Short answer: Wisconsin requires liability limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries plus $10,000 for property damage. Policies must also carry uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50 and $1,000 of medical payments coverage, which you may reject. Underinsured motorist coverage is optional, but if you buy it the minimum is 50/100.
The required pieces
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) and the Wisconsin DMV list these minimums:
| Coverage | Wisconsin minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 one person / $50,000 two or more people |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 |
| Uninsured motorist (bodily injury) | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Medical payments | $1,000 per person, unless rejected |
| Underinsured motorist | Optional; at least $50,000 / $100,000 if purchased |
The UM, medical payments and UIM rules are written into Wis. Stat. §632.32. A 2024 Legislative Council issue brief summarizes the same structure.
Why $10,000 for property damage can run out
The property damage minimum is $10,000 per accident. A single crash into a newer pickup, a guardrail or a storefront can exceed it, and anything above your limit becomes a personal claim against you. Ask your broker to show you options at $50,000, $100,000 or more.
Uninsured vs. underinsured
OCI explains that uninsured motorist coverage pays for bodily injury to you, family members and passengers when an uninsured or hit-and-run driver is at fault. It also protects you as a pedestrian. It does not pay for damage to your car.
Underinsured motorist coverage is different. It applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but less than your UIM limit. OCI notes the maximum payable is the difference between the two limits. Insurers must tell you UIM is available. Not paying for it counts as rejecting it under the statute, so check your declarations page rather than assuming you have it.
Medical payments: required unless you say no
Under §632.32, a Wisconsin policy includes at least $1,000 of medical payments coverage, but the named insured may reject it. OCI describes med pay as paying medical or funeral costs for people in your car regardless of who caused the crash, usually for expenses health insurance doesn't cover. If one named insured rejects it, the insurer doesn't have to add it back at renewal unless someone asks in writing.
Fault: the "not greater than" rule
Wisconsin is an at-fault state with comparative negligence. According to OCI, you may recover from the other party only if your negligence is not greater than theirs, and your damages shrink by your percentage. At 50/50 you can still recover half. At 51% you recover nothing from the other driver.
Proof, fines and deadlines
The DMV says drivers must show proof of insurance when law enforcement asks at a stop or crash:
- operating without insurance: fine of up to $500;
- failing to show proof at the stop: fine of up to $10;
- presenting fraudulent proof: fine of up to $5,000.
Wisconsin doesn't require proof when you register or get a license, unless the DMV asks for it, for example before reinstatement. OCI also notes you have three years from the accident date to settle an injury claim or file a lawsuit.
Total loss and valuation
OCI says insurers treat a vehicle as a total loss when repairs would cost more than 70% of its value. If you disagree with the valuation, comparable sale listings and dealer quotes for similar vehicles help.
Practical upgrades
- Higher liability, especially property damage.
- UIM at matching limits, because the driver who hits you may carry only the minimum.
- Keep med pay unless your health plan clearly fills that role.
- Comprehensive for deer strikes, hail and theft. Lenders may require it along with collision.
Bottom line
Wisconsin's legal minimum covers other people only modestly and leaves your own car unprotected. Treat 25/50/10 as a floor, add UIM, and compare states in our car insurance minimums by state table.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Wisconsin and auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Wisconsin?
25/50/10 liability, uninsured motorist bodily injury of 25/50, and $1,000 of medical payments coverage unless you reject it.
Is underinsured motorist coverage required in Wisconsin?
No. Insurers must notify you that it's available. If you buy it, the minimum is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
Can I reject medical payments coverage in Wisconsin?
Yes. The named insured may reject the $1,000 medical payments coverage.
How does fault work in Wisconsin car accidents?
You can recover only if your negligence is not greater than the other party's, and your damages are reduced by your share.
What is the fine for driving uninsured in Wisconsin?
The DMV lists a fine of up to $500 for operating a vehicle without insurance.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.