Wisconsin Dps: Auto Insurance Authority And Guide

In Wisconsin, drivers must have car insurance or some other form of financial security to cover any harm they might cause in a crash. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation outlines the penalties for driving without insurance, which can result in a fine of up to $500. The state's insurance department can be contacted for more information on insurance requirements and regulations.

Minimum auto insurance requirements in Wisconsin

Wisconsin drivers must have car insurance or some other proof of financial security to cover any harm they might cause through a crash. The state follows a traditional fault-based system, meaning the person at fault in an accident is financially responsible for any resulting harm.

The minimum insurance requirements in Wisconsin are as follows:

• $25,000 for personal injury per person
• $50,000 for total bodily injury or death liability per accident
• $10,000 for property damage per accident
• $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person
• $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident

The first three points refer to liability coverage, which pays for the other party's injuries and damages in accidents where the insured person is at fault. The last two points refer to uninsured motorist coverage, which pays for the insured person's injuries and damages in accidents caused by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver.

While these are the minimum requirements, it is recommended to purchase higher coverage limits if possible. Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage can also be added to an insurance policy to provide additional protection for the insured person's vehicle.

Penalties for driving without insurance in Wisconsin

Driving without insurance in Wisconsin can result in a maximum fine of $5,000, according to the state's legislature. However, the specific penalties for driving without insurance are at the discretion of the judge.

While the consequences of driving without insurance in Wisconsin are decided by a judge, other US states, such as Georgia, provide examples of what these penalties may include. In Georgia, driving without insurance is considered a misdemeanour, which can result in a fine, jail time, and the loss of driving privileges. Specifically, a conviction can result in a fine ranging from $200 to $1,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both. Additionally, a person's license can be suspended for at least 60 days and up to 90 days.

In Georgia, if a driver has insurance but is unable to provide proof when requested by a police officer, they can be charged with no proof of insurance. The maximum fine for this offence is $25. If the driver can provide proof of insurance to the court, the ticket will likely be dismissed, and it will not be reported to the Department of Driver Services or the insurance company.

To avoid penalties for driving without insurance, it is important for drivers to stay up to date on their insurance information, ensure that all their vehicles are covered by their policy, and keep their insurance information easily accessible in their vehicle.

What to do after a car accident in Wisconsin

Being in a car accident can be a stressful and traumatic experience. Here is a list of steps to follow if you are ever in a car accident in Wisconsin:

Check for Injuries:

The first thing to do is to check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for visible injuries. If there is another vehicle involved, check on the other driver and their passengers as well. If anyone appears to be hurt, call 911 immediately or ask someone else to do so. If you are seriously injured, try not to move until emergency services arrive.

Move Vehicles Out of Traffic:

If possible, move your car to the side of the road or a safe distance away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights, especially if the accident occurs at night, to warn oncoming traffic. If you have emergency equipment such as flares or reflective triangles, use them to alert other drivers and direct traffic around the accident scene. If your vehicle cannot be moved, get yourself and any other involved parties to safety away from the road.

Call the Police:

Dial 911 and report the accident to law enforcement. Provide them with the necessary information, including your location, the number of people involved, and any injuries sustained. The police will create a report of the accident, which is important for insurance purposes. Ask for a copy of this report for your records.

Exchange Information:

Exchange information with the other driver, including names, phone numbers, insurance information, vehicle makes and models, and driver's license numbers. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Remember to remain calm and avoid admitting guilt or placing blame during this process.

Document the Accident:

Take pictures of the accident scene, capturing the position of the vehicles (if they haven't been moved) and the damage to all vehicles involved. If you are unable to take photos, consider drawing a diagram of the accident while the details are still fresh in your memory. These visual records can be crucial when determining fault and filing insurance claims.

Contact Your Insurance Company:

Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and let you know what documentation you need to provide, such as the police report, photos, and the other driver's information. Remember that in Wisconsin, you have six years to file a property damage claim and three years for a personal injury claim.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage:

Wisconsin has specific auto insurance requirements. In addition to the standard liability coverage, Wisconsin drivers are also required to have uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage will protect you in the event of an accident caused by a driver without insurance or a hit-and-run. Additionally, consider purchasing collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and medical payments coverage to ensure you are adequately protected.

Remember, it is important to remain calm and follow these steps to ensure your safety and effectively navigate the aftermath of a car accident in Wisconsin.

Proof of insurance in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, drivers must carry proof of insurance or another accepted form of financial responsibility while driving. This can be in a digital or physical format, such as an insurance ID card or an app on a smartphone. If you are caught driving without proof of insurance, there is a $10 fine, and you will have to send proof to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. If you are caught driving without insurance, you may be fined up to $500 and have your driving privileges suspended.

If you are unable to provide proof of insurance because your coverage is insufficient, you will be fined up to $500 and have your driving privileges suspended. To reinstate your license, you must purchase an insurance policy, file an SR-22 certificate, and pay a $60 reinstatement fee. The SR-22 must remain on file for at least three years from the date of reinstatement. If your insurance coverage lapses during this period, you must find a new insurer and file a new SR-22 form as soon as possible to avoid further penalties.

If you knowingly provide fraudulent proof of insurance, you may be fined up to $5,000. This also applies if you are involved in an accident while uninsured. In this case, your driving privileges and vehicle registration may be suspended for up to three years, and you will have to pay a $50 vehicle registration reinstatement fee in addition to the $60 license reinstatement fee.

To avoid penalties, Wisconsin drivers should ensure they have the minimum required auto insurance coverage, which includes bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage. The minimum coverage amounts are as follows:

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

Average auto insurance rates in Wisconsin

Wisconsin drivers pay less for car insurance than the rest of the United States. The average annual cost of car insurance in Wisconsin is $1,059 for full coverage and $426 for minimum coverage, or $88 and $36 per month, respectively. This is 28% less than the national average.

The cost of car insurance in Wisconsin depends on several factors, including age, coverage level, location, driving record, and credit history. For example, younger drivers tend to pay more for car insurance than older adults, and males usually pay more than females. Drivers with a clean driving record and good credit score typically benefit from lower premiums.

The cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin is offered by GEICO and Rural Mutual, with annual premiums of $266 and $276, respectively, for minimum coverage. For full coverage, GEICO is also the most affordable option, with an average monthly cost of $112.

Wisconsin's minimum car insurance requirements include:

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

Frequently asked questions