Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers in Wisconsin


Drivers with serious violations like a DUI or multiple speeding tickets are considered high risk since they are more likely to get into crashes. That makes high-risk auto insurance more costly compared to car insurance with a clean record. Shopping around is the best way to get the most affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers.

If you are a high-risk driver in Wisconsin, American Family offers the cheapest rate at around $756 per year. American Family also offers the best balance of quality service and affordability for high-risk drivers in Wisconsin.

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2024

Best Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2023

If you have a history of driving violations such as a DUI, speeding tickets or at-fault accidents, you are considered a high-risk driver. Young drivers are also classified as high-risk since they are inexperienced and may cause an accident.

Insurers will charge more to insure a high-risk driver since they are more likely to file a claim, which the insurance company must pay.

In Wisconsin, high-risk drivers pay around 27% more for car insurance than drivers with a clean record.

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WHAT EXACTLY IS A HIGH-RISK DRIVER?

Auto insurance companies use a variety of factors to classify high-risk drivers. For instance, even if you have a clean record but have a poor credit score, you may be classified as high-risk. The type of vehicle you drive may also impact your car insurance premium — a sports car is a good example.

In addition, drivers with serious violations like a DUI or reckless driving are also considered high-risk.

  • Drivers that are considered high-risk may include:
  • Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
  • Drivers with a DUI conviction
  • Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
  • Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
  • Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage

Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin for High-Risk Drivers

American Family offers the most affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers in Wisconsin at an average cost of $756 per year. MoneyGeek reviewed American Family to help you decide whether its coverage options, discounts, customer service, etc., are best suited for your needs.

American Family$756
State Farm$815
Erie$869
GEICO$1,090
Progressive$1,132
Travelers$1,212
Farmers$1,510
Nationwide$1,648
Allstate$1,684
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SR-22 INSURANCE

In Wisconsin, you will be required to have SR-22 insurance if you are convicted of a serious traffic violation like driving while uninsured or driving under the influence (DUI). SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin proves that you have car insurance that complies with the state-mandated minimum coverage.

Best Car Insurance in Wisconsin for High-Risk Drivers

American Family emerged as the best high-risk auto insurance company in Wisconsin, with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100. This company rates highly for affordability and has above-average customer satisfaction and claims ratings. You can find out more about American Family car insurance in our in-depth review.

The second-best high-risk auto insurance choice in Wisconsin is Erie, scoring 90 out of 100. Our review of Erie breaks down its policy options and more.


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American Family InsuranceBest for High-Risk Drivers
Score:NaN
There are no ratings for this company
Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

American Family’s high-risk car insurance costs an average of $756 per year in Wisconsin. That is only around 4% higher than the cost of car insurance for a driver with a clean record.

More About American Family Insurance

American Family offers affordable rates in Wisconsin for high-risk drivers, like those with a DUI.

The provider offers a wide range of discounts, including loyalty, legacy, good student and new customer.

American Family also offers unique add-on coverage options, like original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage which ensures only original parts are used to repair your vehicle. Accident forgiveness and gap insurance are also available.

However, this insurer does not offer new or better car replacement coverages.

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Erie
Score:97

5/5

Affordability Rating

4.5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4.7/5

Claims Rating

4.5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Erie’s high-risk car insurance in Wisconsin costs an average of $869 per year, which is 20% more than the average cost of car insurance for drivers with a clean record.

More About Erie

Erie car insurance is affordable for high-risk drivers, and the company ranks high in customer satisfaction and claims.

The provider offers unique coverage add-ons like better car replacement, which is important if you have a new car. You can also get accident forgiveness as an add-on to your policy.

Erie also offers various discounts, including a safe driving discount for young drivers, pay in full and anti-lock brakes discounts.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Quality car insurance may come at a high cost, especially for high-risk drivers. Wisconsin does not have a government-sponsored car insurance assistance program for low-income individuals. However, you can still find affordable, low-income car insurance in Wisconsin. For example, if you have a short commute or work from home, pay-per-mile insurance may be a good choice.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin for Drivers With a DUI

The cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin for drivers with a DUI is with American Family at an average cost of $756 per year. You can find out more about American Family car insurance coverages and other features in MoneyGeek’s review.

If you have a military background, USAA may be an affordable option for car insurance in Wisconsin for those with a DUI conviction.

American Family$756
State Farm$793
Progressive$894
Erie$1,039
Travelers$1,316
GEICO$1,537
Farmers$1,539
Allstate$1,557
Nationwide$2,277
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LOOK-BACK PERIODS

A DUI conviction stays on your driving record for a specified period, known as the look-back period. The look-back period varies depending on the state. In Wisconsin, the look-back period is 10 years. A look-back period is usually long to make it possible to identify and prosecute repeat offenders.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin for Teenage Drivers

The cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin for teen drivers is with State Farm at an average cost of $3,252 per year. Actual rates will vary depending on the age of the teen driver, with 16-year-olds paying more compared to 19-year-olds.

You can learn more about State Farm auto insurance in MoneyGeek’s in-depth review.

State Farm$3,252
GEICO$3,844
Nationwide$4,596
Progressive$6,533
Allstate$7,483
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Teen drivers are classified as high-risk drivers due to inexperience. That means that a car insurance premium can be significantly expensive if you are a teen or student. However, MoneyGeek still recommends full coverage over minimum coverage for teens since they are more likely to get into crashes and need additional protection.

You can get the most affordable car insurance options for teens by comparing quotes from different providers.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin for Drivers With Bad Credit

GEICO offers the cheapest auto insurance with bad credit in Wisconsin at an average cost of $829 per year. On average, drivers with poor credit in Wisconsin pay 29% more for car insurance compared to those with good credit.

You can learn more about GEICO car insurance in MoneyGeek’s review.

GEICO82929%
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Although bad credit can impact how much your car insurance costs, you can still find affordable car insurance with bad credit. To find the cheapest options, compare auto insurance quotes in Wisconsin for drivers with bad credit from different providers.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, high-risk auto insurance has an average increase of 27% from the cost for a driver with a clean record. The average cost of a policy with a clean record is $842 per year, while the cost for high-risk drivers averages $1,191 per year — nearly $350 more.

Annual Car Insurance Cost in WI for Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Drivers

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Annual Premium

Low-Risk Driver

$842
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Annual Premium

High-Risk Driver

$1,191
In Wisconsin, high-risk drivers pay:$349 more

This is 41% more expensive.

To find out how much car insurance costs in Wisconsin for your particular profile, you can use MoneyGeek’s car insurance calculator to get an estimate based on your details. By providing your age, driving history, coverage needs and other details, you can see what impacts the cost the most and estimate what you may pay with different insurance companies.

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Rates updated:

Nov 06, 2024

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Can You Still Get Car Insurance in Wisconsin if Insurers Refuse to Insure You?

Auto insurance companies are private entities that can choose to decline to cover you if they find you too risky to insure or for any other reason. However, you can find an alternative in the form of a residual market plan that is offered by the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO).

AIPSO helps high-risk drivers find car insurance coverage by providing services to the auto insurance residual market.

Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan

The Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan (The Plan) was established on October 1, 1949. The Plan provides auto insurance to high-risk drivers that cannot find coverage in the voluntary market. The Plan’s administration is made up of representatives from eight insurance companies licensed in Wisconsin.

The Plan is categorized into two: Private Passenger Personal Auto and Wisconsin Special Risk Distribution Plan (SRDP) for commercial risks.

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    Office Hours

    Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m.–4:15 p.m. CST

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    Email

    wiaip@aipso.com

    smartphone icon

    Phone

    800-827-5964

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    Fax

    N/A

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    Mailing Address

    Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan, P.O. Box 3080, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3080

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Frequently Asked Questions

MoneyGeek answered commonly asked questions about high-risk auto insurance in Wisconsin to help you learn more.

Which car insurance company is best for high-risk drivers in Wisconsin?
How much does car insurance in Wisconsin cost for high-risk drivers?
Who do insurers classify as a high-risk driver?
Where do I get car insurance coverage in Wisconsin if insurers reject my application?

Methodology

MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.

To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.

To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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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.


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