Driving Without Insurance in Wisconsin

If you are a licensed driver in Wisconsin, then you probably already know that having car insurance is a requirement from the state to be able to drive legally.

In addition to being a state requirement in Wisconsin, your lender or the car dealership from which you are leasing a car may have more auto insurance requirements for you to follow.

If you are searching for auto insurance in Wisconsin, enter your zip code above to compare rates!

Auto Insurance Laws and Requirements in Wisconsin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV7uSTGAgec

– Why You Need Auto Insurance

Auto insurance protects you if you are involved in an auto accident. Rather than having to use your personal assets to cover any damage that you may cause, your auto insurance policy ensures that your insurance provider will pay for a claim against you.

– Minimum Requirements for Coverage in Wisconsin

There are certain minimum requirements for auto insurance in Wisconsin in regards to the limits of your auto liability policy. This policy is what pays for any damage that you cause to another person or vehicle, but it does not cover damage that is sustained by your car.

In Wisconsin, you are required to carry at least $10,000 of coverage for property damage, $25,000 for accidents involving the injury or death of one person and $50,000 for accidents involving the injury or death of more than one person.

Of course, these are only the minimum levels of coverage, and it is recommended that you shop around for a policy with higher levels of coverage just to be safe.

– Will the police know if I’m driving uninsured?

If you are wondering how the state tracks whether you are following the laws for the minimum coverage amounts, the answer is that you are required to carry proof of insurance.

This is a card issued by your insurance provider that shows your insurance coverage is current and that you have met all of the minimum requirements for car insurance in Wisconsin.

What happens if you are caught driving without insurance?

– Legal Fines

Wisconsin imposes a fine of up to $500 for failure to maintain the required auto insurance. Also in Wisconsin, if you are caught at a traffic stop or accident driving without being able to produce proof of auto insurance at the scene, then you could receive a fine up to $10.

– Suspended License

In addition, you may even have your driver’s license suspended for failure to maintain auto insurance.

Your auto insurer will be required to file an SR-22 financial responsibility form in order to have your license reinstated. This is an expensive and time-consuming process that you should avoid at all costs. The SR-22 will have to be maintained for a minimum of three years.

– Uninsured Drivers in Wisconsin

Even though car insurance coverage is mandatory, there are still plenty of uninsured drivers in Wisconsin.

If you happen to be involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in Wisconsin, there are official forms that you can send to the Wisconsin DMV. Make sure to ask for proof of insurance right away from any other drivers in an auto accident.

The Effects of Driving Without Auto Insurance in Wisconsin

– Your Driving Record

Aside from any of the legal consequences, you will have to deal with in being caught without the mandatory auto insurance coverage; you will also have to contend with a blemished driving record.

– Higher Insurance Premiums

Auto insurance companies will be able to see that you did not maintain insurance as required and can use this as a reason to charge you more for your auto insurance premiums.

You may even have to explore high-risk insurance policies because you will no longer be an ideal candidate for auto insurance coverage. These policies are much more expensive than standard auto insurance policies.

Never Allow Your Policy to Lapse

The best way to make sure that you do not find yourself in this unpleasant situation without auto insurance coverage is to make sure that your policy does not lapse.

A lapse in auto insurance coverage means that you are without valid coverage and are not protected in the event of an auto accident.

The typical scenario for a lapse in auto insurance coverage involves missing a premium payment and not contacting the auto insurance company to make up for the missed payment and get coverage reinstated.

Also, if you consistently make late payments for your insurance premiums, then your insurance company may decide to cancel or not to renew your auto insurance policy.

Another way that your auto insurance coverage can lapse is if you plan to switch auto insurance providers.

If you cancel your previous policy too soon before your new coverage goes into effect, then you could be left with an unintentional lapse in insurance coverage.

To make sure that you do not have a lapse in policy, ensure that your new policy begins the day that you sign up and make your first premium payment.

Switching Car Insurance Providers in Wisconsin

Shopping for car insurance has never been easier thanks to the option to get it done online.

There are many important considerations in choosing the right insurance policy and provider for you and your family. It is crucial that you look into more than only the price that you are being offered for the policy.

Treat your insurance as a way to protect your assets that you have worked hard to build.

One of the many benefits to shopping for car insurance online is that you can get multiple quotes at once from different insurance providers. You can be sure that you are paying the lowest rate possible.

Ensure that each company is licensed to do business in your state.

To get started shopping for insurance, you will need to answer some basic questions about your car, home address, and personal details. This allows the insurance company to get you a quote on what you can expect to pay for insurance.

Your premium will also depend on the type of policy you choose and your policy limits.

Why You Should Never Drive Without Insurance

It is never a good idea to drive your car without the proper insurance coverage. You are putting yourself and all that you have worked to build at stake.

Getting car insurance coverage is easy and can be done online with some basic personal information. In addition to meeting the state minimums, you will want to consider any additional coverage that your family may need to protect your assets in the event of an accident.

Enter your zip code below to find car insurance rates in Wisconsin that work for you!