When it comes to driving in Wisconsin, having the right auto insurance coverage is not just a smart financial decision—it’s the law. Wisconsin requires all drivers to carry a minimum level of liability insurance to ensure that in the event of an accident, they can cover damages or injuries they cause to others. As a responsible driver, it’s crucial to understand these liability limits and consider whether the state minimums provide enough protection for you and your assets.
Wisconsin’s Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements
Wisconsin operates under a fault-based system, meaning that the driver responsible for an accident is also responsible for covering the resulting damages. To comply with state law, all drivers must carry at least the following liability insurance limits:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident (when multiple people are injured)
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
These coverage limits, often referred to as 25/50/10, ensure that you have some financial protection if you are at fault in an accident. However, it’s important to note that these amounts may not be sufficient in a serious accident where medical bills and vehicle damages can quickly exceed these limits.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
In addition to liability insurance, Wisconsin law also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to protect themselves if they are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. The minimum UM coverage limits in Wisconsin are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
While underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is not mandatory in Wisconsin, it is strongly recommended. This coverage helps protect you when an at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover your medical expenses or damages.
Why You Should Consider Higher Liability Limits
While Wisconsin’s minimum liability requirements provide a basic level of protection, they may not be enough in a serious accident. Consider this scenario: if you are at fault in a crash that results in $100,000 in medical expenses and you only carry the $50,000 per accident minimum, you could be personally responsible for the remaining $50,000. This could lead to financial hardship, legal trouble, and even wage garnishments in extreme cases.
To better protect yourself, your family, and your assets, consider increasing your liability limits. Many insurance providers offer higher limits, such as 100/300/50 or 250/500/100, which provide significantly greater protection in case of an accident.
How Preferred Insurance Agency Can Help
At Preferred Insurance Agency in La Crosse, WI, we understand that choosing the right auto insurance coverage can feel overwhelming. Our experienced agents are here to help you find the best policy that fits your needs and budget. Whether you need guidance on increasing your liability limits or want to explore additional coverage options like collision and comprehensive insurance, we are here to help.
Don’t wait until an accident happens to find out you’re underinsured. Contact Preferred Insurance Agency today to review your current policy and ensure you have the coverage you need for peace of mind on Wisconsin’s roads.
Call us at 608-881-6566 or visit our office in La Crosse, WI, to get started on a customized auto insurance policy that keeps you protected.
Preferred Insurance Agency
401 King St.
La Crosse, WI 54601
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