What is the minimum car insurance required in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law requires drivers to carry the following minimum coverage types (often shown as 25/50/10):
| Coverage | Minimum | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (BI) | $25,000 per person/ $50,000 per accident |
Helps pay for injuries you cause to others while driving |
| Property damage liability (PD) | $10,000 per accident | Helps pay for repairing or replacing others’ property you damage while driving |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) | $25,000 per person/ $50,000 per accident |
Helps when an uninsured driver can’t pay for the injuries they caused |
According to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI), drivers must carry at least the minimum amounts of bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Wisconsin also requires uninsured motorist (UM) bodily injury coverage at limits matching your liability coverage — $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Check other insurance options for Wisconsin
Additional Wisconsin auto insurance coverages to consider
A Farmers Flex Personal Auto policy goes beyond the basics, offering a wide range of optional coverages and features to help you tailor your policy to suit your lifestyle.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage, also known as “other than collision” coverage, can help pay for losses or damage to your car caused by theft, vandalism, hail, wind, fire, animals and more. Wisconsin’s harsh winters, icy roads and abundant wildlife make this coverage worth considering.
Collision
When you’re in an accident, including collisions with other vehicles or objects, collision coverage can help pay to repair or replace your vehicle.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM)
UM/UIM coverage can help pay for your medical costs if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your expenses. While Wisconsin requires uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, underinsured motorist coverage may also be available.
Medical payments (MedPay)
If you or your passengers are injured in an accident — no matter who is at fault — medical payments coverage can help pay for the cost of medical care.
Read more about other optional policy features and coverages:
- Accident forgiveness
- Declining deductibles
- Enhanced roadside and ride assistance
- Vehicle replacement plus
- Rental coverage or rental alternative coverage
- New original parts
- $100 glass deductible
How much is car insurance in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin drivers paid an average of $1,000 a year for auto insurance, less than the national average of $1,438, according to the most recent data available from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Keep in mind that insurance premiums have changed in most states since that data was collected. Your cost will also depend on how much coverage you choose, as well as your driving history, the car you drive and other factors.
Save money with Wisconsin car insurance discounts
Farmers® offers a variety of discounts for eligible drivers in Wisconsin. A few examples of how you might lower your premium:
Welcome Discount
New to Farmers? You may qualify for a discount just for switching to a Farmers auto policy. It’s one of the easiest ways to start saving from day one.
Loyalty Discount
The longer you stay with Farmers, the more you may save. Loyal customers who maintain continuous coverage may qualify for a discount that grows over time.
Five-Year Accident-Free Discount
If you’ve gone five years without an at-fault accident, you may qualify for this discount — a reward for your consistent safe driving on Wisconsin roads.
Signal®
Signal is Farmers’ safe driving app that can reward you with an initial discount just for signing up, plus additional savings based on your driving behavior. It’s an easy way to turn safe habits on Wisconsin roads into lower rates.
Wisconsin auto insurance bundling discounts and benefits
Bundling insurance can help you save money and time — and avoid accidental gaps in coverage. Bundling a Farmers car and home policy can save you up to 10% or more off both. Beyond the savings, bundling simplifies your insurance. You’ll have one insurer and one point of contact if you ever need to file a claim. To explore even more bundling options — including condo, RV, life and umbrella policies — talk to a Farmers agent about how much you could save.
Factors that affect your Wisconsin car insurance rates
While every insurer uses its own rating methods, premiums are often based on your level of risk, the vehicle you drive and where you live. You may be able to lower your premium by maintaining a safe driving record, choosing a higher deductible, qualifying for discounts or bundling your auto policy with other insurance coverage.
Factors that may affect your car insurance rate in Wisconsin include:
- Your age and driving experience
- Your driving record and claims history
- The type, value and safety features of your vehicle
- How much you drive each year
- Your ZIP code and local accident or theft rates
- The coverage limits and deductible you choose
- Available discounts, such as bundling policies
Is Wisconsin a no-fault state?
No. Wisconsin is an at-fault state, which means the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the resulting injuries and property damage. That’s different from no-fault states, where personal injury protection (PIP) coverage can help pay certain costs like medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused it. Wisconsin does not require PIP or medical payments (MedPay) coverage, though MedPay may be available as an optional add-on to help pay medical costs for you or your passengers after a covered accident, regardless of fault.
Fun fact: Clintonville, Wisconsin — where four-wheel drive was born
In 1906 in the small Wisconsin town of Clintonville, mechanics Otto Zachow and William Besserdich developed the first four-wheel drive system. The technology would go on to define how millions of drivers handle slick or snowy roads, off-road terrain and everything in between. — Wisconsin Historical Society
How to get an auto insurance quote in Wisconsin
Have this information at your fingertips to help make getting a Wisconsin car insurance quote quick and easy. You can start a free quote online with Farmers FastQuote® or connect with a local Farmers agent.
Drivers and household details
- Name and date of birth
- Address and phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Household occupants (drivers and nondrivers), ages and driving history
- Commute, including how many miles, how often, what hours
- Current insurance information
Vehicle information
- Make, model, year
- License plate number
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Current mileage/odometer reading
- Purchase date
- Loan or lease documentation (if applicable)
How much is car insurance in Madison, Wisconsin?
Car insurance costs in Madison can vary widely based on ZIP code, driver profile, vehicle, coverage level, available discounts and your deductible. The most recent NAIC Auto Insurance Database Report shows that Wisconsin drivers paid an average of $1,000 per year for auto insurance. NAIC reports use insurer-reported data and do not track city-specific insurance rates. Some third-party insurance marketplaces publish city-level estimates, but those figures are typically based on sample profiles or modeled data rather than official city averages.
How much is car insurance for an 18-year-old in Wisconsin?
Car insurance for an 18-year-old in Wisconsin is typically higher than the average adult’s premium, because younger drivers have less experience behind the wheel and file more claims. Rates will vary based on the vehicle, coverage level, driving record and any discounts that apply. Talking to a Farmers agent is the best way to understand what coverage might cost and which savings — like a youthful driver discount for eligible students who maintain good grades — may be available.
Do you legally need car insurance in Wisconsin?
Yes. According to Wisconsin law, all drivers must carry minimum liability insurance that meets the state’s 25/50/10 liability requirements, plus uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Driving without insurance can result in a fine of up to $500, per the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles.
Do you need proof of insurance to register a car in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin requires you to maintain auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. While proof of insurance is not always submitted at the time of registration, you must be able to show valid proof at a traffic stop or after an accident. Failing to provide proof of insurance may result in a fine of up to $10 per the Wisconsin DMV. If you’re moving to Wisconsin or buying a new vehicle, contact your insurer to confirm your policy meets state requirements before you register.
What is the grace period for new car insurance in Wisconsin?
If you purchase a new vehicle, it may be temporarily covered under your existing auto policy — but the length of that coverage and any conditions depend on your specific policy terms. Wisconsin law requires continuous insurance coverage, so don’t assume you’re automatically covered for an extended period without checking. Contact your insurer promptly after buying a car to update your policy and confirm coverage is in place.
What happens if you get into a car accident without insurance in Wisconsin?
If you’re involved in an accident in Wisconsin without insurance, the consequences can be significant. Operating a vehicle without minimum required insurance is a violation of state law and can result in a fine of up to $500, according to the Wisconsin DMV. Because Wisconsin is an at-fault state, if you caused the accident, you might also be personally responsible for paying the other party’s medical expenses and property damage out of pocket. The Wisconsin DMV may also require you to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility before your driving privileges are restored.
How to update your policy details to avoid premium hikes in Wisconsin
Keeping your policy information current is one of the simplest ways to avoid unexpected rate increases. Let your insurer know about major life changes — adding a new driver, moving to a different ZIP code or changing your daily commute — as soon as they happen. In Wisconsin, your location, driving history and vehicle all factor into your rate. Review your policy at renewal each year to make sure your coverage still fits your needs and ask your Farmers agent about any discounts you may now qualify for.
Get a Wisconsin car insurance quote online today and compare coverage options to find the right balance of protection and savings.
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