Wisconsin, a state in the upper midwestern United States, is the 25th-largest state by total area and the 20th-most populous.
Referred to as ‘America’s Dairyland’, Wisconsin is one of the nation’s leading dairy producers and is particularly famous for its cheese.
Wisconsin’s roads are among the nation’s best, so driving through the state should be a pleasure.
The Wisconsin highway system is 11,800 miles long and includes five ‘mainline’ interstate routes. The roads rank highly and are well maintained.
When you are driving on the roads in Wisconsin, you must have minimum liability car insurance, at the very least.
Key Point: Minimum Auto Liability Coverage Auto liability coverage is a type of insurance that helps to pay for any damage you may cause to property or the injury/death of a third party while driving. Each U.S. state has different minimum liability requirements, but there are always three essential elements that are included:
The minimum auto liability insurance requirements in Wisconsin are:
Every driver in Wisconsin will need to meet these minimum liability requirements. Drivers failing to meet these state minimum requirements can be fined or their licenses may be suspended. |
If you are found guilty of certain traffic violations, your license may be revoked.
To have your license reinstated if it gets suspended or revoked, you may need to obtain SR-22 car insurance.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about SR-22 car insurance in Wisconsin, as well as how to choose the best car insurance company for your needs.
What Is SR-22 Car Insurance and Why Do You Need It?
SR-22 car insurance is not actually insurance coverage. It’s an official form that drivers who’ve committed serious driving violations need to carry with them at all times.
An SR-22 form proves that a high-risk driver has taken on the financial responsibility of meeting the state’s minimum auto liability insurance coverage requirements.
There are several traffic misdemeanors that are serious enough to result in the revoking of your license.
To reinstate your license after it has been revoked, Wisconsin, like many other states, requires you to obtain SR-22 insurance coverage.
This is because SR-22 insurance proves to the state that you are following their insurance laws and can legally drive on their roads.
If you haven’t been ordered to carry SR-22 insurance and don’t have a revoked or suspended driver’s license, then you don’t need to carry an SR-22 certificate.
Key Point: Minimum Auto Liability Insurance versus SR-22 Insurance The difference between SR-22 and regular insurance is that SR-22 insurance is for high-risk drivers convicted of major moving violations, while regular insurance is for anyone who drives a car. |
Who Needs SR-22 Insurance and How Long Do They Need It For?
In Wisconsin, you will need SR-22 insurance if you commit one of the following serious traffic offenses:
- Driving without insurance or with a suspended license.
- Causing a serious at-fault accident.
- Failing to pay maintenance as ordered by a legal judgment.
- DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol).
- Refusing to take a breathalyzer test at the scene of a DUI stop.
Depending on how serious your traffic violation is, you may need SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin for up to three years.
Minor offenses are traffic violations that most drivers commit at some stage in their driving career.
If you have committed a minor offense, which is otherwise known as a common traffic violation, you generally won’t need SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin.
Minor offenses include the following:
- A speeding ticket.
- Stop sign and traffic light tickets.
- Distracted driving tickets (using a cellular phone).
- Driving without a driver’s license in your possession.
- Failure to signal direction while driving.
A comprehensive list of traffic violations, including misdemeanors, is available on Wisconsin’s government website.
Wisconsin’s Driver License Point System
If you drive recklessly and gather enough points against your record, your driving license could be suspended.
If this happens, you will require an SR-22 as proof that you have taken on the financial responsibility of complying with minimum auto liability insurance coverage.
- When you are convicted of certain traffic violations, you receive demerit points that are applied to your driving record.
- When you accumulate 12 or more demerit points within a 12-month period, your driving privilege is suspended.
- You may reduce your total by three points by attending an approved traffic safety course.
- If you’ve already been suspended for accumulating too many points, and if your total is 12, 13, or 14 points, your suspension may be lifted after taking the course. Only one reduction is allowed in a three-year period.
How Do You Get SR-22 Insurance in Wisconsin?
You must obtain an SR-22 certificate through an auto insurance company licensed to do business in Wisconsin and then file it with the state’s DMV.
You can get SR-22 insurance by requesting it from your insurer or by starting a new policy with a different insurance company.
Your insurer will submit the SR-22 certificate to the Wisconsin Department of Safety (DOS).
This will prove to them that you have car insurance that can cover another driver’s injuries or damages if you happen to be at fault during an accident.
Generally, insurance companies will charge a fee of around $25 to submit the SR-22 certificate to the DOS on your behalf.
How much does it cost?
It should cost you no more than $50 to get an SR-22 certificate in Wisconsin. The average fee is between $15 and $35.
What Types of SR-22 Insurance Are There in Wisconsin?
When you apply for SR-22 insurance, you will need to specify the exact type of SR-22 insurance you need, depending on your circumstances.
There are three different types of SR-22 forms:
Non-owner SR-22 insurance
If you drive a car you do not own, you will need to file for non-owner car insurance. This is for drivers who:
- Don’t plan to own a car.
- Don’t share a household with someone who owns a car.
- Still want to drive on occasion (e.g., a rental or borrowing a friend’s car).
Owner SR-22 insurance
Owner SR-22 insurance is for Wisconsin drivers who:
- Already own a car or plan to buy one.
- Share a household with someone who does own a car.
- Want to reinstate their driver’s license.
Owner/operator SR-22 insurance
If more than one car is registered in your name or you need to drive cars you do not own as part of your job, you will need to carry owner/operator SR-22 insurance.
Where Can You Get the Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance in Wisconsin?
It’s important to note that not all car insurance companies are willing to insure people who they consider to be high-risk drivers (people needing an SR-22 certificate).
Generally, car insurance companies that are prepared to offer car insurance to someone needing an SR-22 certificate will charge higher car insurance premiums.
Let’s take a look at a few of the cheapest SR-22 car insurance rates in Wisconsin.
According to our research, Progressive provides the cheapest SR-22 car insurance in Wisconsin, with average monthly premiums of just $204.92.
Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance in Wisconsin
| Provider | Milwaukee County | Dane County | Waukesha County | Brown County | Racine County | Average |
| Dairyland | $345.53 | $207.10 | $218.00 | $165.68 | $236.53 | $234.57 |
| Bristol West | $839.30 | $477.42 | $513.39 | $400.03 | $577.70 | $561.57 |
| The General | $860.01 | $554.81 | $559.17 | $487.51 | – | $615.38 |
| Progressive | – | – | – | – | $204.92 | $204.92 |
How Does an SR-22 Impact Your Insurance in Wisconsin?
We’ve looked at the auto insurance rates offered by various insurers for low-risk drivers, to compare them to the rates they offer to drivers who have been convicted of driving-related offenses.
The following table lists how much drivers with a clean driving record can expect to pay for auto insurance in Wisconsin:
Cheapest Car Insurance for Good Drivers with Clean Driving Records in Wisconsin
| Provider | Milwaukee County | Dane County | Waukesha County | Brown County | Racine County | Average |
| Progressive | $149.00 | $135.00 | $154.00 | $122.00 | $160.00 | $144.00 |
| Novo | $152.00 | $109.00 | $115.00 | $94.00 | $140.00 | $122.00 |
| Liberty Mutual | $227.00 | $139.00 | $167.00 | $133.00 | $194.00 | $172.00 |
| State Auto | $219.00 | $164.00 | $160.00 | $146.00 | $172.00 | $172.20 |
| Dairyland | $253.00 | $141.00 | $153.00 | $115.00 | $168.00 | $166.00 |
| Bristol West | $509.00 | $283.00 | $324.00 | $250.00 | $364.00 | $346.00 |
As a good driver, you will find the best deal with Novo car insurance company which charges just $122.00 per month on average across Wisconsin.
Cheap Auto Insurance for Bad Drivers in Wisconsin with a DUI or Traffic Ticket
| Provider | Milwaukee County | Dane County | Waukesha County | Brown County | Racine County | Average |
| The General | $344.71 | $223.30 | $227.64 | $195.12 | $228.72 | $244.00 |
| Dairyland | $43.63 | $205.96 | $216.80 | $164.77 | $235.23 | $173.00 |
| Bristol West | $766.39 | $436.85 | $469.37 | $365.31 | $527.91 | $513.00 |
As a high-risk driver, the best rate is currently with Dairyland, where you will pay an average of $173.00 for your SR-22 car insurance per month in Wisconsin.
To get the best, cheapest car insurance, simply head to the top of this page and enter your zip code. We’ll deliver a wide range of cheap SR-22 car insurance quotes for you to choose from.
Why Is My Car Insurance Premium So High?
The average insurance rates you will pay for your auto insurance premium are directly influenced by a number of factors.
Your driving record: If you have had an accident or committed a driving violation, it’s likely that you will pay more than someone with a completely clean driving record.
How much you use your car: The more miles you drive, the greater your chances are of having accidents, and so your premium will increase accordingly.
Your location: Due to higher rates of vandalism, theft, and accidents, drivers in urban areas pay more than those living in small towns and rural areas.
Your age: Mature drivers tend to have fewer accidents than younger ones, which means that their insurance may be cheaper.
Your gender: Statistically, women get into fewer accidents than men and have fewer traffic violations overall, so women often pay less for auto insurance.
The car you drive: The value of your car is a key factor in determining the cost to insure it. Any enhancements will attract a higher fee, as will the popularity of the vehicle for theft.
Your claims history: How often you have claimed from insurance will impact your insurance rates. This can drive up your auto insurance premiums.
At the end of the day, we all pay different insurance rates. The information we have provided in this article is a guide so that you can see which is generally the most affordable insurer in a number of counties within your state.
How Can I Save Money on SR-22 Insurance in Wisconsin?
Although you will end up paying higher rates for an SR-22 car insurance policy in Wisconsin, you can still save money. Here’s how:
- Consider usage-based auto insurance: If you don’t drive very often, it’s a good idea to opt for insurance that charges you based on how many miles you drive per month.
- Raise your deductibles: An auto insurance deductible is what you pay out-of-pocket on a claim. After you’ve paid the deductible amount, your insurer will cover the remaining cost to repair or replace your vehicle—up to your policy’s limits. If you raise your deductible, your insurer will likely reduce your premiums.
- Bundle your auto insurance with other policies: Opt for top insurance companies who can offer you great prices on your other insurance needs as well, and go with one company. Ask each insurer whether bundling your insurance in this way will allow you to qualify for a discount.
- Pay your premium in full instead of monthly payments: Enjoy a percentage discount when you pay your annual insurance premium in full instead of monthly.
Apart from SR-22 Car Insurance in Wisconsin, What Other Insurance Is Good to Have?
If you are involved in a car accident, the total costs for repairs and medical care tend to be more than the insurance provided with minimum liability coverage.
Some of the common options for additional coverage include:
Collision and comprehensive insurance. If you get into a car accident, or your vehicle is in any way damaged, collision and comprehensive insurance will settle the repair costs to your car.
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM). If someone crashes into you and they don’t have auto insurance, uninsured motorist coverage will pay for your medical expenses.
If you have your car on lease or loan, you will most likely need collision and comprehensive coverage in Wisconsin.
FAQs about SR-22 Car Insurance in Wisconsin.
To help you find cheap SR-22 car insurance in Wisconsin, we’ve rounded up the most frequently asked questions.
When is SR-22 insurance required in Wisconsin?
Not every driver in Wisconsin needs to carry SR-22 insurance.
An SR-22 certificate is only necessary if you are convicted of a major traffic violation or are mandated to carry it by a court.
You may need SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin for the following reasons:
- Conviction for driving under the influence (DUI or DWI).
- Driving without auto insurance.
- Driving with a revoked or suspended license.
- Committing repeated traffic violations in a certain amount of time, including running red lights and speeding tickets.
- Numerous at-fault accidents.
- A fatal at-fault accident or one that results in injuries.
- Reckless or dangerous driving.
- Assignment from a court order.
- Failure to pay fines from tickets.
- Refused consent to a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, on average, drivers pay an average of $404 per year for SR-22 insurance, which is higher compared to standard car insurance rates.
These averages stem from typical insurance rates following a DWI (or DUI) conviction, which is one of the most common reasons for an SR-22 filing requirement.
The cost of SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin depends on the circumstances surrounding your conviction and what insurance company you are with.
You should also keep in mind that SR-22 filings come with a fee.
Your insurance provider can charge anywhere from $15 and $50 to electronically file an SR-22. This is on top of the fines and fees the state of Wisconsin requires after driving violations.
Do I need personal injury protection in Wisconsin?
Personal injury protection (PIP) is a feature of auto insurance that covers the medical expenses related to a car accident.
PIP is not required or even available in Wisconsin. Instead of PIP insurance, Wisconsin car insurance companies offer medical payments insurance, which helps with hospital bills resulting from a car accident.
How do I get an SR-22 certificate in Wisconsin?
Your insurance provider must file an SR-22 form for you; however, as a high-risk client, they may be unwilling to do this and you’ll need to find another insurer.
How much more do I need to pay for SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin compared to standard insurance?
In general, SR-22 insurance policies are more expensive than normal auto insurance coverage, since an SR-22 certificate is typically required following serious driving violations such as a DUI or repeat traffic offenses.
Insurers view drivers who commit such violations as an increased risk to insure.
Who has the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin?
According to our research, Novo offers the best option for cheap car insurance in Wisconsin.
How long do Wisconsin drivers need SR-22 car insurance?
The minimum required time for SR-22 insurance is three years for drivers convicted of a serious traffic offense. This period may even be increased, depending on the severity of the offense in question.
Get Cheap SR-22 Car Insurance Coverage for Your Vehicle Today with CheapInsurance.com
At CheapInsurance.com, we recommend that you compare as many insurance quotes as possible, regardless of the type of insurance coverage you need.
But getting the best insurance for your car can be hard work. Fortunately, we are here to help you find the car insurance coverage you need—at the best possible price.
All you need to do is head to the top of this page, enter your zip code, and answer a few short questions about your driving habits, requirements, and history. We will then provide you with a wide selection of insurance quotes to choose from.
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