Everyone wants to save money on car insurance, and at Main Street Insurance, you can. As your local independent insurance agency, we can help you shop and compare coverage from all across the Badger State until you find a policy that matches your unique needs and budget.
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.
How Much Insurance Do You Need?
Like other states, every driver in Wisconsin is required by law to carry a minimum amount of coverage. These minimums were established to help ensure victims receive compensation when they are injured, or their property is damaged due to the actions of an at-fault driver. However, most Wisconsin drivers need much more coverage than is actually required.
Without enough coverage, you could be held personally responsible for any financial damages you cause. You might also need to reach deep into your pockets to compensate for the loss or damage to your own vehicle, or for any injuries you sustain in an accident. Instead of coming up short on your insurance protection, let Main Street Insurance show you how using an independent agent can help you save money on your car insurance without sacrificing the quality of your coverage.
Types of Wisconsin Auto Insurance
Any well-rounded auto insurance policy will include multiple coverage types to better secure your income and assets. Some of these coverages are mandatory in the State of Wisconsin, whereas others are only required if a lender has a lien against the title of your vehicle. We can help advise you on which coverage types and how much of each may be right for you. Your policy may include coverage for:
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
If you cause an accident that damages someone’s property or causes a third-party injury, you can be sued for the damages. Car insurance liability coverage helps protect against a wide range of expenses related to auto accident litigation, including court fees, legal defense costs, and the judgments or settlements against you for victim medical bills, property damages, rehabilitative expenses, lost wages, and more.
Collision
This is the coverage that compensates you for damages to your own car if it is damaged in a collision. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may receive compensation for vehicle repairs, or you may receive a settlement check reimbursing you for the loss of your vehicle if it is damaged beyond its actual cash value.
Keep in mind that any claims made against your collision coverage are likely subject to the deductible you choose when you purchase the policy. The deductible is the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket for your losses. Low deductibles are available and can minimize your cost burden after an accident, but many clients instead opt for high deductibles that typically lower the upfront cost of premiums. We can help you decide between a low or high deductible depending on your budget and preferences.
Comprehensive
Like collision coverage, comprehensive protection insures your personal vehicle. Instead of collision damages, it pays for the repair of damages caused by other events, such as wind, hail, or a fallen tree. Like collision coverage, any claims you make against this section of your policy may also subject to a deductible.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
When drivers operate a vehicle with no liability insurance, they are not only breaking the law, but they are also putting you in financial danger. If you are injured in a hit-and-run or by an uninsured motorist, this type of coverage can compensate you and your passengers for medical expenses stemming from the accident. Your policy can also include coverage that subsidizes low-limit coverage when an at-fault driver has too little liability coverage to pay for your medical expenses.
Medical Payments
If your policy includes medical payments coverage, it will issue payment for the medical costs you and your passengers incur in an accident regardless of who caused the injuries. The coverage is usually limited to only a few thousand dollars, but since no fault needs to be established, medical payments protection can provide quick access to financial assistance while you seek medical attention for your injuries. It does not absolve the other driver of any liability, but it can provide much-need financial relief while you wait for a settlement or judgment.
Roadside Assistance and Towing
Accidents happen. Whether you run out of fuel, have a flat tire, or lock your keys in your car, it’s nice to know that help is on the way. Talk to your agent about adding 24-hour coverage for roadside assistance and towing to your policy.
Rental Car Coverage
If your vehicle is completely totaled or severely damaged, you may need alternate transportation while you shop for a new car or wait for the body shop to finish the repairs. Adding rental car coverage to your policy can reimburse you for some or all of the cost of renting a temporary vehicle.
Save Money on Wisconsin Auto Insurance
Everyone wants to save money on their car insurance, and we here at Main Street Insurance can show you how. As an independent agency, we don’t work for insurance companies – we work for you. We can assess your risks and exposures, help you determine your coverage needs, and then shop and compare rates from multiple companies to find a policy that is right for you.
Wisconsin Car Insurance Discounts
Many drivers are eligible for discounts that can save as much as 15 percent or more on car insurance premiums depending on the insurer. Examples include:
- Claims-free discounts
- Multiple policy discounts
- Multiple vehicle discounts
- Low mileage discounts
- Good student discounts
- Driver safety course discounts
- And more
If you are in the market for new car insurance, let us show you how using an independent agent can help you save. Contact our office today to request your free Wisconsin auto insurance quotes. We look forward to serving you soon.
