Wisconsin Car Insurance

Everything You Need To Know About Auto Insurance in Wisconsin

As with many U.S. states, the first known inhabitants of what is now Wisconsin were various native American tribes, including the Chippewa, Oneida and Winnebago peoples. A land rich in beaver furs attracted Europeans to the area in the 1600s, with a large French presence. That French presence is still very present today in the names of cities and towns.

After the Revolutionary War, Wisconsin joined the U.S. as a state in 1848. The state earned its nickname, the Badger State, from miners who flocked to the area to work in the lead mines. Agriculture and dairy production are still a large part of the state’s past and future. Due to its fame around cheese production, another nickname is “America’s Dairyland.” Additionally, Wisconsin will always be known for its beer production, due to the location of the Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee. Many people will remember the sitcom “Laverne & Shirley” which revolved around the escapades of two bottle-cappers at the Schotz Brewery in Milwaukee.

If you’re looking for the best auto policy to keep you and your loved ones safe in this rugged and beautiful state, InsureOne has expert agents who can help you find top-rated auto insurance at a great rate.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin drivers pay average annual auto premiums of $1,292 for full coverage and $358 for minimum liability insurance.

These premiums are substantially lower than national averages, which trend around $2,014 and $622 for full and minimum coverage, respectively. Drivers in the Badger State pay less due to the rural nature of the state, fewer claims and a competitive market. Wisconsin does have a higher percentage of uninsured motorists, coming in at 19th in a 2019 report. Drivers in Wisconsin are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage, so they are protected if hit by someone driving without insurance.

What Does Full Coverage vs Minimum Liability Mean?

Minimum liability consists of the level of coverage Wisconsin requires its drivers to carry. At its most basic, this 3rd-party insurance is to help pay for the injuries and property damage a driver causes when they are at fault for an accident. Depending on the amount purchased, there may or may not be enough to cover all of the damages and injuries, particularly in a very serious accident.

This minimum liability does not pay anything toward the at-fault driver’s own injuries and damages.

Full coverage is liability, plus extra protections for the owner, including comprehensive and collision. In the event you cause an accident, your collision insurance would help pay for repairs to your vehicle. Comprehensive kicks in to help pay for things such as storm damage and theft. If you are financing your vehicle, your lender will likely require you to carry full coverage.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Wisconsin

For a comparison of the average monthly premiums drivers pay in different cities across the state, check out our breakdown below.

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Eau Claire	$106	$26
Milwaukee	$193	$55
Racine	$123	$40
Madison	$112	$31
Waukesha	$111	$35

Our average monthly premiums by city are based on the following methodology: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by Wisconsin.

What Types of Auto Discounts Are Available in Wisconsin?

It doesn’t matter who you are: Everybody loves to get a discount on their insurance bill. We’ve already covered how bundling can save you a lot, but there are many other ways to save money on your premiums. Some discounts you may qualify include:

• Be a safe driver
• Have served or are serving in the military
• Are a first responder
• Senior citizen
• Go with autopay
• Take a defensive driver course
• Be a student with good grades and attendance

Other ways you can decrease your premium include increasing your deductible and purchasing a car with a good safety rating.

Wisconsin Car Insurance Laws

Wisconsin has a 25/50/10 minimum liability coverage mandate and also requires drivers to have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Here’s a closer look at what this means.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, state law sets the mandatory minimum car insurance limits at 25/50/10. That means if you cause a crash, a basic policy must provide:

• $25,000 to cover the medical bills or funeral expenses of one person involved if they are hurt or die as a result of their injuries
• $50,000 to cover treatment for injuries or deaths for two or more people
• $10,000 to pay for property damage

Your policy must also include:

• $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person
• $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident

Why do some drivers choose to increase their minimum coverage limits? Newer vehicles usually cost upwards of $30,000 or more. If you are found to be at fault in an accident and the other car is totaled, $10,000 will not go far when looking at today’s car repair costs.

Remember, anything over $10,000 will come out of your pocket and you could be taken to court.

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Wisconsin?

Anytime you are stopped by law enforcement or involved in a wreck, you’ll need to provide proof of insurance. Failure to carry a policy with the right amounts can result in a fine of up to $500 or $5,000 if you show an insurance card that is found to be fraudulent.

What Factors Does Wisconsin Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?

Just as you are a unique individual, your premium is determined by many different factors specific to you. This is why you and your neighbor may pay more or less.

Age is a major factor. Young drivers with less experience will pay more. Your driving record is the other major factor. Those who maintain a clean history will pay less.

Other factors include where you live, your employment, your educational level and your credit history.

Auto Insurance Rates for Young Drivers vs Older People in Wisconsin

Wisconsin parents who are facing having a young driver in the family may have several concerns, including safety and the costs associated with a new driver. Teen drivers typically pay much more for their car insurance than older, more experienced drivers.

For example, the average annual cost of full coverage car insurance for a 16-year-old is $2,931 compared to the $1,200 charged to a driver at the age of 50. The reasons for this include an inexperienced person behind the wheel, plus a tendency for this demographic group to file more claims. Parents can take some steps to alleviate the hit to their wallet, including:

• Putting the new driver on their policy, rather than getting a separate policy.
• Taking advantage of discounts, such as ones offered for students who have a high GPA and good attendance record.
• Bundling various policies together with one company.
• Asking for a multi-vehicle discount by putting two or more vehicles on one policy.

And to alleviate the anxiety of watching your child drive off, enrolling them in a defensive driving course may be worth a small policy discount. Keep in mind that modeling safe driving in front of your children is one of the best steps you can take to help ensure your own teen will be a good driver.

City	Fatal Crashes in 2021
Eau Claire	3
Milwaukee	66
Racine	3
Madison	15
Green Bay	1
Waukesha	1

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, more than 13.3% of drivers aren’t insured. The state ranks 19th in uninsured or underinsured motorists.