Paige Cerulli Last Updated On: June 24, 2026

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How Much Is Car Insurance in Wisconsin?

Car insurance in Wisconsin costs between $35 and $63 per month to start, with statewide averages of $58 per month for minimum coverage and $109 per month for full coverage, making Wisconsin one of the 10 most affordable states for car insurance in the U.S. Rates vary based on your age, driving history, credit score, coverage level, and city. Drivers in Milwaukee pay significantly more than drivers in cities like Madison, Green Bay, or Appleton.

Wisconsin is a genuinely affordable state for car insurance. According to Insurify’s 2026 data, Wisconsin ranks 9th out of 51 states for full coverage affordability, with rates projected to decrease a further 0.7% by end of 2026. That said, rates are not uniform across the state, Milwaukee drivers pay up to 2x the statewide average due to higher traffic density, theft rates, and accident frequency. Whether you’re looking for a minimum-coverage policy or full coverage, this guide breaks down exactly what Wisconsin drivers pay and what affects your premium.

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Average Cost of Car Insurance in Wisconsin

Here is an overview of current average rate ranges across coverage types for Wisconsin drivers:

Coverage Type Monthly Rate Range Annual Rate Range
Minimum / Liability Only $35 – $75/mo $420 – $900/yr
Full Coverage $63 – $130/mo $756 – $1,560/yr

Source: insurify.com

Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.

Wisconsin ranks 9th out of 51 states for full coverage affordability in 2026, 27% below the national average. The state benefits from relatively low population density (outside Milwaukee), a below-average uninsured driver rate of 10.4%, and fewer extreme weather-related claims compared to coastal states. Rates rose 22% between 2023 and 2024 but are now stabilizing, with Insurify projecting a 0.7% decrease for 2026.

Wisconsin Car Insurance Minimum Requirements

Coverage Type Minimum Requirement
Bodily Injury Liability (per person) $25,000
Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) $50,000
Property Damage Liability $10,000
Uninsured Motorist (per person) $25,000
Uninsured Motorist (per accident) $50,000

Source: insurify.com

Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.

Wisconsin also requires that drivers carry Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM) at the same limits as their Uninsured Motorist coverage, unless waived in writing. Insurance experts recommend carrying limits above the state minimum for more complete financial protection.

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Car Insurance Rates by City in Wisconsin

Location is one of the strongest rate factors in Wisconsin. Milwaukee drivers pay significantly more than drivers in other major Wisconsin cities due to higher traffic volume, vehicle theft rates, and claim frequency.

City Avg. Monthly Range (Full Coverage) vs. State Average
Milwaukee $100 – $145/mo Above Average (highest in state)
Racine $80 – $110/mo Above Average
Kenosha $75 – $105/mo Near to Above Average
Madison $70 – $100/mo Near Average
Green Bay $65 – $95/mo Below Average
Appleton $55 – $85/mo Well Below Average
Oshkosh $55 – $85/mo Well Below Average

Source: insurify.com

Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.

How Your Driver Profile Affects Your Wisconsin Car Insurance Rate?

Wisconsin car insurance rates vary widely based on your individual profile. The table below shows how key factors compare to the statewide baseline for a driver with a clean record.

Driver Profile Avg. Monthly Range Avg. Annual Range vs. Clean Record
Teen Driver (16–19) $165 – $290/mo $1,980 – $3,480/yr 2–3x higher
Young Adult (20–25) $110 – $165/mo $1,320 – $1,980/yr 1.4x higher
Adult Driver (30–55) $58 – $109/mo $696 – $1,308/yr Baseline
Senior Driver (65+) $75 – $120/mo $900 – $1,440/yr Slightly higher
After 1 At-Fault Accident $85 – $145/mo $1,020 – $1,740/yr +28–50%
After a DUI / OWI $110 – $180/mo $1,320 – $2,160/yr +80–89%
After a Speeding Ticket $75 – $135/mo $900 – $1,620/yr +25–44%
Poor Credit Score $165 – $270/mo $1,980 – $3,240/yr 3x higher

Source: insurify.com

Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.

SR-22 Insurance in Wisconsin: What OWI Drivers Need to Know?

Wisconsin requires an SR-22 certificate for drivers convicted of certain serious violations, including OWI (Operating While Intoxicated, Wisconsin’s term for DUI). An SR-22 is not a type of insurance; it is a certificate filed by your insurer with the Wisconsin DMV to confirm that you carry the state’s minimum required coverage.

When Is an SR-22 Required in Wisconsin?

  • OWI (DUI) conviction
  • Driving without insurance
  • License suspension or revocation
  • Reckless driving conviction
  • Accumulating too many demerit points on your driving record

What Does an SR-22 Cost in Wisconsin?

Filing an SR-22 typically costs $15–$50 as a one-time fee from your insurer. However, the real cost is the rate increase that comes with the underlying violation. An OWI conviction in Wisconsin raises average car insurance rates by 80–89%, adding $50–$70 per month to your premium. The SR-22 requirement in Wisconsin typically lasts three years, during which you must maintain continuous coverage. A lapse in coverage restarts the requirement.

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Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Wisconsin

Wisconsin law requires all registered drivers to carry at minimum the state’s minimum liability and uninsured motorist coverage. If caught driving without insurance, penalties include:

  • A fine of up to $500 for a first offense
  • License suspension until proof of insurance is provided
  • A reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges
  • Possible SR-22 filing requirement for a period following the violation

Wisconsin uses an electronic insurance verification system, which means law enforcement and the DMV can confirm your insurance status in real time. Allowing your policy to lapse, even briefly, puts you at risk of these penalties.

What Affects Car Insurance Costs in Wisconsin?

Several Wisconsin-specific factors influence what drivers pay:

  • Milwaukee’s Urban Rate Premium: Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s most expensive city for car insurance. Full coverage averages $100–$145/mo in Milwaukee vs. $63–$130/mo statewide (Insurify 2026). Higher traffic density, vehicle theft rates, and accident frequency are the main drivers.
  • Winter Weather: Wisconsin winters, including ice, heavy snow, blizzards, and deer collisions, increase the risk of comprehensive claims across the state, particularly in northern Wisconsin and around Lake Michigan. Comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended for Wisconsin drivers.
  • Uninsured Drivers: Wisconsin’s uninsured motorist rate is approximately 10.4% (Insurify 2026). This is slightly above the national average, making uninsured motorist coverage, which Wisconsin requires at minimum levels, especially important.
  • Credit Score Impact: Wisconsin permits insurers to use credit-based insurance scores. Drivers with poor credit pay an average of $234/mo for full coverage, nearly 3x the $85/mo average for drivers with good credit (Insurify 2026). Maintaining a strong credit score is one of the most effective ways to keep premiums affordable in Wisconsin.
  • Rate Trend: Wisconsin rates rose 22% between 2023 and 2024, but the state remains one of the country’s most affordable, and Insurify projects a 0.7% decrease for full-coverage rates in 2026.

How to Save Money on Car Insurance in Wisconsin?

ConsumerCoverage has your back when it comes to finding cheap car insurance in Wisconsin. We know the best ways to reduce the cost of car insurance and you’re about to know too! 

Here are our tips: 

  • Compare Quotes Regularly
    • Insurance companies are always offering new and competitive prices, so it’s up to you to compare multiple car insurance quotes in Wisconsin to find the best price
    • Once you find the cheapest quote, don’t get too comfortable. We recommend getting new quotes every year to see if there’s a newer, better deal.
  • Actively Seek Out Discounts
    • Anything from the college you graduated from to the decision to sign up online can qualify you for a discount on insurance.
    • Research and enquire about which discounts your insurance company offers to take full advantage of these savings.
  • Bundle Your Policies
    • If you’re also in need of a homeowners insurance policy, then chances are you can bundle it with your car insurance for a reduced price on both!
    • We do caution you to be careful, however, because sometimes bundling is more expensive than using two different insurers (which is why you should regularly compare multiple quotes).
  • Be a Safe Driver
    • Driving safely is the absolute most effective way to save on insurance as it keeps your record clear of both infractions and claims. Plus, it can literally save your life!
    • Sometimes taking a safe-driving course can reduce your insurance premiums as well, especially if you have something like a DUI on your record.
  • Reduce Risk as Much as Possible
    • Little things like purchasing a vehicle with many safety features or maintaining a strong credit score have the potential to significantly decrease both your risk factor and your premiums.
  • Ask the Experts
    • While articles such as these are both informative and helpful, they’re no substitute for years of training and expertise.
    • Ask insurance agents and other experts—like us a ConsumerCoverage—for advice on how to save money on Wisconsin car insurance.

If you’re diligent in following through with this advice, you should have no problem finding the cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin. 

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FAQ

Wisconsin car insurance costs between $35 and $75 per month for minimum coverage and $63 to $130 per month for full coverage, based on 2026 Insurify data. The statewide average is $58 per month for minimum coverage and $109 per month for full coverage. Wisconsin ranks 9th out of 51 states for full coverage affordability, 27% below the national average.

Wisconsin requires drivers to carry: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability; $10,000 in property damage liability; and $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage. Wisconsin also requires underinsured motorist coverage at matching limits unless you waive it in writing.

Based on 2026 data, Erie Insurance, American Family, and GEICO are among the most affordable companies for Wisconsin drivers. Erie offers minimum coverage from around $28 per month, and American Family offers full coverage from $119 per month. GEICO is also competitive, particularly for drivers with a clean record. Comparing multiple quotes is the best way to find your lowest rate.

An OWI (DUI) conviction in Wisconsin raises car insurance rates by an average of 80–89%, based on 2026 Insurify data. Full coverage premiums can increase by $50–$70 per month. Wisconsin also requires SR-22 filing after an OWI conviction, which must be maintained for typically three years. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers after an OWI is the best way to minimize your rate increase.

Yes, Milwaukee is the most expensive city in Wisconsin for car insurance. Milwaukee drivers pay an average of $100–$145 per month for full coverage, compared to the Wisconsin statewide average of $63–$130 per month (Insurify 2026). Higher traffic density, vehicle theft rates, and accident frequency in Milwaukee drive premiums above the statewide average. Drivers in cities like Appleton and Green Bay pay significantly less.

Yes. Wisconsin permits insurers to use credit-based insurance scores when setting premiums. Drivers with poor credit pay an average of $234 per month for full coverage, nearly three times the $85 per month average for drivers with good credit (Insurify 2026). Maintaining or improving your credit score is one of the most effective ways to reduce your car insurance costs in Wisconsin.

An SR-22 in Wisconsin is a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurance company with the Wisconsin DMV. It confirms that you carry at least the state’s minimum required car insurance. SR-22 filing is required after certain serious violations in Wisconsin, including OWI (DUI), driving without insurance, reckless driving, and license suspension. The SR-22 requirement typically lasts three years.

Driving without insurance in Wisconsin can result in fines up to $500 for a first offense, license suspension, and a possible SR-22 filing requirement. Wisconsin uses electronic insurance verification, so the DMV and law enforcement can check your coverage status in real time. Allowing a policy to lapse, even briefly, can trigger these penalties.

Wisconsin is one of the most affordable states for car insurance due to its relatively low population density outside Milwaukee, below-average traffic accident rates in rural areas, a moderate uninsured driver rate of 10.4%, and limited extreme weather-related claims compared to coastal states. Wisconsin ranks 9th out of 51 states for full coverage affordability in 2026, with rates 27% below the national average (Insurify).

Car Insurance by States

Explore state-by-state car insurance trends to understand where drivers pay less on average.

Paige Cerulli Paige Cerulli is a freelance content writer and journalist who specializes in personal finance topics. She graduated from Westfield State University and brings more than a decade of professional writing experience to the ConsumerCoverage team. Paige’s work has appeared in outlets including USA Today, Business Insider, and more.

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