Category: Motorcycle Insurance

Despite South Dakota’s chilly winters, many motorcycle enthusiasts aim to ride far into the winter season. In this guide, we at Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. offer tips on prepping your motorbike for riding in those cold conditions encountered in Sioux Falls, SD.

When to Refrain from Motorcycle Riding

Regarding safety, refrain from motorcycling when temperatures dip below 32°F. Do not venture out if the roads bear signs of ice or snow. Also, avoid riding during heavy fog or high winds exceeding 30 mph. If you’ve been in a chilly environment and feel cold or numbness in your extremities, reschedule your ride.

Equipping Yourself for Cold-Weather Motorcycle Rides

Dress not just to stay warm but also dry. Layer moisture-wicking clothing such as merino wool sweatshirts under a wind-resistant jacket and pair it with insulated pants. Further, use insulated gloves, thermal socks, and a full-face helmet to shield against wind chill. Invest in riding gear incorporating insulate, down, or similar materials that offer warmth but don’t inhibit movement, ensuring efficient bike handling.

Prepping Your Motorcycle for the Cold Weather

After selecting your riding gear, focus on getting your motorcycle ready. Begin with a thorough bike inspection, paying close attention to your tire pressure, fluid levels, and battery status. For enhanced safety and comfort during the ride, install hand guards, heated grips, and comprehensive fenders to prevent spray and grit.

Ensure the tires are appropriately inflated and match the PSI recommended by your tire manufacturer. Consider swapping to wider tires during winter to enhance traction and provide increased safety for reaching a dry spot if it begins to snow or ice.

To enhance bike performance, maintain optimum fluid levels and switch to a winter-grade oil. Inspect the battery before every ride to ensure it’s healthy and fully charged.

Safely Reaching Your Destination

If winter motorcycle riding in Sioux Falls, SD is a necessity, chalk out a route that avoids major elevation changes. Minimizing downhill rides reduces the biting wind chill. Refrain from riding in heavy traffic, which could slow you down. Reach out to Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. before the fall season for an insurance review and rest easy knowing your coverage spans all eventualities.

Motorcycle Risks and Insurance in Sioux Falls, SD

At Wilcoxon Insurance, Inc., we’re aware of the potential driving risks associated with motorcycles. We strongly advise all riders to exercise caution on the road and consider obtaining the recommended insurance coverage.

Training and Licensing

Before setting out on your two-wheeled endeavor, undergoing training for a license is critical. It’s less about the formality and more about understanding the road safety rules specific to motorcycles. This knowledge can also potentially lower your premium costs.

Customizing Your Coverage

With your motorcycle license in place, you’d want to visit us next. Why? Our team of experts is here to tailor an insurance policy that buffers you against any unexpected incidents.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Sioux Falls, SD offers scenic adventures at Spearfish Canyon, Central Hills Loop, and The Native American Scenic Byway. However, the exhilarating rides with unpredictable turns, elevation changes, and crowded trails can pose substantial risk. The potential for risk is real, whether it’s a crash or an accident involving another individual.

Choosing Comprehensive Coverage

Ensuring that your insurance coverage extends beyond your needs is crucial. Whether it’s potential damage to your bike, property damages, or even injuries to others, adequate coverage, like liability insurance, can be beneficial.

Additional Coverage Options

In addition to basic coverage, consider exploring mid and high-tier medical policies, especially if you often carry a passenger. Though these policies may cost more, they provide necessary protection. Given the size and ease of theft of motorcycles, we also recommend considering theft, repair, and loss insurance.

Navigating the World of Motorcycle Insurance

Understanding all these nuances of motorcycle insurance right away might seem overwhelming. Don’t worry, we at Wilcoxon Insurance, Inc., serving Sioux Falls, SD, are here to guide you. So, feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Your classic motorcycle deserves motorcycle insurance coverage in Sioux Falls, SD, which takes its unique status into account. At Wilcoxon Insurance Inc., we want you to understand what you need to know about insuring your classic motorcycle, so you can make the right decision when deciding the coverage options you want or need.

What Makes Your Classic Motorcycle Different?

Classics can appreciate over time, and the value of a classic motorcycle can have a lot to do with sentimentality, collectibility, rarity, age, and other nontraditional market factors. Nevertheless, those classics still need protection from the risks all motorcycles need financial protection from. But they also need protection for the singular considerations that come with classic vehicles of any type.

How to Determine the Value of a Classic Motorcycle

Because there’s a market for classic motorcycles, there are also plenty of resources that give valuations to them. A quick search online can help you find numerous reputable sites that offer guidance on valuation. Yes, you’ll have to do the research, but many of the trusted names will stand out from the crowd, such as KBB and NADA.

What Types of Coverage Does a Classic Motorcycle Require

The coverage options you choose will have everything to do with how you make use of your classic motorcycle:

• Are you actively riding it?
• Do you bring it to shows or put it on display?
• Do you only move the bike by conveyance and rarely or never drive it?

All these or other factors will come into play depending on how you utilize your classic bike. But, as you can see, none of these things have anything to do with typical policies. You’ll want and need something tailored to your unique situation when it comes to your classic motorcycle.

Consult With Us

If you own a classic motorcycle in Sioux Falls, SD or the surrounding area, contact Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. today to learn more about insuring your classic against the unique perils that come with classic motorcycle ownership.

Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. is proud to serve the Sioux Falls, SD community. If you have any questions about motorcycle insurance, we’re here to help get you some answers. Give us a call or stop by today to learn more about motorcycle policy options.

State Minimums Aren’t Always Sufficient

State minimum insurance requirements should often be used as a guideline, not as the last word. Even when the state only requires a basic policy, there are a number of reasons why it’s a smart idea to get a higher level of protection. Now’s an ideal time to take a look around at your options. Upgrading to a more comprehensive policy will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the coverage you need.

Increased protection means that it’s less likely that you’ll have to come out of pocket for expenses related to a covered event. You’ll have greater medical, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Depending on the policy, your bike might even be protected in the event of theft or vandalism. No one wants to have financial responsibility for the damage caused by an accident. When you have a robust motorcycle policy in place, it’s less likely that you’ll have to. Your local insurance agent can review the available options with you so that you’re able to choose a policy that meets your needs. Owning a motorcycle is a lot of fun, but it’s also a choice that comes with a lot of responsibility. 

Stop by our office today!

If you own a motorcycle in Sioux Falls, SD or the surrounding area, you can count on Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. to help you find the right bike policy. Call or stop by our office today to learn more.

At Wilcoxon Insurance Inc., we offer motorcycle insurance coverage for residents of Sioux Falls, SD, as well as other types of insurance coverage.

Types of Motorcycle Insurance

Liability Motorcycle Coverage

Just like cars, motorcycles should have liability coverage. This includes bodily injury liability, which covers injuries to the other parties in an accident that is your fault.

It also includes property damage liability, which covers damage to the other driver’s property if you are at fault.

Under/Uninsured Motorist coverage is also included. If the other party is at fault and doesn’t have insurance coverage, this coverage pays your medical expenses and damage to your bike.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

If you have a lien on your bike, comprehensive and collision coverage is required. Even if it’s not required, this insurance can be a smart investment.

Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your bike when it’s not on the road. This includes vandalism and theft. Collision coverage will cover the damage to your bike if an accident is your fault.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage will cover the medical bills of you and your passenger, no matter who is at fault in the accident.

Other Types of Coverage

One optional type of coverage is total loss coverage. This typically applies to bikes 2 years old or less. If your bike is totaled, the policy will cover the retail price of a new bike of the same model.

Roadside Assistance and Trip Interruption

Nothing ruins a trip like problems with your bike. This coverage will provide roadside assistance if your bike breaks down. Trip interruption can provide you with money to cover expenses including food and shelter if your bike malfunctions while you are away from home.

Motorcycle Insurance at Wilcoxon Insurance Inc.

If you need motorcycle insurance in Sioux Falls, SD, contact us at Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. Our agents are here to help you choose the right coverage and meet all your insurance needs.

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you know the importance of protection for your ride. Whether it is from theft, weather, or other damages, protecting your motorcycle year-round is a must. But how do you ensure that your bike is covered no matter what?

Let’s look at what you need to know to ensure your motorcycle all year long:

Insurance Options

The most important way to protect your bike year-round is to get the right insurance coverage. Wilcoxon Insurance Inc., serving the greater Sioux Falls, SD community, offers comprehensive insurance packages tailored specifically for motorcycles. Our policies include liability and physical damage coverage and customized options like roadside assistance and theft protection.

Seasonal Maintenance

It’s also essential to keep up with regular maintenance on your motorcycle during each season. This includes regularly checking the tire pressure, oil levels, battery life, and other components. Doing this will help keep your motorcycle running smoothly and also help prevent any major issues from arising. It’s also a good idea to have a professional inspect your bike once or twice a year to ensure everything is working properly and that there are no hidden issues that could be dangerous when riding on the road.

Weatherproofing Tips

Finally, if you live in an area where extreme weather is common, like Sioux Falls, SD, it’s essential to take extra precautions when storing or riding your bike during inclement weather. Make sure you keep it in an enclosed garage or shed when not in use, and don’t ride during heavy rain or snow storms if possible. Additionally, use products such as waterproof covers or waxes specifically designed for motorcycles to protect them from water damage and rusting due to moisture exposure over time.

Contact Us Today

If you have any questions about protecting your motorcycle year-round in Sioux Falls, SD, contact Wilcoxon Insurance Inc today! We’re ready and willing to answer any questions about protecting your ride!

One thing you definitely don’t want to skip is storage insurance for storing your motorcycle during the frigid Sioux Falls SD winter. Sure, your motorcycle might be in storage and not being used, but that doesn’t mean it’s not at risk. Anything can happen while your bike is in storage, from theft to weather damage.

What is storage insurance?

Storage insurance is coverage that helps protect your motorcycle while it’s off the road. This can include things like weather damage, theft, and more. It’s important to have this type of coverage because it can help you avoid having to pay out of pocket for any damages that occur while your bike is in storage.

How much does storage insurance cost?

The cost of storage insurance will vary depending on a few factors, including the value of your motorcycle and the time it will be in storage. However, it’s often fairly affordable and can give you peace of mind knowing your motorcycle is protected.

Your Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. agent in Sioux Falls, SD can help you get motorcycle insurance quotes for when your bike is in storage.

Is storage insurance required?

No, storage insurance is not required by law. However, it’s always a good idea to have coverage for your motorcycle, even when it’s in storage. This way, you can avoid paying for any damages that occur while it’s off the road.

If you’re looking for storage insurance for your motorcycle, contact Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD today. Our team can help you find the right coverage for your needs and budget. Call us or stop by our office today to get started.

Under South Dakota penal code SDCL 32-35-113, an owner of a registered motorcycle must maintain financial responsibility via motorcycle insurance, a bond with a surety company, or a certificate of deposit for $50,000 on deposit with the South Dakota Treasurer’s office. Additionally, South Dakota requires that any registered motor vehicle carry the following minimum insurance requirements:

• $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person
• $50,000 for death or bodily injury to two or more persons
• $25,000 for damage or destruction of property

While this coverage may seem appropriate at first, a motorcycle accident resulting in serious injury or property damage will exceed these limits. Any amount over your policy coverage limit becomes your financial responsibility. As a result, it is best to purchase additional liability insurance that better safeguards you from lawsuits and damages related to an accident. 

Additionally, South Dakota is an “at fault” insurance state which means that you are liable for any damages occurring from an accident that you are deemed to be at fault in. If you do not have insurance or it is insufficient, you could face a suspended license, jail time, and lawsuits. In addition to liability insurance, optional coverage includes collision, comprehensive, uninsured/under-insured motorist, and bodily injury. At Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD, we will take the time to learn about your unique circumstances to recommend the best motorcycle insurance policy that meets those needs. Call us today or stop by our conveniently located office in Sioux Falls, SD to learn more about our insurance offerings.