Share This Page
Share Pin It Email Print

Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Requirements in Wyoming

Before you can ride a motorcycle on public roads in Wyoming, you have to prove you can pay for any damages or injuries you cause. This is called “financial responsibility.” This is especially important in this state, because the law requires that the at-fault party in an accident is responsible for all the damages in that accident. The best way to do this is by having motorcycle insurance

Ways to Establish Financial Responsibility

State residents must establish financial responsibility in one of the following ways:

  • Purchase a motorcycle insurance policy that covers liability.
  • Secure a bond with a surety company that is authorized to do business in Wyoming or with sureties that own real estate in Wyoming.
  • Make a cash deposit (or have a security bond) with the state treasurer.

Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined

In Wyoming, a motorcycle is defined as any motor vehicle that has a seat for a rider and less wheels than a standard car. A sidecar for a single passenger can be attached. This includes scooters and motorized bicycles but not mopeds, motorized skateboards, golf carts, or off-road vehicles.

If you’re not sure about the definition of your two- or three-wheeled vehicle, or whether it needs insurance, call the Wyoming Department of Transportation (DOT) at (307) 777-4709.

Wyoming Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Wyoming requires you to have motorcycle liability insurance to help cover costs associated with property damage and bodily injury suffered by others in an accident you cause.

Your motorcycle insurance policy must include the following minimum coverage limits per accident:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
  • $50,000 for total bodily injury if multiple people are hurt in the accident.
  • $20,000 for property damage.

Keep in mind the above are only the state's required minimums. You may want to purchase higher limits, especially if you own assets that can be lost in a lawsuit after an accident.

You might also discover that by just having liability insurance you do not have adequate financial protection. When you are getting motorcycle insurance quotes, it is a good ideal to look into optional coverages that can help expand your policy's coverage.

How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements

Insurance coverage has no effect on helmet requirements.

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

You need to keep proof of insurance (or bond or deposit) with you when you ride so you can show it to an officer if he asks to see it. This can include a “proof of insurance” card from your motorcycle insurance company or a certificate of your bond or deposit.

The state will also check your registration against a list of vehicles insured in Wyoming. If you are caught without insurance, you will be charged with a misdemeanor unless you can produce proof of coverage within a certain amount of time.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

Don't take the penalties for having no proof of motorcycle insurance lightly. In addition to a hefty fine, you could also face jail time. Your penalties will depend on the number of offenses you've had.

You will also have to give the county treasurer your vehicle registration and license plates until you have met all obligations.

If you have questions about the penalties, or the steps you must take to pay your fines and obtain your registration and plates, contact the DOT at (307) 777-4375.

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review