Wisconsin Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (December 2024)

Name: Wisconsin Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (December 2024)
Item: Wisconsin Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (December 2024)
Author: Mark Fitzpatrick

Wisconsin's minimum coverage liability limits are 25/50/10. The average annual cost for state minimum car insurance in Wisconsin is $428, or about $36 monthly.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Reviewed by Mark Friedlander

Edited by Myjel Guevarra

Updated: December 3, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Wisconsin state law mandates drivers to carry minimum car insurance with liability coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage. This ensures financial protection in case of accidents. Additionally, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Wisconsin operates as an at-fault state, meaning drivers responsible for accidents are liable for damages. Securing minimum car insurance requirements is essential for legal and financial protection in Wisconsin.

The cost of minimum coverage in Wisconsin averages $36 per month, offering an affordable option for drivers seeking to meet legal requirements. Balancing cost with coverage is important, and we provide resources to help you explore the options for the cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Wisconsin Minimum Coverage Requirements
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Wisconsin
Cheapest Companies in Wisconsin for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in Wisconsin
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Wisconsin
FAQ

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Wisconsin drivers.

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Wisconsin as of December 2024.

44,496Quotes Analyzed

19Companies Compared

54ZIP Codes

Wisconsin Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Wisconsin, you are required to carry minimum coverage auto insurance to operate a vehicle legally. The amounts for the required coverage in Wisconsin are:

$25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
$50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
$10,000 for property damage liability per accident
$25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
$50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident

The cost of your premium can be affected by whether the state operates on a fault or no-fault basis. Wisconsin is a fault state, which means that the at-fault driver's insurance typically must cover the costs of bodily injury and property damage resulting from an accident.

ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE REQUIRED IN WISCONSIN?

Wisconsin does not mandate collision or comprehensive coverage as part of its state minimum auto insurance requirements. However, lending institutions might ask for collision and comprehensive insurance on financed or leased vehicles. If you own your vehicle outright, the choice to carry these coverages is yours. Still, these coverages can safeguard your investment against various collision- and non-collision-related mishaps.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?

What Liability Insurance Covers	What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover
Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident	Your injuries
Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident	Damages to your car
Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy	Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal
	Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

The table reflects Wisconsin's state minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Remember, individual policy terms and conditions define exact coverage details.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Wisconsin

The age group with the highest premiums is 22-29, primarily because younger drivers are perceived as higher risk due to less driving experience and a higher likelihood of accidents.

The table below illustrates the average cost of minimum coverage auto insurance in Wisconsin for different age groups.


22-29	$556	$46
30-59	$428	$36
60 +	$447	$37

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the two most budget-friendly options for state minimum coverage auto insurance are as follows:

AAA: $248 per year; $21 per month
Acuity: $269 per year; $22 per month

It's important to weigh affordability against your needs and circumstances when looking for the best car insurance.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:

Age Group:

Age Group:30-59


AAA	$248	$21
Acuity	$269	$22
GEICO	$269	$22
Western National	$284	$24
Erie	$316	$26
American Family	$317	$26
Progressive	$335	$28
Travelers	$355	$30
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$360	$30
West Bend Mutual	$366	$30
Chubb	$422	$35
IMT Insurance Company	$429	$36
State Farm	$430	$36
Nationwide	$539	$45
Farmers	$557	$46
Kemper	$657	$55
Allstate	$752	$63
Dairyland	$807	$67

Optional Add-On Coverages in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, you may opt for various add-on coverages, such as comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments and rental reimbursement coverage. Though not required by law, these optional protections can safeguard you financially. To thoroughly understand how much car insurance you need, consider your circumstances and the value of your assets.

Add-On Coverage	What It Covers	What It Doesn't Cover
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage	Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance	Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers, regardless of who's at fault	Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver
Roadside Assistance	Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down	Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow
Gap Insurance	Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen	Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments
Rental Car Reimbursement	The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event	Fuel, insurance or other rental extras
Collision Coverage	Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault	Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters
Comprehensive Coverage	Repairs to non-collision damages from events like theft, fire or hail	Damages from a collision or personal injuries
Towing and Labor Coverage	Towing and basic roadside assistance labor costs at the vehicle's breakdown site	More extensive repairs needed at a garage
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage	Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems	Original parts that came with your vehicle
Accidental Death Coverage	Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident	Non-accidental deaths or injuries
Classic Car Insurance	Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars	Regular use, like your daily commute

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Wisconsin

The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in Wisconsin varies based on whether it's your first offense or a repeat violation. Generally, a first offense will result in lighter penalties than repeated offenses, which can have heftier consequences, including larger fines. If you're caught driving without minimum coverage auto insurance in Wisconsin, you could face several consequences:

License suspension: Your driving privileges may be taken away for some time.
Vehicle registration suspension: Your vehicle's registration can be suspended, meaning you cannot legally drive it.
SR-22 requirement: You may have to file an SR-22 form, which is proof of financial responsibility. Doing so usually results in higher insurance premiums.
Fines: There will be monetary penalties for driving uninsured.
Vehicle impoundment: Your car could be taken away with you paying for the associated costs.
Reinstatement fees: You might need to pay fees to get your license and vehicle registration back.
Increased future insurance premiums: Not carrying auto insurance can lead to higher costs.

Remember that driving with at least the state minimum coverage auto insurance is a legal requirement.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

After a car insurance policy is canceled in Wisconsin, drivers must secure a new policy immediately, as Wisconsin law requires motorists to always have minimum coverage auto insurance. Driving without insurance is illegal, and you can face severe penalties. Drivers should reach out to their insurance agent to explore options for new coverage or resolve misunderstandings.

The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be notified of the lapse in coverage. Continuously maintaining auto insurance is crucial because the DMV tracks insured status through various systems — similar to the TexasSure program in Texas — and can impose fines or suspend driving privileges if you’re caught without valid insurance.

Wisconsin doesn't have a specific state program for individuals struggling to obtain insurance. However, drivers can shop around with different insurance providers or contact the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance for guidance on obtaining the necessary coverage.

WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Wisconsin may have been canceled for several reasons:

Non-Payment: If you missed paying your premiums, the insurance company might cancel your coverage.
Fraud: Lying on your insurance application or making a false claim can lead to cancellation.
License Suspension: Your policy may be terminated if your driver's license is suspended or revoked.
High Risk: Being a high-risk driver with several traffic violations may cause your insurer to cancel your policy.

You need to pay your premiums to maintain coverage and meet the legal requirements for car insurance.

FAQ: Wisconsin Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Here, you'll find answers to all your questions about legally mandated coverage to remain compliant with Wisconsin law.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's minimum car insurance coverage requirements are $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $10,000 for property damage liability per accident. Drivers in Wisconsin must also carry uninsured motorist coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Why does Wisconsin require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Wisconsin mandates minimum coverage auto insurance for motorists to ensure that in the event of an accident, drivers have the financial means to cover damages or injuries they may cause to others. This requirement protects the at-fault driver from significant out-of-pocket expenses and provides financial security for other parties involved in the collision.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, comprehensive insurance is not required by state law. However, it can be a wise investment to protect your vehicle against various non-collision events such as theft, vandalism or natural disasters.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Wisconsin?

Driving uninsured in Wisconsin can lead to serious consequences. If caught, you face a fine of up to $500. Subsequent offenses may result in higher penalties, including suspension of your driving privileges. In the event of an accident, you'll be held personally responsible for all damages. Maintaining at least the state minimum coverage is always recommended to avoid these risks and ensure financial protection on the road.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

Read Full Bio »