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


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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Wisconsin requires drivers to have minimum car insurance coverage, safeguarding against the financial consequences of a mishap. Specifically, state minimum auto insurance necessitates $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. It also includes uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. As an at-fault state, Wisconsin holds the responsible party liable for damages in an accident.

The cost of state minimum car insurance in Wisconsin is quite reasonable for drivers looking to satisfy legal requirements. The monthly premium for a typical 40-year-old driver hovers around $32, varying with different providers.

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

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

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Wisconsin Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

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

  • $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. In a fault state. 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.

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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 both collision and comprehensive insurance on financed or leased vehicles. If you own your vehicle outright, the choice to carry these coverages is yours. Still, they can safeguard your investment against a variety of non-collision-related mishaps and collisions. If you are financing or leasing a vehicle in Wisconsin, you're likely required to have collision or comprehensive insurance; otherwise, it's optional coverage.

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 condition specific coverage details.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Wisconsin

While numerous factors affect the cost of your minimum car insurance, age is often a key determinant. In Wisconsin, drivers between the ages of 22 and 29 face the highest premiums, largely because this group is viewed by insurers as more likely to be involved in accidents due to less driving experience. The following table outlines the average cost for minimum coverage car insurance in Wisconsin by age group.

60 +Annual Premium$397Monthly Premium$33
22-29Annual Premium$499Monthly Premium$42
30-59Annual Premium$378Monthly Premium$32

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: $195 per year and $16 per month
  • Erie: $243 per year and $20 per month

As you search for the most economical options for state minimum auto insurance, it's crucial to weigh affordability against your individual needs and circumstances when finding the best car insurance.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
AAAAnnual Premium$195Monthly Premium$16
ErieAnnual Premium$243Monthly Premium$20
AcuityAnnual Premium$261Monthly Premium$22
Western NationalAnnual Premium$262Monthly Premium$22
GEICOAnnual Premium$280Monthly Premium$23
West Bend MutualAnnual Premium$309Monthly Premium$26
American FamilyAnnual Premium$321Monthly Premium$27
NationwideAnnual Premium$340Monthly Premium$28

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. For a thorough understanding of how much car insurance you need, consider your personal 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.

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 compared to repeated offenses, which can carry much 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 a period of time.
  • Vehicle registration suspension: The registration of your vehicle can be suspended, meaning you cannot legally drive the car.
  • SR-22 requirement: You may have to file an SR-22 form, proof of financial responsibility, which usually results in higher insurance premiums.
  • Fines: There will be monetary penalties for driving uninsured.

Additional penalties may apply, such as:

  • Vehicle impoundment: Your car could be taken away with you paying for the associated costs.
  • Reinstatement fees: To get your license and vehicle registration back, you might need to pay fees.
  • Increased future insurance premiums: Not carrying auto insurance can lead to higher insurance costs in the future.

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 to 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.

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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 an insurer to cancel your policy.

You need to pay your premiums to maintain coverage and to meet 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?
Why does Wisconsin require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?
Do you need comprehensive insurance in Wisconsin?
What happens if you drive uninsured in Wisconsin?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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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.