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Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Nathan Foster

Agency Trainer

Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

Nathan tra…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent - Property and Casualty
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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

How much does car insurance cost in Madison?

In Madison, residents may face expensive car insurance costs, with an average payment of $618 every six months or $103 per month. These rates are lower than both the national average of $880 and the state average of Wisconsin, which is $692. According to a recent survey, 35% of our customers are using The Zebra because they're just looking for car insurance in Madison. Whatever your reason, we're here to help!

Our most recent data reveals that USAA is providing rates that are nearly 33% below the industry standard, with a six-month policy priced at just $412. Whether you're satisfied with your current insurer, looking to explore your options, or simply curious about car insurance in Madison, The Zebra is here to assist you. We'll investigate the different variables that can influence your premiums, such as your age, credit score, and zip code, and help you obtain the most favorable coverage at the most affordable price.

Car Insurance in Madison vs. Wisconsin

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Car Insurance in Madison vs. Wisconsin Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Madison Average $618
Wisconsin Average $692

Source: The Zebra

The cheapest car insurance companies in Madison

1st place medal
1st place: USAA

USAA takes the prize for the cheapest coverage in Madison at about $69 per month or $412 for a six-month policy. USAA tends to offer lower-than-average rates but is also limited to USAA members, so be sure to check your eligibility if you're unsure.

2nd place medal
2nd place: GEICO

If you don't qualify for USAA coverage, you'll average the same monthly payment with a policy from GEICO. The company also offers rates in Madison that average $69 per month ($416 for six months).

3rd place medal
3rd place: West Bend Mutual

Finishing out as the third cheapest on our list is West Bend Mutual Insurance Company. A policy from West Bend in Madison costs $424 per six-month policy, which still comes in at $71 per month. 

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Madison:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Madison is $618 per six-month policy — $103 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Madison is USAA ($412) but GEICO is a close second ($416).
  • Madison rates are lower than both the national and Wisconsin average rates 
  • 35% of Zebra customers in Madison are using our tools because they're just looking for auto insurance.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Madison car insurance rates by company

The cheapest car insurance company is USAA, with rates of about $68 per month or $412 per six-month policy. GEICO is the second cheapest insurance company for full coverage in Madison, charging about $69 per month or $416 for a six-month policy, according to our 2024 data. One perk of the companies we looked at is that most are very close in rates; it may only be a few dollars difference between one insurer's rates and another's. 

Discover top-rated car insurance companies by taking a look at The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Madison, WI
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Madison, WI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $412
GEICO $416
West Bend Mutual $424
Integrity Mutual Ins Co $428
State Farm $451
Nationwide $471
Progressive $836
Allstate $957

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around to save on car insurance


Shopping for car insurance can be time-consuming, but our comparison tool streamlines the process. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from leading insurers like Progressive, State Farm, Nationwide, and Allstate, among others. Our tool does the hard work of comparing policies and rates so you can focus on finding the best and cheapest car insurance in Madison that meets your unique needs.

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Average car insurance in Madison by rating factor

A series of rating factors are employed by car insurance companies to establish individual rates. Rating factors are particulars regarding a driver that establish the amount of risk they pose as insured drivers. These factors can involve age, gender, location, credit score, and other details. Although many companies utilize the same rating factors, the extent to which they positively or negatively impact your premium may differ.

It is vital to note that some rating factors are subject to change over time, and as a result, the most appropriate car insurance provider for you may change as well. Obtaining new quotes from time to time is an excellent way to see whether you are still receiving the best rates, and reconsider all your options.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: When determining the cost of car insurance in Madison, one of the key rating factors is end-of-year earnings, which measure the difference between the revenue of premiums and the cost of paying insureds’ claims. It is possible to have a pristine driving record with no claims and still pay more for insurance with a particular provider due to rising business costs in your region.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Madison

Car insurance companies consider age a critical component in determining insurance rates. Teen drivers, and their parents, may be surprised to discover that their premiums are considerably more expensive than those of other age groups. Insurance companies have gathered data demonstrating that teens have a higher accident rate, resulting in them carrying the greatest car insurance expenses in many locations. Through these higher costs, the insurance company can offset the cost of paying claims.

In Madison, new policy premiums for teen drivers are on average 155% higher than those for drivers in their 20s. While it may appear unjust, keep in mind that it is not personal. Insurers aim to safeguard against the risk posed by inexperienced drivers, and as you become more mature and experienced, your premiums will become more affordable.


Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Madison, WI
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Teen Drivers in Madison, WI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
West Bend Mutual $1,129
USAA $1,207
GEICO $1,303
Integrity Mutual Ins Co $1,482
State Farm $1,698
Nationwide $1,795
Allstate $2,869
Progressive $4,058

Source: The Zebra

Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s Integrity Mutual $488
30s Integrity Mutual $394
40s Integrity Mutual $353
50s Integrity Mutual $339
60s Nationwide $338
70s Nationwide $388

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Madison drivers between 20-30 are Integrity Mutual Insurance Company, USAA and GEICO


Data shows that the 33% of Madison drivers fall between ages 20-29. This age group pays an average of $815 every six months, but by choosing one of these three companies they could see savings of up to 38%!

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Madison

Knowing the different forms of car insurance and their respective prices is crucial when it comes to saving money. Your current coverage and how it affects your rates should be examined from time to time. We found that 26% of drivers in Madison have chosen to carry the minimum state-required coverage, which may be less expensive but also presents the risk of being underinsured.

The majority of lending associations mandate that leased and financed vehicles are insured with "full coverage". This insurance package includes collision coverage or comprehensive coverage, which necessitates a deductible and leads to higher rates. However, they deliver the most comprehensive protection.

To safeguard yourself from uninsured drivers, you may also choose to add roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage. While these options come at a cost, The Zebra's specialists still suggest having them provide an extra level of protection in case of an accident, much like full coverage.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

In Madison, 52% of drivers have owned vehicles. If you aren't leasing or financing your car, it's worth considering if you require comprehensive or collision coverage. We suggest obtaining the actual cash value of your vehicle from a reliable source such as Kelley Blue Book. The general rule of thumb is that if your car is valued at less than $4,000, collision coverage may not be necessary. But be aware that foregoing these coverages implies that you'll have to pay for any repairs on your own.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Madison, WI
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Minimum Coverage in Madison, WI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Integrity Mutual Ins Co $88
GEICO $122
USAA $124
West Bend Mutual $151
State Farm $162
Nationwide $171
Progressive $257
Allstate $284

Source: The Zebra

  • Minimum: State liability coverage only
  • Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
  • Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. This may include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.

39% of The Zebra's customers in Madison choose the basic tier of coverage, but that doesn't mean it's right for everyone. As mentioned above, carrying the state minimum required coverage is one way to cut costs, but it can leave you in a tough spot if you're involved in a multi-car accident or an incident involving bodily injuries. Wisconsin's 25/50/10 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage — this may be fine for straightforward traffic incidents, but not enough for all situations.

Wisconsin also requires uninsured motorist coverage ($25,000/$10,000), as well. Learn more about insurance laws in Wisconsin.

Madison car insurance rates by credit score

Credit score is a determining factor in the calculation of insurance premiums in many states, Wisconsin being one of them. There are various reasons why auto insurance providers factor in credit score when calculating premiums. Statistical analysis of past data reveals that drivers with lower credit scores are more prone to file claims, have lapses in coverage, and exhibit reckless driving behavior. Since bad credit is correlated with higher risk, the lower your credit score, the greater the amount you'll have to pay for car insurance.

Madison drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay an astounding 286% more for auto insurance than drivers with excellent credit (800-850), according to our analysis. Our data shows that 33% of Madison drivers have a credit score in the excellent (720+) category. Based on our research for the year 2024, State Farm offers the most economical car insurance rates for drivers with this credit range in Madison.

car insurance in Madison by credit score
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Madison, WI
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bad Credit in Madison, WI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $569
Integrity Mutual Ins Co $660
Nationwide $665
West Bend Mutual $752
USAA $752
Allstate $1,396
Progressive $1,420
State Farm $2,433

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: If you've improved your credit score, it's time to shop for car insurance!


Our data indicate that in Madison, drivers with "Poor" credit are paying $2,474 more for car insurance annually than drivers with "Fair" credit. If you've recently taken actions to improve your credit score, such as paying off a loan, you should check your preferred credit monitoring software to see if you can save on your car insurance.

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

At-fault and collision-related accidents are the most frequent insurance claims. Madison's average car insurance rates rose from $20 to $43 per month in 2023 as a result of an at-fault accident. Following an at-fault accident, the cheapest car insurance provider in Madison is Integrity Mutual Insurance Company.

Affordable auto insurance rates can be maintained by avoiding accidents and citations and keeping a clean driving record, no matter where you reside. Your insurance premiums will be influenced by various factors, including DUIs and DWIs, speeding citations, reckless driving charges, and at-fault accidents. The length of time your premiums will be affected depends on the severity of the citation or accident and can range from three to five years. Typically, at-fault accidents and speeding tickets will be on your record for three to five years, while DUIs or DWIs can have a longer-lasting impact.

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Madison, WI
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies After an At-Fault Accident in Madison, WI

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Integrity Mutual Ins Co $552
State Farm $566
USAA $567
West Bend Mutual $602
GEICO $634
Nationwide $833
Allstate $1,390
Progressive $1,395

Source: The Zebra

Madison car insurance rates by violation

Take a peek at the table below to see exactly how much a citation or violation could cost you in Madison. 

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations Madison, WI
Car Insurance Rate Increases After Violations and Citations in Madison, WI

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Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $618 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $622 1% $4
Not-at-fault accident $657 6% $39
Two Med/PIP claims $669 8% $50
One comp claim $675 9% $56
Failure to wear a seat belt $686 11% $68
Driving without lights $705 14% $87
Failure to show documents $709 15% $90
Child safety restraint $717 16% $99
Driving with expired registration $718 16% $100
Two comp claims $732 18% $114
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $736 19% $118
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $739 19% $120
Failure to yield $741 20% $122
Cell phone violation $742 20% $124
Speeding in school zone $742 20% $124
Driving too slowly $742 20% $124
Illegal turn $743 20% $124
Wrong way/wrong lane $745 20% $126
Following too closely $750 21% $132
Failure to stop at a red light $751 21% $133
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $753 22% $135
Texting while driving $754 22% $136
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $756 22% $138
Improper passing $766 24% $147
Passing school bus $778 26% $159
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $840 36% $221
Operating a vehicle without permission $861 39% $243
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $867 40% $249
In 65 MPH zone $874 41% $256
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $875 42% $257
Open container $931 51% $313
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $1,099 78% $481
DUI $1,112 80% $493
Reckless driving $1,118 81% $500
Driving with a suspended license $1,132 83% $514
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $1,144 85% $526
Racing $1,153 87% $535

Source: The Zebra


Why is car insurance in Madison so expensive?

Auto insurance in Madison can be costly due to various reasons. One of the significant factors is the city's high cost of living, which causes car insurance companies to charge more to maintain their profitability. However, other factors such as driving record, credit history, and level of coverage also impact insurance rates. Let's take a look at why auto insurance can be expensive in Madison, irrespective of your driving profile.

money
Costs

Most cities have experienced an increased cost of living for residents, which usually means an increased cost of doing business for auto insurers. Just like residents have to accommodate their budget in expensive cities, so do businesses. 

location
Location

Your ZIP code can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates due to varying levels of crime, theft, and uninsured motorists. Insurance companies analyze the risks associated with your specific location and adjust their rates accordingly. If you happen to live in an area with higher crime rates, you can expect to pay a higher auto insurance premium compared to someone living in a safer neighborhood.

Expensive Madison ZIP codes: 53792, 53725, 53717, 53744, 53711

Cheap Madison ZIP codes: 53718, 53716, 53714, 53593, 53705

Drivers
Drivers

Madison's streets are often packed with cars, increasing the chances of accidents taking place. This results in a rise in insurance claims, which are then distributed to other drivers in the vicinity through higher premiums, regardless of their past driving experiences. According to our data, 70% of drivers in Madison are insured, but that means the other 30% aren't. Keep in mind that If you are hit by an uninsured driver in Madison, you may be required to pay for the damages out of your own pocket.

weather
Weather

Drivers who live in certain climates or regions which experience regular natural disasters (such as hurricanes or frequent flooding) will often pay more for insurance due to the increased risk. Luckily, Wisconsin isn't well-known for dangerous weather, but it can still experience severe storms from time to time. Weather-related damage is covered under comprehensive coverage, so if you are concerned about possible damage we recommend you carry this as part of your policy in Madison.

Zebra Tip: Uninsured motorist coverage


If you live in a city with a high number of uninsured drivers, we recommend including uninsured motorist coverage (UMP) in your policy. Some states require UMP as part of their minimum coverage, while others offer it as an additional coverage option. UMP can provide financial assistance if an uninsured or underinsured driver causes damage to your vehicle or injures you. This type of coverage typically has a lower deductible and is less expensive than collision coverage. Additionally, the rate increase after a UMP claim is typically much lower than that for a collision claim.


Bundling insurance policies in Madison

As car insurance fees continue to rise throughout the nation, rest assured that there are still strategies to keep your expenses down. When looking for a brand-new auto insurance policy, examine the possibility of bundling home and car insurance. Adopting this course of action can frequently yield a sizeable discount — you may save 10% or more on the total cost of your premiums. Expand your knowledge on the subject of combining home and car insurance policies.

When you have individual policies for your home and car, it's definitely worth thinking about the money you could save by bundling them. It's simple to ask and can result in nice savings!

bundling home and auto insurance in Madison
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Madison, WI
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bundling Home and Auto Insurance in Madison, WI

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm $369
West Bend Mutual $383
USAA $395
GEICO $395
Integrity Mutual Ins Co $407
Nationwide $413
Progressive $730
Allstate $811

Source: The Zebra

Although there may be some things outside of your control, drivers can take action to make their profiles more desirable to insurance companies. The most effective advice we can offer is to shop around and compare quotes from various auto insurance providers to ensure that you're obtaining the most affordable rate that doesn't compromise your coverage or service. This is particularly important if you've experienced any personal changes, such as a move, a birthday, or an improvement in your credit. Keep in mind that some companies may be more expensive than others, so don't hesitate to switch.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

The average rate for a six-month auto insurance policy in Madison is $618, which breaks down to $103 per month. This is less expensive than the Wisconsin state average and the national average.

USAA is the carrier with the cheapest rates in Madison, with prices at about $412 per six-month policy.

Teenagers in Madison pay over $2,000 for a six-month policy (about $346 per month). Because car insurance is so expensive for teen drivers, we suggest that parents or guardians add teens to their own policy to help keep costs lower.


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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near Madison, WI


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Car insurance near me in Madison

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.