Average cost of car insurance in Wisconsin for 2025

How much is car insurance in Wisconsin? 

If you need to insure a car in Wisconsin, you're in for some good news. Rates in the state tend to be noticeably lower than the national average. Based on our analysis of Quadrant Information Services data, Wisconsin drivers typically pay around $1,974 annually for full coverage and $453 for minimum coverage. To put that in perspective, that's well below the national averages of $2,685 and $800 respectively.

Wisconsin's cheaper rates stem partly from its relatively uncrowded roads and spread-out population, which generally means fewer accidents and claims. Of course, your individual premium will depend on several factors specific to you and your vehicle. Everything from your driving record and credit history to the type of car you drive and where you live in the state can impact what you'll pay. The Bankrate team will help break down these factors and explore how you can find the most affordable coverage for your situation.

Key takeaways

• The average annual cost of insurance in the Badger State is $1,974 for full coverage and $453 for minimum coverage.
• Wisconsin drivers pay 17 percent less for full coverage and 30 percent less for minimum coverage compared to the national average.
• Drivers living in Milwaukee pay an average of 29 percent more, while those in Waukesha pay 10 percent less than the state average.
• Being convicted of a DUI in Wisconsin increases the average driver’s rate by 102 percent more, while a speeding ticket increases average premiums by 20 percent more.

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Wisconsin car insurance rates by city

Wisconsin car insurance premiums can vary by city. These differences may reflect changes in regional weather patterns, repair costs, crime rates, population density and more. Below are average rates in some of  Wisconsin's largest cities.

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in Wisconsin

Your age and gender can significantly impact your cost of auto insurance in WI. Young drivers (especially teens and young adults starting their own policy) typically face the steepest rates. It's simply a numbers game: less experience behind the wheel often means insurers take on more risk to supply you coverage. By contrast, drivers in their 40s through 70s usually enjoy much friendlier premiums, having proven themselves as lower-risk customers over years of driving.

Gender plays its part, too. Male drivers, particularly young ones, tend to pay more than women of the same age. Insurance companies base this on decades of data showing that men are more likely to take risks on the road. Given how these factors affect pricing, it's worth exploring multiple insurers to find one that views your particular age and gender combination most favorably.

Cost considerations for young drivers in Wisconsin

Because younger people have limited driving experience, they tend to pay some of the highest premiums. Minors cannot get car insurance on their own; they must be added to a parent or guardian’s policy — and it’s not cheap. Once a driver turns 18, they may purchase their own policy. However, it’s typically much more economical to remain on their parents’ insurance as long as they’re able. Some insurers require that young drivers live in the same home as the policyholder to be eligible, though.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in Wisconsin?

Because insurance is all about risk, insurers review your driving history when calculating your rate. Those with clean driving records pay less for insurance because they are viewed as less likely to get into accidents or file claims. In contrast, things like speeding tickets, accidents and DUIs will cause your rate to increase. The more serious the incident, the greater the upcharge, and you may even be required to file an SR-22 certificate to get back on the road.

The table below shows how various incidents can affect Wisconsin's average cost of car insurance compared to maintaining a clean driving record.

Car insurance rates in Wisconsin by credit score

Another factor that impacts your cost of car insurance in WI is your credit history. Statistics have shown that those with less-than-optimal credit are more likely to file claims. Therefore, insurers charge drivers with excellent credit less and drivers with average or poor credit more. On average, the rate increase for poor credit is particularly severe in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin car insurance rates by vehicle type

The make and model of the vehicle you drive impacts your car insurance rate, as well. A vehicle’s value, safety ratings, repair costs, theft rate and more are taken into consideration. That said, if you're in the market for a new car, considering average insurance rates by make and model may help you keep your car insurance bills in check.

Estimate your car insurance cost in Wisconsin

Auto insurance is a significant part of the cost of owning a car. You’ll need to buy coverage before you’re legally allowed to drive. While reviewing average rates is helpful, figuring out how much you’ll actually pay can be tricky. Bankrate’s calculator tool can provide a more accurate estimate.

How to save on car insurance in Wisconsin

Wisconsin drivers looking for ways to save on car insurance might consider the following strategies:

• Raise your deductible: A higher deductible typically means lower monthly premiums. One thing to keep in mind here is to be sure you can handle the larger out-of-pocket expense if you need to file a claim.
• Shop around for quotes: Insurance rates can vary dramatically between companies, even for identical coverage. Spending some time gathering quotes could save you hundreds of dollars a year. Before automatically renewing, ensure your insurer is still providing you with the best policy for the right price.
• Leverage discounts: Most insurers offer various discounts, from bundling your home and auto policies to going paperless. These savings could really add up. Even if you already have some discounts, check annually. You might qualify for new ones you didn't before.
• Consider telematics programs: If you're confident in your driving habits or don't rack up many miles, you could look into usage-based insurance programs. These track your driving through an app or device and could lead to savings for safe, low-mileage drivers.
• Maintain good credit: Your credit score affects your insurance rates in Wisconsin, whether you like it or not. Keeping your credit healthy can help keep your premiums in check.

Frequently asked questions

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes. Your quotes will differ.