Minimum requirements and how to get cheap auto insurance in Wisconsin
Non-locals might think all states in the Midwest are basically the same, with many states in this region sharing snowy winters and a coastline on the Great Lakes. But try telling that to a Packers fan.
One thing that varies from one state to the next in any region of the US is the cost and requirements for car insurance. Find out what you can expect when driving in Wisconsin, from legal insurance minimums and traffic safety laws to who’s at fault in car accidents.
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With average costs for car insurance landing around $1,150 annually in 2015, Wisconsin drivers can expect to pay less than the national average — around $1,300 — and way less than their neighbors across the lake. Michigan drivers could pay upwards of $2,300 for comparable coverage.
But while Wisconsin has fairly reasonable car insurance rates overall, prices vary throughout the state. If you live in downtown Milwaukee you’ll likely pay more for car insurance than drivers out in Rhinelander or the little town of Kohler. Where you live can affect your insurance costs because city living comes with some additional risks for car accidents, vandalism and theft — and more risks usually means higher premiums.
Looking for some ways to save money on your auto insurance in Wisconsin? No matter what state you’re in, use our comprehensive guide to car insurance to explore types of coverage, tips for saving big bucks on your premiums, how to apply for auto insurance and more.
To legally drive in Wisconsin, you’ll need insurance that includes at least:
You’re also required to get uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage with the following limits:
Your additional coverage options in Wisconsin are about the same as in other states, including:
About 14% of all motorists in Wisconsin were driving without proper insurance in 2015, according to estimates from the Insurance Research Council. This is slightly above the national average of 13%.
A collision with someone who doesn’t have car insurance will cost you. This is why Wisconsin, like several other states, mandates uninsured motorist coverage.
In Wisconsin, you can opt out of traditional car insurance coverage by making a $60,000 deposit in cash or bonds to the state treasury. If you do this, you’ll be given a certificate of financial responsibility; those funds will be used to pay for damages or injuries in the event of an accident where you’re at fault.
Yes, you can get temporary car insurance in Wisconsin. You might need temporary coverage if you’re visiting for a month or more or don’t drive often. It’s legal to purchase short-term car insurance for less than six months, but many insurance companies don’t offer this option. Check with providers like Geico, Allstate and Progressive who advertise short-term insurance.
If you’re caught driving without proper coverage in Wisconsin, you can face some fines and can have your license and registration suspended. You may be fined as much as $500 for not having insurance at all. And if you simply fail to show proof — but are able to present that proof later — you’re still likely to be fined $10. If you show fraudulent car insurance to police or the DMV you can be fined of up to $5,000. The state will also require you to file SR-22 insurance for three years if you’re caught driving without insurance.
Wisconsin shares a lot of common traffic laws with the rest of the country, and it also has a few different laws worth noting before you get behind the wheel.
Every state in the country — including Wisconsin — now has the same blood alcohol content (BAC) limits when driving: 0.08% for regular drivers and 0.04% for commercial drivers.
If you’re caught driving under the influence (DUI), you can face some steep fines, administrative penalties and possibly even jail time.
| 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense | 4th Offense | 5th+ Offense | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jail | None | 5 days to 6 months | 30 days to 1 year | 60 days to 1 year | 6 months to 6 years |
| Fines and penalties | $150–$300 | $300–$1,100 | $600–$2,000 | $600–$2,000 | $600–$10,000 |
| License suspension | 6–9 months | 12–18 months | 2–3 years | 2–3 years | 2–3 years |
| IID required | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes, you can file an SR-22 certificate in Wisconsin, which is a document that your car insurance company files with the state to prove you have the legal minimum coverage requirements needed to get behind the wheel. You might need to file an SR-22 if you’ve gotten a DUI or have been caught driving without car insurance.
Even the smallest car accidents can leave you feeling shaken up. If you’ve recently been in a car accident, take a deep breath and follow these steps to keep the process as safe and headache-free as possible.
Wisconsin is a tort or at-fault state, meaning whoever caused the crash is held responsible for damages and injuries afterward.
Not every accident will require a report to the authorities, but you must report your car crash if:
When should I contact a lawyer?
You might want to get in touch with a lawyer if:
Car insurance can help to protect you and your vehicle, plus other drivers on the road — and in the state of Wisconsin, you simply can’t hit the road without it.
To learn more about these topics, from state laws and regulations to finding the best value on your coverage, visit our comprehensive guide to auto insurance.
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