Auto Insurance — Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Wisconsin at a Glance
25/50/10
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$60
State license reinstatement fee, about 2 days to process
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin operates under a tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages. The state requires proof of insurance at registration and following any violation. Wisconsin does not offer hardship licenses for DUI suspensions — you must complete the full revocation period, but maintaining insurance during that period can prevent coverage gaps that raise rates further after reinstatement.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
What Drivers Pay in Wisconsin
$161–$266/mo
Typical monthly rate in Wisconsin, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Credit-based insurance scores remain legal in Wisconsin and are used by all major carriers — a poor credit score can double a post-DUI rate.
Get Back to a Fair Rate in Wisconsin After a DUI
Get My Wisconsin DUI Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Occupational License (Occupational Operator License)
application fee $50, about 0 days to process.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state acts on a lapse after 0 days.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance while my Wisconsin license is suspended?
Wisconsin does not require you to carry insurance while suspended if you do not own a vehicle, but maintaining continuous coverage prevents rate increases when you reinstate. If you own a vehicle with a loan or lease, your lender requires you to maintain comprehensive and collision regardless of suspension status. Many suspended drivers buy non-owner SR-22 policies to start the three-year SR-22 filing clock before reinstatement, which shortens the total timeline.
How long does Wisconsin require SR-22 filing after a DUI?
Wisconsin requires SR-22 filing for three years after a DUI conviction, measured from the conviction date, not the filing date. The SR-22 period runs concurrently with your license revocation — if you maintain SR-22 during the revocation period, you satisfy part of the requirement before you can legally drive again. If your policy lapses at any point during the three years, the Wisconsin DOT automatically re-suspends your license and the three-year period resets from the date of reinstatement.
Can I get a hardship license in Wisconsin after a DUI?
Wisconsin does not issue hardship or occupational licenses for DUI revocations. You must complete the full revocation period, pass a driver improvement course, and file SR-22 before the DOT will consider reinstatement. Some suspended drivers confuse ignition interlock eligibility with hardship licenses — Wisconsin allows early reinstatement with an interlock after 45 days of revocation for first offenses, but this is not a hardship exemption; it requires SR-22, a reinstatement fee, and compliance with all other conditions.
Do all insurance companies in Wisconsin file SR-22?
Most major carriers in Wisconsin will file SR-22, but some — including USAA and certain direct-only insurers — do not accept high-risk drivers or SR-22 clients. Progressive, State Farm, and Dairyland are the most common SR-22 filers in Wisconsin for DUI drivers. You must confirm SR-22 filing capability before binding a policy — if you purchase a policy from a carrier that does not file SR-22, you are uninsured in the eyes of the DOT even if the policy is active.
Can I drive in Wisconsin with SR-22 from another state?
No. Wisconsin requires SR-22 to be filed by a Wisconsin-licensed insurer with the Wisconsin DOT. If you move to Wisconsin with an active SR-22 requirement from another state, you must obtain a Wisconsin policy and have your new insurer file a Wisconsin SR-22 within 30 days of establishing residency. The DOT does not accept out-of-state SR-22 filings, and your license will be suspended if you do not transfer within the 30-day window.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the Wisconsin DOT proving you carry liability insurance. It is required after DUI, refusal to submit to a breath test, or accumulating repeat violations.
Non-Owner SR-22
Non-owner SR-22 provides liability coverage and SR-22 filing for drivers who do not own a vehicle but need to satisfy Wisconsin reinstatement requirements. You can maintain SR-22 compliance during suspension without owning or operating a car.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
High-risk or non-standard policies are offered by specialty carriers that underwrite drivers with DUIs, suspensions, or major violations. Coverage limits and terms mirror standard policies, but pricing and underwriting are stricter.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your medical bills and lost wages if you are hit by a driver with no insurance. Wisconsin law requires insurers to offer this at your liability limits, but you can reject it in writing.
Liability Insurance
Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. Wisconsin requires 25/50/10 minimums, but those limits do not cover the actual cost of most accidents.