Wisconsin Car Insurance

Wisconsin Car Insurance Laws

Wisconsin actually reduced its liability insurance requirements recently -- cutting the $100,000 per person bodily injury limit to $25,000 and the property damage limit from $15,000 to $10,000 -- and also made formerly mandatory underinsured motorist coverage optional.

These changes may make a very basic policy cheaper but do not provide adequate coverage for anyone with a home, family or substantial savings. If you were to hit a newer car and inflict even minor injuries on its driver, those limits would be quickly exhausted and your finances exposed.

Don't bag a deer with your car: A Wisconsin driver's odds of hitting a deer are among the highest in the country at 1 in 78, according to State Farm data. You are not covered for damage unless you have comprehensive coverage.

A long memory: Most convictions remain on your Wisconsin motor vehicle record for five years, but some serious offenses, such as Operating While Intoxicating (OWI) are there for 55 years.

Double your points: Drivers who hold probationary Wisconsin licenses are assessed double the demerit points after the first offense.

Age restrictions: Restrictions for owning and insuring a car are the same in Wisconsin. A minor can do both, but only with the consent of a parent or guardian.

Uninsured motorist penalties for Wisconsin: You may be fined up to $500 and your license and registration may be suspended.

Proof of insurance via smartphone: Wisconsin law allows drivers to show electronic proof of insurance during a traffic stop. Thirty-one states total allow this.

Largest car insurance companies in Wisconsin by market share