Cheapest Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers in Wisconsin (October 2024)


The cheapest car insurance for individual drivers with low-income and poor credit history in Wisconsin is Western National at $25 per month. For families with low-income, GEICO offers the most affordable rate at $39 per month.

Wisconsin does not offer state-backed car insurance programs for low-income families and individuals. Therefore, finding the provider with the most affordable rate is one option to manage costs. Additionally, there are ways to get discounts to help alleviate the cost of car insurance.

While minimum coverage will help you drive legally, it has downsides. For example, in the event of an at-fault accident, minimum coverage may not cover all the damages, leaving you financially responsible.

Company Image
Cheapest for Individuals With Low Income

Western National is the cheapest car insurance provider for individual drivers with low-income and poor credit history in Wisconsin with an average minimum coverage premium of $25 per month or $296 per year.

Company Image
Cheapest for Families With Low Income

GEICO is the cheapest car insurance provider for families with low-income in Wisconsin with an average minimum coverage premium of $39 per month or $472 per year.

Company Image
Cheapest for Senior Drivers With Low Income

Western National is the cheapest car insurance provider for seniors with low-income and poor credit score in Wisconsin with an average minimum coverage premium of $24 per month or $285 per year.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed thousands of data points and quotes from Quadrant Information Services and the Wisconsin Department of Insurance to get the cheapest average costs for low-income drivers of Wisconsin.

44,496Quotes Analyzed
 
19Companies Compared
 
54ZIP Codes

Does Wisconsin Offer Low-Income Insurance?

Car insurance companies in Wisconsin do not consider income when calculating your car insurance rates. Instead, they look at factors like age, driving record, insurance score and the type of car you drive. At-fault accidents and moving violations can also increase your rates. To find the cheapest rates, it's best to compare quotes from several insurance companies.

If your budget is tight, a basic minimum coverage policy is often the cheapest way to stay legal on the road. Additionally, if Wisconsin offers pay-per-mile insurance, it's a great option for drivers who rarely drive. MoneyGeek found the cheapest insurers for low-income drivers in Wisconsin to help you save.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Wisconsin

To legally operate a vehicle in the Badger State, you must carry car insurance that adheres to the state's minimum car insurance requirements. Here's a breakdown of what's required by law in Wisconsin for your policy's liability coverage limits:

  • $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

When it comes to protecting yourself, a liability-only car insurance policy covers damages to others if you're at fault in an accident, but it won't cover your own vehicle. For comprehensive protection, including your own car, consider a full coverage car insurance policy. This includes both collision and comprehensive coverages, safeguarding against a range of incidents from theft to natural disasters.

For instance, if you frequently park your car on the streets of Milwaukee where theft rates are higher, opting for full coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection. It's important to weigh the risks and benefits of each coverage type to determine what suits your situation best.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Individuals With Low Income in Wisconsin

Credit history is crucial for drivers with low income in Wisconsin, as it can significantly affect car insurance premiums. Insurers view a poor credit record as a higher risk, leading to higher premiums. Maintaining a good insurance score can help lower these costs.

The cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with low-income and poor credit record in Wisconsin are:

  • Western National: $296 per year, $25 per month
  • Acuity: $313 per year, $26 per month

Drivers with good insurance credit, you can get the cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin from:

  • Western National: $284 per year, $24 per month
  • Acuity: $278 per year, $23 per month

It's important to get state minimum coverage as it's illegal to drive without a car insurance policy. Driving without insurance in Wisconsin is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to suspension of your driver’s license, vehicle registration, fines ranging from $175 to $1,000, and other penalties.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Credit Score:
Credit Score:Poor
Western National$296$25
Acuity$313$26
Erie$322$27
AAA$334$28
American Family$360$30
GEICO$389$32
IMT Insurance Company$430$36
West Bend Mutual$432$36
Chubb$474$40
Travelers$563$47
Progressive$652$54
Nationwide$705$59
Farmers$781$65
Kemper$800$67
Dairyland$915$76
Allstate$1,086$90
Auto-Owners Insurance Co$1,230$103
State Farm$2,188$182
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Families With Low Income in Wisconsin

While your income doesn't change your car insurance rates, your family status does. In Wisconsin, a single parent with a teen pays an average of $928 annually, whereas married couples with a teen pay around $472, saving a substantial $456 each year on average.

The most affordable car insurance companies for a married couple with a teen in Wisconsin are:

  • GEICO: $472 per year; $39 per month
  • Nationwide: $488 per year; $41 per month

For a single parent with a teen, the cheapest options are:

  • State Farm: $928 per year; $77 per month
  • Auto-Owners Insurance Co: $960 per year; $80 per month

Married couples enjoy lower rates likely due to insurers viewing them as more stable and less risky. Single parents should particularly focus on maintaining a strong credit record to access more affordable car insurance rates.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Family Type:
Family Type:Married Couple with Teen
GEICO$472$39
Nationwide$488$41
State Farm$570$47
Travelers$613$51
Auto-Owners Insurance Co$637$53
Farmers$697$58
Progressive$735$61
Allstate$849$71
Kemper$1,623$135

Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors With Low Income in Wisconsin

Car insurance premiums generally decrease as you reach your early senior years, typically around age 55 to 65, especially if you have a clean driving record.

The two cheapest car insurance for senior drivers with low-income and poor credit history are:

  • Western National: $285 per year; $24 per month
  • Acuity: $295 per year; $25 per month

After the age of 70, car insurance rates typically increase as older drivers are statistically considered higher risk. This trend continues each year, meaning premiums generally rise as seniors age. Wisconsin has specific guidelines for seniors getting car insurance, which should be reviewed when selecting a policy.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Credit Score:
Credit Score:Poor
Western National$285$24
Acuity$295$25
AAA$315$26
Erie$318$26
American Family$358$30
IMT Insurance Company$365$30
Chubb$412$34
GEICO$427$36
West Bend Mutual$462$38
Travelers$581$48
Progressive$619$52
Nationwide$690$58
Dairyland$824$69
Kemper$883$74
Farmers$888$74
Allstate$1,077$90
Auto-Owners Insurance Co$1,281$107
State Farm$2,064$172
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

What Factors Affect Car Insurance Rates in Wisconsin?

Your income doesn't directly affect car insurance rates in Wisconsin. However, having a low income can lead to a poor credit record, which can result in higher rates. Conversely, a good credit record can help you get lower rates.

Understanding the factors that contribute to car insurance rates can help you make informed decisions in choosing the best car insurance for you.

    seatbelt icon

    Driving record

    A clean driving history with no at-fault accidents or moving violations usually results in lower rates.

    male icon

    Age and gender

    Younger drivers, especially males, typically pay more due to higher risk than more experienced drivers.

    badCredit icon

    Credit history

    Your credit history can affect your rates, with lower insurance scores often leading to higher premiums.

    usMap icon

    Location

    Where you live plays a role, with urban areas often having higher rates than rural areas due to more congested roadways, higher accident rates and incidents of vehicle theft and vandalism.

    pickupTruck icon

    Vehicle type

    The make, model and year of your car impact insurance costs. Sportier or more expensive cars generally cost more to insure.

    car2 icon

    Coverage levels

    The higher your level of coverage, the higher your premiums.

    carInsurance icon

    Insurance company

    Different insurers have different underwriting methodologies and discounts, so it's important to compare quotes.

    onlineForms icon

    Claims history

    A history of filing claims can lead to higher rates. If you can afford to pay for your own repairs, it might behoove you not to file a claim.

    windstorm icon

    Extreme weather events

    Wisconsin is prone to severe weather events like hailstorms, tornadoes and ice storms, which can increase insurance claims and, in turn, rates.

How to Save on Car Insurance in Wisconsin

You don't need a state-sponsored program to cut costs — finding affordable car insurance in Wisconsin is possible with the right strategies. Here are some tips to lower your premiums:

1
Choose minimum coverage

Opting for state-mandated minimum coverage can help you save on insurance costs while still meeting the legal requirements to drive.

2
Comparison shop

Getting quotes from multiple insurers can help you compare rates and discounts, ensuring you find the most affordable option. Shopping locally might secure the lowest rates specific to this state's market.

3
Look for discounts

Many insurance companies offer discounts for good students, safe driving records, military members, and bundling your auto insurance with other policies.

4
Increase your deductible

Opting for a higher car insurance deductible can significantly reduce your monthly premium. Make sure you can afford the deductible in case of an accident.

5
Consider pay-per-mile insurance

If available in this state, pay-per-mile insurance is ideal for low-mileage drivers. You pay a base rate plus a per-mile fee, so you only pay for the miles you drive.

6
Bundle your policies

Bundling your auto policy with other insurance needs like homeowners or renters insurance can lead to discounts. The best home and auto bundles can save you around $496 each year.

7
Drive a cheaper car

Your car's make, model, and year impact insurance costs. Driving the cheapest cars to insure can save you hundreds of dollars annually.

FAQ: Low-Income Car Insurance in Wisconsin

Finding affordable car insurance for low-income drivers in Wisconsin can be tough. Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about low-income car insurance in Wisconsin.

Does Wisconsin have a state-backed low-income car insurance program?
How can low-income families get affordable car insurance in Wisconsin?
Does your income affect the cost of car insurance in Wisconsin?
What are the benefits of usage-based telematics programs for drivers with low-income in Wisconsin?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

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.