Car insurance is a must for drivers in the Badger State. Imagine paying a $100,000 bodily injury court judgment out of your personal savings and future earnings. It may seem far-fetched, but people are sued every day for large amounts stemming from accidental injuries and damages. If the thought makes you cringe, there is good news. A well-constructed Wisconsin car insurance policy can help protect you and your money from expensive litigation, as well as a wide range of other scenarios that could threaten you, your vehicle, and your finances.
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, 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.
Wisconsin Car Insurance Coverage
Here at Gary Ellis Insurance, we custom build your car insurance policy to provide coverage that meets your needs. Although the limits, deductibles, and other factors may vary on your policy, your coverage will likely include a combination of several or all of the following types of coverage:
Liability
Liability insurance is required for motorists in Wisconsin. We typically recommend more coverage than the minimum limits, as you can be held financially and legally liable for any injuries or property damage you cause while operating your vehicle. Whether you hit a pedestrian, collide with another car, or run into someone’s fence, your liability insurance helps cover the costs. It can also help pay for your legal defense fees and court awards against you if you are sued for damages.
Collision
Collision insurance is coverage for damages to your vehicle in a car accident. Whether you collide with another vehicle or with an object, you are responsible for paying only a deductible. Insurance takes care of the rest.
Comprehensive
Like collision, comprehensive pays for damages to your own car. However, the damages must have resulted from an incident other than a car accident. Comprehensive claims might include damages from a hail storm, vandalism, a fire, or some other covered event. It can even provide compensation for your vehicle if it is stolen.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
The odds of being hit by an uninsured driver are probably greater than you think. Uninsured motorist insurance helps cover your expenses if you are injured in an accident by an uninsured, at-fault driver. Similarly, underinsured motorist insurance helps bridge the gap between your injuries and the insufficient limits on an at-fault driver’s liability insurance.
Medical Payments
If you or your passengers are injured in an accident, medical payments provide automatic coverage for medical expenses regardless of who was at-fault for the accident.
Rental Car Reimbursement
If you need to have your vehicle repaired or replaced after an accident, this type of coverage can help you cover the cost of temporary transportation.
Towing and Assistance
Whether you lock yourself out of your vehicle, hit a nail going down the highway, or need to have your vehicle towed after an accident, your insurance can help cover the cost of labor and assistance, 24-hours a day.
Madison Car Insurance Quotes
Over the years, we have gotten to know our customers and the community very well. When you trust us with your car insurance needs, you can trust that you are working with a local office that will always treat you like family. As an independent agency, we represent many different insurance companies. We use those connections to shop for insurance from multiple carriers, comparing rates on the coverage you need and searching for valuable discounts to help save you money. We never want you to pay a penny more than you have to for car insurance.
Call us today for your free Wisconsin car insurance quote. We look forward to serving you soon.
