INSURANCE - CAR INSURANCE

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Wisconsin for 2024

Updated Sept. 27, 2023
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USAA is generally the cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin for both full coverage and minimum liability policies.

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One of the benefits of living in the Badger State is that car insurance is much less expensive than elsewhere. The average cost of car insurance in Wisconsin is $1,087, compared to the national average of $1,582 for full coverage policies.

However, Wisconsin has a high percentage of uninsured drivers, so it may be wise to spend a little more to get more coverage to protect yourself and your vehicle.

In this article

Key takeaways

  • The average cost of car insurance in Wisconsin is $1,087 per year for full coverage policies.
  • 13.3% of drivers within the state are uninsured.
  • Teen drivers pay an average of $3,454 per year for insurance.

How much does car insurance cost in Wisconsin?

Car insurance in Wisconsin is generally cheaper than it is in the rest of the country. The average cost for full coverage — which includes comprehensive, collision, and liability protection — is $1,087, compared to the national average of $1,582. For state-minimum liability policies, the average is just $383 per year.

Avg. cost for full coverage Avg. cost for minimum coverage Cheapest insurance provider
$1,087/year $383/year USAA
Avg. for young drivers Avg. cost for seniors Avg. for high-risk drivers
$3,454/year $1,225/year $1,736/year

Average cost of car insurance in Wisconsin by provider

Many companies offer car insurance in Wisconsin. Besides national insurers like Allstate or Progressive, Wisconsin residents can get coverage through smaller insurers like Erie or West Bend. Sometimes, you may qualify for lower premiums through a smaller company than a big-name insurer.

For example, Erie Insurance issues policies in just 12 states, but it had lower-than-average rates for full coverage and state-minimum policies in Wisconsin.

Provider Full coverage Minimum liability coverage
Acuity $1,225/year $438/year
American Family $1,021/year $434/year
GEICO $968/year $347/year
Progressive $911/year $379/year
State Farm $841/year $289/year
Erie $896/year $287/year
USAA $662/year $200/year

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How does credit score affect car insurance rates in Wisconsin?

Like other states, Wisconsin’s laws allow insurers to consider driver credit scores when setting their premiums. If you have less-than-stellar credit, you’ll likely pay more for coverage. We found that those with scores below 650 paid more than double the state average.

Credit health Avg. annual premium
Poor (550-649) $2,215/year
Average (650-699) $1,577/year
Good (700-749) $1,284/year
Excellent (750+) $1,063/year

Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Wisconsin

If an insurer thinks you’re more likely to be involved in an accident or submit a claim, you’re considered a high-risk driver. As a result, the company will charge you higher premiums.

In Wisconsin, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, at-fault accidents, and speeding tickets can raise your premiums by $528 to $926 per year.

Violation Avg. annual premium before violation* Avg. annual premium after violation Avg. cost increase
At-fault accident $1,087/year $1,907/year $820
DUI $1,087/year $2,013/year $926
Speeding ticket $1,087/year $1,615/year $528

*Assumes clean driving record with good credit

How does age affect car insurance rates in Wisconsin?

Statistics show teens are more likely to be involved in serious accidents than any other age group. Consequently, car insurance premiums for teens tend to be significantly more expensive than they are for other drivers.

In Wisconsin, the average premium for an 18-year-old driver is $3,808 — over three times higher than the average premium for drivers in their 40s.

Age Avg. annual premium
18 $3,808/year
25 $1,438/year
30 $1,227/year
40 $1,216/year
60 $1,081/year

Wisconsin car insurance rates by city

Areas where crime and vandalism are common tend to have higher premiums than others. In Wisconsin, this effect is especially evident in Milwaukee. 

According to NeighborhoodScout, Milwaukee has a crime rating index of one, meaning that 99% of cities in the U.S. are safer. With such a high crime rating, it makes sense that the average premium for Milwaukee residents is hundreds higher than the state average.

City Avg. annual full-coverage premium
Milwaukee$1,788/year
Madison $1,160/year
Green Bay$1,038/year
Kenosha $1,453/year
Eau Claire $1,241/year
Waukesha $1,283/year

WI’s minimum car insurance requirements

Car insurance is a legal requirement in most of the country, including Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, drivers must have insurance that meets the following minimums:

  • $25,000 of bodily injury protection for one person
  • $50,000 of bodily injury protection for two or more people
  • $10,000 in property damage

Wisconsin has a higher percentage of uninsured drivers — according to the Insurance Research Council, 13.3% of drivers in the state are uninsured — so the state also requires uninsured motorist protection that matches the above liability requirements.

You may need to purchase a policy with higher liability limits and comprehensive collision insurance to protect yourself and your car.

How to save money on car insurance in Wisconsin

To save money on your car insurance in Wisconsin, follow these tips:

  • Lower your coverage limits: If you have an older, paid-off vehicle, you can save money by reducing your comprehensive and collision limits or purchasing a liability-only policy. Just be sure you can comfortably afford to repair or replace your vehicle if you’re in an accident before canceling the other coverages.
  • Increase your deductible: If you have an emergency fund, you may be able to save more money by increasing your deductible. By raising it from $500 to $1,000, for example, you could lower your premiums.
  • Talk to your agent: If your insurance is too expensive, contact your agent and explain your situation. The agent may be able to identify different ways to save money, such as completing a safe driving course or taking advantage of paperless billing discounts.
  • Enroll in a usage-based insurance (UBI) policy: UBI, also known as pay-per-mile coverage, bases your premiums on how much and how safely you drive. So if you are a safe driver, you could potentially save a significant amount of money. In Wisconsin, insurers like Allstate, Progressive, and State Farm offer UBI coverage.
  • Check other options: Whether you’ve never had insurance before or have had the same insurer for a while, it’s wise to shop around. Rates vary by insurer, so request quotes from the best car insurance companies to find the lowest rates.

Methodology

Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the average cost of auto insurance in each state. The data we analyzed included coverage premiums from up to 10 different insurance providers. We looked at rates by city, driver profile, and credit score, as well as factored in the impact of driving violations. This data is for comparative purposes only. Your actual quote may be different.

FAQs about car insurance costs in WI

Is car insurance expensive in WI?

Car insurance in Wisconsin is fairly inexpensive. You can get a full coverage policy for just $1,087 per year, compared to the national average of $1,582.

How much is car insurance per year in WI?

The average cost of car insurance in Wisconsin is $1,087 per year for full coverage insurance. If you opt for a liability-only policy that meets the state’s minimum requirements, the average cost is $383 per year.

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Author Details

Kat Tretina Kat Tretina is a personal finance expert focusing on practical financial matters, including student loans, debt repayment, side hustles, insurance, and healthcare. Drawing from her personal experience, she aims to simplify complex financial topics and provide individuals with the information they need to make informed decisions.