Compare car insurance in Wisconsin

Find out what you can expect when driving in Wisconsin, from legal insurance minimums to the cities with the cheapest car insurance premiums.

Most popular Wisconsin auto insurance companies list

Average car insurance costs in Wisconsin

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.

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.

• Milwaukee
• Madison
• Beloit
• Madison
• Neenah

State minimum requirements in Wisconsin

To legally drive in Wisconsin, you’ll need insurance that includes at least:

• $25,000 for injury or death per person
• $50,000 total for injury or death to multiple people in a single accident
• $10,000 for property damage

You’re also required to get uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage with the following limits:

• $25,000 for injuries per person
• $50,000 for total injuries per accident

Can I get SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin?

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.

Bottom line

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

• If I'm under 21, what are the DUI standards 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.

• Can my insurance provider cancel my coverage if I file a claim?

  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.

• Is my car insurance from another state sufficient in Wisconsin?

  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.

• Will my rates go up if I file an insurance claim?

  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.