If you have caused a car crash, filed a claim, or received a ticket for a serious moving violation, you could be a good candidate for high-risk auto insurance. Car insurance coverage for drivers with poor records is usually costly, but the increase in rates you receive depends on your insurance company, your driving record, and the area in which you live.
What goes into auto insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Wisconsin:
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What impact does an at-fault accident have on auto insurance in Wisconsin?
If you’re found at-fault for an auto accident, expect your car insurance rates to go up. In Wisconsin, the typical insurance premium following an at-fault crash is $1,608, versus the U.S. average of $2,012. A major accident such as an at-fault crash will stay on your insurance record for up to three years!
WISCONSIN AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS AFTER AN AT-FAULT COLLISION
| Location | With At-Fault Accident — Annual Rate | No At-Fault Accident — Annual Rate | Yearly Rate Increase |
| Wisconsin | $1,608 | $1,040 | $568 |
| National Average | $2,012 | $1,397 | $615 |
The best insurer following an at-fault accident in Wisconsin is State Farm. State Farm’s typical rate increase after a crash is $674, leading to a rate 42 percent less expensive than the average from all companies. If you’ve caused a collision in Wisconsin, steer clear of American Family and Acuity, which are on the pricier end of the spectrum.
CAR INSURANCE PREMIUMS AFTER AN AT-FAULT COLLISION IN WISCONSIN — CHEAP COMPANIES
| Company | Annual Premium With an At-Fault Accident |
| State Farm | $934 |
| SECURA | $1,238 |
| GEICO | $1,338 |
| American Family | $1,470 |
| Acuity | $1,554 |
What's the impact of a speeding ticket on car insurance in Wisconsin?
One of the ways in which drivers earn the "high-risk" tag is speeding. In Wisconsin, car insurance premiums rise by $298 per year post-speeding ticket, to an average yearly price of $1,338.
WISCONSIN CAR INSURANCE RATES AFTER A TICKET FOR SPEEDING
| Location | With a Speeding Ticket — Annual Rate | No Speeding Ticket — Annual Rate | Annual Rate Increase |
| Wisconsin | $1,338 | $1,040 | $298 |
| National Average | $1,727 | $1,397 | $330 |
The foolproof way to get cheap car insurance after getting a ticket for speeding is to shop around and weigh your options. The most affordable car insurance with a speeding citation in Wisconsin is available through SECURA. SECURA’s average rate after a violation is $536 less than the state typical. If you have been caught speeding in Wisconsin, Acuity probably won't be the cheapest option.
CAR INSURANCE PRICES AFTER A SPEEDING CITATION IN WISCONSIN — CHEAP CARRIERS
| Company | Annual Rate After a Speeding Violation |
| SECURA | $802 |
| State Farm | $869 |
| GEICO | $955 |
| American Family | $1,005 |
| Acuity | $1,248 |
How does a ticket for distracted driving impact car insurance premiums in Wisconsin?
If you're ticketed for distracted driving, your car insurance bill is going to get more expensive. In Wisconsin, auto insurance prices typically increase by $251 per year. That amounts to a 24% increase from the average annual rate in Wisconsin, and 45% more than the national average cost of car insurance with a distracted driving offense.
WISCONSIN CAR INSURANCE RATES AFTER A DISTRACTED DRIVING TICKET
| Location | With Distracted Driving — Annual Rate | No Distracted Driving — Annual Rate | Annual Rate Increase |
| Wisconsin | $1,291 | $1,040 | $251 |
| National Average | $1,570 | $1,397 | $173 |
The easiest way to find affordable auto insurance after a distracted driving ticket is to compare options from a variety of companies. The least expensive car insurance company after a distracted driving ticket in Wisconsin is GEICO, with a typical rate of just $718 per year, 44% lower than the average distracted driving insurance rate among top insurers.
CAR INSURANCE RATES AFTER DISTRACTED DRIVING IN WISCONSIN — CHEAPEST COMPANIES
| Insurance Company | Annual Rate With Distracted Driving |
| GEICO | $718 |
| American Family | $842 |
| State Farm | $869 |
| SECURA | $900 |
| West Bend Mutual | $1,135 |
How does a ticket for racing impact Wisconsin car insurance rates?
Racing is an extremely serious offense. Auto insurance providers frequently penalize racing convictions severely — in fact, Wisconsin car insurance premiums go up by an average of $708 annually following a citation for racing. That's a 68% increase from the average yearly car insurance premium in Wisconsin!
| Location | With a Racing Citation — Annual Rate | No Racing Citation — Annual Rate | Annual Rate Increase |
| Wisconsin | $1,748 | $1,040 | $708 |
| National Average | $2,397 | $1,397 | $1,000 |
If you have been pulled over for racing, do your due diligence and seek out the cheapest rates. In Wisconsin, you should start with American Family, offering rates 12 percent cheaper than the state average for drivers found guilty of racing.
CAR INSURANCE RATES FOLLOWING A RACING CITATION IN WISCONSIN — CHEAP COMPANIES
| Insurer | Annual Rate After Racing |
| American Family | $1,532 |
| Allstate | $1,536 |
| GEICO | $1,592 |
| SECURA | $1,678 |
| Progressive | $1,741 |
Does a citation for reckless driving in Wisconsin raise car insurance rates?
As one of the most serious driving violations, reckless driving is a surefire way to get a car insurance rate hike. Insurers raise rates by an average of $647 per year after a ticket for reckless driving. That's 62% more than than the typical insurance rate in Wisconsin, and 13% less than the national average price increase for reckless driving.
WISCONSIN AUTO INSURANCE RATES AFTER RECKLESS DRIVING
| Location | With Reckless Driving — Annual Rate | No Reckless Driving — Annual Rate | Annual Rate Increase |
| Wisconsin | $1,687 | $1,040 | $647 |
| U.S. Average | $2,395 | $1,397 | $998 |
If you're cited for reckless driving, compare a variety of companies to get the best rate. In Wisconsin, the best car insurance company with a reckless driving ticket is State Farm.
CAR INSURANCE PREMIUMS AFTER A RECKLESS DRIVING TICKET IN WISCONSIN — CHEAP CARRIERS
| Insurer | Annual Rate After Reckless Driving |
| State Farm | $869 |
| American Family | $1,532 |
| Allstate | $1,536 |
| GEICO | $1,592 |
| SECURA | $1,678 |
If you are seeking auto insurance as a high-risk driver, the best course of action is to do your research and find the policy that fits.
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Wisconsin Driving Laws
Traffic laws in Wisconsin are in place to keep its residents safe. If you’re caught speeding, participating in reckless or distracted driving, racing, or you’re at-fault for an accident, you’ll be charged with an appropriate fine or penalty.
Speeding in Wisconsin
When Are You Speeding In Wisconsin?
If you’re driving at a speed “greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing, ” you are breaking Wisconsin’s basic speeding law.
You must drive at a safe speed according to the current road and weather conditions. However, the following fixed speed limits serve as general guidelines:
- 15 miles per hour when passing a schoolhouse or crossing, a pedestrian safety zone, on most streets and town roads, and in alleyways
- 25 miles per hour on highways and on service roads within city or village limits
- 35 miles per hour in any outlying district and on any highway in a semi-urban district within city or village limits
- 45 miles per hour on any highway classified as a “rustic road”
- 65 miles per hour on expressways
- 70 miles per hour on freeways
Wisconsin drivers are advised to remain vigilant at all times on the road and adjust speed accordingly.
Penalties for Speeding In Wisconsin
If you’re caught speeding in Wisconsin, the consequences vary depending on the severity of the violation. However, you can expect to pay the following fines:
- $30 to $300 for a first offense of speeding in Wisconsin
- $80 to $600 for a second offense within a year of a prior conviction
Certain circumstances can lead to fines being doubled, such as speeding in a construction or school zone.
Any type of speeding violation will add three to six points on your driver’s license. Accumulating 12 or more points within a one-year period will result in a license suspension.
Reckless Driving in Wisconsin
What Is Reckless Driving in Wisconsin?
Reckless driving in Wisconsin is defined as endangering “the safety of any person or property by the negligent operation of a vehicle.” Generally speaking, if you drive in such a way that poses a serious risk of harm to a property or person, then you’re guilty of reckless driving.
Speeding in excess may also lead to a charge of reckless driving in Wisconsin.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Wisconsin
If you’re convicted of reckless driving in Wisconsin, the penalties depend on the specific circumstances. However, the possibilities are as follows.
A driver’s first conviction for reckless driving in Wisconsin leads to $25 to $200 in fines.
A second or subsequent reckless driving offense within a four-year period results in:
- Up to one year in jail
- $50 to $500 in fines
A reckless driving offense that causes minor injuries to another person results in:
- 30 days to one year in jail
- $300 to $2, 000 in fines
A reckless driving offense that injures another person is a class I felony, resulting in:
- Up to 3.5 years in prison
- Up to $10, 000 in fines
- License suspension for up to one year
In addition to the above penalties, reckless driving in Wisconsin leads to the accumulation of six points on your driver’s license.
Distracted Driving in Wisconsin
What is Distracted Driving in Wisconsin?
Distracted driving in Wisconsin is taken very seriously and is separated into three categories:
- Manual - taking your hands off the wheel
- Visual - removing your eyes from the road
- Cognitive - having your mind distracted from driving
Each type of distraction has a different effect on a driver and some incidents may be caused by multiple distractions. For instance, texting while driving falls into all three categories.
Some common examples of distracted driving include:
- Eating or drinking
- Searching for items in the glove compartment
- Using a cell phone
- Grooming
- Changing the radio station
While driving, Wisconsin traffic laws state that your attention should always be on the road.
Read here for more on texting and driving statistics.
Penalties for Distracted Driving in Wisconsin
The penalties for distracted driving vary in Wisconsin depending on the situation. Offenders may receive one or more of the following penalties:
- A distracted driving ticket
- A distracted driving fine
- Points on your driving license
Fines for distracted driving in Wisconsin in which you are suspected of doing something that interferes with your ability to drive safely range from $20 to $400.
For all other types of distracted driving violations, the fines are:
- $10 to $40 for a first offense
- $50 to $100 for a second offense within a year
If you have a graduated driver license holder or on an instruction permit and you’re convicted of distracted driving, you’re subject to extended driving restrictions or wait times.
Racing in Wisconsin
What is Racing in Wisconsin?
Traffic laws forbid racing in Wisconsin. For the purpose of the law, drivers may be convicted for racing if they participate in a race or speed or endurance contest on any highway.
At-fault Accidents in Wisconsin
What is An At-fault Accident in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin follows a fault-based system when it comes to car accidents. The person who is at-fault is responsible for covering financial loss due to injuries, lost income, and vehicle damage through their car insurance policy.
Traffic laws state that all Wisconsin drivers have to carry car insurance. Their policy must include these minimum amounts of coverage:
- $25, 000 for bodily injury or death of one person
- $50, 000 for total bodily injury or death
- $10, 000 for property damage
Penalties for At-fault Accidents in Wisconsin
According to Wisconsin traffic laws, there are penalties involved for failing to produce active proof of insurance when asked by law enforcement. These penalties include:
- Up to $500 in fines
- Suspension of vehicle registration
- License suspension
However, if you can provide proof of insurance following an appearance in court or in the office of a law enforcement officer, you will not be convicted.
Sources and references:
- https://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/traffic-tickets/speed-violations/wisconsin-speeding-laws.htm
- https://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/wisconsin-reckless-driving-laws-penalties.htm
- https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/drv-behavior/distracted-drv.aspx
- http://witrafficsafety.org/DistractedDriving/
- https://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/wisconsin-text-cell-phone-driving-laws.html
- https://www.dmv.com/wi/wisconsin/distracted-driving-laws
- https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346/XIII/94/2
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wisconsin-car-insurance-requirements.html
- https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/344/VI/65
