All drivers must have motor vehicle liability insurance. Wisconsin drivers must have a current auto insurance policy or, in limited situations, another guarantee that could be a bond, personal funds, or a self-insurance certificate. You can easily get a quote from major companies such as State Farm, Geico, Westfield, IN Farm Bureau and Erie Insurance online or over the phone, or use WalletHub's comparison tools to find the best auto insurance policy for your needs. In at-fault states, the other driver is usually responsible for damage to their car and for any medical treatment they may need, assuming that the other driver is found completely at fault.
In addition to having car insurance, Wisconsin also requires proof of that insurance during a police stop. Penalties for uninsured driving in Wisconsin include fines and the suspension of the license and registration. Both the other driver and their insurance company can sue you and garnish your future wages and savings to pay for damages. You can also demonstrate your financial responsibility by maintaining minimal car insurance with no gaps in coverage.
While Wisconsin's minimum car insurance requirements are predefined, they're not meant to be a limit on the amount of coverage you can or should get. For insurance companies, it's similar to having a bad driving record, which is why drivers who let their insurance expire for 60 days pay approximately 7% more than the average premium in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, full coverage refers to a policy that includes collision and all-risk coverage, in addition to coverage limits higher than those required by state law. If you have insurance but can't prove it when you're stopped or are at the scene of an accident, you're guilty of an “administrative offense,” similar to a fine for a seatbelt.
The best auto insurance companies in Wisconsin balance affordability with quality coverage and strong customer service. Underinsured motorist coverage applies to personal injuries caused by an improperly insured driver. Driving without insurance doesn't completely deny the other driver's fault, but you'll almost certainly be penalized and you won't be able to recover everything you would be entitled to if you had insurance. If your vehicle is financed, you may need other types of car insurance that aren't required by Wisconsin law.
Buying Wisconsin minimum liability auto insurance coverage is the easiest way to meet the financial responsibility requirement. Even if the accident isn't your fault, driving without insurance leaves you vulnerable to expensive hospital bills and repairs.
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