Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in Wisconsin (2024)
High-risk drivers in Wisconsin face average car insurance premiums of $87 per month for minimum coverage.
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Written byErin Gobler
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5+ years of finance writing experience
Certificate of financial planning from Boston University
Erin is a personal finance writer and journalist with work featured in major publications. Her writing explores investing, credit cards, mortgages, insurance, and more.
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Edited bySara Getman
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga and crocheting.
Updated November 20, 2024
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Table of contents
Insurance companies use many characteristics to classify someone as a high-risk driver. Factors include a poor driving record, bad credit, age, and even the type of car you drive or the area you live in. If you’ve previously filed a claim or given your insurer any reason to believe you’re more likely to file a claim, it may consider you a high-risk driver.
High-risk drivers generally pay higher insurance premiums than other drivers. You may even have trouble getting an insurance policy in general.
Despite this, high-risk drivers must have insurance in Wisconsin. Shopping around for the best policy, comparing rates, and taking steps to reduce your risk level is the best way to secure affordable coverage.
Quick Facts
High-risk drivers in Wisconsin pay an average of $141 per month, compared to drivers with a clean record, who pay $104 per month for coverage.
Wisconsin law requires drivers with a DUI on their record to have an SR-22 certificate.[1]
Wisconsin uses a point system in which every driving infraction applies a certain amount of points to your license.[2]
Best Wisconsin auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers, by violation
While no technical definition of a high-risk driver exists, an insurance company may classify you as high risk if it believes it’s taking on extra risk by insuring you. High-risk drivers can include people with violations on their driving record, drivers with poor credit history, or drivers with limited experience.
High-risk drivers tend to pay more for auto insurance, but the amount they’ll pay can depend on many factors. In general, the more risk factors you have, the higher your insurance premiums will be. Drivers with the fewest risk factors — or none at all — pay the lowest premiums.
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Best car insurance for Wisconsin high-risk drivers with an at-fault accident
If you’re responsible for a car accident in Wisconsin, your insurance premiums will increase. Insurify data shows that an at-fault accident can increase rates by an average of 26%.
Wisconsin drivers with at-fault accidents pay average insurance rates of $214 per month for full coverage and $96 for minimum coverage, according to Insurify data. The table below shows the cheapest insurance companies for someone with an at-fault accident in Wisconsin.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $30 | $58 | 9 |
| Auto-Owners | $32 | $61 | 9 |
| State Farm | $32 | $59 | 9 |
| Erie | $42 | $82 | 9 |
| GEICO | $43 | $80 | 9 |
| American Family | $46 | $87 | 9 |
| Mile Auto | $50 | $79 | 8 |
| Chubb | $53 | $100 | 7 |
| Farmers | $61 | $117 | 8 |
| Nationwide | $63 | $120 | 9 |
| Clearcover | $71 | $116 | 7 |
| Progressive | $74 | $141 | 8 |
| Travelers | $79 | $152 | 9 |
| Dairyland | $89 | $278 | 7 |
| Allstate | $90 | $170 | 9 |
| Safeco | $91 | $145 | 8 |
| GAINSCO | $92 | $361 | 7 |
| Root | $93 | $161 | 8 |
| Bristol West | $101 | $287 | 5 |
| Direct Auto | $115 | $262 | 7 |
| The General | $120 | $278 | 7 |
| National General | $123 | $252 | 7 |
| State Auto | $129 | $245 | 9 |
| Liberty Mutual | $160 | $262 | 8 |
| Foremost | $180 | $470 | 7 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Wisconsin with a DUI
Driving under the influence (DUI) is among the most serious driving offenses. A DUI conviction in Wisconsin usually results in revocation of your driver’s license.[3] Once you can legally drive again, you’ll need an SR-22 certificate and will likely pay more for insurance. Additionally, because a DUI stays on your driving record longer than most violations, it may affect your insurance rates longer.
Drivers with a DUI pay average rates of $109 per month for liability insurance compared to drivers with a clean record, who pay $64 per month for coverage.
You can see the cheapest insurance companies for drivers with DUIs in Wisconsin in the table below.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $37 | $70 | 9 |
| Auto-Owners | $38 | $74 | 9 |
| State Farm | $38 | $72 | 9 |
| Erie | $50 | $97 | 9 |
| GEICO | $52 | $97 | 9 |
| American Family | $55 | $105 | 9 |
| Mile Auto | $59 | $94 | 8 |
| Chubb | $64 | $120 | 7 |
| Farmers | $74 | $142 | 8 |
| Nationwide | $75 | $144 | 9 |
| Clearcover | $80 | $130 | 7 |
| Progressive | $89 | $169 | 8 |
| Root | $94 | $163 | 8 |
| Travelers | $95 | $182 | 9 |
| Safeco | $102 | $165 | 8 |
| Allstate | $109 | $206 | 9 |
| Dairyland | $109 | $339 | 7 |
| GAINSCO | $115 | $455 | 7 |
| Bristol West | $122 | $348 | 5 |
| Direct Auto | $135 | $309 | 7 |
| The General | $142 | $329 | 7 |
| State Auto | $144 | $273 | 9 |
| National General | $149 | $304 | 7 |
| Liberty Mutual | $182 | $298 | 8 |
| Foremost | $204 | $533 | 7 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Best auto insurance for Wisconsin high-risk drivers with speeding tickets
A speeding ticket is another driving violation that can increase your insurance premiums. As with other violations, your rate increase will depend on the severity of the incident and your driving record.
Wisconsin drivers with a speeding ticket have an average liability rate of $96 per month and an average full-coverage rate of $214.
See the table below to learn about the cheapest insurance companies for high-risk drivers with speeding tickets in Wisconsin.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $30 | $56 | 9 |
| Auto-Owners | $31 | $60 | 9 |
| State Farm | $31 | $57 | 9 |
| Erie | $41 | $80 | 9 |
| GEICO | $42 | $78 | 9 |
| American Family | $45 | $85 | 9 |
| Mile Auto | $47 | $76 | 8 |
| Chubb | $52 | $98 | 7 |
| Farmers | $59 | $114 | 8 |
| Nationwide | $61 | $117 | 9 |
| Clearcover | $65 | $106 | 7 |
| Progressive | $71 | $135 | 8 |
| Travelers | $77 | $148 | 9 |
| Allstate | $87 | $166 | 9 |
| Dairyland | $87 | $273 | 7 |
| Safeco | $90 | $145 | 8 |
| Root | $91 | $157 | 8 |
| Bristol West | $99 | $282 | 5 |
| GAINSCO | $100 | $393 | 7 |
| Direct Auto | $109 | $249 | 7 |
| The General | $117 | $270 | 7 |
| National General | $120 | $246 | 7 |
| State Auto | $124 | $236 | 9 |
| Liberty Mutual | $158 | $257 | 8 |
| Foremost | $176 | $461 | 7 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest Wisconsin car insurance companies for high-risk drivers with poor credit
Wisconsin allows insurance companies to use your credit history as a determining factor when setting insurance premiums. Insurers include credit history as a risk factor because they consider drivers with poor credit more likely to file an insurance claim.[4] Drivers with good or excellent credit generally get cheaper insurance rates, while drivers with poor credit pay higher rates.
In Wisconsin, drivers with poor credit history pay an average of $132 per month compared to drivers with an excellent credit history, who pay $97 per month.
The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for high-risk drivers with poor credit in Wisconsin.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $34 | $65 | 9 |
| State Farm | $40 | $75 | 9 |
| Auto-Owners | $42 | $81 | 9 |
| GEICO | $47 | $88 | 9 |
| American Family | $50 | $95 | 9 |
| Mile Auto | $55 | $88 | 8 |
| Erie | $57 | $109 | 9 |
| Farmers | $69 | $133 | 8 |
| Nationwide | $71 | $136 | 9 |
| Chubb | $76 | $143 | 7 |
| Clearcover | $80 | $130 | 7 |
| Progressive | $83 | $158 | 8 |
| Travelers | $90 | $172 | 9 |
| Allstate | $102 | $192 | 9 |
| Dairyland | $102 | $318 | 7 |
| Root | $107 | $185 | 8 |
| Safeco | $108 | $174 | 8 |
| GAINSCO | $113 | $445 | 7 |
| Bristol West | $114 | $326 | 5 |
| Direct Auto | $129 | $295 | 7 |
| The General | $136 | $315 | 7 |
| National General | $139 | $284 | 7 |
| State Auto | $152 | $289 | 9 |
| Liberty Mutual | $171 | $280 | 8 |
| Foremost | $200 | $522 | 7 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest recent rates in Wisconsin for drivers with a traffic citation
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $34/mo for liability only and $42/mo for full coverage in Wisconsin.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from November 20, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from November 20, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Factors that determine high-risk status in Wisconsin
Insurance companies generally consider you a high-risk driver if you have any characteristics that could make you more likely to file a claim. And because of the increased chances of filing a claim, you’ll likely pay higher premiums.
Several key factors indicate a driver’s risk and may classify you as a high-risk driver. Those factors include:
Traffic violations and tickets: Insurance companies view traffic violations or tickets as higher risk. Wisconsin uses a point system in which each violation adds a certain number of points to your driving record. The more points you have, the higher a risk insurers will consider you. Once you reach 12 points, you lose your driving privileges.[2]
Accidents and claims: Previous accidents or insurance claims can contribute to your status as a high-risk driver in Wisconsin. Causing an accident or filing a claim costs your insurance company money and indicates you’re more likely to file a claim again. Even though Wisconsin is a “fault” state — meaning the at-fault driver in an accident is responsible for the damages — you could still see your insurance premiums increase after an accident where you weren’t the responsible party.
Credit and financial history: Insurers use your credit history as an indication of risk as a driver. The lower your credit, the higher your perceived risk. Because credit falls across a broad spectrum, the effect on your insurance premiums may vary.
Age and driving experience: Age is another factor insurance companies consider when assessing a driver’s risk.[5] Younger drivers are more likely to engage in risky driving habits and have fatal accidents. On the other hand, insurers consider older drivers with many years of experience as lower risk.
Vehicle type and usage: It may surprise you to learn that the car you drive can make you a higher or lower-risk driver.[5] Some vehicles may have fewer safety features, be easier to steal, or be more expensive to repair, which can increase your risk as a driver. Your vehicle usage can also affect your premiums since frequent drivers are statistically more likely to have accidents.
How to find affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers in Wisconsin
If you’re a high-risk driver, you can unfortunately expect to pay more for auto insurance, even if those risk factors are outside of your control. But you can do some things to find the most affordable car insurance policy:
Shop for insurance quotes. The most important way to save money on your insurance rates is to shop around for quotes. Insurance premiums vary considerably from one insurance company to the next, even for the same driver. Get quotes from at least three companies to ensure you get the best rate. You can shop around with different insurance companies individually, use an online comparison site, or enlist the help of an independent insurance agent.
Seek out discounts. Even if you’re a high-risk driver, you could still qualify for one or more discounts. Common discounts include driving a safe vehicle, being a good student, or even taking a defensive driving course. Most insurers display a list of their discounts on their website, but speak to an agent to check what you qualify for.
Bundle your policies. Bundling policies is one of the most common insurance discounts. For example, you can save money by bundling your car insurance policy with your homeowners, renters, or life insurance.
Choose the right policy. Build your insurance policy in a way that helps you get the lowest premiums. Consider your coverage types and amounts. While it’s important to have the state-minimum coverage, you can reduce your premiums by lowering certain coverage limits or getting rid of some coverage altogether, like choosing a liability plan over a full-coverage plan. Additionally, you can lower your premiums by increasing your deductible, but be aware that you’re on the hook financially for the deductible amount if you get into an accident.
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How to improve your driving record and lower your car insurance rates in Wisconsin
Besides the immediate steps you can take to lower your insurance premiums, you can also use longer-term strategies to improve your driving record and lower your future rates.
Drive safely. Driving safely truly is the best way to improve your driving record and lower your premiums for the long term. It can help you avoid accidents, speeding tickets, and other violations that can increase your rates. Additionally, many insurers offer savings for safe driving habits, either through a usage-based telematics program or by going a certain number of years violation-free.
Take a defensive driving course. Taking a defensive driving course can have short-term and long-term benefits. Many insurers offer discounts for drivers who take a safety course. Additionally, Wisconsin law allows you to remove points from your driving record when you complete a traffic safety course. This can help you reinstate your license if it’s been suspended from having too many points on your record.[6]
Seek legal help. If you commit a traffic violation that could increase your premiums, consider seeking legal help. Arguing your case in court could help you have certain violations thrown out or reduce the effect on your driving record.
Improve your credit. If insurers consider you a high-risk driver because of your poor credit history, improving your credit can reduce your insurance premiums. Some of the most effective ways to improve your credit are to pay your bills on time and reduce your credit utilization by paying down your revolving debt balances.
Wisconsin high-risk drivers insurance FAQs
If you’re shopping for car insurance as a high-risk driver in Wisconsin, read the following answers to these frequently asked questions.
What makes you a high risk for car insurance in Wisconsin?
Factors your insurance company may use to classify you as a high-risk driver include having violations on your driving record, having previously filed insurance claims, being a young or inexperienced driver, or having poor credit.
How do auto insurance companies calculate risk in Wisconsin?
Each auto insurance company uses its own formula to calculate risk and insurance premiums. While they all rely on the same basic factors, including driving history, age, and credit profile, some insurance companies may weigh certain factors more heavily than others.
What is the cheapest insurance company for Wisconsin high-risk drivers?
USAA, State Farm, and Auto-Owners are the cheapest insurers for Wisconsin drivers with a violation on their record.
How much does high-risk auto insurance cost in Wisconsin?
The price of high-risk insurance in Wisconsin varies depending on your insurance company and each of your risk factors. Monthly rates for high-risk drivers in Wisconsin can range from $28 to $194 per month. The more risk factors you have, the more you’ll generally pay for coverage.
How long does reckless driving affect insurance in Wisconsin?
Because reckless driving is a criminal offense in Wisconsin, it can remain on your driving record for life.[7] But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll adversely affect your car insurance premiums forever. The effect is likely to lessen over time, especially if you maintain a clean record.
Related articles
More cities in Wisconsin
Sources
- State Of Wisconsin Department of Transportation. "SR22 Certificate (proof of insurance/financial responsibility)."
- State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation. "Wisconsin's point system."
- State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation. "First OWI offense."
- Wisconsin Office of The Commissioner of Insurance. "Understanding How Insurance Companies Use Credit Information."
- III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation. "Traffic safety courses."
- Grieve Law. "WISCONSIN TRAFFIC TICKETS what charges can lawyers beat or reduce?."
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Erin Gobler
Erin Gobler is a personal finance writer and journalist based in Madison, Wisconsin. With more than five years of experience, Erin has covered topics such as investing, credit cards, mortgages, insurance, and more. Her work has been featured in major publications like Business Insider, Fox Business, and Time. Erin received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2013, studying journalism and political science. She also received a certificate of financial planning from Boston University in 2022.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga and crocheting.
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