The privilege of being a licensed driver comes with certain responsibilities, including the purchase of auto insurance. Although car insurance is required for all drivers here in the Badger State, your actual coverage needs are likely much more extensive than that which is required by law. At Giuffre Insurance, we help Wisconsin drivers like you find coverage to protect against a wide range of potential losses, from physical damages and injuries to legal fees and lawsuits.
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.
Selecting the Right Coverage Limits
Drivers must choose the coverage limits they want for their policies. ‘Bare bones’ coverage is created to meet the minimum requirements of the law, but it can leave you vulnerable to a long list of losses, including expensive litigation, personal injuries, and the cost of repairing or replacing your own vehicle. Our job at Giuffre Insurance is to help you make choices about your coverage that can benefit you today and also protect you in the future.
Whether a fallen tree crushes your car, you are injured in a hit-and-run, or you happen to injure someone else in an accident due to your own negligence, we can help you build a policy that minimizes coverage gaps, reduces your out-of-pocket costs, and ultimately protects you against the risks that come with owning and operating a car.
Types of Wisconsin Auto Insurance
A typical auto insurance policy is made up of many different parts. Each outlines a different type of coverage, from those that protect your personal vehicle and passengers to those that safeguard your finances against a lawsuit. Although your exact coverage may vary depending on your needs and your insurer, a typical auto insurance policy may cover:
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
Each time you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you take on risk not only for your own well-being, but also for the well-being of others. Property damage liability coverage pays for damages you cause to a third-party’s personal property, whether a vehicle, fence or even a storefront. Likewise, bodily injury liability covers the injury-related expenses of third-party victims when you are at-fault for a car accident. This may include the cost of medical bills, rehabilitation, or lost wages. It is important to choose adequate car insurance liability limits, as any bodily injury damages often total hundreds of thousands of dollars. If your limits are too low to satisfy the judgment, you could be responsible for paying the remaining damages out of pocket.
Collision
Collision insurance offers you reimbursement for damages to your own vehicle due to an accident, regardless of fault. This could include the cost of repairs or even compensation for the value of your vehicle after a total loss. Collision claims are typically subject to your deductible, but having this important coverage could save you thousands of dollars after an accident.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage is another type of protection that pays for damages or the total loss of your personal vehicle; only this coverage is for damages caused by non-collision events. This includes damages and loss caused by things like hail, rock chips, fallen objects, wild animals, and even theft or vandalism. Like collision coverage, all claims against comprehensive coverage are usually subject to a deductible.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
At-fault drivers are responsible for the damages they cause third-parties in the State of Wisconsin. However, some drivers continue to operate their vehicles with no insurance or too little insurance to adequately cover a claim. If an uninsured or underinsured motorist injures you or your passengers, your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for your losses.
Medical Payments
If you or a passenger is injured in a collision, medical payments coverage can provide you with cash benefits for your necessary medical expenses up to the limits of your coverage. This is no-fault coverage that pays regardless of who caused the accident. Although the coverage is usually limited to no more than a few thousand dollars, this may be just enough to cover the cost of a health insurance deductible or initial medical costs and get you the immediate care you need while you sort out any possible liability disputes.
Roadside Assistance and Towing
If you experience a mechanical failure or happen to lock your keys in your car, it helps to know that roadside assistance is just a phone call away. This coverage is typically available for 24-hour access to the help you need, whether you need fuel delivery, a flat tire changed, or a tow to the nearest mechanic’s shop.
Rental Car Coverage
When your vehicle is damaged in a collision or due to some other covered event, it can take days or even a week or more to complete repairs or find a replacement vehicle. In the meantime, your rental car coverage can help you cover the cost of alternate transportation until you have your own vehicle again.
Save Money on Wisconsin Auto Insurance
As an independent agency, we not only emphasize the importance of having the right coverage but also getting affordable coverage. Why pay more for your car insurance when Giuffre Insurance can shop and compare rates from multiple Wisconsin insurers? We can also help you find money-saving discounts for things like:
- Being claims-free
- Having a clean driving record
- Maintaining low annual mileage averages
- Insuring multiple vehicles
- Purchasing other lines of coverage, such as home or renters insurance
- Maintaining good grades in school or college (student drivers)
- Enrolling in and passing a qualified driver safety course
- Paying premiums in full or enrolling in automatic payments with your carrier
- And more
To find out more about how an independent agent can help you save on the car insurance coverage you need, contact Giuffre Insurance to request your free quotes today. We look forward to serving you soon.
