Best car insurance in Wisconsin for 2024

Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories. 

Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.

• Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
• Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
• Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto and home insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.

Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.

Like most states, Wisconsin car insurance laws require drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. By default, you have to purchase at least the state’s mandated minimums. However, many insurance experts recommend purchasing more than the minimum insurance limits to offer more financial protection in the case of a covered incident. If you are unsure how much car insurance is right for you, talking with a licensed agent could offer some clarity.

Although Wisconsin requires only liability and uninsured motorist insurance, individual lenders or lienholders often require drivers to purchase full coverage auto insurance. That’s because liability insurance does not include financial protections for damage to your car. By requiring a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, the lender is protecting their asset. Gap insurance may be required for the same reason, but even if it’s not, you might want to consider it. This type of insurance helps cover the difference between a vehicle’s depreciated value and your loan balance should the vehicle be stolen and unrecoverable or totaled in a covered incident.

Insurers base car insurance rates on an assessment of risk. Factors that may be considered “high-risk,” such as being a young driver, having a speeding ticket or getting a DUI, generally result in steeper rates. If these risk factors apply to you, it could be beneficial to seek providers that are known to offer better rates for these circumstances. Additionally, some providers offer multiple discounts that are not driving-based, such as making timely payments, which could help you earn a better rate.

Your car insurance premiums consider several variables, including your driving record, vehicle type, age, gender, credit rating and ZIP code. As a result, the cheapest car insurance for one driver may not be the most affordable for another. Not only are rates highly individualized, but they vary by company. Using our regularly updated list of the current cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin as a starting point, drivers can request free estimates from several insurers to see which may be the cheapest for them. When considering new carriers, it can be wise also to compare any available discounts on offer to see how that may affect your premium.

In Wisconsin, having automobile insurance is generally a necessity for drivers. The state mandates minimum liability coverage which includes: $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more individuals and $10,000 for property damage. Additionally, Wisconsin law specifies the need for uninsured motorist coverage with minimums of $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more individuals concerning bodily injury. For comprehensive details or in specific situations, like self-insurance, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's website offers further guidance.

In Wisconsin, when obtaining a driver's license or registering a vehicle, proof of insurance is not mandatory. However, there are instances where the DMV might request such proof, particularly if it's a prerequisite for reinstating a driver's license after suspension or revocation. It's advisable to be prepared with your insurance information in case it's requested. Always consult with DMV guidelines to ensure compliance.

Wisconsin is not one of the most expensive states for car insurance based on average rates, but your personal premium could be high for a variety of reasons, including your driving record, vehicle type or age. Wisconsin's average rates, $1,839 for full coverage and $435 for minimum, are below the national averages of $2,458 for full and $678 for minimum. Drivers in large cities, like Milwaukee, will likely pay more for coverage as populated areas generally have higher costs of living and more congested roadways.