Best car insurance in Wisconsin for 2023

Our 2023 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.

Like our previous Bankrate Scores, each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.

• Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the NAIC, were analyzed.
• Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
• Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.

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.

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.

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.

Car insurance premiums hinge on a multitude of individual factors: your driving record, vehicle type, ZIP code, age and credit score. While Geico, Rockford Mutual and Hastings Mutual often present the cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin, the ideal choice for you may differ based on your unique profile. It's recommended to gather quotes from various insurers and engage in discussions with insurance professionals to align your choice with both your budget and needs.

In Wisconsin, having automobile insurance is generally a necessity for drivers. The state mandates minimum liability coverage which includes: $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more individuals and $10,000 for property damage. Additionally, Wisconsin law specifies the need for uninsured motorist coverage with minimums of $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more individuals concerning bodily injury. For comprehensive details or in specific situations, like self-insurance, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's website offers further guidance.

In Wisconsin, when obtaining a driver's license or registering a vehicle, proof of insurance is not mandatory. However, there are instances where the DMV might request such proof, particularly if it's a prerequisite for reinstating a driver's license after suspension or revocation. It's advisable to be prepared with your insurance information in case it's requested. Always consult with DMV guidelines to ensure compliance.