For many Wisconsin residents, riding a motorcycle is part transportation and part recreation. It can mean a summer ride through the Fox Valley, a weekend trip or simply getting outside on a nice day.
But motorcycles also have risks that are different from those of cars and trucks.
That is why having the right Motorcycle Insurance deserves some attention.
Thiel Insurance Group serves motorcycle owners throughout Appleton, Kimberly, and the surrounding Fox Valley. The agency has offices in Appleton and Kimberly and specifically offers insurance for motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, boats and other recreational vehicles.
Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in Wisconsin?
Yes.
The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance states, “Every person operating a motorcycle in Wisconsin must have liability insurance at a minimum.”
Wisconsin’s minimum Liability Insurance limits are:
- $10,000 for property damage
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person
The state also requires riders to carry proof of insurance.
Meeting the state minimum, however, does not necessarily mean you have enough insurance for your situation.
Why Higher Liability Limits May Make Sense
Liability Insurance is intended to help protect you when you are legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage to someone else, subject to your policy.
Consider a serious accident involving another vehicle.
Medical bills, vehicle damage and other costs could quickly exceed Wisconsin’s minimum Liability Insurance limits.
The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance warns that the minimum limits “may not be enough to protect your personal assets” from the cost of a claim.
For that reason, some motorcycle owners choose higher Liability limits.
The right amount depends on your financial situation, the motorcycle you ride, and how much risk you are comfortable keeping yourself.
Collision Coverage
Collision Coverage generally addresses damage to your motorcycle caused by a covered collision.
For example, you could lose control on a curve and damage the motorcycle. Or you could collide with another vehicle.
If Collision Coverage applies, the policy may help with covered damage after you meet the deductible and other policy terms.
If you financed your motorcycle, the lender may also have insurance requirements.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage generally covers certain types of damage not caused by a collision.
Depending on the policy, this can include risks such as theft, fire, vandalism and certain weather-related damage.
This coverage can be particularly important for motorcycles because theft can be a concern.
If someone steals your motorcycle, Liability Insurance generally would not replace the bike. Comprehensive Coverage may provide protection if theft is a covered loss.
Your deductible and policy limits still apply.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Another concern is the other driver.
A motorcycle rider can be involved in a crash caused by a driver who has no insurance.
The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance notes that motorcycle policies can include Uninsured Motorist Coverage.
This coverage may help with certain injuries caused by an uninsured driver, depending on the policy.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage may also be worth discussing when another driver has insurance but does not have enough coverage for a serious injury claim.
Ask your agent to explain these options and how they apply to your situation.
Medical Payments Coverage
Most Motorcycle Insurance policies offer Medical Payments Coverage.
This coverage can provide another source of protection for certain medical expenses following an accident, subject to the policy.
The amount of coverage can vary.
Your health insurance may also be involved in paying medical expenses, so it is useful to understand how the different types of insurance may work together.
What Makes Motorcycle Insurance Different?
Motorcycles have some of the same insurance needs as cars.
Both may need Liability Insurance. Both may have Collision, Comprehensive, and Uninsured Motorist Coverage. Both have deductibles, limits and policy conditions.
But there are important differences.
A motorcycle offers much less physical protection for the rider than a passenger vehicle. Motorcycles can also be easier to steal and may have expensive custom parts.
How you use the motorcycle matters, too.
A bike used for daily transportation may have a different risk than one used only on occasional weekends.
The type of motorcycle matters as well. A touring bike, cruiser, sport bike or classic motorcycle can have different values and uses.
These factors should be discussed when selecting coverage.
Custom Parts and Accessories
Many motorcycle owners add equipment after purchasing the bike.
Examples include:
- Saddlebags
- Custom seats
- Windshields
- Chrome parts
- Custom wheels
- Exhaust systems
- Audio equipment
- Performance parts
- Custom paint
Do not assume that every aftermarket part receives the same coverage as factory equipment.
If you have invested a significant amount in your motorcycle, tell your agent about those improvements.
Depending on the policy, additional coverage may be available for certain custom parts or accessories.
Motorcycle Trailers and Other Equipment
Some riders use trailers to transport their motorcycles.
That creates another insurance question.
The trailer itself may need its own coverage, and equipment stored inside it may have different coverage than the motorcycle.
If you regularly transport your bike, explain how you use the trailer and what you carry.
This gives your agent a better picture of the risks you need to consider.
Storing Your Motorcycle for Winter
Wisconsin motorcycle owners often put their bikes into storage during the colder months.
Even when you are not riding, the motorcycle can still face risks such as theft, fire or other damage.
Some riders consider changing coverage during the winter. Before doing so, talk with your insurance agent about what protection would remain in place.
A change that saves money during storage could also affect your protection if something unexpected happens.
Motorcycle Insurance and Your Other Vehicles
Many motorcycle owners also have Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance or other recreational vehicles.
Thiel Insurance Group offers insurance for motorcycles along with Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, boats, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, and other vehicles.
Discussing all of your policies together can help identify possible gaps.
Depending on the insurance company, you may also qualify for a multi-policy discount when you place more than one policy with the same carrier.
Still, the cheapest combination is not necessarily the right combination. Coverage limits, deductibles and exclusions deserve attention as well.
Why Choose an Independent Insurance Agency?
You can buy Motorcycle Insurance directly from an insurance company or through an insurance agency.
A captive agency generally represents one insurance company. That means its choices are limited to that company’s products and pricing.
An independent agency can work with more than one insurance company.
Thiel Insurance Group describes itself as an independent insurance agency serving the Fox Valley since 1960. Its website also lists multiple insurance companies with which it works.
This can give you more choices when comparing Motorcycle Insurance.
It does not mean an independent agency can promise the lowest price. Rates and eligibility vary by company and customer.
The value is having a local agent who can compare available options and help explain the differences.
Motorcycle Insurance in Appleton and Kimberly
Thiel Insurance Group has local offices at 620 N. Richmond St. in Appleton and 122 W. Kimberly Ave. in Kimberly. The Appleton office can be reached at 920-739-6241, while the Kimberly office can be reached at 920-788-4131.
Local agents can listen to your concerns and answer questions about your Motorcycle Insurance. They can also help you consider how your motorcycle fits with your Auto Insurance and other policies.
Get a Motorcycle Insurance Quote
Whether you are buying your first motorcycle, replacing an older bike or reviewing your current policy, Thiel Insurance Group can help you look at your options.
You can contact the agency by phone, email, or online form to request a quote.
Working with a local independent insurance agency may give you more choices than working with a captive agency that represents only one insurance company. Thiel Insurance Group can compare available options based on your motorcycle, how you use it and the type of protection you are looking for.
Contact Thiel Insurance Group today for a Motorcycle Insurance quote in Appleton, Kimberly or the surrounding Fox Valley.
