Auto insurance is a safety net that helps you from paying out of pocket when the worst happens. But what risks do Milwaukee drivers face? Let’s cover some considerations that make auto insurance necessary:

• Heavy Traffic: Areas like I-94, the Marquette Interchange and downtown areas can see heavy traffic around rush hour.
• Winter Hazards: Black ice, snowstorms and frozen roadways pose risks during the winter.
• Flooding and Storm Surges: Proximity to Lake Michigan also presents flood risks when heavy rain or storm surges happen.
• Higher Accident and Theft Rates: Capitol Dr and Fond du Lac Ave see high rates of accidents while Downtown Milwaukee sees high rates of vehicle theft.

Car insurance laws are set by the Wisconsin government, meaning there are minimum legal requirements that Milwaukee drivers must meet on their policies.

Here’s a brief list of what’s required:

• $25, 000 per person and $50,000 per accident in Bodily Injury Liability
• $10,000 per accident in Property Damage Liability
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Bodily Injury
• $1,000 per person in Medical Payments

Meeting the state requirements is a good starting point, but it might not cover more serious accidents. It’s often recommended that drivers increase their liability limits to avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses in those cases.

We've explained the state requirements in further detail on our Wisconsin car insurance page.

The legal requirements are often referred to as liability coverage. This means that when you’re at fault (the cause) of an accident, you’re responsible for the paying for the damages.

Policies that only have liability don’t offer assistance for your vehicle’s damage. Because of this, and the other risk factors in Milwaukee, here are some recommended additional coverage options:

• Collision Coverage: Helps pay for damages to your vehicle after a covered accident, regardless of fault. Subject to your deductible.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for non-collision damages (e.g. weather or theft) after a covered incident. Subject to your deductible.
• Roadside Assistance: Helps cover the cost of towing if your car ever breaks down or can’t be driven.
• Rental Reimbursement: Helps pay for a rental while your vehicle is being repaired.
• Gap Coverage: If your vehicle is deemed a total loss, this helps cover the difference between what you own on the vehicle and the worth of the vehicle at the time of the loss if you’re still paying it off.
• Rideshare Coverage: If you use your personal vehicle for a ride share service, this only applies when you’re on the clock. Offered in liability, medical, and collision options.

This isn’t a full list of every coverage option available, but it should fit the average person’s needs. These descriptions are also general in nature so that they give you an idea of what they offer, as they may be subject to policy terms.

Be sure to let a Goosehead agent know your needs, and they’ll work with you to find coverage that’s the right fit for you.

On average, Milwaukee drivers pay around $550 to $650 a year for liability coverage, while those with more coverage can pay up to $2,500 to $2,700 a year.

However, there’s more that goes into your premium than just the coverage and deductible amount you select.

Other factors include:

• Location: Zip codes matter. Areas like Sherman Park and Riverwest see higher theft and accident rates, which means higher premiums.
• Driving history: Accidents, tickets, and other violations will increase rates.
• Type of car: Newer, luxury, or highly modified cars are more expensive to insure due to value and replacement costs.
• Age and experience: Younger drivers face higher premiums because of the increased risk.
• Credit score: Insurers will likely factor in your credit score when calculating rates.
• Mileage: Those that commute for work or are simply just on the road often face higher premiums due to higher risk.

Of course, there are ways to control your premium by way of discounts or savings. Here’s some common methods that help:

• Bundling: Many carriers offer savings when you bundle two or more policies.
• Install anti-theft devices: Alarms that deter theft can help you qualify for discounts.
• Telematics and safe driver discounts: Taking a defensive driving course or installing a telematics app on your phone help you prove you’re a safe driver.
• Low-milage savings: Those that don’t drive often can also see savings because of their low milage and low risk.
• Shop around: Policies can change over time under the same carrier. Goosehead makes it easy to switch carriers while keeping one point of contact.

At Goosehead, you’re getting a one-stop shop for your auto insurance needs. Here’s what you get when you choose Goosehead:

• Tailored solutions: Our agents work with you to learn your needs so they can find coverage that makes the most sense for you.
• Expert guidance: Our agents are licensed for the state of Wisconsin, so they know what risks to be aware of.
• Dedication to service: From quoting to binding your policy, our team is here to answer your questions.
• Comparisons for you: We save you time and effort by comparing offerings from top-rated carriers.