Car insurance in Wisconsin, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, Wisconsin car insurance coverage isn't just something that drivers in the "Badger State" should have; it's something they must have.

Wisconsin auto insurance coverage doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in Wisconsin, you need auto insurance in Wisconsin. Here's what kind and how much, according to Wisconsin state law:

1. Wisconsin is one of only two states that does not require auto insurance; at-fault drivers are financially responsible for damages in the event of an accident, but may cover damages with Wisconsin car insurance, a surety bond, personal funds or a certificate of self-insurance.
2. If they elect to buy auto insurance in Wisconsin, drivers must purchase bodily injury liability (BIL), property damage liability (PDL) and uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) coverage; personal injury protection (PIP), collision and comprehensive coverage are recommended, but not required.
3. Auto insurance in Wisconsin must include BIL coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for costs associated with the injury or death of others in a wreck.
4. Auto insurance in Wisconsin must include PDL coverage of at least $10,000 for damage to another person's property in an accident.
5. In Wisconsin, car insurance must include at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) coverage in the event that you’re in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse Wisconsin auto insurance rates online

If you need Wisconsin auto insurance, online quotes are a good starting point. Available from all major auto insurance companies in Wisconsin, they offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.

I recommend: Get Wisconsin auto insurance rates at websites like InsWeb, Insurance.com, InsuranceUSA and InsuranceFinder, or from companies like Progressive and Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.

Solicit Wisconsin car insurance quotes from national providers

Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in Wisconsin and all provide competitive Wisconsin auto insurance rates.

I recommend: Among the largest and most popular car insurance companies in Wisconsin are AIG, Allstate, Chubb, Farmers, GEICO, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. National associations like AAA and AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in Wisconsin.

Get car insurance in Wisconsin from local and regional companies

In Wisconsin, auto insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.

I recommend: For automotive insurance in Wisconsin, try Wisconsin-based companies like Wisconsin Mutual Insurance Company, West Bend Mutual Insurance Co. and Wisconsin American Mutual Insurance Company. Also consider local programs, like the Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan, which exists for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in Wisconsin.

Use an independent agent to find Wisconsin car insurance bargains

Buying car insurance in Wisconsin via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.

I recommend: To find an independent agent who can sell you car insurance in Wisconsin, use the “find a member” feature at the Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin or search the member directory at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

Choose Wisconsin auto insurance companies that you can trust

Before doing business with Wisconsin car insurance providers, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.

I recommend: If you subscribe to Consumer Reports, you can check up on car insurance companies in Wisconsin. Another good resource is the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, which licenses car insurance companies in Wisconsin, handles market conduct examinations of them and publishes information about administrative actions taken against them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider buying more coverage than is required by state law; minimum Wisconsin car insurance might not be enough to cover car repairs or medical bills after an accident.
• •  Penalties for drivers who don't have Wisconsin car insurance include driver's license suspension, cash fines of between $175 and $1,000, and the impoundment of your vehicle.
• •  If you're leasing or financing your car, dealerships might require you to have more and better Wisconsin auto insurance than is required by state law.
• •  Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums and more monthly savings on auto insurance in Wisconsin.