Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 property damage. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation mandates SR-22 filing for drivers with certain violations, creating a certified proof of insurance that insurers file directly with the state. Most high-risk drivers need coverage well above these minimums to access non-standard carriers willing to write policies after violations.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Wisconsin?
High-risk premiums in Wisconsin vary by violation type, prior coverage history, and which non-standard carriers operate in your county. A first-time DUI typically raises rates 150–200% above standard premiums, while multiple violations or a suspended license can push increases to 250% or higher. Urban counties like Milwaukee and Dane see higher base rates due to accident frequency, compounding the high-risk surcharge.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI/OWI convictions carry steeper surcharges than license suspensions for unpaid tickets
- Time since violation: rates typically decrease 10–15% per year during the SR-22 period if you maintain continuous coverage without new violations
- County: Milwaukee, Dane, and Brown counties show higher base rates due to traffic density and claim frequency
- Prior insurance history: drivers with a lapse before their SR-22 requirement face higher premiums than those with continuous coverage
- Credit-based insurance score: Wisconsin allows insurers to use credit in underwriting, amplifying rate increases for high-risk drivers with lower scores
- Non-standard carrier availability: counties with fewer non-standard insurers leave drivers with less competitive options
Compare Auto Insurance Rates in Wisconsin
Find Your City in Wisconsin
Sources
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation — Driver License Division
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance