Motorcycle insurance isn’t just the law. It helps protect you in case you get into an accident, or something happens to your motorcycle. Make sure you have the right coverage.
Do You Have to Have Motorcycle Insurance in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires all motorists to carry insurance. That includes motorcycles. The main exception will be if your “motorcycle” is a moped or scooter under the law. That’s based on an engine size of less than 50cc and a maximum speed of up to 30 MPH — some bikes sold as mopeds or scooters may be over the legal limits, so don’t rely on what the manufacturer you bought it from called it when deciding if you need insurance.
What if You Already Have Car Insurance?
If you already have car insurance because your motorcycle isn’t your only ride, you still need motorcycle insurance. Car insurance can sometimes carry a borrowed or rented vehicle but not one that you own that isn’t named on your policy. The good news is that you can usually bundle motorcycle insurance with your car insurance and get a discount.
What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?
Motorcycle insurance comes with several standard and optional coverages.
- Liability coverage pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others.
- Collision coverage pays for damage to your motorcycle from an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage pays for non-accident damage to your motorcycle and theft.
- Medical payments cover your medical bills. Even if you have health insurance, this can help cover your deductible or anything that your health insurance doesn’t cover.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage provides the coverage another driver’s insurance should have, up to your limits, if that driver didn’t have insurance or bought a policy with low limits.
- Helmet and accessories coverage protects your helmet and add-on accessories from theft and damage.
- Total loss coverage buys you a brand new motorcycle if your new motorcycle is totaled within a certain period of buying it.
- Full replacement cost for parts replaces damaged or destroyed parts that can’t be replaced with new parts instead of only paying you the depreciated value.
- Emergency roadside service sends help when you have a flat tire, can’t start your motorcycle, or have some other kind of problem.
- Trip interruption coverage can help with things like lodging and meal costs if something happens to your motorcycle on a long trip, and you’re stranded away from home.
Always review your specific policy for exactly which coverages you have and what’s included.
Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Passengers?
Because some motorcycles aren’t designed for passengers and other people ride alone all the time anyway, coverage for passengers depends on your policy. Some insurance companies may offer a lower cost option that doesn’t cover having a passenger and an option that does cover passengers. Others may have a single policy.
Is Racing Covered?
Many motorcycle insurance policies exclude accidents that result from illegal racing or excessive speed. If you’re involved in legal racing, it is possible to obtain insurance, but it will typically cost more than a standard coverage.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
For liability coverage, follow the same general guidelines as car insurance. You should have enough coverage to protect your assets.
You should also consider that you have a much higher chance of serious injury in a motorcycle accident than a car accident. Either through your motorcycle insurance or other policies, make sure you have adequate coverage for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, long-term disability, and other potential costs.
Can You Still Get Coverage for a Moped or Scooter?
Even if you don’t legally need coverage, it can still be a smart decision to protect your purchase or avoid lawsuits if you crash into someone. You can still buy motorcycle insurance or a special scooter coverage if you choose to.
Can a Motorcycle Safety Course Help You?
It can be a good idea to take a motorcycle safety course even if you already have your motorcycle endorsement. Most insurance companies offer a discount if you’ve taken a course within so many years. An inexpensive course can more than pay for itself in lower insurance premiums.
What if You Don’t Ride All Year?
If you don’t ride during the winter or some other period of several months, you may want to request a lay-up period. A lay-up period reduces your coverage to theft and damage in storage only. You save money by not carrying liability and accident coverage during that time. You have to designate the lay-up period when you buy your insurance policy and update your policy if you want to ride before it ends. Riding during the lay-up period is virtually the same as riding uninsured.
What if Other People Ride Your Motorcycle?
As with car insurance, most motorcycle insurance policies cover people who borrow your motorcycle as long as they’re legally able to ride a motorcycle. If that person is a family member or roommate who lives with you, you usually will have to add them to your policy to have coverage since they’d have regular access to your motorcycle.
Request a Quote
Like car insurance, motorcycle insurance rates depend on where you live, what kind of motorcycle you have, your driving history, and other factors. Your insurance agent can help you figure out what coverage you need and where to find the best price. To learn more or to request a quote, talk to Feldbruegge Insurance today.
