Minimum Coverage Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 property damage. Drivers with DUI convictions, multiple violations within 12 months, uninsured accidents causing injury or significant damage, or license suspensions typically must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The SR-22 requirement generally lasts 3 years from the violation date or reinstatement date. Maintaining continuous coverage without lapses is critical—any gap restarts the 3-year clock and can result in immediate license re-suspension.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Wisconsin?
High-risk auto insurance in Wisconsin costs 80–250% more than standard rates depending on violation severity, driving history length, and whether you're in the standard or non-standard market. A DUI conviction typically raises premiums to $200–$400/mo for liability-only coverage and $300–$600/mo for full coverage. Rates decrease 10–20% per year if you maintain a clean record during the SR-22 period, with the steepest drop occurring when the SR-22 requirement ends and you become eligible to shop standard carriers again.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation: DUI adds 150–250% to premiums, while a single at-fault accident adds 40–80%
- SR-22 filing requirement: adds $15–$35 filing cost plus triggers non-standard underwriting with higher base rates
- Coverage lapses: even one day without coverage during SR-22 period restarts the 3-year clock and adds 20–50% to premiums
- Credit-based insurance score: Wisconsin allows insurers to use credit in underwriting, and low credit combined with violations can double premiums
- Years since violation: rates drop 10–20% annually with clean driving during SR-22 period, with largest decrease after SR-22 requirement ends
- Vehicle type and value: comprehensive and collision costs rise significantly for high-risk drivers insuring vehicles worth over $20,000
Compare rates from carriers that work with drivers who have points
Standard carriers surcharge heavily after violations. These specialists price your specific record differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Wisconsin requires 25/50/10, but serious accidents regularly exceed these limits, exposing you to lawsuits and wage garnishment.
SR-22 Filing
Electronic proof of insurance filed by your carrier with the Wisconsin DOT. Required for DUI, suspensions, and high-risk violations, and must remain active for 3 years without lapses.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Specialized coverage for drivers standard carriers refuse due to DUI, suspensions, multiple violations, or coverage lapses. Offers SR-22 filing and immediate coverage availability.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Covers medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage the at-fault driver cannot pay.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, comprehensive, and collision to cover both your legal responsibility and your vehicle's repair or replacement costs after accidents, theft, weather, or vandalism.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident regardless of fault. Required by lenders and critical if your vehicle value exceeds your savings.
