Dairyland and American Modern both understand motorcycles, but they're built for different riders. We'll show you the coverage differences that actually matter: custom parts limits, replacement cost rules, discount stacks, and who handles your type of bike best.
No fluff, just the details that affect your wallet and your peace of mind when you're 200 miles from home.
Here's what matters when you're choosing between these two carriers:
Now let's compare the coverage differences for Dairyland and American Modern:
American Modern includes $3,000 in accessory coverage as standard on street bikes. This protects permanently attached aftermarket parts, such as custom wheels, exhausts, seats, and electronics.
Dairyland offers special equipment protection, but it requires you to specify the limits and add it to your policy. If you ride a heavily modified cruiser or touring bike, American Modern's higher baseline saves you the hassle of itemizing every upgrade.
However, both carriers allow you to increase limits if you've opted for complete customization. So, keep your receipts and photos, because your insurer needs proof of what you've added and what it would cost to replace it.
This is where the carriers diverge meaningfully. Dairyland offers replacement cost coverage on bikes three years old or newer. American Modern extends replacement cost coverage regardless of your bike's age, which is rare in the industry.
Suppose you ride a five-year-old Harley or a vintage Honda that's appreciated. American Modern's approach protects you from depreciation hits that standard actual cash value policies don't.
Standard motorcycle policies from Dairyland and American Modern typically exclude track days, racing, and closed-course events. If you're planning track time beyond basic MSF courses, you'll likely need specialized track day insurance from a specialty broker.
Some riders have reported success getting coverage for "non-timed" track days through specific underwriters, but this isn't standard with either carrier. Always verify with your agent before hitting the track.
Additionally, MSF and other street-focused safety courses are covered and often earn you a discount. Track days where you're running hot laps at 10/10ths? That's a different conversation with a different insurance company.
The two companies offer 24/7 roadside assistance that actually understands motorcycles (unlike the average auto club, which often sends the wrong towing equipment). Dairyland's roadside coverage includes flatbed towing, battery service, flat tire help, and fuel delivery. American Modern offers similar towing and emergency road service.
Trip interruption kicks in when you're 100 miles or more from home with either carrier. Covered expenses typically include meals, lodging, alternate transportation, and towing. If you're a touring rider who racks up miles across state lines, this coverage pays for itself after one mechanical breakdown.
American Modern stands out by offering helmet collision coverage, up to $400 per helmet and $800 per occurrence. Dairyland doesn't advertise this as a standard feature. Quality helmets cost $300 to $700, so American Modern's inclusion matters if you go down that route.
Neither carrier widely advertises riding gear coverage (jackets, boots, gloves) as standard, though some riders have added it through endorsements. If you've invested in high-end protective gear, ask your agent about coverage options.
Smart riders stack discounts. Both insurance companies reward safe behavior and loyalty, though the specific percentages differ.
Dairyland offers multi-cycle discounts for riders insuring more than one motorcycle. American Modern specifies 10% for two bikes, 15% for three or more. If you've got a sport bike for weekends and a cruiser for long hauls, American Modern's transparent percentage tiers make budgeting easier.
Both companies reward homeownership, but American Modern's 20% discount (after three or more years of homeownership) is notably generous. Dairyland also offers homeowner's savings, but doesn't publicly detail the percentage. If you own your home, townhouse, or condo, mention it when you quote.
Completing an MSF or similar motorcycle safety course earns you discounts with both carriers. Dairyland explicitly markets its H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) discount, as well as savings for other rider associations. American Modern offers association discounts but focuses more broadly on safety course completion and claims-free riding.
Check out our guide to motorcycle insurance discounts for more ways to save.
American Modern rewards clean riding with 3% off your first claims-free renewal and 5% on subsequent renewals. Dairyland offers claims-free and loyalty discounts, but doesn't publicly advertise specific percentages. These insurers incentivize staying with them if you maintain a clean record.
Dairyland and American Modern insure the full spectrum of two-wheeled (and three-wheeled) rides, but their specialty areas differ slightly.
American Modern's higher baseline accessory coverage and permanent replacement cost (regardless of age) make it a strong choice for riders with custom builds. Dairyland's special equipment protection works too, but you'll need to specify limits upfront.
American Modern's replacement cost coverage, which doesn't expire as your bike ages, is a win for vintage riders. Classic bikes often appreciate in value rather than depreciate, and standard actual cash value policies don't reflect this.
Dairyland's coverage works well for classics under three years restored, but older restorations benefit from American Modern's approach.
Neither carrier offers standard track day coverage, so sport bike riders planning track time need specialty policies. Though both handle sport bikes fine for street riding. Dairyland's focus on high-risk riders means they're often more willing to insure younger riders on supersports.
The two carriers excel here. Trip interruption, roadside assistance, and accessory coverage matter most for long-distance riders. American Modern includes $3,000 accessory limit that protects your saddlebags, GPS, and touring windscreen without extra steps. Dairyland's roadside coverage and trip interruption keep you moving when breakdowns happen far from home.
Dairyland and American insure mopeds, scooters, dirt bikes, trikes, and three-wheelers. Dairyland explicitly markets to this crowd while American Modern covers them, but focuses marketing more heavily on street-legal motorcycles.
If you're insuring a dual-sport that splits time between street and trail, you’d have to verify off-road coverage limits with your agent.
Filing a claim shouldn't add stress to an already rough day, as Dairyland and American Modern offer 24/7 claims lines; however, rider feedback differs.
Dairyland provides 24/7 phone support and an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best. The company specializes in high-risk drivers, so they're accustomed to complex claims situations. Some rider reviews mention slower claims processing times, though experiences vary by agent and region.
American Modern offers a 24/7 toll-free claims line (1-800-375-2075), online claim filing, and account management through their mobile app and web portal. They've been in specialty insurance since 1965 and are backed by Munich Re's financial strength. Riders generally report smoother online account management compared to Dairyland.
Nevertheless, both insurers sell through independent agents, which means your claims experience often depends on your agent's responsiveness and knowledge. A good agent makes a huge difference when you're dealing with repairs and paperwork after an accident.
Dairyland is your best bet if you fit these scenarios:
Scenario 1: You've got a less-than-perfect riding record. Dairyland specializes in high-risk riders and non-standard insurance. Suppose you've had gaps in coverage, a DUI, multiple violations, or accidents on your record. They also offer SR-22 filing at no extra cost if you need it.
Scenario 2: You're a seasonal rider who wants flexible coverage. Dairyland offers lay-up periods and seasonal storage options, which matter if your bike hibernates for four months every winter. You can adjust coverage during the off-season to save money while keeping your policy active.
American Modern makes sense in these situations:
Scenario 1: You ride a heavily customized or older bike. American Modern's $3,000 policy included accessory coverage and replacement-cost coverage that doesn't expire to protect serious investments in custom parts. If you've dropped $8,000 into a vintage rebuild or added $5,000 in touring accessories, American Modern's approach saves you from depreciation and coverage gaps.
Scenario 2: You're a touring rider who logs serious miles. Hence, trip interruption, rental coverage, and trailer coverage matter most when you're 500 miles from home. American Modern's comprehensive travel-related coverage and higher accessory limits better protect long-distance riders.
Dairyland specializes in high-risk situations and flexible seasonal coverage, while American Modern focuses on specialty recreational insurance with generous accessory limits and permanent replacement cost protection. The right choice depends on your bike, your riding habits, and your record.
You can get a quote from Dairyland and American Modern through Roamly, compare the real numbers, and pick the coverage that actually protects how you ride. Start your quote now, and let's find your best fit.
Important disclosure: Roamly Insurance Group, LLC is a licensed agency that works with multiple insurance carriers. Dairyland and American Modern are among our partners, where available. Availability, coverage terms, and pricing vary by state. We don't guarantee any specific carrier or rate, but we'll shop to find your best options.
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