Wisconsin drivers pay an average of $830.06 per year for car insurance according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), that’s about $69.17 per month. Wisconsin drivers pay about 30% less than the countrywide national average of $1,189.64.
The NAIC takes into account all car insurance policies within the state such as drivers who select only state minimum coverage, as well as policies that include various levels of comprehensive and collision coverage. Because car insurance rates are influenced by personal factors, you could find yourself paying significantly less.
Wisconsin car insurance quick facts
Minimum liability requirements
25/50/10
Average annual car insurance cost according to the NAIC
$830.06
At-fault state
In at-fault states, the driver who caused the accident pays for damages.
Wisconsin state minimum car insurance requirements
Drivers in Wisconsin are required to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage to legally drive. You may see it written as 25/50/10, but we’ll break down what that means.
Wisconsin bodily injury liability
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person
$50,000 bodily injury per accident
Wisconsin requires $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 of bodily injury per accident. That’s right in line with what most states require for this type of coverage.
This means $25,000 is the most your insurer will pay for a single person injured by you in an at-fault accident. And $50,000 is the maximum amount your insurer will pay if there is more than one person injured by you in an at-fault accident. Any costs outside of your bodily injury limit are required to come out of your pocket.
Wisconsin property damage liability
$10,000 property damage liability
Wisconsin requires drivers to carry $10,000 of property damage liability to legally drive. This is on the lower end of requirements for this coverage, but it’s common among states.
This means $10,000 is the maximum amount your car insurance company will pay towards damages you cause to another person’s car or property, such as repairs to a car, fence or building. You’ll have to pay out of pocket for any costs beyond your property damage liability limit.
Wisconsin uninsured or underinsured motorist
$25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
$50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
Wisconsin requires all drivers to carry $25,000 of uninsured motorist bodily injury per person, $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident. Near half of the states across the US require some sort of uninsured motorist coverage, though some other states let you opt-out.
This coverage protects you if you get hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. It pays for medical bills to you and your passengers.
Finder tip: Wisconsin state minimum coverage isn’t enough
These state-mandated requirements are the lowest amount of coverage you need to legally drive in Wisconsin, but may fall short if you’re in a major accident. To avoid high out-of-pocket costs after an accident, consider raising your liability limits by balancing coverage, your budget and what you can afford to pay out of pocket for certain damage.
In Wisconsin, the driver at fault pays for damage
Wisconsin is an at-fault state, meaning that the driver who causes the car accident pays for the damage. Your insurance company and legal authorities will determine which driver is at fault, based on the details of the accident.
However, Wisconsin also looks at whether both drivers are partially at fault under a modified comparative fault law, according to the legal website Nolo. Under this law, both drivers are assigned a percentage of damage. The driver with over 50% responsibility will pay for the other drivers’ damages. However, the driver with less responsibility isn’t required to pay for any damage.
For example, if you’re 80% at fault for an accident, your insurance will pay 80% of the other driver’s damages. However, since you’re more than 50% at fault, the other driver isn’t required to pay for your damages.
Cheapest rates by age in Wisconsin
Progressive may be one of your cheapest options, no matter your age in Wisconsin. Young drivers especially benefit from Progressive’s Snapshot program and long list of possible discounts.
Age
Allstate
Progressive
Geico
16-24
–
$143.24
$158.25
25-34
$116.94
$110.43
$114.69
35-44
$96.81
$94.67
$117.65
45-54
$152.10
$90.93
$106.46
55-64
$80.80
$75.81
$104.38
Cheapest rates by gender in Wisconsin
You can pay widely different rates based on your gender in Wisconsin. Men may find the best deal with Progressive, while women may see the lowest rates from USAA according to Savvy’s sample quotes.
Company
Allstate
Progressive
Geico
USAA
Men
$108.46
$100.36
$123.05
$143.04
Women
$110.87
$105.67
$122.40
$97.59
Sample rates in Wisconsin from major car insurance companies
By far, Progressive pulls out the lowest rates among major companies in Wisconsin. We base this cost information on sample quotes from Savvy.
Plus, if you’re a safe driver, you could save even more by qualifying for a claim-free discount or joining Snapshot. Snapshot is a safe driving program that tracks your driving and sets a discount based on your safety.
Company
Allstate
Progressive
Geico
USAA
Rate
$110.07
$103.01
$122.70
$127.89
Best car insurance for Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, you get to choose from a variety of national and local brands. We recommend starting with our top picks, which we vetted by looking at coverage, discounts and perks like their online experience.
We also checked each company’s ratings from J.D. Power, Better Business Bureau, AM Best and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Progressive is a top option for Wisconsin drivers looking to balance cost and coverage because it's known for competitive pricing. You can go with standard coverage or choose extras that not every company offers, like gap and rideshare coverage.
Plus, Progressive rewards safe drivers by cutting up to a third of your car insurance bill if you have a claim-free history. Otherwise, you can join its Snapshot program to show off your safe driving and earn a discount up to 30%.
Pros
Competitive rates for many drivers
Save 30%+ for safe driving and claim-free history
Extras include gap, rideshare and custom equipment coverage
Pricing tool helps you buy within your budget
Cons
Slow to respond to complaints
Must be a 5-year customer to qualify for accident forgiveness
Allstate's Milewise is a unique policy that lets you pay for car insurance by the mile, ideal for low-mileage drivers. You pay a flat fee as well as a few pennies for every mile you drive. In the true spirit of pay-as-you-go policies, Allstate charges your account daily based on that day's mileage.
Allstate estimates that you could save 20% over a traditional policy if you drive less than 10,000 miles per year. Or you could pocket up to 66% savings if you drive 2,000 miles a year.
Pros
Save 20 to 66% if you drive under 10,000 miles / year
Plugin device doesn't use your phone battery
True pay-as-you-go policy, charging your account daily
Trusted brand as the No. 4 largest car insurance company
Cons
Some app features are finicky, according to customers
Must use a plugin device to track driving
Not all vehicles are compatible with the plugin device
Backed by over a thousand customer scores, Acuity is in tune to what drivers need in Wisconsin. The company sees about 4.5-star ratings out of 5 on both Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau. It also gets few complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a feat that's hard for insurance companies to achieve.
Acuity also says that it answers most calls within seconds, and it has a reputation for a quick and helpful claims service. Its app is user-friendly too. Access your policy information, file claims, request roadside service and connect with a local agent or in-network repair shop.
Pros
1,000+ customers give high scores on Trustpilot and BBB
Rates competitive with national brands
App lets you report claims, find an agent or repair shop and more
Nearly 100 years of industry experience
Cons
Looks at your six-year claims history to set prices
Doesn't offer a safe driver program similar to Allstate Drivewise
Enough locals praise American Family for its competitive prices in Wisconsin that it's worth getting a quote to see how much you could save. The company offers all the mainstay coverage of national companies, including rideshare and gap coverage.
American Family also gets solid customer ratings from organizations like J.D. Power, the BBB and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Pros
Locals find rates competitive with national insurers
Discounts up to 30% for car safety features
Personalized service through local agents
You won't miss out on extras like rideshare or gap coverage
7 factors that affect car insurance rates in Wisconsin
Insurance companies use factors that are characteristics specific to you when calculating your car insurance rate. Less risky factors mean you’ll pay less, whereas factors with higher risk mean you’ll pay more. We’ve broken down Wisconsin’s factor-rating to keep in mind.
Factor
How it affects your rates
Age
A driver’s age is one of the main factors insurance companies use when calculating rates. The older you are, the more road experience you have under your belt, so the less risky you are.
Depending on the insurer, a 25-year-old driver can expect to pay anywhere between $70 to $500 more annually than a driver aged 35 years. On average, a 25-year-old male can pay $1,210 annually vs. $960 for a 35-year-old male. In contrast, a 60-year-old male can expect to pay around $860 per year.
Gender
Wisconsin also factors in gender for your rate calculation. The average rate for men is approximately $32 more annually than that for women. Considering other factors weigh in to decide rates for both men and women, typically there’s little variation between gender for companies offering the cheapest insurance.
Location
Multiple geographic factors comprise car insurance prices, such as accident rates within specific ZIP codes, historic vandalism rates, population density and theft. Drivers in Milwaukee can expect the highest rates at $1,280 on average vs. the least expensive city of Green Bay at $839 annually. The statewide average price for car insurance is approximately $1040 annually.
Vehicle and mileage
The car model and series level you drive combined with how much you drive also affect your insurance rates in Wyoming. High-powered and high-performance vehicles, and vehicles with aftermarket modifications will see a rise in your insurance.
Other factors that decide your rates include overall vehicle cost, the car model’s safety rating and the likelihood of theft. Typically, safer and cheaper models will be less to insure than luxury brands with all the bells and whistles.
And the more you drive, the more likely you are to experience an event, which calls for higher premiums. In Wisconsin, driving 6,000 miles yearly equates to $950 in annual premiums, whereas 12,000 on the road will set you back $990.
Credit score
Wisconsin insurers charge the highest coverage rates for drivers with poor credit histories. Drivers with good credit scores could see an annual insurance rate of about $990. These rates rise to about $1,220 with a fair credit score, and again up to approximately $1,990 for those with poor credit.
Coverage
Sufficient coverage can mean not having to pay expenses out of pocket in the event of an accident. The more coverage you have, the better protected you are and the higher premiums you’ll pay.
Low coverage costs in Wisconsin average to about $960 yearly, whereas high coverage can be anywhere around $1,030 on average.
Driving Record
Your history on the road makes for important data when determining your car insurance rates. Events like speeding violations, accidents and DUIs can set your premium soaring.
Wisconsin drivers with a clean driving record pay approximately $990 annually — or $220 less per year on average — than Wisconsin drivers with one speeding violation. And a driver with a clean history will also pay about $420 less per year on average than someone with one DUI — at $1,410 yearly.
Does Wisconsin require SR-22 insurance?
Yes, Wisconsin can require drivers to file an SR-22 to reinstate their license. An SR-22 is a certificate that proves you have enough car insurance to meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will notify you if you’re required to get an SR-22, and you may be required to file if your license was suspended or revoked. Learn more about SR-22 car insurance in Wisconsin.
Coverage to consider in Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires 25/50/10 of liability insurance to drive, but the property damage liability coverage is rather low. The state also has a lower theft rate but can experience severe weather – especially in the winter. Here’s some extra coverage you may want to consider.
Collision coverage for the commuters
Most Cheeseheads drive alone to work – 81.7% – as reported by BTS. With high commuter levels like that, it’s wise to consider collision coverage if you’re in that majority. Collision coverage can help you repair or replace your vehicle in the event of an accident, and it’s often required by your auto lender if you’re financing.
Consider collision coverage if . . .
You commute to work.
You tack on the miles.
You’re in heavy traffic daily.
You depend on your vehicle.
You don’t have the extra cash to repair or replace your car unexpectedly.
Your lender requires it.
You may want more property damage liability coverage
Wisconsin only requires $10,000 in property damage liability coverage to be on the road. While this is common, realistically, it’s not a lot of coverage. If you were to be at fault in a car accident and damage someone else’s vehicle, $10,000 may not cut it. Many newer cars on the road have a value of around $20,000 to $40,000 – trucks and SUVs are likely to be worth more than that. Once the $10,000 steps in to cover damages, anything leftover would be up to you.
Consider more property damage liability coverage if . . .
You’re a commuter and are in heavy traffic daily.
You don’t have the funds to pay for expensive vehicle repairs suddenly.
Comprehensive coverage for rough winters and weather
Storms, cold Wisconsin winters, and abundant wildlife can all represent a risk to your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage can offer peace of mind for things outside of vehicle accidents. If your car is damaged in a storm, hits an animal, or is stolen, then this coverage could protect your wallet from these unexpected, unpredictable events. Comprehensive, like collision coverage, is also required by most auto lenders.
Consider comprehensive coverage if . . .
Your auto lender requires it.
You live in a rural area with large wildlife.
Severe weather is common in your area.
You don’t have extra funds to repair or replace your car unexpectedly.
Roadside assistance for emergencies
Wisconsin winters can be brutal, and getting stuck in the cold with a broken-down car only adds insult to injury. To avoid getting stranded, consider adding roadside assistance to your policy. It could be already included in your vehicle’s factory warranty, but it’s likely to expire within five years or 50,000 miles. If you have an older vehicle, live in a rural area, or commute year-round, roadside assistance can offer peace of mind.
Top 10 auto insurance companies in USA that serve Wisconsin
We’ve pulled the top 10 companies by market share that offer coverage in Wisconsin according to S&P Global. Compare top companies by three major rating agencies along with our overall score.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating measures how a business interacts with its customers, with the highest rating being A++.
J.D. Power determines customers’ overall satisfaction with their car insurer’s price, billing, claims and customer support. The higher the J.D. Power score out of 1,000, the better.
NAIC complaint index shows how a company’s number of complaints compares to similar companies of its size. Scores lower than 1.00 show the company receives less than the average number of complaints, and scores above 1.00 show more complaints than average.
Finder’s score shows you an overall look at the company by taking into account scores from each of these agencies as well as the coverage and discounts each company offers.
Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin?
Of Wisconsin’s largest cities, Neenah has the cheapest rates and Milwaukee has the most expensive car insurance rates. Milwaukee drivers could face rates 3 times more than Neenah drivers.
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.
Frequently asked questions about car insurance in Wisconsin
For drivers who aren’t of drinking age, the BAC limit is 0.02%, which is also the lowest accurate BAC most breathalyzers or portable breath tests are capable of reading.
Most insurance providers reserve the right to cancel your coverage during the first 60 days of your policy, but that exact length of time depends on which insurer you’re working with. After those 60 days, your insurance provider usually only cancels your coverage if you fail to make a payment, fraudulently misrepresented yourself on the application or had your driver’s license suspended.
If you’re only passing through, the insurance policy you have in your home state will be just fine. But if you’re moving to Wisconsin, you’ll need to get an insurance policy that adheres to the state’s legal minimums — typically as soon as you register your vehicle there.
Your rates can go up if you file a claim — insurance providers reserve the right to adjust your rates upon your policy renewal. But there’s no guarantee this will happen. You’ll be protected from a rate increase if your insurance provider offers accident forgiveness or some sort of rate-locking deal for the lifetime of your policy.
Megan B. Shepherd is a personal finance editor at Finder where she helps people navigate the financial world of loans.
Her personal finance expertise has been featured on Forbes, Nasdaq, MediaFeed, Fox News, Time, Reviews.com, and carinsurance.com, adding invaluable information related to personal loans, financial strategies and smart borrowing tactics.
Megan graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a BS in Business Administration with an entrepreneurial focus. She's worked as a certified financial adviser and has earned certificates of completion from A.D. Banker & Company.
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