Wisconsin Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More

Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements

In Wisconsin motorcycle insurance is mandatory. A minimum liability must be maintained for your policy to be valid of:

  • Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Individual: $25,000
  • Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Every Person in Accident: $50,000
  • Property Damage Liability Limit: $10,000
Financial responsibility required.

When looking for insurance quotes in Wisconsin, you may want to begin by looking at our review of insurance companies or get more detailed information on motorcycle insurance companies from the state regulator's website. You can see the full list of licensed insurers in the state plus get many other useful resources including information on how to file a complaint by visiting the state insurance division web site.

Licensing and Registration

Anyone who drives a motorcycle must have a Class M motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit to ride in Wisconsin. To obtain a permit, the applicant must pass the motorcycle knowledge test, a sign test and a vision screening. The applicant must demonstrate competency in motorcycle operation by passing a WisDOT administered motorcycle driving skills test or providing a waiver showing completion of a WisDOT approved Basic Motorcycle Rider Course.

Please visit these Wisconsin websites for updated and detailed information


Helmet Laws

Wisconsin helmet laws cover operators with instructional/learner's permits. We strongly advocate the use of helmets at all times for all riders and passengers to protect from injuries.

Use our specialized search to find Wisconsin motorcycle resources



Motorcycle Safety Schools and Training Programs

Many states offer motorcycle safety training programs and most insurance companies will offer discounts to bikers that have completed a certified course.
Below is a partial list of The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Safety courses in Wisconsin. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list


Accidents and Safety in Wisconsin

According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 310,439 motorcycles registered in Wisconsin with only 79 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.

StateRegistered MotorcyclesMotorcycle Riders KilledPercent HelmetedPercent Not HelmetedImpaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+)
WI310.4397923%77%54%
MI269.66912188%12%35%
IL332.03112126%74%47%
IA181.7354815%85%22%
MN248.3506419%81%44%

Sweet Rides in Wisconsin

Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.

  • Great River Road
  • Door County Coastal Byway
  • Great Divide Highway
  • Heritage Drive
  • Lower Wisconsin River Road Scenic Byway

Biking Clubs

  • Elite Shadow Riders
  • Sportster owners of Wisconsin

Useful Resources

Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states

What's your view - The MIQ poll
© 2007 - 2012 www.MotorcycleInsuranceQuote.org