Is 1st Auto and Casualty Insurance Legit?

Last Updated on March 3, 2026

Important update (January 2024): 1st Auto & Casualty Insurance Company was ordered into liquidation in Wisconsin, and all 1st Auto policies were canceled effective January 17, 2024. That means you generally can’t buy a new policy from 1st Auto today. If you had a 1st Auto policy or need to handle a claim, jump to the “What to do if you’re a policyholder” section below.

So, is 1st Auto & Casualty Insurance “legit”? Yes—it was a real, state-licensed insurance company. However, because it’s now in liquidation, the more helpful question is: what happens to policyholders and claims after an insurer shuts down? Here’s the updated, practical guide.

Quick Answer: Is 1st Auto & Casualty Insurance Legit?

Yes. 1st Auto & Casualty Insurance Company was a legitimate, Wisconsin-domiciled property and casualty insurer and a subsidiary of Wisconsin Reinsurance Corporation (WRC).

But as of January 2024, 1st Auto is “in liquidation” (a court-supervised shutdown similar to bankruptcy for insurers). For most shoppers, that means 1st Auto is no longer an option for new coverage. For former policyholders and claimants, it means your claim is typically handled through the liquidation process and (in many cases) your state property & casualty guaranty association.

Who Is 1st Auto & Casualty Insurance?

1st Auto & Casualty Insurance Company (“1st Auto”) was part of the Wisconsin Reinsurance Group. WRC functioned primarily as a reinsurer for certain insurers, and 1st Auto wrote direct policies (including private passenger auto and other lines). The companies were based in Madison, Wisconsin and marketed many products through affiliated channels.

Where 1st Auto was licensed (when it was actively writing business): Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

If you’re trying to confirm you’re looking at the right company (and not a similarly named business), use the official liquidation page and look for the insurer name and NAIC number: Wisconsin OCI: Liquidation of WRC and 1st Auto.

What Happened to WRC and 1st Auto?

According to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI), WRC and 1st Auto experienced significant financial stress after higher-than-expected losses (including severe storm losses in 2022). The state placed the companies into rehabilitation in 2023, and later petitioned the court for liquidation.

The court entered the liquidation order on January 2, 2024 (effective January 1, 2024). Under the liquidation order, 1st Auto policies were canceled 15 days later, which OCI states was January 17, 2024.

You can read official dates, documents, and FAQs here: OCI liquidation page. The WRC Group website also posts liquidation contact info and links back to OCI: thewrcgroup.com/1st-auto.

What to Do If You Had a 1st Auto Policy

If you were insured by 1st Auto at any point, focus on these steps:

• Replace coverage (if you haven’t already). Since 1st Auto policies were canceled in January 2024, you’ll want to make sure you have active coverage through another insurer.
• Gather documentation. Keep your declarations page, cancellation notices, claim paperwork, photos, police reports, repair estimates, and any communications you have.
• If you have (or had) a claim: follow the official liquidation instructions and contact the liquidator using the info below. Depending on your state and claim type, your state guaranty association may be involved.
• Watch for deadlines. OCI set a “bar date” for Proof of Claim forms (July 1, 2024). If you missed it, you should still contact the liquidator as soon as possible—late claims may be treated differently.

1st Auto liquidation contact information

If you’re trying to understand how guaranty funds work (and how to find yours), a helpful starting point is the National Conference of Insurance Guaranty Funds (for property & casualty guaranty associations): ncigf.org.

What Coverages Did 1st Auto Write?

Before liquidation, 1st Auto primarily wrote auto-related coverage and related liability lines. In plain English, that typically included:

• Liability insurance (required in most states)
• Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage (damage to your vehicle, depending on the cause)
• Commercial auto insurance (for vehicles used primarily for business)
• Personal/farm umbrella and liability (learn more about personal umbrella insurance)

If you’re shopping for replacement coverage now, your premium will depend on several factors—especially the type of vehicle you have and how much coverage you choose.

How to Verify Whether an Insurance Company Is Legit

If you’re ever unsure whether an insurer is legitimate (or whether a website/phone number is really connected to the insurer), use this checklist:

• Check licensing with your state Department of Insurance (or equivalent regulator). For 1st Auto/WRC, the Wisconsin OCI pages are the authoritative source.
• Verify the NAIC number on the policy paperwork and match it to the regulator’s listing.
• Look up the company in NAIC’s consumer tools: NAIC consumer insurance company search.
• Check financial strength information from a reputable rating source (when available). For example, AM Best reported it withdrew the Wisconsin Reinsurance Group’s ratings in 2022 after the company requested to no longer participate in AM Best’s interactive rating process: AM Best notice.
• Review complaint history cautiously. BBB can show business-profile complaints and responses, but it’s not a financial-strength rating. BBB’s profile for 1st Auto & Casualty Insurance is here: BBB business profile.
• Be alert for scams after major events (like liquidations). Only use contact info from the state regulator’s page or the insurer’s official website, and be wary of unusual payment requests.

FAQs on 1st Auto & Casualty Insurance

Bottom Line

1st Auto & Casualty Insurance Company was a legitimate insurer—but it was placed into liquidation in Wisconsin in January 2024 and its policies were canceled shortly afterward. If you’re looking for coverage now, you’ll need to shop with another insurer. If you had a 1st Auto policy or claim, use the Wisconsin OCI liquidation page to find the correct forms, deadlines, and contact information.