Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in Wisconsin (2024)

If you have multiple violations or points on your license, it can be harder to find affordable car insurance in Wisconsin as a high-risk driver.

Angela Brown
Written byAngela Brown
Angela Brown
Angela Brown
  • 17+ years in insurance and personal finance writing

  • In-depth knowledge of home and real estate topics

Angela is an insurance and personal finance expert who uses her experience to create content that helps readers understand important and complex topics.

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Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • 3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content

  • Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

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Updated March 25, 2024

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Cheapest recent rates in Wisconsin

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $22/mo for liability only and $42/mo for full coverage in Wisconsin.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from Wisconsin within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 25, 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 March 25, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from Wisconsin within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 25, 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 March 25, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Insurers may consider high-risk drivers as more likely to be in a traffic accident or incident. Numerous factors, including age, where you live, and driving history, all affect whether an insurer considers you a high-risk driver.[1]

High-risk drivers may have difficulty getting affordable insurance because insurers may be more reluctant to offer coverage to them.

Quick Facts
  • High-risk drivers in Wisconsin pay between $50 and $500 a month on average for car insurance.

  • Wisconsin uses a point system. Drivers who accumulate 12 or more points in a 12-month period face a license suspension.[2]

  • Some high-risk drivers may have to file an SR-22 certificate with the state.

Factors that determine high-risk status in Wisconsin

Insurers in Wisconsin use several factors to determine if you’re a high-risk driver. They also look at how often you make claims on your policy. To avoid rate increases, you should avoid making claims for minor damages you can cover out of pocket. While the weight of each element varies, and each insurer has unique metrics for determining rates, these are the most common factors that insurance companies consider before offering coverage:

  • Traffic violations and tickets: Wisconsin uses a point system for driving records. Traffic violations and tickets add points to your driving record. Your license will be suspended if you get more than 12 points in a 12-month period.[2] Insurance companies can look at your driving record when deciding your rate. If you have multiple incidents, you’ll likely pay a higher premium.[1]

  • Accidents and claims: In addition to tickets, accidents and claims on your insurance can affect your premiums. Wisconsin is a comparative negligence state. This means that both parties could be partially liable for the accident depending on the percentage of negligence. Parties with a higher percentage of negligence can’t recover damages from the other driver’s insurance.[3]

  • Credit score and financial history: Wisconsin allows insurance companies to examine your credit score when determining whether to offer or renew a policy. You can ask the insurance company if it considers your score and how it uses it to determine your rate. You may need to shop around for rates if your credit score is low.[4]

  • Age and driving experience: Insurance companies also consider age and driving experience. Wisconsin has a graduated driver’s license law that restricts teens from driving late at night and limits the number of passengers a teen driver can have.[5] Teen drivers are likely to have higher premiums since insurers consider them riskier due to their lack of driving experience.

  • Vehicle type and usage: The type of vehicle you drive and how often you drive can affect your insurance rates. Choose a car with high safety ratings and extra safety features to reduce your insurance rate.[1]

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Best Wisconsin auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers by violation

Insurance companies will consider the type of violation on your record when offering you a rate for coverage. More serious infractions are likely to increase your rates.[6]

Best car insurance for Wisconsin high-risk drivers with an at-fault accident

Comparing rates from multiple insurance companies can help you gauge which option best fits your budget and needs. For example, State Farm offers lower average rates for high-risk drivers than Bristol West, but your rates can differ based on your age, vehicle, area, and more.

Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Quote: Full CoverageInsurify Quality Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
State Farm$824.4
Auto-Owners$854.1
USAA$864.5
Erie$1124.4
GEICO$1204.3
American Family$1304.3
Farmers$1753.8
Liberty Mutual$2073.8
Allstate$2624.1
Direct Auto$2633.2
The General$2713.4
Bristol West$3342.2
State Auto$3413.8
Dairyland$363N/A
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.
  • Insurify uses an in-house, proprietary method to rate and review the best car insurance companies. The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 crucial criteria, including average premiums, customer satisfaction, discounts, third-party ratings, and more, to calculate a final score for a company.

    Criteria are weighted by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings. With the IQ Score, Insurify is able to provide quantitative ratings for drivers to better compare car insurance companies and make informed decisions to meet their coverage needs.

Best car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Wisconsin with an OWI

Being convicted of operating while intoxicated or impaired (OWI) in Wisconsin can result in a fine of $150 to $300 for the first offense and more penalties for subsequent offenses.[7] Companies like Direct Auto and Bristol West, which specialize in insuring high-risk drivers, offer much higher average liability-only rates, at $175 and $279 a month, respectively.

If you have an OWI on your record, the cheapest average rates are with USAA, State Farm, and Auto-Owners, if these companies will extend coverage.

Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Quote: Liability OnlyAverage Monthly Quote: Full CoverageInsurify Quality Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
USAA$69$1064.5
State Farm$76$1174.4
Auto-Owners$76$1164.1
Erie$92$1404.4
GEICO$98$1504.3
American Family$104$1594.3
State Auto$127$4303.8
Safeco$131$2593.8
Farmers$141$2163.8
Midvale Home & Auto$173$2813.2
Progressive$175$3604.1
National General$179$2733.5
Allstate$202$3104.1
Clearcover$203$2732.9
Nationwide$227$2534.1
The General$243$4303.4
Liberty Mutual$247$3883.8
Dairyland$251$577N/A
Direct Auto$275$3643.2
Bristol West$279$5552.2
ForemostN/A$3423.3
CertainlyN/A$223N/A
KemperN/A$2232.8
TravelersNA$2054.3
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

If you have speeding tickets, you might be worried about your rates going up. But you can land some reasonable rates by comparing multiple companies. If you have a speeding ticket on your record, you may pay anywhere between $63 and $434 a month on average.

Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Quote: Full CoverageInsurify Quality Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
State Farm$634.4
Auto-Owners$664.1
USAA$674.5
Erie$874.4
GEICO$934.3
American Family$1014.3
Farmers$1363.8
Safeco$1583.8
Midvale Home & Auto$1843.2
Clearcover$1882.9
Allstate$2034.1
Liberty Mutual$2133.8
State Auto$2653.8
Direct Auto$2953.2
The General$3113.4
Dairyland$372N/A
Bristol West$4342.2
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.

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Cheapest Wisconsin car insurance companies for high-risk drivers with poor credit

Your credit score affects more than just your ability to take out a loan. Employers, landlords, and insurance companies can use your credit score or credit history to decide your potential future with them. Insurance companies use data from your credit report to create an insurance score. This score tells them how likely you are to file a claim.[8]

Wisconsin laws don’t allow companies to deny coverage based only on your insurance score, but they can base your rates on the number.[9]

Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Quote
National General$92
Dairyland$118
Clearcover$133
The General$137
Bristol West$142
Liberty Mutual$153
Direct Auto$155
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.

How to find affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers in Wisconsin

If you’re a high-risk driver, you may face some challenges finding an affordable policy. Fortunately, you can implement some strategies that can help you save money when it’s time to purchase or renew an auto policy:

  • Find an independent insurance agent. Instead of approaching companies directly, consider working with an insurance broker. Brokers typically work with multiple insurance companies on behalf of the client. They have access to rates and terms from various companies and can help you save time by providing several options that fit your needs.

  • Bundle home and auto policies. If you’re renting or need to pay for homeowners insurance, consider bundling your policies. Most insurance companies offer a discount for purchasing both policies with their company.

  • Look for discounts elsewhere. Check with your employer or professional organization to see if you qualify for additional discounts. Student drivers may be eligible for a reduced rate if they maintain a certain grade point average.

  • Compare rates from multiple insurers. When you buy a house or a car, you look at several different options before making a decision. You should do the same when paying for auto insurance. Comparing rates between at least three different insurers can help you find the best option and save money.

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How to improve your driving record and lower your car insurance rates in Wisconsin

If you’re a high-risk driver, you can lower your risk in a few ways:

  • Take a defensive driving course. Wisconsin allows drivers to remove up to three points from their driving record if they complete a traffic safety course. Drivers who exceed the allotted 12 points in a 12-month period may be able to remove their suspension if they complete the course. Additionally, insurance companies may offer discounts for drivers who take these classes voluntarily.[2]

  • Improve your credit score. Insurance companies may view you as more responsible and less risky when you raise your credit score. A better credit score often equates to lower insurance rates. You can increase your credit score by lowering your credit card balances and paying your bills on time every month.[10]

  • Practice safe driving habits. It takes time for your driving record to improve. You can ensure you qualify for lower rates in the future by following safe driving habits and avoiding future traffic violations.

Wisconsin high-risk drivers insurance FAQs

You may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of finding affordable insurance with a spotty driving record, but you have options. Check out these answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about driving in Wisconsin. You can also read Insurify’s guides on SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin and how points on your license affect insurance rates.

  • Which driver is considered high-risk in Wisconsin?

    Drivers are high-risk when they’re more likely to file a claim. High-risk drivers include drivers between the ages of 16 and 19, drivers with a history of traffic violations, and drivers with poor credit.

  • How do auto insurance companies calculate risk in Wisconsin?

    Insurance companies consider several factors when calculating a driver’s risk in Wisconsin. Common characteristics include age, gender, driving history, credit score, and vehicle type.

  • What is the cheapest insurance company for Wisconsin high-risk drivers?

    Insurance costs for high-risk drivers in Wisconsin vary based on numerous factors, including where you live and your driving history. You can find the best price by comparing rates from multiple companies.[1]

  • How much does high-risk auto insurance cost in Wisconsin?

    The cost of high-risk auto insurance in Wisconsin varies widely. As a high-risk driver, you can expect to pay between $67 and $500 per month, depending on the policy type and the company you choose.

  • How long does reckless driving affect insurance in Wisconsin?

    Reckless driving is a crime in Wisconsin, with fines as high as $4,000 and up to six years in prison. Reckless driving stays on your driving record for five years.[11]

Sources

  1. III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?." Accessed May 16, 2023
  2. Wisconsin Department of Transportation. "Wisconsin's point system." Accessed May 16, 2023
  3. Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. "Frequently Asked Questions – Automobile Insurance." Accessed May 16, 2023
  4. Experian. "Which States Prohibit or Restrict the Use of Credit-Based Insurance Scores?." Accessed May 16, 2023
  5. Wisconsin Department of Transportation. "GDL/teen risk." Accessed May 16, 2023
  6. III. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?." Accessed May 16, 2023
  7. Wisconsin Department of Transportation. "OWI And Related Alcohol and Drug Offense Penalties (As of October, 1, 2020)." Accessed May 16, 2023
  8. NAIC. "Credit-Based Insurance Scores." Accessed May 16, 2023
  9. Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. "Understanding How Insurance Companies Use Credit Information." Accessed May 16, 2023
  10. III. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs." Accessed May 16, 2023
  11. State of Wisconsin Legislature. "2023 Assembly Bill 55." Accessed May 16, 2023
Angela Brown
Angela Brown

Angela Brown is a freelance writer with 17 years of professional writing and editing experience.
She specializes in finance, real estate, and insurance content. Angela uses her experience to
create easy-to-understand content that helps consumers understand tough topics better. When
she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and planning vacations.

Courtney Mikulski
Edited byCourtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • 3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content

  • Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

Featured in

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