Auto Insurance

Wisconsin law requires minimum liability limits of 25/50/10 — $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 property damage — plus uninsured motorist (UM) coverage matching your liability limits. These minimums are a legal floor, not a recommendation. A single at-fault accident can easily exceed these limits, leaving you personally responsible for the balance. Brad typically recommends 100/300/100 or higher for adequate protection.

The average annual cost of full coverage auto insurance in Wisconsin is approximately $1,902/year ($158/month) in 2026 — below the national average. Minimum coverage averages around $430/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, vehicle, ZIP code, age, and coverage level. Wisconsin drivers with a DUI on record pay roughly 105% more than clean-record drivers. Bundling auto with homeowners can save 10–25%. Brad shops multiple carriers to find the best rate for your situation.

Yes. Wisconsin requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at limits equal to your liability limits. This protects you if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. You can stack UM/UIM coverage in Wisconsin — meaning if you have multiple vehicles on your policy, your coverage multiplies, giving you significantly higher protection per accident. Brad can explain how stacking works and whether it makes sense for your household.

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident involving another vehicle or object (like a guardrail), regardless of fault. Comprehensive coverage covers non-collision losses: theft, vandalism, fire, hail, hitting a deer, flood, and falling objects. Both are optional under Wisconsin law but required by most lenders and leasing companies. If your car is paid off and its value is low, dropping one or both may save money — Brad can help you run the numbers.

Driving without insurance in Wisconsin is illegal and carries serious penalties: fines up to $500 for a first offense, license and registration suspension, and required SR-22 filing to reinstate driving privileges. You also remain personally liable for any damages you cause. Wisconsin operates a real-time Insurance Verification System (IVS) that cross-checks registration with insurance databases. Getting caught — even at a routine traffic stop — can trigger suspension. A low-cost liability policy from Brad is far cheaper than the consequences.

Yes — Wisconsin is a stacking state. If you have multiple vehicles insured under the same policy, you can stack your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage limits, multiplying them by the number of vehicles. For example, with 100/300 UM limits and three vehicles, your effective UM coverage becomes 300/900. Stacking significantly increases your protection against underinsured drivers at relatively low additional cost. Some policies require you to explicitly elect stacking — Brad will make sure your policy is structured correctly.

The Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan (WAIP) is an assigned risk pool for drivers who cannot obtain standard auto insurance due to their driving history. If you've been declined by multiple carriers, WAIP guarantees coverage — though at significantly higher premiums than the standard market. Not everyone who thinks they need WAIP actually does; many high-risk drivers can still find coverage in the voluntary market. Brad works with carriers who specialize in non-standard risks and can often find more affordable alternatives to WAIP.

Wisconsin has no specific law prohibiting insurers from raising rates after a not-at-fault accident, though many carriers have their own policies against surcharging for them. At-fault accidents typically increase premiums 20–50% and remain on your record for 3–5 years depending on the carrier. If your rate increases significantly after an accident, Brad can shop your policy across multiple carriers — sometimes switching saves more than your current discount. He can also review whether adding accident forgiveness makes sense going forward.

Yes — bundling auto and homeowners (or renters) insurance with the same carrier typically saves 10–25% on both policies. Wisconsin drivers who bundle average $200–$400 in annual savings. Beyond the discount, a single insurer means one agent, one renewal date, and a single point of contact for claims. Not every carrier offers the best price on both products, so Brad evaluates bundle deals alongside standalone options to confirm bundling actually saves you money in your specific case.

Common auto insurance discounts in Wisconsin include: multi-car discount (insuring 2+ vehicles), good driver discount (no accidents or violations for 3–5 years), good student discount (full-time students with B average or better), defensive driving course, pay-in-full discount, paperless/auto-pay discount, telematics/usage-based programs (like Snapshot or DriveEasy that track driving behavior), and loyalty discounts. Not all discounts apply to all carriers. Brad compares total net cost — premium minus all applicable discounts — across carriers.

It depends on your policy. If you carry rental reimbursement coverage (an optional add-on), your insurer will pay for a rental while your car is being repaired after a covered claim — typically $30–$50/day up to a limit. Your liability and collision/comprehensive coverage may also extend to rental cars temporarily, meaning you may not need the rental company's insurance. However, coverage varies by carrier and situation. Brad can review your current policy and explain exactly what's covered before your next rental.

A DUI conviction in Wisconsin will significantly impact your auto insurance: premiums typically increase 80–125% and the DUI can affect your rates for 5–10 years depending on the carrier. You will also be required to file an SR-22 certificate with the Wisconsin DMV — a form your insurer files to verify you carry the required coverage. Some standard carriers will non-renew your policy after a DUI; others specialize in high-risk drivers. Brad can find carriers willing to write SR-22 policies at competitive rates.

After an accident in Wisconsin: (1) Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. (2) Move to safety if possible. (3) Exchange information — name, license, insurance card, and plate number with all drivers involved. (4) Document the scene — photos of all vehicles, damage, positions, and any road conditions. (5) File a Wisconsin Motorist Accident Report (MV4002) if anyone is injured or property damage exceeds $1,000 — within 10 days. (6) Notify your insurer promptly. Brad's number is (920) 251-4969 — he can guide you through the claims process.