Wisconsin Auto Insurance

Wisconsin uses a Tort insurance system. Should you be found at fault in a car accident, you and your insurance company are responsible for all damages, including — should there be the case — the medical expenses of any injured passengers.

Minimum Liability Requirements in Wisconsin

As of April 2026, Wisconsin requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10 — at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability per injured person, up to $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 in property damage liability. The state also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, as well as medical payments coverage.

Source: CarInsurance.com, "US State Minimum Liability Car Insurance Requirements," updated April 15, 2026.

Average Car Insurance Premiums in Wisconsin

Drivers in Wisconsin pay an average of $2,329 a year for full-coverage car insurance — 20% below the national average of $2,922 a year.

Source: Experian, "Car Insurance Average Costs by State," published September 9, 2026.

Use of cellphones when driving

The Wisconsin Senate is considering several laws regarding the use of handheld devices while operating a vehicle. The only ban in place as of now is the one on texting and all text-based communication while driving a car.

Teenage driving regulations

Wisconsin uses the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system for aspiring drivers of at least 15 and a half years old. Teen drivers have to face several restrictions:

• they may not drive unattended; a licensed driver (parent, legal guardian or driving instructor) must be seated in the passenger’s seat at all times;
• they may not transport underage passengers, unless they are immediate family members; they may not transport more than one passenger;
• they may not drive between midnight and 5 am, unless on their way to/from school or work;
• everyone in the car must wear seatbelts at all times.

Penalties for driving uninsured in Wisconsin

First-time offenders will be fined $500. Upon subsequent offenses, you will be fined up to $1,500 and may have your license suspended for up to 90 days. Even though the state of Wisconsin allows drivers to carry alternatives to traditional insurance, once you are caught without one you will be required to buy at least the minimum Liability coverage.

AutoInsuranceQuery editorial team. Last reviewed: September 16, 2026.