The Complete Guide to Wisconsin Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Badger State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things WI car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Wisconsin?
Car insurance in Wisconsin averages $168/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $219 |
| Madison | $157 |
| Green Bay | $138 |
| Kenosha | $170 |
| Racine | $173 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so low in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
13.3% of drivers in Wisconsin are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, but other factors keep premiums lower here.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 9,676 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in WI, down 4% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
WI has a relatively moderate FEMA disaster rating of 68, with the highest risks of inland flooding and winter weather, driving up comprehensive coverage costs.
What car insurance do I need in Wisconsin?
All Wisconsin drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Wisconsin drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Your injuries caused by drivers with no insurance OR not enough insurance | Car damage, amounts above your limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Wisconsin?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Wisconsin drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Wisconsin?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from trail riding up north
How much car insurance do I need in Wisconsin?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Wisconsin labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $83 | $115 | $161 | $83 |
| La Crosse | $85 | $112 | $159 | $85 |
| Madison | $85 | $112 | $161 | $85 |
| Beloit | $83 | $105 | $147 | $83 |
| Eau Claire | $89 | $108 | $144 | $89 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
Up to $500 for any violation.
Suspension
License suspended until SR-22 filed, up to three years for accidents.
Jail time
Wisconsin focuses on suspensions and SR-22 requirements rather than jail time.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Wisconsin?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Wisconsin?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Wisconsin car insurance FAQs
Is Wisconsin a no-fault state?
No, Wisconsin isn’t a no-fault state. Wisconsin operates under at-fault auto insurance. If you’re injured, you can seek compensation from the responsible party. PIP coverage is optional.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Wisconsin?
Yes, Wisconsin requires proof of auto insurance to register a vehicle. You must carry minimum liability coverage. Insurance is verified electronically — registration can’t be maintained without coverage.
What are the top risks for driving in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin’s severe winter weather creates icy, dangerous roads for extended periods. Rural highways have frequent wildlife crossings that pose collision risks, while distracted driving continues to cause numerous preventable accidents statewide.
How long do I have to report an accident in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more to be reported to police immediately. You must also file a report with the DOT within 10 days if police don’t respond. Missing the deadline can result in fines.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, prep for winter by slowing down and leaving more space between cars. Watch for wildlife on rural highways. Stay alert on icy roads. Don’t get distracted when visibility is poor.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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