Car Insurance in Wisconsin

Here's what you need to know when driving in Wisconsin

The average car insurance rate in Wisconsin is $1,202 per year — 21% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Wisconsin car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Wisconsin based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in Wisconsin

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Wisconsin.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Wisconsin

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

Wisconsin auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Wisconsin. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Wisconsin, expect to pay an average of $381 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 29%. 

State minimum coverage

In Wisconsin, state minimum coverage requirements include liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage with limits of:

• Bodily injury: $25,000 per person
• Bodily injury: $50,000 per accident
• Property damage: $10,000 per accident
• Uninsured motorist property damage: $25,000 per person
• Uninsured motorist property damage: $50,000 per accident

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Wisconsin a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,020, 168% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 219% more than you would for basic coverage.

Wisconsin car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Wisconsin.

Cheap auto insurance in Wisconsin for minimum coverage

It's never advisable to simply carry the lowest amount of insurance required by the state of Wisconsin. This can leave you and your vehicle at risk. While the table below offers the average rates for minimum coverage, use it as a starting point for increasing coverage limits or adding different types of coverage.

Cheap auto insurance in Wisconsin with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Wisconsin drivers with poor credit pay $1,632 more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Wisconsin

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Wisconsin, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $4,631 per year — 285% more than a typical Wisconsin driver.

Wisconsin auto insurance rate by violation

In Wisconsin, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. Car insurance premiums typically increase by 78% after a DUI and up to as high as 40% after a speeding ticket.

See below average auto insurance rates in Wisconsin after a few common citations.

Wisconsin DUI laws

In Wisconsin, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $1,077. That’s 14% more than the national average rate hike after a DUI. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Wisconsin

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Wisconsin, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Wisconsin, State Farm is 45% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Wisconsin is American Family, while the priciest firm is Allstate.

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Wisconsin SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Wisconsin to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Wisconsin might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

How to acquire an SR-22 in Wisconsin

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, and the most expensive in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Wisconsin's biggest cities.

Car insurance price trends in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $122 in the past year. A typical Wisconsin driver pays an average of $1,202 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Wisconsin leans toward pricier car insurance costs and remains lower than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

Wisconsin car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Wisconsin auto insurance.