Driving is a privilege – one that comes with certain responsibilities. One of those is purchasing auto insurance that provides liability coverage if you cause an accident. In Wisconsin, all motorists must have insurance that meets minimum state standards. Here at First National Insurance, however, we believe that drivers need more coverage than what is required by law. We can help you build a policy that not only protects you against accident liability but also covers your car and you and your passengers against potential damages and injuries.
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, prior carrier discounts and multi-policy discounts like placing your homeowners or renters insurance with the same carrier 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.
Liability Insurance
Liability coverage pays for legal fees and court costs when someone sues you for compensation of accident-related damages, regardless of whether you win or lose your defense. If you are found liable for the damages, liability insurance can cover a victim’s medical bills and other losses awarded via judgment or settlement, up to the limits of your policy.
If you choose liability limits that are too low, you may have to pay for excess damages out of pocket. For example, choosing a $10,000 property damage limit would not be enough to cover the replacement of a victim’s $40,000 SUV you damaged in a collision. You may be personally responsible for paying the remaining damages from your savings and assets or your future income. The costs could be much higher if you injure one or more people or cause an accident that results in a fatality. Instead of putting your financial future at risk, we recommend talking with your agent to determine how much accident liability insurance may be right for you.
Vehicle Damages Coverage
It can cost thousands of dollars to repair a vehicle when it is damaged in a collision or by some other incident, such as wind, hail, or a run-in with a deer standing in the middle of the road. When the damages are severe, the vehicle may be irreparable, forcing you to purchase another vehicle or rely on alternative transportation.
Collision and comprehensive insurance coverages can protect you against damage or loss of your vehicle due to a covered reason. Claims are typically subject to a deductible, and insurance compensates you for the damages up to the limits of your policy, which is often contingent upon the cash value of your car. Some insurers offer extended coverage for physical damages that may cover the cost of replacing your vehicle with a new one. However, these options are limited and often subject to vehicle age and other factors. Talk to your agent to find out more about your collision and comprehensive insurance options.
Other Coverages
In addition to liability and physical damages coverage, your auto insurance policy may also cover:
- Injuries caused by uninsured motorists
- Medical payments or Personal Injury Protection for you and your passengers
- Towing
- Rental car reimbursement
- And more
Wisconsin Auto Insurance Quotes
If you need personal auto insurance coverage in Wisconsin, First National Insurance can help. As an independent agency, we can shop and compare coverage from multiple insurers to find competitive rates on the insurance you need. We can also help you find ways to maximize your savings, such as by qualifying for discounts offered by your insurer. These may include rate reductions for insuring more than one vehicle on the same policy, completing a driver safety course, or even maintaining good grades if you are a high-school or college student.
For more information about Wisconsin auto insurance or to request your quotes, contact our office today.
