No one wants to pay more for car insurance than necessary, but you could end up paying top dollar if you choose the wrong policy or insurer. On the other hand, you could face devastating financial losses or a major liability if you opt for a cut-rate policy with bare bones coverage. At Henricks-Wilging Insurance, we know you want quality just as much as you want affordability. We help you sort through your options to find insurance solutions that reduce your upfront costs, as well as your financial responsibility after an accident. As an independent agency, we take the guess work out of comparison shopping, merging your coverage needs and preferences with your budget.
Wisconsin Car Insurance Coverage
Drivers in Wisconsin must maintain an active auto insurance policy that holds up to the requirements of the Wisconsin Financial Responsibility Law. This translates to at least $10,000 in property damage liability, $25,000 in individual bodily injury liability, and $50,000 in total bodily injury liability coverage per accident. However, these starter coverages and amounts are often too little to cover your actual needs after an accident. Generally, most drivers need much higher limits to cover third-party liabilities, as well as additional coverage types to protect their vehicles and the people inside them.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin minimum auto insurance requirements are designed to provide a small level of protection in the event you damage someone else’s property, or you cause harm to another person. In Wisconsin, drivers need a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and $10,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability Coverage.
What is the best deductible?
The best deductible is what you can afford to pay out of pocket when you file an auto insurance claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa. A higher deductible means your accepting a more significant portion of the risk yourself. It is best not to take on more risk than you can afford.
What is “full coverage?”
There is no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is a term that is used to suggest you have chosen protection that goes beyond the minimum coverage required by your State. It typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, personal injury protection or medical payment coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
You can save money on your car insurance by avoiding moving violations, crashes, DUIs, and other incidents. By having a clean driving record, you may also qualify for a safe driver discount. Students may qualify for good student and student-away-at-school discounts. Your vehicle’s anti-theft devices and safety features may also provide more discounts. Paid-in-full, multi-car, and prior carrier discounts are also common.
How long does an auto accident affect my insurance?
A crash won’t impact your car insurance premiums forever. After about three to five years, your rates should recover. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the type of accident as well as the company you are insured with.
Is buying direct cheaper than buying through an agent?
Buying direct is not always cheaper than buying through an agent. You might think that cutting out the middleman would result in cheaper car insurance rates, but when it comes to insurance, this isn’t the case. In fact, an independent agent, one that represents many insurance companies, can often save you money.
What is the best auto insurance company?
The best auto insurance company differs per individual. No insurance company is objectively the best. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best customer service, the broadest coverage, or the lowest rates? Or maybe you have unique coverage or underwriting needs? An agent can help you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the right policy for your situation.
What is the best or cheapest auto insurance rate?
The best or cheapest auto insurance rate can be found by comparison shopping. Compare premiums as well as differences in coverage. An independent insurance agent can help. They can provide options from multiple carriers, along with the expert guidance you need to make a smart choice.
How do I switch to a new auto insurance company?
You can switch to a new auto insurance company at any time, but to avoid overpaying or violating state law, you do need to watch out for a couple of things. Car insurance policies are often sold for coverage periods of six months or one year. In some cases, you may be charged a fee if you decide to cancel your insurance policy early. You may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the premium. You also want to make sure you have continuous coverage to avoid a coverage gap.
Your Wisconsin insurance policy may include:
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
These mandatory coverages are a part of every Wisconsin car insurance policy. They always include at least the minimum coverage amounts, although many drivers opt for higher limits than required. Although claims against this coverage are used to pay for third-party damages, such as medical bills and property damage repairs, it ultimately helps you save, too. If a victim sues you for injury and property-damage related losses, your liability coverage can help pay for your legal fees and court costs, as well as out-of-court settlements or the judgments against you for damages. If you have enough liability insurance, these costs may be covered in full. If not, you could face wage garnishment and liquidation of assets to help settle the debt.
Collision and Comprehensive Damages
Accidents happen. Could you afford to pay thousands of dollars to repair your vehicle after a collision? What about the cost to replace your hood after a frozen tree limb falls on your car? Collision and comprehensive coverages provide compensation for physical damages to your vehicle. The first – collision – helps pay for repairs when you damage your car in an accident or rollover. The other – comprehensive – pays for repairs when your vehicle is damaged by other circumstances, such as inclement weather, vandalism, or wildlife. Physical damages coverage is not required by law, but your lender may require it if you have a lien against the title of your car.
Claims against collision and comprehensive coverage are typically subject to a deductible, and compensation is usually limited to the value of your vehicle at the time of the accident. However, some insurers offer enhanced replacement coverage options for certain eligible vehicles.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
When at-fault drivers purchase only the minimum coverage required by the state, it leaves them financially unprepared to pay the full extent of damages for your injuries and those of your passengers. Worse, you may receive no compensation at all if the driver is uninsured or you are injured in a hit-and-run accident. Uninsured motorist insurance can help pay for your losses after an accident, and underinsured motorist insurance can help pay for excess damages the exceed the available coverage through an at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
Medical Payments
Get the medical care you need after an accident without worrying about the financial repercussions. Medical payments coverage helps pay necessary medical expenses for you and your passengers when you are injured in a vehicle-related accident of virtually any kind, regardless of who is at-fault for the injuries. Most medical payments limits are capped at no more than a few thousand dollars, but this is often enough to cover initial medical bills, such as a health insurance deductible. Furthermore, you can still pursue an at-fault driver for compensation of damages even if you file an initial claim against your own medical payments coverage.
Roadside Assistance and Towing
Roadside emergencies should not leave you with a financial burden. Many insurers offer coverage for 24-hour roadside assistance, which could save you a few hundred dollars for towing charges, lockout services, fuel delivery, or help changing your flat tire.
Rental Car Coverage
Many Wisconsin drivers rely on their cars for daily responsibilities, such as commuting to work or taking children to school. If your car is being repaired after an accident or you are waiting on a settlement check from the insurance company to replace your total vehicle, your car insurance may reimburse you for all or part of your rental car fees.
Elkhorn Auto Insurance Quotes
Auto insurance does not have to be complicated or expensive when you work with a local, independent agent. Whether you are a one-vehicle household or have multiple cars to insure, we can help you maximize the value of your policy without sacrificing the quality of your benefits. We can also look for potential discounts that could reduce the cost of your coverage. Savings may be available to drivers who:
- Insure multiple vehicles on a single policy
- Purchase home and auto insurance from the same carrier
- Maintain a clean driving record
- Have no history of insurance claims
- Enroll in a defensive driving course
- Have a student driver who maintains high grade averages
- Enroll in automatic billing/payment
- And more
To find out more about Wisconsin auto insurance options or to request your free quote, contact Henricks-Wilging Insurance today.
