Wisconsin Auto Insurance Requirements: Minimum Coverage (2025)

Quick Answer: Wisconsin Minimum Auto Insurance

Wisconsin law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with these minimum limits:

This is commonly written as 25/50/10 plus mandatory UM coverage.

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What Wisconsin Law Requires

Wisconsin Statutes §344.62 mandates auto insurance for all registered vehicles. Unlike most states, Wisconsin requires uninsured motorist coverage—you cannot waive it.

Required Coverage:

• ✅ Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
• ✅ Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident
• ✅ Uninsured motorist: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident (cannot be waived)

Not Required (But Recommended):

• Underinsured motorist coverage (strongly recommended)
• Collision coverage (required by lender if financing)
• Comprehensive coverage (required by lender if financing)
• Medical payments coverage

Who Must Carry Insurance:

• All registered vehicle owners
• Anyone operating a vehicle on Wisconsin roads
• Out-of-state drivers (must meet Wisconsin minimums)
• Rideshare/delivery drivers (commercial coverage during active periods)

Verification System: Wisconsin uses an electronic insurance reporting system. When you register a vehicle or renew registration, your insurance company reports your coverage electronically to the Wisconsin DOT.

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Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Wisconsin

Wisconsin imposes strict penalties for driving without insurance:

License Reinstatement Requirements:

• Provide proof of insurance
• Pay $60 reinstatement fee
• File SR-22 certificate (if required)
• Pay all outstanding fines
• May need to retake driver's test

Registration Suspension: If caught without insurance, Wisconsin DOT suspends your vehicle registration, meaning:

• Cannot legally drive the vehicle
• Cannot renew registration
• Plates must be surrendered if suspension continues

At-Fault Accident Without Insurance:

• Personally liable for all damages
• Victims can sue for full amount
• Wage garnishment possible
• SR-22 requirement for 3 years
• Driver's license suspended until judgment paid

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Why Wisconsin's Minimums Are Too Low

Wisconsin's $10,000 property damage limit is one of the lowest in the nation and hasn't changed in decades:

Real-World Costs in Wisconsin:

Medical Expenses:

• Average ER visit: $2,000-$4,000
• Ambulance transport: $800-$1,500
• Hospital stay (1 day): $12,000-$20,000
• Serious injury treatment: $75,000-$400,000+

Vehicle Damage:

• Average new vehicle price: $48,000 (2025)
• Average collision repair: $4,500-$9,000
• Luxury/EV repairs: $10,000-$30,000+
• Multi-vehicle accidents: Easily exceed $50,000

Recommended Coverage Levels:

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Mandatory Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Wisconsin is one of few states where UM coverage is mandatory and cannot be waived.

What UM Coverage Protects:

• Injuries from hit-and-run accidents
• Accidents caused by uninsured drivers
• Injuries exceeding other driver's coverage (if you have UIM)

Why It Matters: Approximately 10-12% of Wisconsin drivers are uninsured. Without UM coverage, you'd be personally responsible for medical bills from an accident caused by an uninsured driver.

Underinsured Motorist (UIM): While not required, UIM coverage is critical. Many Wisconsin drivers carry only state minimums ($25,000/$50,000). If a driver with minimums causes $150,000 in injuries, UIM covers the gap.

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SR-22 Requirements in Wisconsin

When SR-22 is Required:

• OWI/DUI conviction (first or subsequent)
• Driving without insurance
• Too many points on license (12+ in 12 months)
• At-fault accident without insurance
• Reckless driving conviction
• Multiple traffic violations

How SR-22 Works: An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility your insurer files with Wisconsin DOT. It proves you maintain required coverage. If your policy lapses, the DOT is immediately notified and your license is suspended.

Duration: Typically 3 years with no lapses

Cost Impact:

• Filing fee: $15-$25
• Insurance premium increase: $500-$1,200/year
• Total 3-year cost: $1,500-$3,600 additional

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Wisconsin-Specific Insurance Considerations

Winter Weather: Wisconsin winters are harsh. Consider:

• Comprehensive coverage for ice/snow damage
• Collision coverage (even on older vehicles)
• Roadside assistance/towing coverage
• Rental reimbursement (if car's in shop after winter accident)

Deer Collisions: Wisconsin has one of the highest rates of deer-vehicle collisions in the U.S. (1 in 60 drivers hit a deer annually). Comprehensive coverage protects against wildlife collisions.

Rust and Road Salt: Heavy road salt use accelerates vehicle rust. Gap insurance can help if your vehicle is totaled but you owe more than its depreciated value.

Urban vs. Rural Rates:

• Milwaukee: Higher rates (traffic density, theft, accidents)
• Madison: Moderate rates
• Rural areas: Lower rates but higher deer collision risk

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How to Get Wisconsin Auto Insurance

What You'll Need:

• Valid Wisconsin driver's license
• Vehicle VIN, make, model, year
• Driving history (last 3-5 years)
• Current address

Documents to Keep in Vehicle:

• Insurance ID card (physical or digital)
• Vehicle registration certificate
• Proof of insurance (electronic proof accepted in Wisconsin)

For New Residents: You have 60 days after establishing residency to:

• Register your vehicle in Wisconsin
• Obtain Wisconsin insurance
• Get a Wisconsin driver's license

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FAQ

Why does Wisconsin require uninsured motorist coverage?

Wisconsin recognized that many at-fault drivers carry no insurance or only state minimums. Mandatory UM coverage ensures you're protected when hit by an uninsured driver. You cannot reject this coverage—it's built into every Wisconsin auto policy.

What does 25/50/10 mean?

25 = $25,000 max per person for bodily injury 50 = $50,000 max per accident for all injuries 10 = $10,000 max for property damage

Example: You cause an accident injuring two people and damaging their vehicle. You're covered up to $25,000 per person (max $50,000 total) for injuries, plus $10,000 for vehicle damage.

Can I drive in Wisconsin with out-of-state insurance?

Visitors: Yes, if your insurance meets or exceeds Wisconsin minimums (including UM coverage).

New residents: You have 60 days to obtain Wisconsin insurance and register your vehicle.

Military: Active-duty personnel may maintain home-state insurance with valid orders.

What happens if my insurance lapses in Wisconsin?

• Your insurance company notifies Wisconsin DOT electronically
• Registration suspended (typically within 30 days)
• License suspended until proof of insurance provided
• $60 reinstatement fee
• Possible SR-22 requirement
• Fines of $500-$1,000 if caught driving

Do I need insurance on a parked car in Wisconsin?

If the vehicle is registered, yes. Options:

Keep insurance: Required if registration is active

Surrender plates: Return plates to DMV and file for storage/non-use. Vehicle cannot be driven or parked on public roads.

Comprehensive-only: You can drop liability if:

• Vehicle is unregistered
• Kept on private property only
• Not operational

How much does auto insurance cost in Wisconsin?

Average Costs (2025):

• State minimum (25/50/10 + UM): $70-$130/month
• Full coverage (recommended limits): $120-$220/month
• High-risk drivers (SR-22): $180-$350/month

Factors Affecting Rates:

• Location (Milwaukee higher than rural areas)
• Age and driving experience
• Vehicle type and value
• Driving record (tickets, accidents)
• Credit score (where permitted)
• Annual mileage
• Coverage limits selected

Ways to Save:

• Bundle home/renters insurance
• Multi-vehicle discount
• Good student discount
• Defensive driving course
• Usage-based programs (telematics)
• Increase deductibles

Does Wisconsin offer low-income auto insurance?

Wisconsin does not have a state-sponsored low-income auto insurance program. However:

• Shop multiple insurers (rates vary significantly)
• Ask about low-mileage discounts
• Consider higher deductibles
• Look for usage-based programs
• Maintain continuous coverage (gaps increase premiums)

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Summary: Wisconsin Auto Insurance Requirements

Key Takeaways:

• ✅ 25/50/10 liability coverage required
• ✅ Uninsured motorist coverage MANDATORY (cannot be waived)
• ✅ Penalties: $500-$5,000 fines, license/registration suspension
• ✅ $10,000 property damage limit dangerously low—upgrade recommended
• ✅ SR-22 required for OWI, driving without insurance
• ✅ High deer collision rate—comprehensive coverage recommended
• ✅ Electronic verification system in place

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Wisconsin auto insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal or insurance advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation or Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, and consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: December 2025 Sources: Wisconsin DOT, Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, Wisconsin Statutes §344.62