Best car insurance in Wisconsin for 2023

Best car insurance companies in Wisconsin

According to our analysis of average premium data provided by analytics company Quadrant Information Services, the average cost of a full coverage policy in Wisconsin is $1,292 per year. Minimum coverage averages $358 annually.

However, if you're looking for the best car insurance in Wisconsin, you may know that, while important, price isn't the only factor to consider. You may also want to review 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study customer satisfaction scores issued or a company's endorsement selection. Based on our review of these metrics (and others), you might find the best Wisconsin auto insurance by shopping with Geico, State Farm, Auto-Owners, Chubb and Travelers.

How Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in Wisconsin

To find the best auto insurance in Wisconsin, Bankrate started by reviewing average premiums sourced from Quadrant Information Services. However, our team’s time as licensed agents has shown us that quality isn’t always tied to price.

To find the best insurance options for Wisconsin drivers, we also reviewed coverage options, digital tool availability, customer service hours (along with other essential metrics). Then, we weighted this information into a proprietary Bankrate Score. Bankrate Scores range from 0.0 to 5.0, and the higher a carrier’s score, the better it fared during our study. Our Bankrate Scoring method provides our readers with a quick way to evaluate insurance companies as they request quotes. 

How much is car insurance in Wisconsin?

The average annual cost of car insurance in Wisconsin is $1,292 for full coverage, compared to the national average of $2,014 for full coverage. Minimum coverage in Wisconsin costs an average of $358 annually, which is also considerably less than the national average of $622 per year. Wisconsin rates are also low compared to neighboring states. The average annual rates for full coverage in Minnesota and Illinois are $1,760 and $1,806, respectively.

Wisconsin’s low average rates may be partly due to its lower risk of fatal accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported 540 fatalities resulting from car accidents in Wisconsin for 2020, which is relatively low compared to states with more populous metropolitan areas.

How to find the best car insurance in Wisconsin

When it comes to finding great car insurance, Wisconsin drivers will find that the right provider largely depends on individual circumstances. Everyone’s financial picture and insurance history look different. Because of this, drivers may even find that the best insurance provider for them changes every so often because of changing personal circumstances. However, there are least three steps most people can take to begin narrowing down their options:

Consider minimum insurance requirements in Wisconsin

Like most states, drivers in Wisconsin have car insurance laws which require minimum liability insurance limits. By default, you have to purchase at least the state’s mandated minimums. However, many insurance experts recommend purchasing more than the minimum insurance limits to offer more financial protection in the case of a covered incident. If you are unsure how much car insurance is right for you, talking with a licensed agent could offer some clarity.

Consider lender requirements

Although Wisconsin requires only liability and uninsured motorist insurance, individual lenders or lienholders often require drivers purchase full coverage auto insurance policies for financed or leased vehicles. Because liability insurance does not include financial protections for damage to your car itself, adding comprehensive and collision coverages could help prevent loan default if your vehicle is declared a total loss after a covered claim. Additionally, drivers may purchase gap insurance to help cover the difference between a vehicle’s actual cash value and an insurance claim payout should the vehicle be stolen and unrecoverable or totaled in a covered incident.

Consider your individual needs

Insurers base car insurance rates on an assessment of risk. Factors that may be considered “high-risk,” such as being a young or teen driver, having a speeding ticket or getting a DUI, generally result in steeper rates. If these risk factors apply to you, it could be beneficial to seek providers that are known to offer better rates for these circumstances. Additionally, some providers offer multiple discounts that are not driving-based, such as making timely payments, which could help you earn a better rate.

Frequently asked questions