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. SR-22 certificate filing is required for specific high-risk violations including DUI, reckless driving, accumulating excessive points, or driving uninsured, and typically remains in effect for 3 years. Most standard point violations from speeding tickets or at-fault accidents do not trigger SR-22 requirements, but will affect insurance rates. Wisconsin uses a point system where 12 points in 12 months results in license suspension.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Wisconsin?
Insurance rates after a violation in Wisconsin depend on the type and severity of the offense, your driving history before the violation, and which carriers are willing to write your profile. A single speeding ticket (3–4 points) typically raises rates $40–$80/mo, while major violations like DUI or reckless driving can increase premiums $150–$300/mo or more, with SR-22 drivers often paying $200–$400/mo for liability-only coverage.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type and point value — DUI adds $150–$300/mo, speeding tickets add $40–$100/mo depending on mph over limit
- SR-22 filing requirement — adds $100–$250/mo in premium increases beyond the $15–$35 filing fee
- Number of active points on license — Wisconsin's 12-point suspension threshold makes multiple violations especially expensive
- Time since violation — rates begin to decrease after 3 years as points expire and violations age off
- Carrier type — non-standard insurers may charge higher base rates but accept violations standard carriers will not
- Coverage level selected — full coverage costs significantly more than liability-only but protects vehicle equity
Compare rates from carriers that work with drivers who have points
Standard carriers surcharge heavily after violations. These specialists price your specific record differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. Wisconsin's 25/50/10 minimums are rarely enough to cover serious accidents — a single ER visit can exceed $25,000.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, and comprehensive to protect both your liability exposure and your vehicle's value. Mandatory if you have a car loan or lease, advisable for vehicles worth over $5,000.
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Wisconsin DOT proving continuous coverage. Required for 3 years after DUI, reckless driving, uninsured operation, or license suspension.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies from carriers specializing in high-risk drivers with violations, points, DUI, or SR-22 requirements. Often the only option after standard carriers decline or quote unaffordable rates.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient limits. Optional in Wisconsin but covers a significant gap.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an at-fault accident, regardless of who caused the crash. Subject to your chosen deductible, typically $500–$1,000.
