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Last Updated on January 1, 2026
Wisconsin is typically one of the more affordable states for auto insurance. Depending on the study and the coverage level, Wisconsin often lands in (or near) the top 10 cheapest states for average full coverage premiums.
That said, “cheap” is relative. Recent industry estimates generally put the average cost of full coverage in Wisconsin around $1,900–$2,000 per year, while minimum coverage often falls around $400–$500 per year. Your exact price can be much higher (or lower) based 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 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.
Pekin Insurance is a regional carrier known for competitive pricing in the Midwest and a more “local” insurance experience than many national brands.
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.
Rockford Mutual is another Midwest-based carrier that can be a solid option for Wisconsin drivers who like working with local agents and want competitive regional pricing.
Secura Insurance is based in Wisconsin and has a long history in the region. Many drivers like Secura for its community presence and agent-based support.
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?
USAA is consistently one of the best values in the country—if you’re eligible. Coverage is generally available to military members, veterans, and qualifying family members.
See eligibility and cost details here: USAA auto insurance policy cost.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau can be a strong option—especially for members—often performing well for rural drivers and households with multiple insurance needs.
Hastings Mutual is a regional insurer that can be competitive in Wisconsin, particularly for drivers who prefer an agent-led buying experience and stable pricing.
Erie Insurance is frequently recognized for strong customer service and claims satisfaction. It may not always be the cheapest, but many drivers consider it a good value for the experience.
Western National is a long-running mutual insurer with a strong footprint in parts of the Midwest. It can be especially appealing for drivers who value stability and local agent relationships.
Depending on your ZIP code and driver profile, you may also want quotes from American Family (Wisconsin-based), Progressive, Travelers, Allstate, and Nationwide. These companies are widely available and can be especially competitive for certain driver types.
You must have car insurance to drive in Wisconsin. At a minimum, drivers must carry minimum liability insurance limits plus required uninsured motorist coverage.
Wisconsin’s required minimums include:
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.
You may also see (and be offered) optional coverages like underinsured motorist (UIM), medical payments coverage, rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, and gap insurance.
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—you can face penalties, including:
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.
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).
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.
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.
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:
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).
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?
Most insurers charge a small filing fee (often around $15–$50), and you’ll usually need to maintain continuous coverage for a set period. 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.
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 is often a lower-cost state for car insurance—but your premium still depends heavily on your ZIP code, driving history, vehicle, and coverage choices. A quick comparison shopping session can pay off every six months.