Wisconsin operates under an at-fault insurance system, with rules upheld as firmly as the Capitol pillars in Madison, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is liable for damages. As of January 1, 2025, the state mandates all drivers carry liability insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum required coverage.
- ✅ Minimum 25/50/10 liability coverage
- ✅ Uninsured motorist coverage required
- ✅ Carry proof of insurance in your vehicle
- ✅ Driving uninsured may require SR-22 filing
Wisconsin’s Required Auto Insurance Explained
As of 2025, Wisconsin requires the following auto liability minimums:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $10,000 per accident
This is often referred to as 25/50/10 coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Wisconsin
Wisconsin law requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) bodily injury coverage:
- UM Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
This protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance.
Optional Coverage Options
While not required, many Wisconsin drivers choose additional coverage for stronger financial protection. Here’s how optional coverage can help locally:
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Wisconsin has a high rate of underinsured drivers. UIM pays if the other driver’s limits aren’t enough to cover your injuries.
- Medical Payments (MedPay): Covers medical bills for you and your passengers regardless of fault. Helpful given Wisconsin’s rising healthcare costs.
- Collision Coverage: Pays to repair your vehicle if you cause a crash — common in icy winter conditions across the state.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against theft, hail damage, and deer collisions — Wisconsin ranks high for deer-related accidents.
- Rental Reimbursement: Helps pay for a rental car while yours is repaired after a covered loss.
- Roadside Assistance: Provides towing, battery jumps, and lockout services — valuable during Wisconsin’s harsh winters.
Why it matters in Wisconsin: Between snowy roads, deer collisions, and uninsured drivers, optional coverages often save Wisconsin drivers from paying thousands out-of-pocket after an accident.
Can You Drive Without Insurance in Wisconsin?
If you’re caught driving without valid insurance in Wisconsin, you could face:
- A fine of up to $500
- Suspension of your license and registration
- SR-22 requirement to reinstate driving privileges
The state uses electronic verification to monitor active policies — coverage gaps can be flagged quickly.
Forms Allowed for Proof of Insurance in Wisconsin
Wisconsin law requires drivers to carry proof of insurance and provide it:
- During traffic stops
- After an accident
- Upon request by DMV
Proof is not required when registering a vehicle, but coverage must be in place.
Real-World Example
A Green Bay driver is pulled over for speeding. The officer requests proof of insurance. The driver shows a valid card, but the state system shows a lapse in coverage. The vehicle registration is suspended until proof of continuous coverage and an SR-22 is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wisconsin Car Insurance
What are Wisconsin’s minimum car insurance requirements?
At least $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 in property damage liability. You also need uninsured motorist coverage.
Does Wisconsin verify insurance electronically?
Yes. Wisconsin uses a real-time system to verify active insurance policies, which law enforcement can access during stops.
Do I need proof of insurance to register a car?
No, but you must maintain insurance and provide proof when requested.
What happens if I drive without insurance?
You may face a $500 fine, license suspension, and be required to file an SR-22 form.
Does insurance cover deer collisions in Wisconsin?
Yes. Deer crashes are common in Wisconsin, but they are only covered if you carry comprehensive coverage. Liability alone will not pay for vehicle damage caused by hitting a deer.
Official Wisconsin Resources