Full Auto Insurance Coverage: Wisconsin's Essential Requirements

In Wisconsin, full-coverage auto insurance is not mandatory, but drivers must have an active auto insurance policy that meets the state's minimum requirements. This includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage, as well as uninsured motorist coverage. The minimum coverage limits are $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident, with an additional $10,000 for property damage per accident. Uninsured motorist coverage has the same minimum requirements, providing protection if you're in an accident with an uninsured driver. While not mandatory, collision and comprehensive insurance are often considered part of full coverage, and lending institutions may require them for financed or leased vehicles.

Minimum coverage requirements

In Wisconsin, drivers are legally required to have minimum car insurance coverage. The minimum coverage requirements in Wisconsin are as follows:

• $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident. This covers the medical expenses of the other driver if you are at fault in an accident.
• $10,000 for property damage liability per accident. This covers the repair bills for the other driver's car and other types of property damage caused while driving.
• $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. This protects you if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance.

It is important to note that these are the minimum coverage requirements, and drivers may opt for more coverage to protect their financial assets, vehicle, and passengers. Additionally, Wisconsin requires drivers to provide proof of insurance during police stops and at the scene of an accident.

While collision and comprehensive coverage are not mandated by Wisconsin's state minimum auto insurance requirements, lending institutions may require them for financed or leased vehicles. These coverages can protect your investment in the event of non-collision-related incidents and collisions.

Liability insurance

In Wisconsin, liability car insurance is mandatory for all drivers. Liability insurance covers only the other car and/or that car's driver and passengers when you are found to be at fault for an accident. The minimum liability insurance requirements in Wisconsin are as follows:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability per accident
• $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident

Uninsured motorist coverage pays for medical claims that are the fault of the other driver when they either have no insurance or in the case of a hit-and-run. Underinsured motorist coverage applies to personal injuries caused by a driver with inadequate insurance. It kicks in after their personal injury coverage limit has been reached.

The cost of your premium can be affected by whether the state operates on a fault or no-fault basis. Wisconsin is a fault state, meaning that the at-fault driver's insurance typically covers the costs of bodily injury and property damage resulting from an accident. Liability coverage provides for your legal defence if a lawsuit is brought against you as a result of a covered accident.

While the minimum car insurance requirements in Wisconsin are predefined, they are not meant to be a cap on how much coverage you can or should get. You may opt for more coverage than the state minimums to protect your financial assets, your vehicle, and your passengers.

Uninsured motorist coverage

In Wisconsin, uninsured motorist coverage is a mandatory component of the state's minimum auto insurance requirements. This type of coverage protects you in the event of an accident where the other driver is at fault and does not have insurance or is underinsured.

While the state mandates a minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage, you have the option to increase this coverage for added protection. It is recommended to consider your personal circumstances and the value of your assets when deciding on the appropriate level of coverage.

In addition to uninsured motorist coverage, Wisconsin also requires drivers to have minimum liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. This includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. These coverages are designed to protect you financially if you are found at fault in an accident, covering expenses such as medical costs for injured parties and repairs to damaged property.

Optional coverages

While liability insurance is mandatory in Wisconsin, there are several types of optional coverage that drivers may want to consider adding to their policy. These optional coverages can provide additional financial protection in the event of an accident or other mishap. Here is a detailed overview of some of the optional coverages available in Wisconsin:

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is used to repair your vehicle when physical damage occurs due to a collision with another vehicle or object. This coverage is subject to a deductible, and the cost of repairs will be covered up to the amount specified in your policy. While it is not required by state law, lending institutions may require it for financed or leased vehicles.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance covers repairs to your vehicle for non-collision damages, such as theft, fire, vandalism, glass breakage, or contact with animals. Like collision coverage, this is also subject to a deductible. While not mandatory, comprehensive coverage can provide valuable protection for your vehicle, especially in the event of non-accident-related incidents.

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

Medical payments coverage reimburses you for medical costs and funeral expenses incurred by you or your passengers after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. The minimum coverage amount for MedPay in Wisconsin is $1,000 per accident. This coverage can help fill any gaps in your health insurance policy and cover deductibles and copays.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage protects you in the event that you are hit by a driver who does not have enough insurance to cover your medical and car repair bills. In Wisconsin, the minimum coverage limits for underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIMBI) are $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. This coverage ensures that you and your passengers are financially protected even when the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient.

Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage

If your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered loss, rental car reimbursement coverage helps pay for a rental car or other transportation expenses. This coverage ensures that you can still get around while your car is being repaired, without incurring additional rental costs.

Accident Forgiveness Coverage

Accident forgiveness coverage is an optional add-on that prevents your insurance provider from raising your rates following your first at-fault accident. This coverage can provide financial relief and help keep your insurance premiums stable after an at-fault accident.

These are just a few examples of the optional coverages available to drivers in Wisconsin. It is important to review your policy and consider your specific needs and circumstances when deciding which optional coverages to add to your auto insurance policy.

Penalties for driving without insurance

In Wisconsin, driving without insurance is considered a serious offence and can result in various penalties. Here are the consequences of driving without insurance in Wisconsin:

Fines

If you are caught driving without insurance in Wisconsin, you will be subject to a fine. The fine for a first offence is typically $500. However, subsequent offences may result in higher penalties. Additionally, if you provide fraudulent proof of insurance, you may face a fine of up to $5,000.

License Suspension

Your driving privileges may be suspended if you are found to be driving without insurance. This means you will not be allowed to drive until you provide proof of insurance. In Wisconsin, you will also need to pay a $60 reinstatement fee to get your license back.

SR-22 Requirement

In Wisconsin, you may be required to file an SR-22 form, which is a certificate of financial responsibility, after a major driving violation like driving without insurance. This requirement typically lasts for three years, and failure to maintain insurance during this period can result in your driving privileges being revoked again.

Vehicle Impoundment

If you are caught driving without insurance, your vehicle may be impounded. You will have to pay the associated costs of the impoundment and provide proof of insurance to get your vehicle back.

Increased Insurance Premiums

Driving without insurance will likely result in higher insurance costs in the future. Insurance companies consider drivers without insurance to be high-risk, which can lead to increased premiums.

Other Consequences

There are additional penalties that may apply, such as reinstatement fees for your vehicle registration and increased future insurance premiums. If you are in an accident while driving without insurance, you will be held personally responsible for all damages and medical expenses.

Frequently asked questions