Cheap Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers in Wisconsin
USAA has the cheapest liability car insurance in Wisconsin, with an average rate of $29 per month.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
4.7 / 518K reviews
)
Writer: Marc WojnoFinance Writer
Writer: Marc WojnoFinance Writer
Marc Wojno is a seasoned financial editor and writer across a variety of print and digital platforms including newswires, newsletters, magazines and online news sites. Marc has worked as Senior Editor for such nationally recognized media organizations as Bankrate, CNET Money and ZDNet, where he wrote and edited breaking news articles and features on such topics as banking, blockchain, credit cards, cryptocurrency, fintech, home equity, investing and taxes. Marc was Senior Associate Editor and Research Editor for The Kiplinger Washington Editors (publishers of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine) in addition to contributing to U.S. News & World Report and writing for Dow Jones.
Marc has been featured as a personal finance expert in numerous local print, radio and television outlets throughout the country, including in such major markets as New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. He received both his BA in radio and television communication and computer science, and his MBA in international business and information systems, from The George Washington University. He’s also a member, and former Board of Governor, of The National Press Club, and Treasurer of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of Washington, D.C., which raises scholarship money for aspiring young journalists.
A film and music aficionado, Marc can be found around town enjoying concerts and plays and hosting pub quizzes.
)
Editor: MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Copy Editor
Editor: MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Copy Editor
Qualifications:
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.
)
Reviewer: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Reviewer: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Qualifications:
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Updated
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
What is low-income car insurance in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin doesn’t have a state-sponsored car insurance program for low-income drivers. But drivers in the Badger State can still save money on their car insurance. Comparing quotes, looking for discounts, and opting for minimum coverage can help you lower your monthly costs.
Minimum liability coverage is usually the cheapest option in Wisconsin. It includes bodily injury liability and property damage liability to cover injuries and damage you cause to others, as well as uninsured motorist insurance.[1]
Full-coverage car insurance is usually more expensive than liability-only coverage. But it includes collision and comprehensive coverage to help pay for damage to your vehicle caused by accidents, weather, or vandalism.
Wisconsin also offers the Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan (WAIP) for high-risk drivers who can’t get insurance in the private market.[2]
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Wisconsin
Compare quotes, starting at an average of $29/mo.
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 18,162 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin
The cheapest liability car insurance in Wisconsin is from USAA, with an average rate of $29 per month.
The average liability-only car insurance policy costs $57 per month in Wisconsin. That’s considerably lower than the national average of $99 per month.
Average car insurance costs in Wisconsin vary depending on where you live. Drivers in cities like Milwaukee, Madison, and Kenosha typically pay more for coverage. These cities have high rates of traffic, vehicle theft, and accidents, which increase costs.
Smaller Wisconsin cities and rural areas have fewer claims and lighter traffic. So drivers in these cities usually pay cheaper rates.
The following table shows the cheapest average liability rates from Wisconsin car insurance companies.
The below rates in Wisconsin are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:28 AM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|
| USAA | $29 |
| Auto-Owners | $30 |
| State Farm | $30 |
| Certainly | $40 |
| Erie | $40 |
| American Family | $43 |
| GEICO | $44 |
| First Chicago | $46 |
| Chubb | $49 |
| Progressive | $51 |
| GAINSCO | $57 |
| Safeco | $57 |
| Allstate | $58 |
| Farmers | $58 |
| Direct Auto | $59 |
| The General | $63 |
| National General | $67 |
| Dairyland | $70 |
| Bristol West | $71 |
| Liberty Mutual | $71 |
| Travelers | $76 |
| Root | $91 |
| State Auto | $113 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Wisconsin car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Wisconsin may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with poor credit in Wisconsin
USAA offers the cheapest coverage for Wisconsin drivers with poor credit, at an average of $36 per month.
In Wisconsin, insurers can consider your credit when setting rates. But it can’t be the sole factor in denying coverage or canceling a policy.[3] Insurers consider drivers with poor credit to be riskier drivers and charge them more for coverage. That’s why improving your credit can help reduce your insurance costs.[4]
The following table shows the cheapest average liability quotes for Wisconsin drivers by credit history.
The below rates in Wisconsin are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:28 AM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Liability Quote: Poor Credit | Average Liability Quote: Good Credit |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $36 | $28 |
| State Farm | $44 | $29 |
| Auto-Owners | $45 | $29 |
| Certainly | $50 | $39 |
| GEICO | $52 | $43 |
| American Family | $52 | $42 |
| First Chicago | $58 | $45 |
| Erie | $59 | $38 |
| Progressive | $64 | $50 |
| Farmers | $68 | $57 |
| GAINSCO | $71 | $55 |
| Safeco | $71 | $55 |
| Allstate | $73 | $56 |
| Direct Auto | $73 | $57 |
| The General | $78 | $61 |
| Chubb | $78 | $47 |
| National General | $83 | $65 |
| Liberty Mutual | $85 | $69 |
| Dairyland | $87 | $67 |
| Bristol West | $88 | $69 |
| Travelers | $90 | $73 |
| Root | $113 | $88 |
| State Auto | $142 | $109 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Wisconsin car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Wisconsin may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Important Information
Wisconsin doesn’t allow insurance companies to use your credit history as the sole reason to refuse coverage or cancel a policy in its first 60 days of coverage. Companies also can’t use it as the only reason for non-renewal of an existing policy.[5]
Car insurance options for low-income drivers in Wisconsin
The best way to find affordable car insurance in Wisconsin is to get quotes from multiple insurers. Comparing rates can help you find the lowest price for your coverage. You can also check if you qualify for any discounts. Many insurers offer savings for safe driving and bundling your policies.
If you don’t regularly drive long distances, consider usage-based insurance (UBI). With UBI, you usually pay a base rate and then a per-mile charge. It could save you money over a traditional policy if you don’t drive often.
Wisconsin doesn’t have state-sponsored low-income insurance. But the state does have the Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan (WAIP) for high-risk drivers. The WAIP ensures that everyone has access to necessary insurance, including drivers who can’t find coverage because of their driving record or an SR-22 requirement.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes
Get personalized quotes from Wisconsin’s top insurers and save money today
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 18,162 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Minimum car insurance requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability insurance. Here’s what you need to drive legally in the Badger State:
Bodily injury liability: You need $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident to help pay for injuries or death you cause to others in an accident. It doesn’t cover you or your passengers.
Property damage liability: You need $25,000 per accident to help pay to repair or replace another driver’s vehicle. It doesn’t cover any damage to your car.
Uninsured motorist: Uninsured motorist coverage helps cover injuries if an uninsured driver hits you.
Choosing minimum coverage may lower your car insurance costs. But it might not be enough coverage in a serious accident. Wisconsin is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who causes an accident must pay for the other driver’s injuries and damages. You’d have to pay any amount exceeding your policy limits out of pocket.
For more financial protection, you can choose higher liability limits or full-coverage insurance. Full coverage typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to pay for damage to your vehicle. But full coverage usually costs more than liability-only insurance.
The table below shows the minimum coverage requirements for Wisconsin.
Coverage | Minimum Requirement | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident | Injury or death you cause to another driver |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 per accident | Damage to someone else’s vehicle or property |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury | $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident | Injuries caused by an uninsured driver |
What affects car insurance rates in Wisconsin?
Many factors affect car insurance costs in Wisconsin.
Accident-related injuries and deaths in Wisconsin happen more in rural areas than in cities. From 2021–2024, rural Wisconsin recorded 50% more deaths from traffic injuries than more urban areas.[6] That can increase rates in some areas, but cities still tend to have more collisions overall. So you’ll usually pay higher rates in Milwaukee than in Waukesha, for example.
Wisconsin weather also contributes to higher insurance premiums. Hail, windstorms, and tornadoes can drive up the cost of claims. More costly and frequent claims can increase rates for entire regions, even if you haven’t filed a claim yourself.[7]
Vehicle theft is a significant problem in Wisconsin’s urban areas. The state had nearly 19,000 motor vehicle thefts in 2023, with more than 6,000 thefts reported in Milwaukee County.[8] Increased theft rates can lead insurers to raise premiums, especially in places like Milwaukee and Racine.
About 16% of drivers are uninsured in Wisconsin.[9] That’s slightly higher than the national average, which can increase rates.
Low-income car insurance in Wisconsin FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about low-income car insurance in Wisconsin.
How can you get car insurance after companies deny coverage in Wisconsin?
If insurers have denied you coverage, you may qualify for the Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan (WAIP). The WAIP provides auto insurance to high-risk drivers who can’t find a policy on the private market. Keep in mind that high-risk drivers typically pay more for car insurance.
Can insurers use credit history to price car insurance in Wisconsin?
Yes. Insurers can use your credit history to price car insurance in Wisconsin. But they can’t use your credit as the sole reason to deny or cancel a policy. Wisconsin drivers with poor credit pay an average of $114 per month for car insurance. But drivers with good credit pay an average of $89.
What is the best insurance for low-income drivers?
Low-income Wisconsin drivers may want to opt for a minimum-coverage policy. USAA offers the cheapest liability insurance in Wisconsin, with an average rate of $29 per month. You can also save money by checking for discounts. Increasing your deductible can lower your monthly premium, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
What happens if you get caught driving without car insurance in Wisconsin?
If law enforcement catches you driving without insurance in Wisconsin, you can face fines of up to $500. Providing fraudulent proof of insurance can result in a fine of up to $5,000. Wisconsin requires all drivers to have liability coverage of at least 25/50/25.
Sources
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. "Frequently Asked Questions - Automobile Insurance."
- Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan. "Plan Overview."
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. "The Use of Credit Information in the Underwriting Process for Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance."
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. "Understanding How Insurance Companies Use Credit Information."
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. "Frequently Asked Questions – Automobile Insurance."
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services. "Motor Vehicle Traffic Injury Among Urban and Rural Wisconsin Residents."
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. "Fact Sheet on Insurance Premiums."
- Wisconsin Department of Justice. "UCR Offenses Data."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Related articles
)
Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in Wisconsin
High-risk drivers in Wisconsin face average car insurance premiums of $68 per month for minimum coverage.
)
DUI Car Insurance in Wisconsin
Drivers in Wisconsin with an OWI pay an average of $115 per month for car insurance.
)
Average Car Insurance Cost in Wisconsin
Drivers in Wisconsin pay an average monthly rate of $91 for car insurance.
)
Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Wisconsin From $36
With monthly liability rates averaging $36, USAA is the cheapest company in Wisconsin for SR-22 insurance.
)
Car Insurance Requirements in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, drivers must carry bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.
)
Best Car Insurance in Wisconsin
State Farm, Erie, and American Family are a few of the best car insurance companies in Wisconsin based on their average premiums, customer satisfaction, discounts, and other factors.
)
Cheap Full-Coverage Car Insurance in Wisconsin
Wisconsin drivers can find the cheapest full-coverage car insurance from USAA, with an average rate of $55 per month.
Cheapest Liability Car Insurance in Wisconsin
Wisconsin drivers can find the cheapest liability-only car insurance from USAA, with an average rate of $29 per month.
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Wisconsin
USAA offers some of the cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin, with an average rate of $29 per month. Get an instant quote now and buy a car insurance policy online in minutes with our team of agents.
)
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Kenosha, Wisconsin
Kenosha drivers may find the cheapest liability car insurance through USAA, which has rates as low as $34 per month.
)
Cheap Auto Insurance in Madison, Wisconsin
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Madison, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $28 per month.
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Milwaukee (November 2026)
USAA is the best option for cheap Milwaukee car insurance, with an average rate of $44 per month. Milwaukee has more auto thefts than other Wisconsin cities, which drives up insurance prices.
Writer: Marc WojnoFinance Writer
Writer: Marc WojnoFinance Writer
Marc Wojno is a seasoned financial editor and writer across a variety of print and digital platforms including newswires, newsletters, magazines and online news sites. Marc has worked as Senior Editor for such nationally recognized media organizations as Bankrate, CNET Money and ZDNet, where he wrote and edited breaking news articles and features on such topics as banking, blockchain, credit cards, cryptocurrency, fintech, home equity, investing and taxes. Marc was Senior Associate Editor and Research Editor for The Kiplinger Washington Editors (publishers of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine) in addition to contributing to U.S. News & World Report and writing for Dow Jones.
Marc has been featured as a personal finance expert in numerous local print, radio and television outlets throughout the country, including in such major markets as New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. He received both his BA in radio and television communication and computer science, and his MBA in international business and information systems, from The George Washington University. He’s also a member, and former Board of Governor, of The National Press Club, and Treasurer of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of Washington, D.C., which raises scholarship money for aspiring young journalists.
A film and music aficionado, Marc can be found around town enjoying concerts and plays and hosting pub quizzes.
Editor: MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Copy Editor
Editor: MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Copy Editor
Qualifications:
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.
Reviewer: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Reviewer: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Qualifications:
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.