ensure the information on insurance laws and requirements in Wisconsin is accurate and current.
To get a better understanding of the cost of motorcycle insurance in Wisconsin, ValuePenguin collected quotes across 30 of the largest cities in the state. They used a standard set of coverage options, including higher liability limits than the state requirement and comprehensive and collision coverage. Here's a breakdown of the coverage options they used:
- Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist property damage: $25,000 per accident
- Medical payments: $5,000
- Comprehensive and collision deductible: $500
Do You Need Insurance?
In Wisconsin, motorcycle insurance is mandatory, so you'll need to have it to ride legally. This includes liability coverages, uninsured motorist coverage, and MedPay.
Comprehensive and collision coverages are optional unless you're financing or leasing your motorcycle, but they can provide valuable protection against physical damage.
If your bike is paid in full, you may want to consider comprehensive and collision coverages as a safeguard against unexpected events like theft, vandalism, or accidents.
Comprehensive coverage can even help with damage from events like hitting an animal or experiencing fire or weather-related issues.
Getting a Quote
To get a motorcycle insurance quote in Wisconsin, you'll need to have some basic information on hand. This includes your bike's year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN).
You'll also want to have your driving experience, as well as the details of any other riders who drive the bike. This will help insurance carriers determine your premium.
Where you keep your bike in Wisconsin is also important, as this can affect your premium. If you keep your bike in a garage, for example, you may qualify for a lower premium.
To get started, you can visit insurance carriers' websites or compare quotes online. This will give you a range of options and help you find the best deal.
Here are some of the most affordable motorcycle insurance options in Wisconsin:
Keep in mind that these prices are averages and may vary depending on your specific situation. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from multiple carriers.
Insurance Options and Coverage
You can get other forms of insurance in Wisconsin beyond the required motorcycle coverages, including comprehensive coverage, which can help pay for repairs if your motorcycle is damaged by something other than a collision.
Comprehensive coverage can help pay for repairs if your motorcycle is damaged by something other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or weather events like hailstorms.
Wisconsin's rural roads and unique geography offer exciting opportunities for motorcycle riders, with routes like the Kettle Moraine Zig-Zag and the Kickapoo River Valley providing a relaxing rural experience.
You should also consider adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy, as it helps you in case the rider at fault does not have insurance and cannot pay.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage can help pay for repairs if your motorcycle is damaged by something other than a collision—for example, theft, vandalism, or weather events like hailstorms.
Keeping your motorcycle in a locked garage or secure location can reduce the risk of theft and vandalism, leading to a potential insurance premium discount.
Equipping your motorcycle with an alarm system or a GPS tracker can deter theft and lower motorcycle insurance costs.
Securing your motorcycle can significantly impact motorcycle insurance rates, so it's worth taking the necessary steps to protect your investment.
Collision
Collision coverage is a must-have if you want to protect your bike from costly repairs after an accident. This type of coverage applies if your bike is damaged in a collision with another vehicle, or even if it tips over.
If you're involved in a collision, collision coverage will help pay for the damages to your bike. This can include repairing or replacing your bike, depending on the extent of the damage.
A collision can happen in a split second, and it's not always your fault. Whether you're at fault or not, collision coverage will help you get back on the road quickly and safely.
Uninsured Motorist or PIP Coverage
In Wisconsin, motorcycle insurance policies should include uninsured motorist coverage to protect you if the at-fault rider doesn't have insurance.
This type of coverage is especially important because it helps pay for medical bills and other expenses if the other driver is uninsured.
The state of Wisconsin requires MedPay, which covers your medical bills, and it's different from Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which also covers medical expenses but goes further to include loss of wages and more.
A 50/100/25 coverage meets Wisconsin's insurance requirements, but it's worth considering increasing your limits to 100/300/100 to get more substantial coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage and MedPay should have limits that meet the minimum state requirement or match your policy limits for maximum protection.
Cost and Pricing
The cost of motorcycle insurance in Wisconsin can vary, but on average, riders pay $291 yearly for full-coverage insurance. This is a great deal, considering it's $73 less than the national average.
If you're looking for a more basic policy, liability-only insurance costs $127 per year on average. Keep in mind that this type of policy doesn't cover your motorcycle or injuries if you're involved in an accident.
Some cities in Wisconsin have higher rates than others. Wauwatosa, a Milwaukee suburb, has the most expensive motorcycle rate, with full coverage costing $27 per month. On the other hand, Brookfield and Superior have the cheapest rates, with full coverage averaging $21 per month in both cities.
Here are some average motorcycle insurance costs in Wisconsin:
Price Inquiry
In Wisconsin, the annual cost for a Progressive motorcycle insurance policy with liability coverage only was $167.10 in 2023.
Many factors influence your price for motorcycle insurance, such as your age, driving history, location, type of bike, and coverage selection.
Your age is a significant factor, but the article doesn't specify the exact impact of age on the price.
Bundling motorcycle insurance with other policies can save you money, with Progressive offering a multi-policy discount when you combine motorcycle insurance with homeowners, renters, auto, RV, or boat insurance.
Cost for Most Riders
The cost of motorcycle insurance in Wisconsin can vary significantly depending on several factors, but the average cost is a good starting point to understand what you can expect to pay.
For most riders in Wisconsin, the average cost of motorcycle insurance is $291 annually for a full-coverage policy. This is a significant amount, but it's worth noting that it's $73 less than the national average.
If you're looking to save money, consider bundling your motorcycle insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or auto insurance, as you can get a multi-policy discount.
The cost of motorcycle insurance in Wisconsin can also vary depending on the city you live in. Wauwatosa, a Milwaukee suburb, has the most expensive motorcycle rate at $27 per month for full coverage.
Here's a rough breakdown of the average monthly costs for full coverage motorcycle insurance in some of the cities in Wisconsin:
Keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on your individual circumstances and the insurance provider you choose.
Discounts and Savings
You can save money on your Wisconsin motorcycle insurance by taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which can lead to cheap motorcycle insurance.
Completing a defensive driving course demonstrates your commitment to safe riding and can result in discounts on your motorcycle insurance.
Low mileage riders may be eligible for mileage-based discounts, making insurance more affordable.
Motorcycles equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) or theft prevention devices often qualify for discounted motorcycle insurance.
Bundling your motorcycle insurance with other policies, such as car or homeowner's insurance, can result in savings of up to 15%.
Here are some types of policies you can bundle with your motorcycle insurance:
- Car Insurance: Combining your motorcycle and car insurance under one provider can help you secure cheap motorcycle insurance.
- Home or Renters Insurance: Adding your motorcycle insurance to a homeowner's or renter's policy can also bring down your motorcycle premiums.
New riders in Wisconsin often pay higher premiums due to limited experience, but completing a state-approved safety course can help you qualify for cheap motorcycle insurance.
The type of motorcycle you ride plays a significant role in insurance costs, with factors like engine size and performance affecting premiums.
Maintaining a clean driving record is crucial, as riders with safe histories are more likely to access cheap motorcycle insurance and enjoy long-term savings.
Selecting the right coverage is also important, as minimum liability insurance may not provide enough protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the cheapest for motorcycle insurance?
Dairyland is the cheapest motorcycle insurance option, with an average monthly cost of $22. They are followed closely by Progressive and Harley-Davidson, at $23 and $24 per month, respectively.
Sources
- https://www.progressive.com/answers/wisconsin-motorcycle-insurance/
- https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/motorcycle/wisconsin-insurance-requirements
- https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/motorcycle/best-cheap-motorcycle-insurance-in-wisconsin/
- https://www.cheapinsurance.com/blog/tips-to-finding-cheap-motorcycle-insurance-in-wisconsin/
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/best-cheap-motorcycle-insurance-wisconsin
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