Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin (June 2024)
Updated: June 14, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
AAA offers the overall cheapest car insurance for drivers in Wisconsin. American Family, a company based in Madison, Wisconsin, also comes out as the most affordable insurance company for certain types of drivers.
If you’re looking for options that balance cost and quality service, we found the companies that provide the best car insurance in Wisconsin.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? The auto insurance rates in our study are based on our analysis of the latest data from the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.
These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Wisconsin as of June 2024.
Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Wisconsin (June 2024)
On average, MoneyGeek found that the cheapest car insurance for a minimum coverage policy is from:
- AAA: $198 per year
- GEICO: $265 per year
Dairyland is the most expensive car insurance company for minimum coverage, with an average annual cost of $770.
Auto insurance that meets Wisconsin state law’s minimum insurance requirements only offers bodily injury liability, property damage liability and uninsured motorist coverage.
AAA | Annual Premium$198 | Monthly Premium$16 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$265 | Monthly Premium$22 |
Acuity | Annual Premium$278 | Monthly Premium$23 |
Western National | Annual Premium$284 | Monthly Premium$24 |
Erie | Annual Premium$293 | Monthly Premium$24 |
West Bend Mutual | Annual Premium$302 | Monthly Premium$25 |
American Family | Annual Premium$317 | Monthly Premium$26 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$340 | Monthly Premium$28 |
A minimum coverage policy only covers the cost of injuries or damages you cause to others but doesn’t cover damages to your car. Consider getting full coverage insurance with comprehensive and collision coverage if you want broader protection to cover damages to your vehicle.
Find the Best Car Insurance in Wisconsin for You
Your preferences and insurance requirements will determine your rates. The table above outlines the cheapest car insurance providers and their respective rates for minimum coverage in Wisconsin.
Learn more about how much car insurance you need.
MoneyGeek handpicked the best car insurance companies in Wisconsin based on service quality and affordability.
We also analyzed the average cost of car insurance in Wisconsin for different driver profiles to show you how rates change depending on specific factors.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Wisconsin (June 2024)
Based on our extensive research, the cheapest full coverage car insurance providers in Wisconsin are, on average:
- AAA: $466 per year
- American Family: $564 per year
Dairyland is the most expensive insurer for full coverage, charging $2,173 per year on average. Adding comprehensive and collision coverage to your policy increases your annual premium. For instance, AAA’s full coverage option is around $268 more than its minimum coverage option.
Full coverage car insurance offers better financial protection. It covers damages from both on-road and off-road incidents.
AAA | Annual Premium$466 | Monthly Premium$39 |
American Family | Annual Premium$564 | Monthly Premium$47 |
Acuity | Annual Premium$681 | Monthly Premium$57 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$704 | Monthly Premium$59 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$737 | Monthly Premium$61 |
West Bend Mutual | Annual Premium$760 | Monthly Premium$63 |
Erie | Annual Premium$780 | Monthly Premium$65 |
IMT Insurance Company | Annual Premium$860 | Monthly Premium$72 |
Your actual rates depend on how much car insurance you need. MoneyGeek’s sample full coverage policy has the following liability limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 property damage liability per accident
If you’re looking for ways to lower your premiums, you may consider lowering your liability limits, removing your comprehensive and collision coverage or raising your deductible for comprehensive, collision or both. However, this will expose you to greater financial risks in the event of an accident.
How to Compare Cheap Wisconsin Car Insurance Quotes Online
Many auto insurance companies provide personalized quotes on their websites for free. However, completing the form can take up to 15 minutes. You’ll also have to repeat this process several times to compare quotes from multiple companies and find the cheapest option.
MoneyGeek’s car insurance calculator can do the heavy lifting for you. Our free online tool helps you pick the most affordable insurer and gives you a quick estimate customized to your personal driver profile. You’ll get all these without having to provide specific personal information. It’s a great place to start your search.
Car Insurance Calculator
MoneyGeeks's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Jun 15, 2024
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin by Age (June 2024)
Age is one of the most significant factors affecting car insurance rates in Wisconsin. On average, Nationwide, American Family and AAA offer the cheapest options, depending on what age group you and your family belong to.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin for Teens and Their Families (June 2024)
On average, the cheapest car insurance companies for teens on their parent’s policy in Wisconsin are:
- Nationwide: $1,258 per year for male teens and $1,148 per year for female teens
- GEICO: $1,477 per year for male teens and $1,379 per year for female teens
Kemper charges the highest premiums for teens on their parent’s policy, at average rates of $6,693 and $5,418 for male and female drivers, respectively. Car insurance rates for teens significantly decrease as they age. In Wisconsin, GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance rates for 19-year-old men ($1,091 per year).
Generally, teen drivers pay lower premiums if they’re added to a parent’s policy than if they buy their own. A teen under 18 must have a parent or guardian co-sign their policy to obtain it legally. For instance, the average 16-year-old Wisconsin male driver might have to pay $5,599 annually if they buy their own policy. Being added to a parent’s policy brings the cost down to around $2,396, which is a $3,203 difference.
Nationwide | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,148 | Individual Plan Annual Premium$2,530 |
GEICO | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,379 | Individual Plan Annual Premium$5,751 |
State Farm | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,498 | Individual Plan Annual Premium$2,070 |
Travelers | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,513 | Individual Plan Annual Premium$3,458 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,802 | Individual Plan Annual Premium$1,770 |
Allstate | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,809 | Individual Plan Annual Premium$7,872 |
Farmers | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,960 | Individual Plan Annual Premium$5,983 |
Progressive | Family Plan Annual Premium$2,159 | Individual Plan Annual Premium$7,108 |
Many insurance providers offer discounts for young drivers. According to our research, Allstate, Auto-Owners, Farmers, Progressive and Travelers provide both distant student discounts and discounts for students with good grades. GEICO, Nationwide and State Farm only provide a good student discount.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin for Young Adults (June 2024)
On average, we found that the cheapest car insurance providers for Wisconsin drivers in their 20s are:
- American Family: $677 per year
- AAA: $729 per year
Dairyland charges the highest car insurance rates for young adults at an average of $2,880 per year.
Drivers in their 20s typically pay more for car insurance compared with middle-aged drivers. On average, a 25-year-old driver in Wisconsin will pay $324 more than a 40-year-old driver for a full coverage policy.
American Family | Annual Premium$677 | Monthly Premium$56 |
AAA | Annual Premium$729 | Monthly Premium$61 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$815 | Monthly Premium$68 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$862 | Monthly Premium$72 |
Acuity | Annual Premium$935 | Monthly Premium$78 |
Erie | Annual Premium$1,087 | Monthly Premium$91 |
West Bend Mutual | Annual Premium$1,087 | Monthly Premium$91 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$1,093 | Monthly Premium$91 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin for Seniors (June 2024)
The cheapest car insurance providers for senior drivers in Wisconsin are, on average:
- AAA: $528 per year
- American Family: $594 per year
Dairyland is the most expensive insurer for seniors, at approximately $2,140 per year.
Depending on the insurer, seniors sometimes pay slightly less than middle-aged drivers. For instance, 65-year-old Wisconsin drivers pay $25 less than 40-year-old drivers for the same coverage. Additionally, most insurers tend to charge drivers in their 70s and 80s higher car insurance rates due to an increased risk of accidents.
AAA | Annual Premium$528 | Monthly Premium$44 |
American Family | Annual Premium$594 | Monthly Premium$49 |
Acuity | Annual Premium$665 | Monthly Premium$55 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$721 | Monthly Premium$60 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$724 | Monthly Premium$60 |
IMT Insurance Company | Annual Premium$775 | Monthly Premium$65 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$786 | Monthly Premium$65 |
Erie | Annual Premium$845 | Monthly Premium$70 |
Senior drivers might be able to take advantage of discounts. For example, Allstate, American Family, Farmers and GEICO provide senior discounts. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean companies providing senior discounts automatically have the lowest rates. Age is just one of several factors that are used to calculate premiums.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Higher Risk Drivers (June 2024)
In Wisconsin, American Family is the most affordable insurance provider for sports car drivers, those with at-fault accidents and drivers with OWIs on their record. AAA is the cheapest option for those with speeding tickets and poor credit.
Cheapest after a ticket: AAA ($719 per year)
Cheapest after an accident: American Family ($633 per year)
Cheapest after a DUI: American Family ($752 per year)
Cheapest for poor credit: AAA ($597 per year)
Cheapest for sports cars: American Family ($591 per year)
Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin After a Ticket
MoneyGeek found the following companies offer the cheapest auto insurance for drivers with tickets:
- AAA: $719 per year
- American Family: $752 per year
Dairyland is the priciest provider, with an annual rate of about $3,636. In Wisconsin, drivers with tickets on their records pay an average of $313 more for coverage than those with a clean record.
AAA | Annual Premium$719 | Monthly Premium$60 |
American Family | Annual Premium$752 | Monthly Premium$63 |
Erie | Annual Premium$854 | Monthly Premium$71 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$926 | Monthly Premium$77 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,016 | Monthly Premium$85 |
Chubb | Annual Premium$1,028 | Monthly Premium$86 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$1,039 | Monthly Premium$87 |
IMT Insurance Company | Annual Premium$1,103 | Monthly Premium$92 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin After an Accident
These insurers charge the lowest full coverage rates to Wisconsin drivers with an at-fault accident on their driving records:
- American Family: $633 per year
- AAA: $780 per year
A full coverage policy from Dairyland is the most expensive option at approximately $3,948 per year. We found that an at-fault accident could increase your premiums by up to $505.
American Family | Annual Premium$633 | Monthly Premium$53 |
AAA | Annual Premium$780 | Monthly Premium$65 |
Chubb | Annual Premium$1,028 | Monthly Premium$86 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,053 | Monthly Premium$88 |
Erie | Annual Premium$1,054 | Monthly Premium$88 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$1,098 | Monthly Premium$92 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$1,265 | Monthly Premium$105 |
West Bend Mutual | Annual Premium$1,286 | Monthly Premium$107 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin After a DUI
On average, the following insurers are the cheapest options for full coverage car insurance if you have an OWI on your driving record:
- American Family: $752 per year
- Chubb: $1,028 per year
At around $3,118 per year, Dairyland is the most expensive insurer for drivers with an OWI. We found that drivers with an OWI are charged approximately $541 more per year — a significant increase that would also occur in a state that has DUI or DWI.
American Family | Annual Premium$752 | Monthly Premium$63 |
Chubb | Annual Premium$1,028 | Monthly Premium$86 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,160 | Monthly Premium$97 |
AAA | Annual Premium$1,251 | Monthly Premium$104 |
Erie | Annual Premium$1,254 | Monthly Premium$105 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,269 | Monthly Premium$106 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,491 | Monthly Premium$124 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,503 | Monthly Premium$125 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin for Drivers With Poor Credit (June 2024)
On average, these companies offer the cheapest car insurance rates to drivers with poor credit:
- AAA: $597 per year
- American Family: $633 per year
State Farm has the highest rates at an average annual premium of $6,109 for a full coverage policy.
Generally, insurers consider those with lower credit scores as riskier to insure and charge them higher rates. We found that, on average, Wisconsin drivers with credit scores of 580 and below are charged $690 more than those with credit scores above 750.
AAA | Annual Premium$597 | Monthly Premium$50 |
American Family | Annual Premium$633 | Monthly Premium$53 |
Acuity | Annual Premium$775 | Monthly Premium$65 |
Erie | Annual Premium$854 | Monthly Premium$71 |
West Bend Mutual | Annual Premium$907 | Monthly Premium$76 |
IMT Insurance Company | Annual Premium$953 | Monthly Premium$79 |
Chubb | Annual Premium$1,028 | Monthly Premium$86 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$1,118 | Monthly Premium$93 |
Auto insurance providers found that those with lower credit-based insurance scores are more likely to file claims and charge them higher rates. Although using credit history as a basis for calculating premiums isn’t legal in all states, it is allowed in Wisconsin.
You can reduce your insurance rate by improving your credit score over time. You can also compare rates from multiple insurers and take advantage of common discounts.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin for Sports Cars (June 2024)
The car insurance companies offering the cheapest full coverage rates for drivers with sports cars are, on average:
- American Family: $591 per year
- Travelers: $709 per year
At approximately $2,606 per year, Dairyland is the least affordable company for sports car drivers.
Generally, sports cars are more expensive to insure because they have higher repair and replacement costs than standard vehicles. For example, drivers with a Ford Mustang pay $245 more than those with a Toyota Camry LE.
American Family | Annual Premium$591 | Monthly Premium$49 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$709 | Monthly Premium$59 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$947 | Monthly Premium$79 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$1,006 | Monthly Premium$84 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$1,025 | Monthly Premium$85 |
Farmers | Annual Premium$1,073 | Monthly Premium$89 |
Chubb | Annual Premium$1,138 | Monthly Premium$95 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,202 | Monthly Premium$100 |
MoneyGeek used a Ford Mustang as its sample sports car in this study. Your actual rate can differ greatly depending on the car model. Typically, luxury, electric and sports cars are more costly to insure than other model types. This might not always be true in Wisconsin, so comparing quotes from multiple providers is best.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin for Military Drivers (June 2024)
The cheapest car insurance provider for active-duty military members and veterans is AAA, at an average rate of $462 per year.
USAA, which tailors its policies to members of the military community, is the third cheapest option. Its policies are available in all U.S. states and cost an average of $570 per year.
You may also save by choosing American Family, which offers specific coverages and discounts for military-affiliated policyholders.
- $466 per year
- Ranks first out of 19 insurers for affordability
AAA does not offer a military discount, yet it is the cheapest insurer in Wisconsin.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin by City
The city and ZIP code where you live impacts the cost of your car insurance. Drivers who live in neighborhoods with higher rates of car theft, vandalism, theft or accidents are typically charged higher premiums because of the greater likelihood that they’ll file a claim.
For example, Green Bay has the cheapest rates at roughly $393 per year from AAA for full coverage insurance. In Milwaukee, the most expensive city, the same AAA policy costs more at an average of $592 per year.
Use our table below to see how average car insurance rates differ per city.
Green Bay | Cheapest CompanyAAA | Annual Premium$393 |
Madison | Cheapest CompanyAAA | Annual Premium$453 |
Milwaukee | Cheapest CompanyAAA | Annual Premium$592 |
Car Insurance in Wisconsin: What You Need to Know
Most states, including Wisconsin, require minimum coverage limits of bodily injury liability (BIL) and property damage liability (PDL). In addition to these coverages, Wisconsin state law requires uninsured motorist coverage.
Wisconsin Car Insurance Requirements
Wisconsin requires drivers to purchase a car insurance policy that meets the minimum coverage limit. This includes bodily injury liability, property damage liability and uninsured motorist coverage. A minimum coverage policy might be cheaper but exposes you to greater financial risks from an at-fault accident. We recommend getting as much liability coverage as you can afford.
Wisconsin state law will require you to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility if you have severe violations like an OWI or driving without a valid license. SR-22 insurance may increase your coverage requirements.
Bodily Injury Liability
Drivers must carry $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident. This covers the cost of medical bills in an accident where you’re at fault. Getting the minimum coverage might not be a good idea, especially considering the rising cost of health care and with surgeries easily reaching tens of thousands of dollars. You’ll have to pay anything over the limits out of your own pocket.
Property Damage Liability
All auto insurance policies must have $10,000 in property damage liability per accident. Paying just this minimum limit means you'll have to pay for any costs over $10,000 if you're at fault in an accident that damages another person's property.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Drivers must have $25,000 in uninsured motorist (UM) coverage per person and $50,000 in uninsured motorist coverage per accident. This covers the cost of any injuries you or your passengers might suffer in an accident with an uninsured driver.
MoneyGeek recommends purchasing bodily injury liability insurance of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident and property damage coverage of at least $100,000 per accident for a greater level of financial protection from at-fault accidents.
If you financed or leased your car, you’re likely required to have comprehensive and collision insurance on your policy.
Collision insurance covers the cost of repairing your vehicle in the event of an at-fault accident with another vehicle or object, like a tree or light pole. Comprehensive insurance pays for the cost of repairing your car if it is damaged in a non-collision incident, including theft, vandalism, fire and severe weather hazards such as floods and falling trees.
Comprehensive and collision coverages are a good idea — 80% of U.S. drivers carry these coverages, according to the Insurance Information Institute. With the rising costs of vehicles and escalating vehicle theft rates, the coverage is not just for "expensive" cars and should be considered by most drivers.
Car Insurance Alternatives in Wisconsin
If you’re unable to get auto insurance for any reason, Wisconsin’s Financial Responsibility Law permits other alternatives to satisfy the required financial responsibility. These are:
Certificate of self-insurance: You may apply as a self-insurer if you have more than 25 cars registered under your name. You also need to provide proof of financial ability to cover any potential accident claims for each vehicle. This means you’ll need lots of extra cash in reserve to cover damages to your car and another person’s car and property, as well as possible lawsuits.
Surety bonds: A surety bond requires a company to pay its financial obligations in the event of an accident. Surety bonds cost only a percentage of the bond total, which makes them a cheap alternative to traditional auto insurance.
Personal funds: You must provide proof that you have enough funds that you don’t use for business or other personal purposes to cover your financial responsibility.
FAQ: Car Insurance in Wisconsin
Wisconsin residents looking for car insurance options commonly have concerns about cost and service quality. Our answers to the frequently asked questions are a good starting point for learning more.
According to our research, the cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin is a minimum liability car insurance from AAA. However, the cheapest option will vary depending on your needs and profile.
The average annual cost of car insurance in Wisconsin is $713 for full coverage.
Your cheapest option might be to purchase a minimum coverage policy from AAA. But this offers limited protection and may not be enough to cover costs for medical care and repairs in the event of an accident.
Fortunately, we found that Acuity offers the best overall car insurance in Wisconsin if you want a good balance of affordability and service quality. Opting for a full coverage policy might give you adequate protection at a good price with excellent customer service.
Expert Advice on Finding Cheap Car Insurance in Wisconsin
To help you find credible and accurate insight on car insurance in Wisconsin, MoneyGeek received expert advice from trusted professionals. The perspectives and opinions expressed are those of the individual contributor.
- What are the key factors drivers in Wisconsin should look for when searching for the best auto insurance coverage?
- What steps can drivers in Wisconsin take to find affordable car insurance?
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick 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.
sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "What Is Covered by Collision and Comprehensive Auto Insurance?." Accessed June 12, 2024.
- Ready Wisconsin. "Flooding." Accessed June 12, 2024.
- State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation. "Self-Insurance Certificate Application." Accessed June 12, 2024.
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. "Consumer’s Guide to Auto Insurance." Accessed June 12, 2024.
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. "Frequently Asked Questions – Automobile Insurance." Accessed June 12, 2024.