Wisconsin Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles

If you choose to meet your financial obligation by going the insurance route, you must have at least the following types and levels of protection:

• $25,000 of bodily injury coverage for injuries or death to one person in a single accident

• $50,000 of bodily injury coverage for injuries or deaths to more than one person in a single accident

• $10,000 of property damage coverage for damages occurring in a single accident

Although meeting these standards allow you to conform with the state's requirements, most financial professionals advise having much more extensive insurance protection than this. Please refer to our Types of Coverage section to learn why, and to read about the different coverages available.

How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements

Unlike some states, Wisconsin doesn't relax the financial responsibility standards for those who wear a helmet while riding.

Remember, if you're younger than 18 years old or you only have an instruction permit, you must a wear helmet when riding.

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

WisDOT may not automatically hear from your insurance company about your coverage. Some insurers will send your insurance information electronically to the WisDOT; others will simply give you a completed SR-22 form, which you need to show whenever required to do so.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

What happens if you have no proof of insurance when involved in an accident or are pulled over for a traffic violation?

You'll have the opportunity later to prove that you were covered by insurance at the time of the incident. However, if you can't provide such proof, you could face license and registration suspension.

If that happens, you'll need to provide proof of current insurance (and do so for the next three years), and pay at least $50 in reinstatement fees to get your license and registration back.