Wisconsin Auto Insurance Guide

Whether you’re on a family vacation in the Wisconsin Dells, fishing for muskie in the Chippewa Flowage, watching the Packers at Green Bay’s Frozen Tundra, touring Paul Bunyon’s Logging Camp in Eau Claire, or doing business in Madison, the Badger State is full of history, beautiful scenery and miles of open roads. From Ashland to Kenosha, La Crosse to Racine and all points in between, car insurance is crucial to being a responsible Wisconsin driver.

 

Auto Insurance Resources for WI State Residents

As of 2010, there were nearly 4 million drivers in the Badger State. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 15% of Wisconsin drivers are uninsured. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported 125,103 traffic accidents in 2008; 90,795 involved property damage, 33,766 resulted in injuries and 542 were fatal. Deer are the third most commonly struck object, behind other cars and stationare objects. The WI DOT reported a total of 16,338 deer vs. vehicle collisions in 2008. Distracted, drunk and reckless drivers and deer are good reasons to make sure you have enough car insurance while living and driving in the Badger State.

 

Wisconsin State Minimum Car Insurance

Wisconsin state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance or face severe penalties. The Badger State has a tort-based system. That means if you cause an accident, you can be sued. While Wisconsin does not require you to carry additional personal liability or Collision and Comprehensive, if you own property or other valuable assets, you would be wise to supplement the minimum requires shown below:

• $50,000 bodily injury per person per accident
• $100,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
• $15,000 property damage liability
• $100,000/$300,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury

 

Wisconsin Car Insurance Laws

Wisconsin law requires that you carry proof of Wisconsin auto insurance in your vehicle and produce it if a law enforcement officer asks to see it. As of June 2010, driving without the required Wisconsin car insurance carries a $500 fine for a first offense. Subsequent convictions can mean fines as high as $1,000, plus suspension of your driver’s license. Your vehicle may also be impounded and you will be charged for the tow fee and storage.

Showing fraudulent proof of insurance such as a fake card can bring a fine of up to $5,000.

There is no requirement that you provide proof of insurance when you get a driver’s license or register a vehicle, unless the Wisconsin DOT requests to see it. It will be required, however, to reinstate a suspended license or registration.

 

Regulating Agency and References

Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance
This agency is responsible for regulating vehicle insurance policies sold in Wisconsin. For more information, visit their website at oci.wi.gov

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
This is the agency responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can learn more about Wisconsin auto insurance requirements, penalties and related information at www.dot.wisconsin.gov

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This is an organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. NAIC provides a forum for the development of uniform policies when appropriate. NAIC members are elected or appointed state government officials who regulate the conduct of insurance companies and agents in their respective states or territories. Visit NAIC at www.naic.org

Insurance Information Institute (III)
This organization’s mission is to improve public understanding of insurance – what it is and how it works. Visit III at www.iii.org/

 

Related Car and Motorist E Insurance Articles

Filing a Car Insurance Claim. What Happens After the Crash?

What to Do When an Uninsured Driver Hits You

Traffic School Can Lower Your Auto Insurance Premiums

How Much Auto Insurance Coverage Do I Need?