Motorcycle Insurance in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to roughly 360,000 registered motorcycles and one of the most passionate riding cultures in the country. From winding backroads through the Driftless Area to cruising scenic routes along the St. Croix River near New Richmond, riders here live for the season. Minnesota adds its own legendary riding destinations, from the North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior to the rolling bluff country of the southeast. Whether you ride a cruiser, a touring bike, a sport bike, or something in between, the right motorcycle insurance policy is what keeps you free to enjoy every mile.
Wisconsin Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Under Wisconsin Statutes §344.33 and §344.15, all motorcycles operated on public roads must carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 in property damage. Wisconsin stands out among states for one important reason: uninsured motorist coverage at the same 25/50 limits is mandatory on every motorcycle policy and cannot be waived. With an estimated 14 percent of Wisconsin drivers uninsured and deer collisions accounting for hundreds of motorcycle crashes each year statewide, that protection matters. Helmets are required only for riders under 18, but eye protection is required for all riders regardless of age under Wisconsin Statute §347.485.
Minnesota Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Minnesota requires all motorcycles to carry liability coverage with minimums of 30/60/10, meaning $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $10,000 in property damage. Here is the critical detail Minnesota riders often miss: even though Minnesota is a no-fault state for cars, motorcycles are explicitly excluded from the no-fault Personal Injury Protection system under Minnesota Statutes §65B.48 and §65B.49. That means if you are injured in a motorcycle accident, your own health insurance or the optional Medical Payments coverage on your motorcycle policy pays your medical bills, not a PIP benefit. This no-fault gap makes adding Medical Payments coverage a very wise choice for Minnesota riders. Helmets are required only for riders under 18 and permit holders, but eye protection is required for everyone, and as of July 1, 2025 Minnesota also allows limited lane filtering.
Coverage Options for Wisconsin and Minnesota Riders
A well-built motorcycle policy goes well beyond the state minimums. At B&B Insurance Services, we help riders across New Richmond and throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota find coverage that matches how, where, and when they ride:
- Liability Coverage – Required in both states; covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others
- Collision Coverage – Pays to repair or replace your bike after an accident, regardless of fault
- Comprehensive Coverage – Covers theft, vandalism, fire, weather damage, and deer strikes
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist – Mandatory in Wisconsin; strongly recommended in Minnesota given the no-fault PIP exclusion
- Medical Payments (MedPay) – Covers your medical costs after an accident; especially critical in Minnesota where PIP does not apply to motorcycles
- Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage – Protects aftermarket accessories, custom paint, and modifications not covered under a standard policy
- Roadside Assistance – Covers towing and emergency services if you break down on the road
- Lay-Up or Storage Coverage – Keeps comprehensive protection active during Wisconsin's off-season months while pausing collision coverage to reduce your winter premium
Making the Most of Your Riding Season
Wisconsin's riding season typically runs from May through September or October depending on the weather. Because bikes sit idle for months out of the year, many carriers offer lay-up or storage endorsements that lower your premium during the off-season while keeping your bike protected from theft and weather damage. If your bike is financed, your lender will require comprehensive and collision coverage regardless of season. Taking a Wisconsin-approved motorcycle safety course can also qualify you for premium discounts with many carriers, which is always a worthwhile conversation to have before you renew.
Ready to get your bike covered before the season starts? Reach out to our team in New Richmond and let us find a motorcycle insurance policy built around your ride, your route, and your budget.
