Wisconsin Car Insurance

Drivers in the state of Wisconsin are required to meet specific Wisconsin auto insurance requirements in order to drive legally. Driving without insurance in Wisconsin is against the law, and if a driver is caught without insurance, they may face penalties, as well as be liable for any medical expenses to another driver as well as damages to the other driver's vehicle if they are found to be at fault. There are many different auto insurance plans that are affordable for all budget types, and drivers can compare Wisconsin auto insurance quotes online as well as obtain free Wisconsin car insurance quotes from local providers in order to find a plan that suits their needs.

Requirements

Before June 1, 2010, Wisconsin was one of two states that did not require their drivers to purchase auto insurance. In 2012, every driver is required to be insured in order to drive legally. If a driver is found to be uninsured, they could face a fine up to $500.00, and offering proof of insurance that is fraudulent could lead to a fine of up to $5,000.00. Since June 2010, drivers are also required to show proof of Wisconsin car insurance at accidents or standard traffic stops when it is requested by an officer. With this new law, the liability requirements were also increased.

Property Damage was increased to $15,000.00

Injury or Death of one person was increased to $50,000.00

Injury or Death of more than one person was increased to $100,000.00.

Uninsured Motorist coverage is also required for Wisconsin drivers and the minimum levels are $25,000.00 per person and $50,000 per accident. For Underinsured Motorist coverage, the minimum level is $50,000.00 per person and $100,000.00 per accident. Wisconsin also has a financial responsibility law, which means that insurance carriers are required to have the means necessary in order to pay for damages caused by an unforseen accident.

Typical Wisconsin Auto Insurance Rates

Wisconsin car insurance rates will vary depending on specific factors including age, driving record, and make and model of the automobile. There are cheap auto insurance plans that will help Wisconsin drivers meet the minimum requirements, and it is always a good idea to do some research and compare car insurance rates by reading reviews and learning specific star ratings. Wisconsin auto insurance is currently ranked less expensive than other states, and it ranked 44th in the country. The average spent on insurance is between $ 581.00 and $620.15 per driver- total cost, and it breaks down to an average of $117.00 for Comprehensive coverage, $322.00 fo Liability coverage, and $202.00 for Collision coverage.

Wisconsin Insurance Companies

Amica Mutual Insurance offers various plans, and can assist customers that are on a budget with Wisconsin cheap car insurance policies. They were rated 4.88 out of five stars in financial strength and 5 out of 5 stars in overall service and satisfaction. Allstate, a trusted and popular insurance company, ranked 4.88 out of five stars in financial strength and 4 stars in overall service and satisfaction. It is always a good idea for drivers to compare Wisconsin auto insurance ratings before making their decision. Reading various Wisconsin car insurance ratings and reviews will give the customer an idea of what they will be spending and what type of service to expect.

Seat Belt Usage

Currently, 79 % of Wisconsin drivers and passengers are documented as wearing seatbelts, and the state is 84 % behind in the national average. Consistently wearing a seatbelt prevents severe injuries during accidents, and based on a study conducted by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a 10 percent increase in seatbelt use would save 44 lives and prevent 650 injuries a year. Wisconsin Traffic Crash Facts reports that economic losses cause by injuries, accidents, and deaths totaled costs of around 2 billion dollars.

Roads and Road Conditions

Wisconsin is a state that experiences extreme weather conditions, and road conditions can be dangerous during heavy snow and rain falls. Road work and construction are also a leading cause of accidents, and drivers must use their best judgement and drive as safe as possible in order to avoid accidents. Wisconsin drivers can also purchase snow tires for winter driving, which help drivers avoid accidents due to snow and ice. Drivers can check the day to day road conditions on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's website in order to map their trips accordingly. This site lists specific areas where road construction will be taking place as well as winter road conditions.

Theft

In 2008, Wisconsin reported a yearly amount of 11,539 auto thefts, and the amount dropped to 8,206 in 2009. Wisconsin law enforcement works hard to minimize the amount of auto thefts per year, and the statistics show that their hard work is paying off. Auto theft in Wisconsin can result in either a misdemeanor or a felony charge, depending on the value of the vehicle, as Wisconsin does not differentiate vehicle theft from other types of stolen items or property.

Most Stolen Cars In Wisconsin

Car thieves steal vehicles for various reasons, and many times older cars are more valuable due to the fact that they have specific parts that can be sold and are made from metals that are worth a lot of money in salvage. Using anti-theft devices like car alarms and The Club can help minimize theft, as many times someone that is looking to steal a car will avoid cars that are protected. The top ten most stolen cars in Wisconsin are as follows:

1. 2000 Dodge Caravan

2. 1992 Honda Accord

3. 1994 Plymouth Voyager

4. 1995 Honda Civic

5. 2002 Dodge Intrepid

6. 1994 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

7. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass

8. 1994 Buick Century

9. 2002 Dodge Stratus

10. 1991 Toyota Camry

Finding Reliable Insurance Plans

Wisconsin residents can request a free consultation with the local auto insurance specialist of their choice, and the agent will advise on the best insurance plan to suit their needs. The insurance agent will go over the customer's specific information including age, gender, driving record and vehicle type, and they will come up with auto insurance quotes that will work well for the individual. Customers can also purchase car insurance and compare Wisconsin car insurance quotes online or via telephone.

It is very important for all Wisconsin drivers to be aware of the changing rules and regulations for auto insurance. There are plans that suit all budgets, and there are skilled insurance agents that can assist drivers in obtaining the proper coverage for their vehicles, which will help them avoid costs and legal issues that can occur when a driver is uninsured.

http://oci.wi.gov/wisrules.htm