Cheapest SR-22 Insurance in Wisconsin
West Bend and State Farm have the cheapest car insurance rates in Wisconsin if you need an SR-22 because of an OWI.
Find Cheap SR-22 Car Insurance Quotes in Wisconsin
Cheapest SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin
Minimum coverage
- Cheapest after an OWI: West Bend, $38/mo
- Cheapest after reckless driving: Erie, $34/mo
- Cheapest after driving without insurance: Erie, $33/mo
Full coverage
- Cheapest after an OWI: State Farm, $133/mo
- Cheapest after reckless driving: State Farm, $133/mo
- Cheapest after driving without insurance: American Family, $118/mo
Minimum coverage
- Cheapest after an OWI: West Bend, $38/mo
- Cheapest after reckless driving: Erie, $34/mo
- Cheapest after driving without insurance: Erie, $33/mo
Full coverage
- Cheapest after an OWI: State Farm, $133/mo
- Cheapest after reckless driving: State Farm, $133/mo
- Cheapest after driving without insurance: American Family, $118/mo
Cheapest SR-22 companies in Wisconsin
West Bend, State Farm and Erie tend to offer cheap car insurance rates in Wisconsin to drivers with an SR-22 filing.
An SR-22 isn't a type of insurance. It's a certificate your insurance company files with the Wisconsin DMV to prove that you have at least state minimum coverage. Wisconsin typically requires SR-22s after serious violations like OWIs, reckless driving or driving without insurance.
See rates for:
Wisconsin SR-22 rates after you get an OWI
At $38 per month, on average, West Bend has the cheapest minimum coverage in Wisconsin after an OWI.
Find Cheap SR-22 Car Insurance Quotes in Wisconsin
- West Bend and State Farm both have cheap SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin after a DUI, at $38 per month, on average. West Bend is slightly cheaper.
- Minimum coverage in Wisconsin usually costs about $70 per month after an OWI.
- In Wisconsin, you don't usually need an SR-22 after your first OWI. But if you've had multiple OWIs or a single OWI plus another issue that leads to your license being suspended or revoked, you'll likely need one.
Cheap SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin if you have an OWI
Company | Min. cov. rate (mo.) | Full cov. rate (mo.) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Bend | $38 | $140 |
| State Farm | $38 | $133 | |
| Progressive | $58 | $314 | |
| American Family | $61 | $216 | |
| Erie | $63 | $226 | |
| Geico | $72 | $253 | |
| Auto-Owners | $90 | $266 | |
| Allstate | $106 | $268 | |
| Acuity | $120 | $383 | |
| USAA* | $56 | $235 | |
*USAA is only available to military members, veterans and some family members.
Wisconsin SR-22 rates after a reckless driving conviction
Erie has cheap SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin if you have a reckless driving conviction, at an average of $34 per month.
- Erie's average rate after a reckless driving conviction is half of the state average of $68 per month.
- At $41 per month, on average, USAA is the cheapest option after a reckless driving conviction, but you can only get it if you're affiliated with the military or you meet their other eligibility requirements.
- You'll need an SR-22 in Wisconsin if you're convicted of reckless driving and your license is suspended.
Cheap SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin after reckless driving
Company | Min. cov. rate (mo.) | Full cov. rate (mo.) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | $34 | $146 | |
| State Farm | $38 | $133 | |
|
| West Bend | $40 | $149 |
| American Family | $61 | $216 | |
| Progressive | $69 | $376 | |
| Geico | $77 | $277 | |
| Auto-Owners | $90 | $266 | |
| Allstate | $106 | $268 | |
| Acuity | $120 | $383 | |
| USAA* | $41 | $173 | |
*USAA is only available to military members, veterans and some family members.
Wisconsin SR-22 rates after driving without insurance
At an average of $33 per month, Erie had the cheapest minimum coverage SR-22 rates in Wisconsin for drivers caught without insurance.
Find Cheap SR-22 Car Insurance Quotes in Wisconsin
- Erie and American Family have cheap minimum coverage rates if you get caught driving without insurance.
- If you're caught driving without insurance in Wisconsin, it doesn't automatically mean you'll need an SR-22. However, if you cause an accident without insurance, you may need one if your license is suspended.
Cheap SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin if you drove without insurance
Company | Min. cov. rate (mo.) | Full cov. rate (mo.) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | $33 | $144 | |
| American Family | $34 | $118 | |
| State Farm | $35 | $124 | |
| Auto-Owners | $42 | $162 | |
| Geico | $46 | $157 | |
|
| West Bend | $84 | $315 |
| Progressive | $139 | $378 | |
| Acuity | $169 | $550 | |
| Allstate | $178 | $506 | |
| USAA* | $32 | $136 | |
*USAA is only available to military members, veterans and some family members.
USAA is often the cheapest option for car insurance in Wisconsin, even if you have a bad driving record.
But most people can't get USAA. It's only an option if you're a military member, a veteran or a spouse or child of a USAA member. If you qualify, it's worth getting a quote and comparing USAA to other insurance companies.
What is SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin?
An SR-22 is a form that your insurance company files with the Wisconsin DMV to prove that you have insurance.
An SR-22 isn't actually a type of insurance at all, but you may hear the form referred to as "SR-22 insurance."
When you need an SR-22, you have to buy insurance with at least Wisconsin's state minimum coverage limits. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, that means your policy has at least:
- Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000
- Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000
- Property damage liability: $10,000
You don't need to know or memorize Wisconsin's minimum car insurance requirements before you buy a policy. No insurance company sells coverage below that state minimum limits. That means you can't accidentally buy a policy that doesn't have enough coverage.
When do you need SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin?
You usually need an SR-22 to reinstate your license if it was suspended because of a major violation or multiple driving issues.
For example, you might need an SR-22 in Wisconsin if your license was suspended because of:
- More than one OWI
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple tickets in a short time frame
- Refusing a breathalyzer
You also need an SR-22 in Wisconsin if you're under 18 and you don't have a sponsor. Usually, if you're a minor, a parent or guardian sponsors you. If that's not an option for you, you can still get your permit or license, but you have to get SR-22 insurance.
In Wisconsin, driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs is called "operating while intoxicated," or OWI. Most other states use "DUI" or "DWI" for drunk driving offenses.
Generally, you need an SR-22 after repeated or serious driving violations, especially if your driver's license has been suspended or revoked.
How long is SR-22 insurance coverage required in Wisconsin?
You typically need an SR-22 for three years from the date you're able to reinstate your license.
It's important to not let your insurance lapse when you have an SR-22. If that happens, your license may be suspended again and you'll have to pay the reinstatement fees. Plus, your insurance rates will likely go up.
Once your three years is up, contact the Wisconsin DMV to make sure you can remove your SR-22. If you are allowed to, you may want to get written confirmation. Next, call your insurance company and have them remove the SR-22 filing from your file. It's also a good time to shop around and see if you can find a lower rate.
How do I get SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin?
To get an SR-22 in Wisconsin, you’ll need to call your insurance company.
You can't file an SR-22 yourself. An insurance company has to do it for you.
- You will likely get a notice from the DMV that your license has been suspended. The form will let you know that you need to get insurance with an SR-22 form to reinstate it.
- Contact your insurance company. Let a representative know you need the SR-22 form. Not all insurance companies will file this, so you may need to shop for new coverage.
- Pay the filing fee or your new monthly rate. If you don't have to switch insurance, you'll only have to pay a fee for the company to file your SR-22. This is usually less than $50. If you have to change insurance companies, the fee will likely be included in your first month's rate. Your insurance company will file the SR-22 directly with the state.
- Pay $60 to the DMV to reinstate your license. You can check if you're eligible and reinstate your license online with the Wisconsin DMV. You can drive again once you confirm that your license is active. You can also check this online or by calling the DMV at 608-264-7133.
- Continue to pay your insurance on time. If you let your policy lapse or if your insurance company drops you, your license could be suspended again and you'll need to start the process over.
What if you can't find SR-22 insurance?
If you can't find a private car insurance company that will file an SR-22 for you, you might need to get coverage through the Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan (WAIP).
The WAIP is a state-run insurance plan for people who can't get coverage anywhere else. This usually means your driving record is bad enough that regular insurance companies won't sell you a policy.
After you get a quote through the Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan, you'll be assigned to an insurance company that will file your SR-22 form for you.
You can only get minimum liability limits through the WAIP. Coverage for your car is also an option, and you can choose between a $100, a $250 and a $500 deductible.
If you want a policy with more protection, you can also add:
- Uninsured motorist
- Underinsured motorist
- Medical payments
Coverage from the Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan is typically more expensive than coverage from a regular insurance company. Any licensed insurance agent in Wisconsin can help you apply.
How to save on SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin
To save on SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin, shop around, compare quotes, use discounts and drive safely.
But it's also helpful to be realistic; any policy with an SR-22 filing is likely going to be more expensive than a regular policy. That's partially because insurance companies typically charge a fee to file an SR-22. But the price is mostly because whatever incident on your driver record, such as an OWI or reckless driving charge, increases your rates.
- Shop around. Comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies can help you get the best rate for the coverage you need. You may have fewer options if you need an SR-22, but you can probably still shop around.
- Raise your deductibles. If you have full coverage, consider choosing a higher collision deductible. You can raise your comprehensive deductible too, but it doesn't usually impact your rate as much. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly rate. Just remember to choose a deductible you can afford to pay, in case you damage your car.
- Take a safe driving course. Some companies offer discounts if you complete an approved defensive driving course. Make sure you check with your insurance company first, so you pick a class that the company will accept.
- Use discounts. Most companies offer several discounts that can help you save money. Common discounts include bundling, multi-car and paperless.
- Drive safely. This won't lower your rate right away, but it will help prevent the rate hikes that come with accidents and tickets.
Frequently asked questions
How much is SR-22 insurance in the state of Wisconsin?
The SR-22 form itself usually costs less than $50 for your insurance company to file. However, you also have to pay a $60 fee to the Wisconsin DMV to reinstate your license. You also have higher insurance rates because of the driving issue that triggered the SR-22. For example, on average, minimum coverage car insurance costs $70 per month after an OWI and $79 per month if you're caught driving without insurance.
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin?
You usually need an SR-22 for three years in Wisconsin. However, if you let your coverage lapse or if it's canceled while you still need the SR-22, the clock might start over.
Who has the cheapest SR-22 insurance?
If you have an OWI, West Bend has the cheapest minimum coverage SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin at $38 per month. If you were convicted of reckless driving or were caught driving without insurance, Erie offers the lowest rates. If you want full coverage, State Farm and American Family are usually the cheapest options.
Methodology
To find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin, ValuePenguin got quotes from 10 of the biggest insurance companies in the state in every residential ZIP code. All quotes are for a 30-year-old man who drives a 2018 Honda Civic EX and has good credit.
Minimum coverage rates include only Wisconsin's state minimum requirements. Full coverage rates include higher liability limits and comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
ValuePenguin's data comes from Quadrant Information Services. Rates are publicly sourced from insurance company filings and are for comparative purposes only. Your own quotes may be different.
Other sources include the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan.
About the Author
Lead Writer
Matt Timmons is a Lead Writer on the insurance team at ValuePenguin, where he writes in-depth and timely pieces helping find the right coverage for them.
He's covered insurance at ValuePenguin since 2018, specializing in auto and home insurance, as well as life insurance. He's paid special attention to the EV insurance market, where prices are much higher than for gas cars.
Before he started writing about personal finance, Matt wrote about professional skills and online tools at an e-learning company.
How insurance helped Matt
During freshman orientation in college, Matt's iPod was stolen off his table while he was eating lunch. Luckily, he'd bought a college insurance plan the day before and he had money to buy a replacement before classes started.
Expertise
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Insurance rate analysis
- Life insurance
Referenced by
- CNBC
- Miami Herald
- Yahoo! Finance
Education
- BA, Wesleyan University
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
