UPDATED: MARCH 14, 2023 | 1 MIN READ
Wisconsin car insurance laws require that drivers have a minimum level of coverage. Drivers in the state can pay up to 27% less than the national average for auto insurance, depending on their requirements and driving history.
This makes insurance coverage more affordable for many. Several things can increase the premium, including bad credit and being a high-risk driver.
However, being married in Wisconsin can save you more on your insurance than in other states. Read on to find out more about cheap car insurance in Wisconsin.
Best Wisconsin Car Insurance Companies
The state offers many options for drivers looking for auto insurance in Wisconsin. USAA is an affordable option for those with military affiliations. These insurance companies offer competitive rates for drivers who don’t have a military connection:
- State Farm
- Secura
- Erie
- American Family
- Progressive
- GEICO
Cheapest Wisconsin Car Insurance Company
State Farm offers one of Wisconsin’s cheapest full-coverage car insurance plans. A yearly policy costs up to 18% less than the average at $80 for a monthly premium or $963 for an annual policy.
Company With the Best Customer Service
Auto-Owners has a J.D. Power score of 890, making it one of the best insurance companies for customer service. It ranks high for customer service. This is closely followed by GEICO, with a score of 871.
Company With the Best Premium-Reducing Programs
For affordable prices, GEICO ranks as one of the best. Drivers can save upwards of 23% on their policy by having some safety and security features in their cars. These include things like having airbags installed or having anti-theft features. Also, GEICO is one of the few carriers that provide discounts for military personnel and federal workers. :
Company With the Best Discounts
Erie is the best carrier to look into if you’re looking for auto insurance discounts and low rates for car insurance in Wisconsin. Erie’s prices are lower than the state average. Discounts offered include:
- Insuring multiple vehicles
- Being a young driver
- Driving infrequently
- Having a car with safety equipment
- Paying your annual premium in full
Erie also offers a “Rate Lock guarantee.”
Local and Regional Car Insurance Carriers
Acuity Insurance
Acuity Insurance will help you get on the road worry-free with its complete offering of auto insurance products. Ranked one of the best in the country for claims service, the insurance agency offers typical coverages like liability and collision.
The company also gives a hefty discount of up to 20% with their bundle package, Road and Residence. Save even more with responsible driving, multiple vehicles, and good grades.
You might also save with an accident-prevention course, high-tech crash-prevention features, and in-full premium payment.
Rockford Mutual
Rockford Mutual serves the people of Wisconsin and offers over 125 years of exemplary service. The insurer provides auto insurance, covering drivers within Wisconsin from Green Bay to Madison.
Rockford Mutual’s auto insurance products include collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, bodily injury, property damage, legal fees, and other options to help protect you and your vehicle.
The company doesn’t skimp on the discounts either, as they offer multi-policy savings, three or five-year accident-free discounts, good student discounts, and savings for an anti-theft device.
Rural Mutual
Operating solely in the Cheese State, Rural Mutual traces its humble beginnings to 1934. Today they have more than 100 locations for auto insurance.
They protect Wisconsin drivers, whether driving to a Green Bay game or heading to downtown Madison. Rural Mutual offers bodily injury liability, collision, comprehensive coverage, property damage, uninsured motorist, and medical expenses.
Discounts are available for good grades, multiple vehicles, and paying your premium every six months.
Wisconsin Insurance Demographics
There were 145,000 accidents in the Badger State in 2019. In these accidents, 500 people died. Despite this, the state’s population of 5.9 million, of which 2.1 are drivers, can find reasonable car insurance rates in Wisconsin.
- Crime Rates: A resident has a 1 in 312 chance of being a victim of a violent crime in Wisconsin. The annual amount of violent crimes stands at over 18,000. The annual numbers of property crimes are 86,654.
- Average Household Income: The average income for people living in Wisconsin is $42,382. For men, it’s $50,126, while it’s significantly lower for women at $35,550.
- Median Age Range: The median age in the state is 39.6 years. For men, it’s 38, while for women, it’s 40.
- Education: Over 1.2 million have a high school graduate level, while 817,098 people have some college education and 806,518 have a bachelor’s degree.
Common Risk Factors In Wisconsin
A significant risk factor for drivers in Wisconsin is distracted driving. In 2020, it was a factor in 24,000 car accidents. That amounted to 20% of the car accidents that year. Winters in Wisconsin are cold and windy, with lots of snow, which is also a risk factor.
Auto Insurance Laws In Wisconsin
It’s mandatory to have auto insurance in Wisconsin. It’s a requirement to have a minimum level of coverage as specified by state insurance laws.
What are the minimum car insurance requirements?
Wisconsin car insurance laws require drivers to have minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10. This translates as $25,000 per person injured or dying, $50,000 for bodily injuries per accident, and $10,000 to cover property damage.
Am I required to carry uninsured motorist coverage?
It’s not mandatory to have this when purchasing Wisconsin auto insurance. However, drivers are encouraged to have uninsured motorist coverage. The minimum level is $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more injured people. Drivers in the state may look into getting more coverage to secure themselves.
Wisconsin SR-22 policies
A Wisconsin driver with a license suspended for a serious driving offense like a DUI may have to get an SR-22. This proves that you have the required insurance coverage for your level of risk. Typically, the insurance carrier will file this and charge a fee of $50 to do so. However, car insurance requirements don’t change after a DUI offense.
Is Wisconsin a no-fault state?
Wisconsin is an at-fault state. This means that the person at fault and who caused the accident covers the cost of the damages.
What happens if my vehicle isn’t properly insured?
Auto insurance in Wisconsin is mandatory. If found without it or a sufficient level of coverage, it may result in a fine of up to $500. Drivers who don’t show proof of coverage can be fined $10, and if you show a fraudulent coverage form, this can result in a fine of up to $5,000.
Does Wisconsin accept digital insurance cards?
Yes. Drivers in the state can show a digital insurance card or use a printed format when law enforcement officers ask for their insurance coverage.
How Much Does Car Insurance In Wisconsin Cost?
Wisconsin car insurance is among some of the cheapest in the country. The average yearly policy costs $1,040. This is 27% less than the national average. Auto insurance in Wisconsin is impacted by more than your ZIP code. Things like one driving record, gender, age, credit history, and marital status can impact the cost of coverage.
Average Cost of Car Insurance By City
Drivers in Milwaukee pay the most for their car insurance, with an annual premium costing $1,530, 30% more than the average in the state. Green Bay has the lowest cost, with annual premiums costing $975, 19% less than the state average.
| City | Average Wisconsin Car Insurance Cost | Difference From Wisconsin Average |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $1,530 | 30% |
| Madison | $1,030 | -15% |
| Appleton | $985 | -18% |
| Kenosha | $1,190 | 1% |
| Green Bay | $975 | -19% |
Average Cost of Car Insurance In Wisconsin By Company
American Family offers the lowest rate for a full-coverage policy at prices of $905. It’s only a little cheaper than Erie and Progressive, which also offer competitive rates. AAA is the most expensive, with a price of $1,185 for an annual premium.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| AAA | $1,185 |
| American Family | $905 |
| Erie | $925 |
| Progressive | $920 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance In Wisconsin By Age
Being an 18-year-old driver in Wisconsin will be costly in terms of buying Wisconsin auto insurance coverage. It costs $3,665 for a full-coverage annual policy. This is not unlike other states where age is a factor. Prices gradually decrease with age. Being in your 50s and 60s means you will pay significantly less for car insurance in Wisconsin.
| Age | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Age 16 | $1,705 |
| Age 18 | $3,665 |
| Age 20 | $2,610 |
| Age 25 | $1,510 |
| Age 30 | $1,300 |
| Age 40 | $1,235 |
| Age 50 | $1,135 |
| Age 60 | $1,070 |
| Age 70 | $1,175 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Gender
Only a difference of $10 separated the cost of a premium for a man and a female. Men pay slightly more at $1,035 for an annual policy, while women spend $1,025.
| Gender | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Male | $1,035 |
| Female | $1.025 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Credit Score
A poor credit score means you will pay double for insurance than a person with a great credit score. On average, having a poor one will cost $1,885 per annum.
| Credit Score | Average Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Poor | $1,885 |
| Fair | $1,555 |
| Good | $1,295 |
| Very Good | $1,085 |
| Great | $905 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Driving Record
Drivers with a DUI will experience a 61% increase on average for a full insurance coverage policy. It will cost at least $2,210. Having a speeding ticket will see an 18% increase in a full-coverage premium. Prices will go to $1,410 for a yearly premium.
| Driving Incident | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) | % Increase In Average Full-Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding Ticket | $1,410 | 18% |
| Accident | $1,570 | 29% |
| DUI | $2,210 | 61% |
What Optional Insurance Coverages Should You Consider?
Insurance carriers are legally responsible for offering two optional coverages when drivers seek auto insurance in Wisconsin. This is required under Wisconsin state law. These are underinsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage. Drivers can reject these but must do so in writing.
- Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UIMBI): This covers the driver and passengers if your car is hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to meet damage bills and medical expenses.
- Medical Payments (MedPay): This is an option to consider, as MedPay can reimburse you for any medical expenses and funeral costs after a collision. This will be reimbursed regardless of whether you caused the accident or not. This may overlap your health insurance. However, it can cost $1,000 to add to your policy.
Auto Insurance Discounts
Insurance carriers in the state offer discounts for safety and theft prevention measures. Look out for discounts for having safety equipment installed, using your car on an infrequent basis, having multiple vehicles, and having a good credit score.
Paying your premium in full can also mean benefiting from a discount. Ensure you inquire about possible discounts that apply to your situation.
FAQs
How much is car insurance in Wisconsin monthly?
Prices can vary depending on your driving record and other circumstances. Premiums can cost $325 per year and $27 per month for minimum liability insurance coverage.
Is it mandatory to have car insurance in Wisconsin?
Yes, the state’s laws make it mandatory to have auto insurance in Wisconsin.
What is the state minimum car insurance for Wisconsin?
Driving laws require motorists to have minimum liability coverage. This coverage is 25/50/10. This translates as $25,000 per person injured or dying, $50,000 for bodily injuries per accident, and $10,000 to cover damages.
Does insurance follow the car or the driver in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, insurance follows the car. This includes insurance policies with minimum coverage, property damage, and any add-ons. However, MedPay, if you choose this option, follows the driver and not the car in Wisconsin.
Do I need proof of insurance to register a car in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, there is no onus on the driver to provide evidence of insurance coverage before registering a vehicle. However, a driver may be asked if you’re reinstating your license after a suspension or a driving offense.
How To Purchase Cheap Car Insurance In Wisconsin
Finding the right insurance carrier for you depends on your circumstances. Knowing about the minimum requirements and considering any add-ons is essential. Also, inquiring about discounts can help to reduce your policy costs. Comparing policies and judging them based on your requirements is always best.
