Updated April 2026
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
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Sources
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation - SR-22 Requirements and Filing Procedures
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance - Minimum Coverage Requirements
- Insurance Research Council - Uninsured Motorists Study