Auto Owners Insurance In Wisconsin: What You Need To Know

Auto-Owners Insurance Co is an insurance company with offices in Wisconsin. The company offers insurance services for cars, homes, and businesses. Auto insurance is mandatory in Wisconsin and drivers must, at minimum, have liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. Wisconsin drivers pay 28% less for car insurance than the national average, with an average annual cost of $753.

Auto insurance rates in Wisconsin

Wisconsin drivers pay less for car insurance than the national average. The average cost of car insurance in Wisconsin is $47 per month for minimum coverage and $167 per month for full coverage. The state's low motor vehicle theft and traffic fatality rates may be contributing factors to its lower insurance rates.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Wisconsin

Rural Mutual, Geico, and Erie tend to be the cheapest insurers for many Wisconsin drivers. The cheapest car insurance company depends on factors such as age, driving record, and credit score.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Wisconsin by Age

The average cost of car insurance in Wisconsin varies by age. Teen drivers pay substantially more for car insurance than older drivers, with 16-year-olds paying an average of $250 per month for minimum coverage and $453 per month for full coverage. Rates start to decrease as drivers age, but they begin to increase again for senior drivers.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Wisconsin by City

The cost of car insurance in Wisconsin also varies by city. For example, Milwaukee residents pay an average of $1,482 per year, while La Crosse residents pay around $1,086. Green Bay residents enjoy the lowest average rates in the state at $954 per year.

Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Wisconsin

Several factors impact car insurance rates in Wisconsin, including age, driving record, credit score, location, vehicle type, and mileage. Wisconsin law requires drivers to carry liability insurance and uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage.

Tips for Getting Cheap Car Insurance in Wisconsin

To get cheap car insurance in Wisconsin, consider comparing rates from multiple insurers, taking advantage of discounts, maintaining a clean driving record, and increasing your deductible. Shopping around for the best rates can help you find the most affordable coverage for your needs.

Minimum auto insurance coverage

In Wisconsin, drivers are required to have more than just liability coverage; they also need uninsured motorist coverage. Despite this, Wisconsin drivers pay 28% less for car insurance than the national average, with an average annual cost of $753.

The minimum auto insurance coverage in Wisconsin is as follows:

• Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000
• Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000
• Property liability damage: $10,000
• Uninsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000
• Uninsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000

Bodily injury coverage and property damage coverage are components of liability coverage, which pays for the other party's injuries and damages in accidents that the policyholder caused. On the other hand, uninsured motorist coverage pays for the policyholder's injuries and damages in accidents caused by an uninsured driver or in hit-and-run situations.

While the above are the minimum requirements, it is recommended to have liability limits of $500,000 for both injuries and property damage, or as much as one can afford. Additionally, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and medical payments coverage are also suggested.

Collision insurance covers the policyholder's property damage in collisions they have caused, while comprehensive coverage includes damage from events other than collisions, such as car theft and vandalism. Medical payments coverage, as the name suggests, covers the policyholder's injuries in accidents they caused, with a recommended liability limit of $500,000.

Average cost of auto insurance in Wisconsin

The average cost of auto insurance in Wisconsin varies depending on the level of coverage, the driver's age, and other factors. Here is an overview of the average costs:

Average Annual Cost

According to Bankrate, the average annual cost of car insurance in Wisconsin is $1,773 for full coverage and $421 for minimum coverage. The Zebra reports a lower average annual premium of $1,040, which is 27.1% less than the national average. ValuePenguin estimates the average cost of full coverage in Wisconsin to be $1,540 per year, or $128 per month.

Average Monthly Cost

ValuePenguin also breaks down the average monthly cost of car insurance in Wisconsin, stating that full coverage costs $128 per month, while minimum coverage costs $42 per month. MarketWatch's data shows a higher average monthly cost, with full coverage costing $167 per month and minimum coverage costing $47 per month.

Cost by Age

Age is a significant factor in determining auto insurance rates. In Wisconsin, the average cost of car insurance for a 16-year-old driver is much higher, with annual rates ranging from $2,400 to $6,679, depending on the coverage level. For a 35-year-old driver, the average monthly cost for full coverage is around $167, while for a 65-year-old driver, it is approximately $161 per month.

Cost by City

Auto insurance rates in Wisconsin also vary by city. For example, Brown Deer, a suburb of Milwaukee, has the state's most expensive car insurance, with full coverage costing $186 per month. In contrast, Kimberly, a small village outside of Appleton, has the cheapest rates at $104 per month for full coverage.

Cost by Coverage Level

The cost of auto insurance in Wisconsin also depends on the level of coverage. A liability-only policy, which provides basic coverage, is typically cheaper than full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision insurance. In Wisconsin, the price difference between state-minimum liability-only coverage and full coverage with a $500 deductible can be around $648 annually.

Auto insurance companies in Wisconsin

Some of the best car insurance companies in Wisconsin include Geico, State Farm, Auto-Owners, Chubb, and Travelers. These companies offer competitive rates, a wide range of coverage options, and high customer satisfaction.

Wisconsin law requires drivers to have a minimum amount of car insurance, including liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. The minimum requirements for liability insurance are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 per accident for property damage. For uninsured motorist coverage, the minimum requirements are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

When shopping for car insurance in Wisconsin, it's important to consider your individual needs and circumstances. Factors such as your age, driving history, and the type of car you drive can impact your insurance rates. It's also a good idea to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage and price for your needs.

In addition to the major insurance companies mentioned above, there are also independent insurance agencies in Wisconsin, such as American Insurance Services, that can provide quotes from multiple insurance carriers. By comparing rates and coverage options from multiple companies, you can find the best auto insurance policy for your needs in Wisconsin.

How to lower auto insurance premiums in Wisconsin

Auto insurance premiums in Wisconsin are already lower than the national average, but there are still ways to save more on your insurance. Here are some tips to lower your auto insurance premiums in Wisconsin:

Shop Around for Quotes

Comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies is a great way to find cheaper rates. Prices can vary significantly between insurers, so it's worth getting quotes from several companies and choosing the one that offers the best coverage at the lowest price.

Choose a Higher Deductible

Consider opting for a higher deductible. A higher deductible will lower your monthly premiums, but make sure you can afford to pay the deductible amount if you need to file a claim.

Take Advantage of Discounts

Insurance companies often offer various discounts, such as those for safe driving, having safety features in your car, or being a student. Ask your insurance agent about any discounts you may be eligible for.

Improve Your Credit Score

In Wisconsin, insurance companies can base their prices on credit scores. If you have a poor credit score, work on improving it by paying bills on time and reducing debt. This can help you get lower insurance rates.

Adjust Your Coverage

Review your policy and consider adjusting your coverage. You may be paying for more coverage than you need. Discuss your options with your agent and remove any coverages that are not necessary for your situation.

Take a Defensive Driving Course

Not only can a defensive driving course improve your driving skills, but it can also help remove points from your driving record. Additionally, some insurance companies offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course.

Pay Annually

Paying for your policy annually rather than every six months can often result in a discount. This can help lower your overall insurance costs.

Choose a Cheaper Car to Insure

The make and model of your car can significantly impact your insurance rates. Cars that are expensive to repair or replace usually come with higher insurance rates. Consider choosing a vehicle that is cheaper to insure.

Maintain a Clean Driving Record

A clean driving record can help you get lower insurance rates. Avoid speeding tickets, DUIs, and at-fault accidents, as these can cause a significant increase in your insurance premiums.

Consider Usage-Based Insurance

If you don't drive frequently, you may benefit from usage-based insurance, which charges you based on the number of miles you drive. This can be a more cost-effective option for low-mileage drivers.

Compare Rates in Different Areas

Insurance rates can vary depending on your location. If you're moving within Wisconsin, compare insurance rates in different areas to find a lower-cost region.

By following these tips, you can further reduce your auto insurance premiums in Wisconsin and keep more money in your pocket.

Frequently asked questions