Find the most affordable auto insurance in Wisconsin and begin saving money now. Instantly shop multiple carriers in the Badger State for all drivers and reduce your premium as much as 35%. We compare the most reviewed and highly-rated companies so you can customize a policy to meet your budget and coverage needs.
Average car insurance prices in Wisconsin are typically very low, and about 25% less than the US average rate. You can choose the minimum required liability limits or higher amounts that provide more protection. For drivers without coverage, low down-payments, flexible billing, and immediate proof of coverage is available. Preferred, standard, and non-standard (high-risk) policies are widely offered.
Whether you need the lowest available coverage or a comprehensive umbrella benefit to cover your cars, homes, boats, and recreational vehicles, it only takes a few minutes to shop and save. Your zip code, and some additional basic information are the only items needed to quickly review the most affordable property and casualty options in the Badger State.
Wisconsin Car Insurance Requirements
The State Financial Responsibility Law (enforced by the DOI) requires drivers to have active coverage with a registered and approved carrier. Occasionally, an insurance company bond or a $60,000 cash posting can be accepted. Commercial vehicles are also required to show proof of compliance from their carriers. Proof of coverage must be provided at accidents or traffic stops if requested by law enforcement. Otherwise, a $500 fine could be imposed or a $5,000 fine if the proof of coverage is fraudulent.
The minimum legal liability limits for all drivers are $25,000 for injury or death per person, $50,000 for injury or death for two or more persons, and an additional $10,000 of property damage. Uninsured motorist liability protection is also required with limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 for two or more persons. Underinsured motorist protection is also offered but is not mandatory. If accepted, the minimum liability limit is also $50,000/$100,000.
Wisconsin Safety Responsibility Law
The Wisconsin Safety Responsibility Law provides assistance to persons that were hit by an uninsured driver that causes damages and/or injuries. A report must be filed with the DMV within 10 days of an accident that results in personal injury or death, or the damage to property exceeds $1,000. If a driver did not have coverage at the time of the accident, the Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend their license.
Medical payments coverage is also an optional benefit that is not mandatory. The minimum amount available is $1,000 although higher amounts are also offered. Covered items include funeral and healthcare expenses resulting from death or injury while driving or riding in your vehicle. Funeral expenses are also a covered benefit.
Collision and comprehensive benefits are required on all cars and trucks that are financed or leased. $250 and $500 deductibles are the most popular collision options while $0 and $250 are the most popular comprehensive options. $1,000 deductibles are popular when insuring vehicles valued at more than $50,000.
Note -- There are four tiers of driver's license operation: Tier 1 (N1 -- Non Excepted Interstate), Tier 2 (E1 -- Excepted Interstate), Tier 3 (NS -- Non Excepted Intrastate), and Tier 4 (EA -- Excepted Intrastate). Certification in Tiers 2-4 may also require a Fed Med card.
Having Trouble Finding Auto Insurance Coverage?
For residents that can't find a carrier that will offer a policy, the the Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan (More information later in the article) can typically offer coverage at an affordable rate. Created by state legislation, WAIP assists applicants with finding a policy. After an application is submitted, a specific carrier will approve a policy.
WAIP does not provide quotes since licensed agents and brokers provide that information. However, coverage can be bound the day after an application is received in the appropriate office. The three available payment plans are full annual payment, advance premium payment, and installment premium payment.
Although the price is not a "preferred" rate, coverage is guaranteed with an opportunity to qualify for lower rates with a clean driving record. After 48 months, the current company must offer standard pricing if there have been no at-fault accidents or moving violations. Commercial coverage can also be purchased.
Sample Wisconsin Car Insurance Rates
Shown below are sample prices utilizing the average cost of several quote engines. Final prices are determined by the carrier, and company underwriting guidelines can differ. Examples shown assume a married couple (age 55) driving a 2018 Toyota RAV4 AWD with a clean MVR. Coverage includes bodily injury limits of $25,000/$50,000 and $10,000 property damage. Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $250. Rates shown are monthly.
Madison
$37 -- Clearcover
$49 -- National General
$75 -- Travelers
$86 -- Safeco
$89 -- Midvale
$96 -- The General
$110 -- Bristol West
Milwaukee
$44 -- Clearcover
$54 -- National General
$84 -- Travelers
$112 -- Safeco
$121 -- Bristol West
$123 -- Liberty Mutual
$135 -- The General
$194 -- Dairyland
Green Bay
$65 -- Travelers
$85 -- Safeco
$88 -- Liberty Mutual
$89 -- Midvale
$111 -- Bristol West
$170 -- Dairyland
$171 -- The General
Appleton
$35 -- Clearcover
$41 -- National General
$70 -- Travelers
$82 -- Liberty Mutual
$85 -- Safeco
$91 -- The General
$115 -- Bristol West
$190 -- Dairyland
Average Wisconsin Car Insurance Rates
Least Expensive Cities
Green Bay
Kimberly
Hobart
Plymouth
Wrightstown
Sheboygan Falls
Greanleaf
Chilton
Ashwaubenon
Neenah
Cedar Grove
Kohler
Bellevue
Suamico
Allouez
Oshkosh
Manitowoc
Oakfield
De Pere
Brillion
(Several of the least expensive zip codes include 54136, 54113, 54130, 53044, 53081, 54311, 54110, 53083, 54956, and 54952)
Most Expensive Cities
Brill
Hannibal
Comstock
Minong
Shorewood
Webster
Bayside
Trego
Galloway
Milwaukee
Brown Deer
Springbrook
Radisson
Mikana
Wauwatosa
Dresser
Jump River
Whitefish Bay
Hertel
Fox Point
(Several of the most expensive zip codes include 53218, 53210, 53216, 53209, 53225, 53212, 53208, 53222, 53205, and 53204)
50 Largest Private Passenger Auto Insurers In Wisconsin
- American Family
- State Farm Mutual
- Artisan And Truckers Casualty
- Progressive Universal
- Geico Casualty
- Allstate Property And Casualty
- American Family
- Erie
- Acuity A Mutual
- West Bend Mutual
- Mid-Century
- Owners Insurance
- LM General
- Wisconsin Mutual
- Secura Supreme
- Integrity Property And Casualty
- Rural Mutual
- Auto Club Group
- USAA
- Safeco
- State Farm Fire And Casualty
- Allmerica Financial
- Badger Mutual
- USAA General Indemnity
- USAA Casualty
- Standard Fire
- Farmers
- American Standard
- Partners Mutual
- Wadena
- Geico General
- Country Preferred
- Hastings Mutual
- Twin City Fire
- Sentry Insurance
- Metropolitan Group
- Auto-Owners
- Permanent General
- Esurance
- Wilson Mutual
- Germantown Mutual
- Geico Indemnity
- WEA Property And Casualty
- American Family Connect
- Cincinnati Insurance
- Garrison Property And Casualty
- Western National Mutual
- Atlantic States
- Nationwide Insurance
- First Auto And Casualty
20 Largest Commercial Passenger Auto Insurers In Wisconsin
- Acuity Mutual
- West Bend Mutual
- Artisan And Truckers Casualty
- Great West Casualty
- Secura Insurance
- Integrity Insurance
- Rural Mutual
- Travelers Indemnity
- Zurich American
- Cincinnati Insurance
- Erie
- National Interstate
- Sentry Select
- Society Insurance
- Employers Mutual Casualty
- Owners Insurance
- Auto-Owners
- Western National Mutual
- Northland
- Allstate
30 Largest Homeowners Insurers In Wisconsin
- American Family
- State Farm Fire And Casualty
- Acuity Mutual
- West Bend Mutuak
- Auto-Owners
- Erie
- American Family
- Allstate Vehicle And Property
- Wausau General
- Secura Supreme
- Wisconsin Mutual
- AAA
- Badger Mutual
- USAA
- Homesite Insurance
- Rural Mutual
- American Strategic
- Germantown Mutual
- Safeco
- Erie Insurance Exchange
- Homesite
- Country Mutual
- Farmers Insurance Exchange
- Farmers Insurance
- USAA Casualty
- Foremost
- Massachusetts Bay
- Illinois Farmers
- Integrity Select
- USAA General Indemnity
Wisconsin Department Of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Online Services
Instead of spending time and money visiting the DMV, many services are available free online. Typically, most transactions are available 24/7. Popular and new services are listed below:
Apply For An ID Card -- A duplicate or renewal of the ID card can be ordered. The service can not be used if your ID card was canceled, previously processed online, or expired for more than two years.
Change Of Address -- ID cards, driver's licenses, and vehicle plates and registration. Date of birth and last four numbers of social security number will be needed.
Dealer Complaint Form -- When your vehicle is leased or purchased from a Wisconsin dealer, free assistance may be available. Common situations include lemon law questions, odometer tampering,
ePay Fees -- Fees for remaining balances may be paid. Examples include dealer licensing products, vehicle record requests, disabled parking permits, and vehicle title and license plate registrations.
Find Closest DMV Office -- Many services are available and consumers can also check wait times before visiting.
Purchase Crash Reports -- After approximately 10-15 days, the reports may be available. Hard copies can not be picked up at DMV offices.
Purchase Vehicle Record -- The cost is $5 per record plus a small convenience fee. Your driver's license number, VIN, and a valid credit or debit card are needed.
Renew License Or Permit -- Persons under age 65 with no medical restrictions or negative vision changes may be eligible. Divers can renew up to 12 months before the renewal date. The following renewal, however, will have to be completed in person. REAL ID licenses can also be renewed online.
Road Test Waiver -- This program allows drivers 16-17 that have met all requirements to obtain a probationary graduated license without completing the road test. Drivers 18 and older are not eligible. Parents or guardians must spend at least 30 hours in the car over a six-month period.
Wisconsin Young Driver Requirements And GDL (Graduated Driver License)
To lower the risk of an accident, the GDL features hourly-driving and passenger restrictions. Drivers between the ages of 15 1/2 and 18 are typically quite inexperienced and the most likely to be involved in at-fault accidents and certain moving violations.
Obtaining an instruction permit is one of the initial steps when getting a license. At age 15 1/2, requirements include completing an application and showing proof of legal state residency, identity, date of birth, name, and legal US citizenship. A knowledge test and vision screen test must also be passed.
Applicants under age 18 must have an adult sponsor and pay a driver's license fee. An original Class D probationary license costs $28 and does not have to be renewed for two years. A Class D instruction permit cost $35 and an occupational license costs $50. Permits are available at DMV customer service centers.
Instruction Permit Restrictions
The instruction permit is valid for 12 months, but can also be renewed for an additional year. The instruction permit must be held for a minimum of six months before applying for a probationary license. To obtain a probationary license, the following are required:
Pay current fees
Pass required road test
Have no violations in last six months
Complete approved-driver education course
Total 30 hours of driving experience (10 at night) certified by parent or sponsor
When driving, the other front seat passenger must have at least two years of driving experience with a valid driver's license. The passenger must either be a parent, guardian, or spouse age 19 or older, a qualified instructor age 19 or older, or a person not a parent, spouse or guardian age 21 or older. If driving a vehicle at night, a 25 year-old (or older) must be in the passenger seat.
Other Required Insurance In Wisconsin
Motorcycle
Liability insurance is required when operating a motorcycle. The minimum required liability limits are $25,000 per person, $50,000 for more than one person, and $10,000 property damage. Proof of coverage must also be carried at the time you are operating the motorcycle. Collision and comprehensive coverage are not required, but are highly recommended on newer cycles.
Motorcycle operators must have an instruction permit or Class M license. Mopeds can be driven with a probationary or regular license, but not with only an instruction permit.
Recreational Vehicle (RV)
RVS are towed by other vehicles to their destination of use, and have a maximum length of 45 feet. The principal intended usage is for recreational purposes. A Fifth Wheel RV is typically towed on a flatbed frame. A camping trailer has a collapsible frame and is also towed by a separate vehicle.
RV trailers (mobile homes and campers less than 40 feet) should be registered with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. If less than 3,000 pounds, registration and title are not required for collapsible camping trailers. Commercially-used trailers should be registered and titled.
Motor homes must adhere to the Wisconsin minimum required liability limits. Separate RV policies include additional coverage and are offered by most major carriers. Rates are dependent on the value of the motor home, number of miles and months used, and other criteria.
Boat
Water recreation activities are very popular since there are so many lakes in the state and in surrounding states. The Department of Natural Resources requires registration of vessels with the stickers appropriately displayed. Exceptions include boats registered in another state (less than two months of continuous use), manually-propelled boats, and sailboats less than 12 feet.
Trailers that weigh more than 3,000 pounds must be registered and titled. Commercial fishing boats are the only type of boat that is required to have current boat insurance in Wisconsin. Financed vessels are generally required by lending institutions to have collision and comprehensive coverage.
Personal Watercraft
Common personal watercraft (PWCs) include WaveRunner, Quadski, Kawasaki Ultra 310LX, Jet Ski and Sea-Doo. Often, these types of watercraft are smaller than other boats, and more utilized by younger operators with less experience. Because of the speed of these types of crafts, injuries and accidents can more easily occur, especially with inexperienced operators.
Homeowners insurance policies do not automatically cover PWCs, although an endorsement can be added. Separate policies are offered by many carriers, and coverage is fairly comprehensive. All operators are covered, and bodily injury, property damage, and law-suit defense benefits are included in policies.
Golf Cart
Homeowners insurance policies generally do not provide coverage for golf carts, although club-owned carts have corporate group coverage. Auto policies also do not offer benefits.
Progressive underwrites plans and offers collision, comprehensive, and totaled vehicle coverage. Disappearing deductible, accessory coverage and carried contents can also be added. $3,000 of accessory coverage is standard and included. The annual cost of coverage for a cart is approximately $75-$125.
Manufacturers covered by Progressive include Anglo China, Carryall, City Car, Club Car, Columbia Par Car, Cushman, E-Z Go, Golf Mobility, Harley-Davidson, Hot Carts, Lido, Solorider, Tonino Lamborghini, Willie Car, and Yamaha.
ATV and UTV
All-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles are eligible for registration. An ATV weighs less than 900 pounds and is commercially-designed and powered by a motor. The ATV has three or more tires and is less than 50 inches wide. A single seat is provided for the operator. Non-straddled seats are not utilized.
A UTV is also commercially-designed with a motor. However, UTVs are typically used off-highway. They weigh less than 2,000 pounds and have four tires. There is also a tail light, brake light, seat belts, roll bar, and a steering wheel.
ATVs and UTVs that meet Wisconsin DNR requirements can be used on public trails after successful registration. If not registered, private property usage is allowed. Decals must be prominently displayed and a proof of sales tax payment is required at the time of purchase. Rear plates must show the registration number. The registration fee is $30.
Wisconsin Car Insurance Rates Compared To Other States
Note: Prices for coverage can greatly vary, depending on zip code and make/model of vehicle. Rates shown below are monthly. Forbes photo above.
40-Year-Old With No Moving Violations Or At-Fault Accidents With Last 36 Months -- Liability Only
$29 -- Iowa
$32 -- Wisconsin
$33 -- Ohio
$36 -- Indiana
$41 -- Pennsylvania
$43 -- Illinois
$45 -- Missouri
$50 -- Minnesota
$51 -- Texas
$55 -- California
$79 -- New Jersey
$90 -- Michigan
40-Year-Old With No Moving Violations Or At-Fault Accidents With Last 36 Months -- Full Coverage
$94 -- Maine
$95 -- Ohio
$96 -- Idaho
$100 -- Wisconsin
$102 -- Iowa
$103 -- New Hampshire
$104 -- Indiana
$107 -- Washington
$129 -- Pennsylvania
$139 -- Missouri
$142 -- Minnesota
$184 -- Michigan
25-Year-Old With No Moving Violations Or At-Fault Accidents With Last 36 Months -- Liability Only
$32 -- Iowa
$35 -- Hawaii
$36 -- South Dakota
$38 -- Wisconsin
$38 -- Nebraska
$41 -- North Carolina
$42 -- Ohio
$53 -- Illinois
$59 -- Missouri
$59 -- Minnesota
$67 -- Texas
$100 -- Michigan
25-Year-Old With No Moving Violations Or At-Fault Accidents With Last 36 Months -- Full Coverage
$100 -- Hawaii
$106 -- Maine
$114 -- Idaho
$117 -- Wisconsin
$118 -- Massachusetts
$123 -- New Hampshire
$129 -- Vermont
$132 -- Indiana
$140 -- Iowa
$142 -- Nebraska
$147 -- Minnesota
$157 -- Illinois
High Risk Wisconsin Insurance
Drivers who can not obtain coverage for their vehicle, or persons that can not be placed in standard or non-standard policies (voluntary market) may be able to find relief from the Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan (WAIP). Several insurers in the state administer the budget and plan.
Commercial (Special Risk Distribution Plan) and private passenger auto coverage is offered. Built-in price competition minimizes the cost-per-vehicle. Of course, drivers are encouraged to seek standard pricing once their driving record improves. The best insurance for bad driving does not necessarily have to be expensive. Shopping more than one company greatly lowers the price you pay.
Commercial risks are trailers, trucks, private automobiles, business-use vehicles, and hired vehicles. To be plan-eligible, the company must be domiciled in Wisconsin. All operated and owned vehicles must be included in the plan and the policy will be based on a combined single limit (no split limit options). Collision and comprehensive are not covered (UM and medical payments are covered).
Private passenger risks are privately-owned cars and trucks, motor homes, jeeps, motorcycles, scooters and bicycles equipped with motors. They must be road-licenses and not utilized for commercial usage. Bodily injury, property damage, medical payments, uninsured motorist, and underinsured motorist protection are covered. Collision and comprehensive options are offered with several available deductibles. The cost of the policy depends on current zip code, type of vehicle, and driving record.
