Updated March 2026
State Requirements
Wisconsin requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Drivers convicted of DUI, driving without insurance, or accumulating excessive violations must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the Wisconsin DMV. The state does not require uninsured motorist coverage, but high-risk drivers often add it to protect against gaps in coverage by other drivers. Wisconsin uses a point system where 12 points in 12 months triggers license suspension and SR-22 filing.
Cost Overview
High-risk auto insurance in Wisconsin costs significantly more than standard policies due to violation surcharges, SR-22 filing requirements, and placement with non-standard carriers. A driver with a DUI pays approximately 2–3 times the standard rate, while multiple violations or at-fault accidents can push premiums even higher. Rates vary widely by violation type, time since incident, age, location, and whether you maintain continuous coverage during the SR-22 period.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation: DUI/OWI adds 150–250% to premiums; license suspension adds 80–150%; at-fault accidents add 40–100%
- Time since violation: rates decrease 10–20% annually after 3 years with clean driving
- SR-22 filing requirement: adds $15–$35 filing fee plus carrier surcharges for high-risk placement
- Location: Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay average 15–25% higher rates than rural Wisconsin counties due to accident frequency and theft rates
- Age and gender: drivers under 25 with violations pay 30–50% more than drivers over 25 with identical records
- Continuous coverage: a lapse of 30+ days during SR-22 period can increase rates 20–40% when reinstating
Compare Auto Insurance Rates in Wisconsin
Coverage Options
Find Your City in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Driver License Reinstatement Requirements
- Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles - SR-22 Certificate of Insurance
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance - Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
- Insurance Research Council - Uninsured Motorists, 2022 Edition