Auto Insurance Requirements in Wisconsin
Like most states in the U.S., Wisconsin has strict rules requiring insurance coverage for all licensed vehicles. These laws ensure that everybody has fair and proper financial responsibility and liability coverage in case of an accident.
Minimum Insurance Coverage in Wisconsin
By law, you must have, at a minimum, liability insurance on your vehicle in order to drive in the state of Wisconsin. Liability insurance refers to the coverage you can provide for other parties involved in an accident, and falls under two categories: property damage and personal injury.
In the state of Wisconsin, the minimum requirements for liability insurance are quite low:
- $10,000 for property damage
- $25,000 for injury and death of one person
- $50,000 for injury and death of more than one person
Note that this only covers compensation for the other party if you are at fault – if you’d like coverage of your personal repairs or hospital bills, you’ll need to sign up for comprehensive or collision insurance as well.
What About Proof of Insurance?
In Wisconsin, you’ll have to provide proof of insurance in certain driving-related situations. Unlike other states, proof of insurance is not mandatory when applying for your Wisconsin drivers license or registering a vehicle – if the DMV needs it, they’ll let you know.
Otherwise, you’ll have to provide proof of insurance in the following cases:
- If it’s a requirement before your license is reinstated following a suspension or revocation
- When you’re involved in an accident with another vehicle
- When you’ve been stopped by law enforcement
Consequences for Not Having Insurance
Not fulfilling these auto insurance requirements isn’t cheap – the fines and fees can make your wallet hurt. Fines include:
- Up to $500 for operating a motor vehicle without insurance
- Up to $10 for failing to show proof of insurance at a traffic stop or accident
- Up to $5000 for displaying proof of insurance that is later found to be fraudulent
They may also be other fines and penalties associated with not having auto insurance, such as license suspensions or even revocation.
