Best Car Insurance in Wisconsin

Last Updated on October 7, 2026

By James Shaffer Reviewed by Thomas Rockford, insurance industry executive and financial analyst, on October 5, 2026 How we fact-check

Wisconsin comes in below the national average for car insurance, though it is not one of the cheapest states. Where you live inside Wisconsin moves your price more than the state line does.

Insure.com’s rate study by state, updated September 25, 2026, puts the average cost of full coverage in Wisconsin at $2,343 a year and state-minimum coverage at $569 a year, against a national full-coverage average of $2,578. Those figures are for 40-year-old drivers with a clean record and a good insurance score, at $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $100,000 property damage limits. Your own price can land far above or below that depending on your city, driving record, vehicle, mileage, and credit-based insurance score.

Rates also vary widely across the state. Drivers in higher-traffic areas (like Milwaukee and nearby suburbs) usually pay more than drivers in smaller towns and rural ZIP codes.

Wisconsin Sits Below the National Average: $2,343 a year for full coverage against $2,578 nationally in Insure.com’s September 2026 study, but city and ZIP code can still change your price a lot.
Minimum Coverage Includes UM in Wisconsin: You need $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and $10,000 of property damage liability, plus uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
Comparison Shopping Is the Best Shortcut to Savings: Different insurers price the same driver differently—so comparing multiple quotes can uncover big savings.
High-Risk Drivers May Need an SR-22 Filing: After certain suspensions or serious violations, you may need an SR-22 certificate filed by your insurer to reinstate driving privileges.

Table Of Contents

Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Insurance Requirements
Driving Without Insurance in Wisconsin
Car Insurance in Wisconsin With an OWI or DUI
Car Insurance in Wisconsin With At-Fault Accidents
Car Insurance in Wisconsin With Speeding Tickets
Car Insurance in Wisconsin for Young Drivers
Car Insurance in Wisconsin With Poor Credit
SR-22 Insurance in Wisconsin
FAQs on Car Insurance in Wisconsin
Conclusion: How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in Wisconsin
Sources

Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies in Wisconsin

Wisconsin drivers can choose from major national insurers and several strong regional companies. The “best” company depends on what matters most to you—price, claims experience, agent support, discounts, or how the company treats higher-risk drivers.

Below are 10 insurers that frequently stand out for Wisconsin drivers, plus what each tends to be best for.

1) West Bend Insurance

West Bend Insurance has been a Wisconsin company since 1894, when business owners in West Bend started a mutual after a fire took out a whole commercial block. It is licensed in 14 states and sells only through independent agencies, more than 1,500 of them.

Best for: Drivers who prefer working with an agent and want strong regional service
Good to know: There is no direct online purchase, so you have to go through an agency

2) State Farm

State Farm is one of the most popular choices in Wisconsin thanks to its large agent network, broad discount options, and generally strong customer experience.

It can be a particularly good fit if you want full coverage car insurance with common add-ons like rental reimbursement or roadside assistance.

Best for: Drivers who want a blend of service, discounts, and wide availability

3) Rockford Mutual

Rockford Mutual has been writing since 1896 from Rockford, Illinois, and covers four states: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. Policies come through independent agents.

Best for: Drivers looking for a smaller-company feel with regional focus

4) American Family

American Family started in Madison in 1927 as Farmers Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and is still headquartered there. It lists Wisconsin among the 19 states where it writes car insurance.

Best for: Wisconsin households that want auto and home with one company, since bundling is where its discounts bite hardest

5) GEICO

GEICO is a top pick for drivers who want to manage everything online and prioritize price. It often competes aggressively on premiums—especially for drivers with clean records.

If you’re shopping primarily for the lowest price, start here: does GEICO have the cheapest auto insurance?

Best for: Tech-friendly drivers who want a fast online quote and strong pricing

6) USAA

USAA had 14.3 million members at the end of 2025 and says in its annual report that it stays in every state, which matters if you get orders out of Wisconsin. The catch is eligibility: coverage is generally available to military members, veterans, and qualifying family members.

See eligibility and cost details here: USAA auto insurance policy cost.

Best for: Eligible military families looking for strong value and service

7) Rural Mutual Insurance Company

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is a membership group, not an insurance company. The insurer behind it is Rural Mutual Insurance Company, founded by the Federation in Madison in 1934 and still writing only in Wisconsin, through about 150 agents in more than 100 locations. It is a separate company from Farm Bureau Financial Services and from the farm bureau insurers in Texas and Tennessee, each of which has its own membership rules.

Best for: Drivers who want every premium dollar staying with a Wisconsin-only company. Ask the agent whether Farm Bureau membership applies to you, because Rural Mutual does not publish a membership requirement either way

8) Hastings Mutual

Hastings Mutual, now trading as Hastings Insurance, writes in five states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. It is based in Hastings, Michigan, wrote $444 million of direct premium in 2023, and sells through independent agents.

Best for: Drivers who want a regional carrier with agent support

9) Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance writes in only 12 states and the District of Columbia, and Wisconsin is one of them. AM Best affirmed Erie’s Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) with a stable outlook on September 11, 2026. Note that Erie’s older A+ (Superior) rating is history; it was cut to A in September 2025.

Best for: Drivers willing to pay a bit more for customer service and claims experience

10) Western National

Western National is a mutual group out of Edina, Minnesota that traces back to a company incorporated in St. Paul in January 1900. It writes personal lines in nine states, Wisconsin included, and distributes only through independent agents.

Best for: Drivers who want a mutual insurer and a local-service approach

Honorable Mentions

Depending on your ZIP code and driver profile, you may also want quotes from Progressive, Travelers, Allstate, Nationwide and Auto-Owners. All five write in Wisconsin. Auto-Owners works only through independent agents, so one agency can price it against several other companies in the same visit.

Two names you may still run into are no longer options for a new personal car policy. Secura announced on October 20, 2023 that it was leaving personal lines, stopped taking new home and auto customers on November 1, 2023, and finished the exit on December 31, 2025; it now writes commercial, specialty, agribusiness and farm lines only. Our Secura review covers the company as it was. Pekin said on October 4, 2023 that it was suspending new homeowners and personal auto business in Wisconsin, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, and exiting personal insurance in Iowa outright. Pekin called the suspension temporary, but it has not announced that Wisconsin is open again, so treat our Pekin review as background rather than a buying option.

Wisconsin Insurance Requirements

You must have car insurance to drive in Wisconsin. At a minimum, drivers must carry minimum liability insurance limits plus uninsured motorist coverage. The figures below come from the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, whose auto insurance FAQ was last revised on August 3, 2026.

Wisconsin’s required minimums include:

$25,000 bodily injury liability per person
$50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$10,000 property damage liability per accident
$25,000/$50,000 uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, for bodily injury only. Wisconsin does not require uninsured motorist property damage coverage

Tip: Wisconsin’s minimum limits can be exhausted quickly in a serious crash. Many drivers choose higher liability limits to better protect their savings and future income. If you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender will usually require collision and comprehensive coverage, too.

Two more coverages have to be offered to you, but you can turn them down. Underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, and your insurer has to tell you it is available when it delivers the policy; if you buy it, the smallest limits are $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. Medical expense coverage is also optional, and the smallest amount you can buy is $1,000. Rental reimbursement, roadside assistance and gap insurance are ordinary optional add-ons.

These numbers have been in place for a while. Wisconsin set the current 25/50/10 limits, dropped the underinsured motorist requirement and dropped the medical payments requirement in 2011 Wisconsin Act 14, effective November 1, 2011. If you read an older guide that says Wisconsin requires underinsured motorist coverage, or that insurance is optional here at all, it is out of date.

Driving Without Insurance in Wisconsin

It’s illegal to drive without insurance in Wisconsin. Drivers and vehicle owners must be able to show proof of insurance at traffic stops or accidents when requested by law enforcement.

If you don’t have proof of insurance when asked, or if you’re driving uninsured, the Wisconsin DMV publishes these penalties:

Up to $500 for operating a motor vehicle without insurance
Up to $10 for failing to show proof of insurance at a stop or accident
Up to $5,000 for fraudulent proof of insurance

Even if the legal penalties seem manageable, driving uninsured can get very expensive fast after a crash. Plus, a lapse in coverage often leads to higher premiums when you buy a policy again.

Car Insurance in Wisconsin With an OWI or DUI

Wisconsin uses the term OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), but many drivers still search “DUI.” Either way, an impaired driving conviction is one of the fastest ways to raise your insurance premium and limit your options.

How long it affects your price depends on the insurer and the severity of the offense. If you’re trying to understand the long-term impact, start here: how long does a DUI stay on your driving record?

What to do after an OWI/DUI: shop multiple insurers, ask specifically about high-risk programs, and confirm whether you need an SR-22 filing to reinstate your driving privileges (details below).

Car Insurance in Wisconsin With At-Fault Accidents

At-fault accidents can impact your premium for several years. Insurers typically look back a few years when rating your policy, and a recent at-fault crash can trigger surcharges or reduce discount eligibility.

If you’re unsure how fault affects your claim and future rates, read: what happens with insurance if you are at fault in an accident.

Tip: After an at-fault accident, it’s worth comparing quotes even if your current insurer treats you fairly. Some companies penalize accidents more heavily than others.

Car Insurance in Wisconsin With Speeding Tickets

Speeding tickets usually don’t hit as hard as an at-fault accident or OWI, but they can still increase your premium—especially if you have multiple tickets or a single serious violation.

Learn what’s typical and how insurers treat it: how much will a single speeding ticket increase your rates?

Tip: If you get a ticket, ask about defensive driving discounts (where available), consider telematics programs, and shop around at renewal.

Car Insurance in Wisconsin for Young Drivers

Drivers under 25—especially teens—often pay the highest premiums because insurers view them as higher-risk. In many cases, the best savings come from smart policy structure and discounts (not just picking a “cheap” insurer).

If you’re shopping for a teen, start here: cheapest car insurance for teens. If you’re a new adult driver, see: cheapest car insurance for young drivers.

Ways young drivers can lower costs in Wisconsin:

Ask about good student and student-away-at-school discounts
Choose a safer, lower-cost vehicle to insure (avoid high-performance trims)
Consider a telematics/safe-driving program if it rewards good habits
Compare quotes for staying on a family policy vs. buying a separate policy

Car Insurance in Wisconsin With Poor Credit

In Wisconsin, many insurers use a credit-based insurance score as part of pricing. That means drivers with lower scores often see higher quotes, even with the same driving record and vehicle.

If you’re trying to compare options and reduce the impact of credit where possible, this guide can help: no credit check auto insurance quote.

Tips if your credit is hurting your quotes: compare more companies than usual, check your reports for errors, avoid coverage lapses, and look for discounts you can control (mileage, bundling, safe driving, pay-in-full).

SR-22 Insurance in Wisconsin

Wisconsin requires some drivers to file an SR-22 certificate as proof of financial responsibility. An SR-22 is not a special type of insurance—it’s a filing your insurer submits to the state to prove you carry at least the required liability coverage.

If you need help finding affordable coverage with an SR-22 requirement, start here: is it possible to find cheap SR-22 insurance?

Insurers usually charge a filing fee for the paperwork, and you’ll need to keep coverage continuous for a set period. Ask the company what its fee is before you buy, because it is not set by the state. Learn more about timing here: how long does an SR-22 last?

Important: SR-22 requirements depend on the reason for your suspension/revocation and your reinstatement order. If you’re unsure, check your Wisconsin DMV notice or call your insurer before you reinstate.

FAQs on Car Insurance in Wisconsin

What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Required in Wisconsin?

Bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, property damage liability of $10,000 per accident, and uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Wisconsin law sets those uninsured motorist figures as a floor, so a policy sold here cannot go below them. All four figures come from the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Wisconsin?

Yes, at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and for bodily injury only. It pays for injuries if you’re hit by an uninsured driver or, depending on your policy terms, in some hit-and-run situations. Underinsured motorist coverage is a different thing and Wisconsin does not require it, though your insurer has to offer it.

What Happens If I Drive Without Insurance in Wisconsin?

Driving uninsured is illegal in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin DMV lists a fine of up to $500 for operating without insurance, up to $10 for failing to show proof of insurance when it is requested, and up to $5,000 for fraudulent proof of insurance.

Is Full Coverage Required in Wisconsin?

No. Wisconsin law requires liability and UM coverage, but it does not require collision and comprehensive. However, if you finance or lease your vehicle, the lender will usually require collision and comprehensive coverage.

Is an SR-22 Required After an OWI/DUI in Wisconsin?

Sometimes. SR-22 requirements depend on the reason for your suspension or revocation and what your Wisconsin DMV reinstatement order requires. If you need an SR-22, your insurer files it with the state to prove you carry the required coverage.

How Can a Teen or Young Driver Get Cheaper Insurance in Wisconsin?

Common strategies include staying on a parent’s policy when eligible, earning good student discounts, choosing a safe and affordable vehicle, taking approved driver training, and comparing quotes from multiple insurers every renewal.

Do Wisconsin Insurers Use Credit to Set Rates?

Many insurers use a credit-based insurance score as one factor when pricing policies in Wisconsin. If credit is increasing your quotes, it can help to shop more companies, avoid coverage lapses, and maximize discounts you can control (mileage, bundling, pay-in-full, safe driving programs).

Conclusion: How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in Wisconsin

To find the best auto insurance in Wisconsin, compare quotes from multiple insurers, pick coverage limits that protect you (not just the minimum), and stack every discount you qualify for.

Wisconsin costs less than the national average, but your premium still depends heavily on your ZIP code, driving history, vehicle, and coverage choices. My advice is to put one Wisconsin-only company and one national carrier side by side at the same limits before you renew. Two of the regional names that used to be on lists like this one have stopped writing personal auto, so it is worth confirming a company still sells in Wisconsin before you spend time on the quote.

Sources

Checked October 5, 2026

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