Wisconsin Car Insurance (Coverage, Companies, & More)

Welcome to Wisconsin, the Badger State!

Wisconsin is more than cheese and its world-class public university system. Delavan was the site of America’s first circus, and Sheboygan is the “Bratwurst Capital” of the world. With more than 250 miles of shoreline, Door County just north of Green Bay on Lake Michigan has more shoreline than any other county in the United States.

And with a simple state motto — Forward — Wisconsin is a state on the move. That’s why you need the best car insurance for you and your family.

But how do you choose the right car insurance? What kind of car insurance do you need in Wisconsin? And what will it cost? You can use the box above to search for insurance that fits your needs and budget.

Read on, because we’ve created this guide to help you navigate the car insurance industry in the great state of Wisconsin. Go Badgers!

Wisconsin Car Insurance Coverage and Rates

Our research has found that a lot of key and understandable factors can affect the rate of your car insurance premium.

From where you live to your credit score to the make and model of your vehicle, it’s important to know what goes into the formulas companies use in calculating how much you’ll owe them for insurance.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help. So, how much does auto insurance cost anyway? Our friends at Trusted Choice report that the average cost of car insurance in the United States is currently $1,474 per year.

Wisconsinites pay signficantly less than this: badgers average paying only $1,087 per year in car insurance premiums.

Let’s get started in exploring car insurance in Wisconsin by talking about the state’s car culture more broadly.

Wisconsin’s Car Culture

Wisconsin households own, on average, between 2.3 cars. The state’s Department of Transportation reports that in 2018, there were 6,069,090 cars registered in Wisconsin.

That’s a lot considering the state’s current population is estimated to be 5.8 million.

Wisconsin Minimum Coverage

14.3 percent of Wisconsinites are currently uninsured according to the Insurance Information Institute. And that’s not great, considering Wisconsin requires its drivers to carry at least minimum liability insurance according to The Hartford at AARP. (For more information, read our “AARP The Hartford Insurance Review“).

So how much car insurance do you need in Wisconsin? What car insurance is required?

Wisconsin’s minimum requirements for insurance are fairly average compared to other states across the nation. In the Badger State, you are required to have the following car insurance minimums:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the owner of the insured vehicle
• $50,000 for total bodily injury or death in an accident caused by the owner of the insured vehicle
• $10,000 for property damage per accident caused by the owner of the insured vehicle

But keep in mind, this is just the minimum coverage.

Below we’ll cover some add-on coverages that can be easily added to your insurance policy to ensure you, your family, and your vehicles are well-protected financially in the case of an accident or other incidents.

But first: how do you even prove you have car insurance in the Badger State?

Read more: Badger Mutual Insurance Company Car Insurance Review

Forms of Financial Responsibility

In Wisconsin, you need to be able to prove you have at least the minimum insurance the state requires. You do this through a legally-recognized form of financial responsibility. There are various ways to show your proof of insurance, usually just by carrying a valid insurance ID card or a copy of your insurance policy.

But in case you forget your ID on your way out the door one day, it might be a good idea to file your insurance with the state.

Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation explains that “proof of insurance is filed by obtaining an SR-22 certificate issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in Wisconsin.

In some cases, substitutions, such as a bond from an insurance company or a cash deposit of $60,000 posted with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will be accepted. For the operation of commercial vehicles, motor carrier insurance may be furnished as proof of financial responsibility.”

Premiums as a Percentage of Income

Wisconsinites had an average disposable household income of $39,433.00 in 2014. Of this, they spent $716.83, or 1.82 percent, on car insurance premiums for the year.

This means residents paid a lot less of their income to car insurers than the national average of 2.29 percent.

Our research shows that Wisconsinites are paying a pretty steady percentage of their incomes for car insurance premiums. Here’s the average of Wiscon’s car insurance premiums as a percentage of income between 2012 – 2014:

• 2012: 1.75 percent
• 2013: 1.82 percent
• 2014: 1.82 percent

You can use the tool below to calculate what percentage of income your insurance premium might be in the great state of Wisconsin.

Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates in WI (Liability, Collision, Comprehensive)

When it comes to shopping for car insurance, always keep in mind that across the board, experts agree: the better insured you are, the better prepared you will be to deal with an accident, whether or not you are at fault.

The table below provides what you can expect to pay on average for different components of your car insurance package in Wisconsin. These rates are provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), who bases them on Wisconsin state minimum requirements by law.

Additional Liability

Did you know that Wisconsin, like many states, only requires liability insurance? And how do you even know if a car insurance company is right for you?

Looking at a company’s loss ratio can help you determine if they can provide you the car insurance you need.

Wait a minute, you might be thinking, what even is a loss ratio?

A loss ratio is simply how much the insurer spends on claims compared to how much money they receive in premiums.

Here’s an example: when a company spends $570 in claims for every $1,000 they receive in premiums, they have a loss ratio of 57 percent. This means that loss ratios over 100 percent show an insurer is losing money, and that abnormally low loss ratios mean a company isn’t paying out much in claims.

For 2017, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reports that the national average for loss ratios was 73 percent. Our research shows that the “sweet spot” for loss ratios is actually between 60 and 70 percent.

Unfortunately, the state of Wisconsin does not track loss ratios for car insurance companies operating in the state.

Check out the next section for some extra protections you might want to add on to your existing coverage.

Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders

When it comes to car insurance for you and your family, great coverage at a low premium is likely your top priority. And we understand that!

Fortunately, there are a lot of cheap but powerful extras you can add to your Wisconsin car insurance policy, extras that ensure you are better-covered in the case of an accident or other vehicular incident.

The following is a list of add-on coverage that you can add to the required car insurance you need in the Badger State:

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-Owner Car Insurance
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Classic Car Insurance
• Pay-As-You-Drive (Usage-Based Insurance)

We’ve found that you might also want to consider personal injury protection (PIP). PIP, sometimes called “no-fault insurance,” covers medical bills incurred from an accident, regardless of who is at fault, who is driving, or who owns the vehicle.

Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates by Age & Gender in WI

In Wisconsin, young men can expect to pay more for their car insurance premiums than young women.

Once you reach 25 years of age, however, the gender gap is minimal.

So, what is more significant to car insurance providers in determining your premium than gender? Age and marital status.

The following table provides the average annual car insurance premiums for Wisconsinites of different demographics.

Read more: Artisan and Truckers Casualty Company Car Insurance Review

Cheapest Rates by Zip Code and City

You probably already know that the price of car insurance varies from state to state.

But did you know that your premium can vary by where you live in your state as well?

In Wisconsin, zip code 53206, the Park West and Arlington Heights neighborhoods of Milwaukee, the state’s largest city, has the highest average car insurance premiums at $5,102.46 per year.

The searchable table below provides a breakdown of the average car insurance premiums by city and zip code, and by insurer within that zip code, from across the state of Wisconsin.

Read more:

• Germantown Mutual Insurance Co. Car Insurance Review
• Germantown Insurance Company Car Insurance Review
• Catawba Insurance Company Car Insurance Review
• Cameron National Insurance Company Car Insurance Review
• Baldwin Mutual Insurance Company Inc. Car Insurance Review
• Fremont Insurance Review

It’s easy to find the cheapest car insurance rates for you. Just enter your zip code to get started.

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Best Wisconsin Car Insurance Companies

From company financial ratings to rates for drivers of various driving histories, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of each insurer when shopping for the best car insurance policy.

For our compilation of the best car insurance companies in Wisconsin, check out the sections below.

The Largest Companies Financial Rating

If you’re going to do business with a company, you want them to be financially solvent. That’s especially important if that company has the responsibility of protecting you and your family, like a car insurance provider.

A company’s ability to financially cover its customers is important, and that’s where financial ratings come into play.

AM Best ranks America’s insurance companies by financial solvency. What does it mean for a company to receive a high grade? That company is highly likely to stay solvent and have the ability to pay customer claims. A bad grade might be a warning sign for potential customers.

The table below provides the financial ratings for Wisconsin’s 10 largest car insurance providers.

Read more: Erie and Niagara Insurance Association Car Insurance Review

Companies with Best Ratings

According to J.D. Power and Associates’ U.S. Auto Insurance Study, the best-rated auto insurance company in Wisconsin for 2019 is Westfield.

The graph below depicts Wisconsin’s insurance providers and their J.D. Power ratings.

Commute Rates by Companies

Do you have a long commute, or is your office just around the corner?

How much you drive on a regular basis certainly affects how much you pay for car insurance.

For Wisconsinites with a long commute, American Family is probably the most affordable car insurance carrier.

The following table lists car insurance providers and their corresponding average rates for both a 10- and 25-mile average commute distance in Wisconsin.

Coverage Level Rates by Companies

Do you need the highest amount of car insurance, average insurance, or just the bare minimum?

The more coverage and the more add-ons in your policy, the more expensive your car insurance gets. The less coverage, the cheaper your insurance will likely be.

Keep in mind: cheaper is not always better, especially when it comes to something like car insurance.

Here is a table that shows the different types of insurance coverage levels and their average yearly rates for Wisconsin’s biggest insurance providers.

But did you know your credit history can also affect your car insurance premium?

Credit History Rates by Companies

Does it surprise you to find out insurers consider your credit history when calculating your car insurance premium?

Wisconsinites have an average Vantage credit score of 696, well above the national average of 675.

But what if your credit score is below average? Again, American Family will likely be the most affordable option for car insurance in Wisconsin.

The table below shows average rates for those with a good, fair, or poor credit rating for Wisconsin’s top car insurance providers.

What’s even more important to car insurance providers when they’re considering your premium amount? Your driving history.

Driving Record Rates by Companies

Do you have a spotless driving record?

Most of us don’t, and we have to be prepared for our car insurance premium to be affected by our driving history, perhaps more than anything else.

If you’re looking for car insurance in Wisconsin, check out the following table, which shows different insurance companies and their annual averages for people with varying driving records across the state.

Across the board, American Family is likely the cheapest car insurance provider for Wisconsinites, whether they have a clean history or a record with a DUI, previous accident, or speeding violation.

Number of Foreign vs. Domestic Insurers in Wisconsin

What do you think a foreign or domestic car insurance company is?

When it comes to auto insurers, domestic simply means an in-state provider, and foreign, an out-of-state provider.

According to the NAIC, Wisconsin has 174 domestic insurance companies and 813 foreign insurance providers.

Wisconsin Laws

Whether you live here or you’re just passing through the Badger State, it’s important to know the laws where you’re driving.

In the sections below, we’ll explore a variety of legal topics related to driving and insuring your car in Wisconsin.

You might also want to check out the National Motorists Association guide to driving in Wisconsin.

Car Insurance Laws

Remember, the great state of Wisconsin requires liability insurance with the following minimums:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the owner of the insured vehicle
• $50,000 for total bodily injury or death in an accident caused by the owner of the insured vehicle
• $10,000 for property damage per accident caused by the owner of the insured vehicle

And it’s key to know: these are just minimums. What is best for you and your family might be coverage above liability.

How State Laws for Insurance are Determined

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is the U.S. standard-setting and regulatory support organization created and governed by the chief insurance regulators from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.

They take some of the mystery out of how car insurance laws get made, especially in this helpfulwhite paper.

If you find yourself near Madison, be sure to check out the gorgeous Wisconsin State House.

Windshield Coverage

Glass damage is the number one car insurance claim filed across the United States.

And you should know: Wisconsin law places no specific requirements on insurance companies to provide windshield coverage.

However, the companies can choose to offer such protection along with their comprehensive coverage. Be sure to check with your car insurance provider to see if windshield coverage is something you can add to your policy.

Automobile Insurance Fraud in Wisconsin

Across the United States, car insurance fraud is a crime.

Though it’s important to know: penalties for fraud vary state-to-state in most cases.

Most people only contact their auto insurer in case of an accident or another legitimate claim. But some folks try to scam the system by filing false claims to make a quick buck.

Thomson Reuters explains that in Wisconsin, “insurance fraud is a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the claim or benefit received is $2,500 or less. However, if the claim or benefit is over $2,500, it’s a Class I felony.” And what are the penalties for insurance fraud?

• Class A misdemeanors: up to nine months in jail and a fine up to $10,000.
• Class I Felonies: up to 3.5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Statute of Limitations

Do you know what “statute of limitations” means?

Put simply: a statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file a court case following an accident or another vehicular incident.

In Wisconsin, you have three years from the time of the accident to file a lawsuit for both personal injury and property damage.

Wisconsin Specific Laws

Again, we urge you to check out The National Motorists Association’s summary of Wisconsin-specific driving laws.

Here is some interesting (and important) information for driving in Wisconsin they provide:

• Wisconsin has one of the largest deer herds in the United States (world!). There are estimates that one half of all auto accidents are collisions with animals, mostly deer.
• It is illegal to use the shoulder to pass a vehicle that is stopped and waiting to make a left-hand turn.
• Wisconsin State Troopers and a sampling of local and county police officers accept Master Card and Visa charge cards for “on-the-spot” payment of traffic fines.
• No matter if you’re ticketed for a parking violation or a DUI, you always have the right to a trial by jury in the Badger State.

Vehicle Licensing Laws

Who doesn’t love a trip to the DMV?

Okay, maybe not. But, licensing yourself and your vehicle in Wisconsin may be easier than you think.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has a GREAT interactive guide to help you get your drivers license quickly and easily.

When you get to the DMV, you’ll need to:

• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship, legal permanent resident status, conditional resident status or temporary visitor status.
• Provide proof of name and date of birth, for example, a certified U.S. birth certificate, valid passport or certificate of naturalization.
• Provide proof of identity (an acceptable document with your signature or photograph such as an unexpired state ID card or your social security card).
• Provide proof of Wisconsin residency if over 18.

So get that driver’s license smile ready.

Real ID

Wisconsin IDs are compliant with federal REAL ID laws.

A REAL ID often saves you the hassle of bringing other forms of identification with you to conduct official state or federal government business or to enter a federal facility.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

In Wisconsin, it is illegal to drive without at least the required minimum of car insurance.

And having insurance is also part of being a good neighbor, a value Wisconsinites appreciate.

So what happens if you get caught driving without car insurance in Wisconsin? The penalties in the Badger State include: suspension of driving privileges, fines of up to $500 and getting your vehicle towed.

Teen Driver Laws

Did you know most states have some form of graduated licensing laws for teens?

The table below explains the age or other restrictions for Wisconsin’s graduated license system.

Unique to Wisconsin: driver’s education is mandatory for all license applicants under the age of 18.

Older Driver License Renewal Procedures

When it comes to license renewal procedures, Wisconsin is an equal opportunity state.

In the Badger State, all drivers must renew every eight years.

Additionally, drivers of all ages must show proof of adequate vision at every renewal. Unfortunately, renewals are not yet eligible to be done online or through the mail in Wisconsin.

New Residents

Are you new to Wisconsin?

According to the state’s Department of Transportation:

• If you have a regular Class D and or Class M license (autos and motorcycles), you must apply for a Wisconsin driver license within 60 days of establishing Wisconsin residency.
• If you have a Class A, B or C Commercial Driver License (CDL), you must apply for your Wisconsin CDL license within 30 days of establishing Wisconsin residency.

And remember, when you go to the DMV, you must:

• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship, legal permanent resident status, conditional resident status or temporary visitor status.
• Provide proof of name and date of birth, for example, a certified U.S. birth certificate, valid passport or certificate of naturalization.
• Provide proof of identity (an acceptable document with your signature or photograph such as an unexpired state ID card or your social security card).
• Provide proof of Wisconsin residency if over 18.

Rules of the Road

Whether you’re a Badger through-and-through or just a passing through the great state of Wisconsin, you’ll need to know rules for driving here.

Below we’ve compiled some helpful advice to make sure you drive safely and legally in Wisconsin.

Fault vs. No-Fault

Wisconsin is an at-fault state.

This means you’ll be held financially and legally liable if you are found at-fault in an auto accident.

We’ve found that the more comprehensive your insurance, the better prepared you are to face accidents and other auto incidents head-on, whether or not you are at fault.

Seat belt and car seat laws

According to the Department of Transportation, in Wisconsin “all drivers of motor vehicles and all passengers over the age of four must wear safety belts.”

And Wisconsin takes seat belt safety very seriously. The state’s seat belt laws are primarily enforced, meaning an officer can pull you over just for not wearing a safety belt.

Car seat laws are pretty strict in the state, too. Again, the Department of Transportation explains that “children must be in a car seat until they reach age 4 and 40 pounds, and in a booster seat until they reach age 8, more than 80 pounds in weight, or more than 4 ft. 9 in. tall.”

Keep Right and Move Over Laws

The keep right law is a bit murky in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin state statute 346.59(1) says: “No person shall drive a motor vehicle at a speed so slow as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or is necessary to comply with the law.”

So technically, you can drive in the left lane as long as you are driving at a legal speed.

Milwaukee’s Groth Law Firm explains that the concept of the Move Over Law is simple: “If you see a vehicle on the side of the road with its emergency lights flashing, you are required to move out of the lane closest to the vehicle if possible. If a safe lane change is not possible, or you are traveling on a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow your vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and drive at a reduced speed until completely past the vehicle.” (For more information, read our “What is considered a safe speed to drive your car?“).

Fail to do comply and you face three points on your license and a $249 fine.

Speed Limits

Speeding is one of the easiest ways to increase your car insurance premiums.

Here are the maximum speeds on Wisconsin’s roadways for both cars and trucks:

• Rural Interstates: 70 mph
• Urban Interstates: 70 mph
• Other Limited Access Roads: 70 mph

Ridesharing

Rideshare companies — like Uber or Lyft — must be registered with Wisconsin’s Department of Safety and Professional Services. A 2015 law simply requires rideshare drivers to carry the state’s minimum liability coverage, though most major rideshare companies require more.

Automation on the Road

Do you know what automation is?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) explains that automation is simply the use of a machine or technology to perform a task previously carried out by a human.

When it comes to automation, think radars, cameras, and other sensors used to gather information about a vehicle’s surroundings.

Though Wisconsin has yet to pass any hard legislation on completely automated vehicles, the state is a testing ground for such cars, explains the State Bar of Wisconsin.

Safety Laws

Wherever you are, driving safely is important.

And a big part of driving safely is knowing a state’s safety laws and regulations.

Now that you know the proper way to insure and register you and your vehicle in the Badger State, let’s cover some important safety information to keep you, your family, and your vehicles safe in Wisconsin.

DWI Laws

Whether you’re drunk or buzzed, driving under the influence of alcohol is NEVER a good idea.

Wisconsin’s BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) is 0.08. Get found driving with that BAC or above, and you face the penalties outlined in the table below.

Marijuana-Impaired Driving Laws

Marijuana has yet to be legalized in Wisconsin. The current governor, however, is pushing hard to change that.

Get caught driving high and you face the same penalties for driving drunk.

Distracted Driving Laws

Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation explains that “driving any motor vehicle while composing or sending an electronic text message or an electronic mail message” is illegal, adding that “Wisconsin’s texting ban is a primary enforcement law, which means law enforcement officers may stop motorists suspected of this offense alone.”

Get caught texting while driving and you face a fine of up to $400 and four points on your driving record. So as the Department of Transportation urges, leave your phone alone ’til you get home.

Driving Safely in Wisconsin

Driving safely is important wherever you are, but read on for some important information about keeping you, your family, and your vehicles safe in the Badger State.

Vehicle Theft in Wisconsin

According to the FBI, Milwaukee leads the state in vehicle thefts, with 6,174 in 2016 alone.

So, what vehicles are stolen the most in the Badger State?

The table below shows the top-10 most-stolen cars in Wisconsin for 2018 by make, model, and model year.

Road Fatalities in Wisconsin

In the sections below, we’ll explore different variables on fatalities on Wisconsin roadways, which totaled 594 across the state in 2017.

Most fatal highway in Wisconsin

According to GeoTab, Interstate 94 is the most deadly highway In Wisconsin. It traverses a large swath of the state, from the Illinois border just south of Kenosha, to the Minnesota border just east of Minneapolis. (For more information, read our “Do I need car insurance to cross the border?“).

Fatal Crashes by Weather Condition and Light Condition

Wisconsin winters can be brutal, but also beautiful.

Perhaps not surprisingly, crashes are highly affected by weather and light conditions.

The table below provides a breakdown of fatal crashes by weather and light conditions across Wisconsin in 2017.

Fatalities (All Crashes) by Road Type in Wisconsin

The table below illustrates the number of crashes on both urban and rural Wisconsin roadways between 2008 and 2016.

Fatalities by Person Type

Not only motorists die on Wisconsin roadways. Pedestrians, cyclists, and others are part of the state’s transportation system, too.

The table below shows 2008 – 2017 fatalities by person type.

Five-Year Trend For The Top 10 Counties

The following table provides the five-year road fatality trends for Wisconsin’s 10 most populated counties.

Fatalities Involving Speeding or an Alcohol-Impaired Driver

Speeding and drunk driving are two of the most notorious causes of roadway fatalities and for good reason.

The following table illustrates the 2008-2017 statistics on fatalities caused by speeding or an alcohol-impaired driver in Wisconsin according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Teen Drinking and Driving

Teen drinking and driving is a pressing problem in Wisconsin.

For 2016, the FBI ranked Wisconsin the sixth-worst state for teen drinking and driving, with 235 DUI arrests for those under the age of 18.

Nearly 1/3 of alcohol-related teen traffic fatalities occur during prom and graduation season, a recent study shows.

EMS Response Time

Though it’s not something we probably think about on a regular basis, EMS response times can vary greatly by how populated the place you call home is.

The table below breaks down the average EMS response time for urban and rural areas of Wisconsin, from time of the crash to EMS notification to time of the crash to hospital arrival.

Transportation in Wisconsin

DataUSA reports that if you call Wisconsin home, you likely live in a two-car or more household and drive alone to work with a below-average commute time.

Car Ownership

Wisconsinites love their cars. The Department of Transportation reports that as of 2018, there are just over 6 million cars registered in the state. This is a lot, especially considering Wisconsin has a current estimated population of 5.814 million people. The majority of car-owning households have 2 cars.

Commute Time

With an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes, Wisconsinites spend less time driving to and from work than most Americans. (The national average is 25.5 minutes.)

Commuter Transportation

Unless you live in Milwaukee or Madison, you likely don’t have access to great public transportation options in Wisconsin.

Most residents drive alone to work. Carpooling is the second most popular commuter option for those that don’t work from home.

Now that you’ve learned a lot about insuring your car in Wisconsin and how to be a responsible driving Badger, we hope happy days are ahead for you. (Did you know the sitcom was set in Milwaukee?)

We hope this guide helped you learn more about your liabilities as a driver in Wisconsin.

What part was the most helpful?

Before making any final decisions on your insurance company, it is important to learn as much as you can about your local insurance providers, and the coverages they offer. Call your local insurance agent to clear up any questions that you might have. Questions to consider asking include, “What is the best coverage plan for me/my family/my situation?” “What are the minimum coverage requirements in my state and what form of coverage do you recommend?” “Do you guys offer any bundle discounts if I take out both my auto insurance and home insurance with you?” and “What is the average rate of insurance quotes you guys offer?”

Before making any big insurance decisions, use our free tool to compare insurance quotes near you. It’s simple, just plug in your zip code and we’ll do the rest!

Take the next step by getting the best auto insurance quotes for Wisconsin just by entering your zip code below.

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