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What Are Wisconsin’s Car Insurance Requirements and What Happens if You Don’t Have Enough?

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Car insurance is required for most drivers in Wisconsin, but many people are unsure whether the minimum coverage is enough. What happens if you cause an accident and your insurance does not fully pay for the damages? What if the driver who hits you has little or no insurance?

Understanding Wisconsin’s insurance laws can help you make informed decisions before an accident happens. Knowing your options after a crash can also make the claims process less stressful.

What Car Insurance Does Wisconsin Require?

Wisconsin law requires most drivers to carry liability insurance to help pay for injuries or property damage they cause in an accident. 

Current Wisconsin law requires minimum coverage of:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage
  • $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage

These limits satisfy Wisconsin’s minimum car insurance requirements, but they may not be enough after a serious collision. Many drivers choose higher coverage limits for greater financial protection.

Why Might the Minimum Insurance Limits Not Be Enough?

A severe crash can result in expensive medical treatment, lengthy rehabilitation, lost wages, and significant vehicle damage. Those costs can quickly exceed Wisconsin’s minimum insurance requirements.

If you cause an accident and your policy limits are too low, you may be personally responsible for the remaining damages. Likewise, if another driver carries only the minimum coverage, their insurance may not fully compensate you for your losses.

Reviewing your insurance policy before an accident can help you better understand the protection you have.

What Happens if the Other Driver Does Not Have Enough Insurance?

If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Depending on your insurance policy, underinsured motorist coverage or other sources of recovery may be available.

Even if the other driver is clearly at fault, their policy may not fully pay your medical bills and other damages. Before accepting a settlement, it is important to identify all available sources of compensation. An experienced attorney can evaluate your situation and explain what options may be available.

What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may help if the at-fault driver’s liability insurance is not enough to cover your damages. Wisconsin insurers generally must offer UIM coverage, although drivers are not required to purchase it.

If you purchased this optional coverage, it may help pay for losses that exceed the other driver’s policy limits, subject to your own policy’s terms.

Understanding what coverage you purchased before a car accident can make a significant difference if a serious crash occurs.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer?

You should consider contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident, especially if you suffered serious injuries or there are questions about insurance coverage or liability. An attorney can explain your rights, identify available sources of compensation, and help you avoid mistakes that could affect your claim.

A Madison car accident lawyer at Eisenberg Personal Injury Lawyers can review available insurance coverage, investigate the accident, and communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf. Founded by Mark A. Eisenberg and Stephen J. Eisenberg, the firm has recovered more than $100 million for injured clients and has more than 140 years of combined experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have To Carry Car Insurance in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin law generally requires drivers to maintain minimum liability insurance and uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage.

Can I Recover Compensation if the Other Driver Does Not Have Enough Insurance?

Possibly. Depending on your insurance policy and the facts of your case, underinsured motorist coverage or other sources of recovery may be available.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?

Not necessarily. It is important to understand the full value of your injuries and damages before agreeing to a settlement.

Contact the Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyers at Eisenberg Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

If you were injured in a Wisconsin car accident, you do not have to navigate the insurance claims process alone. The experienced team at Eisenberg Personal Injury Lawyers is committed to helping injured people understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Whether you are dealing with an uninsured driver, an underinsured driver, or have questions about your own insurance coverage, we are here to help. Contact our Wisconsin car accident attorneys today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.

We proudly serve Dane County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, Rock County, Columbia County, and their surrounding areas.

Eisenberg Personal Injury Lawyers – Madison
121 S. Pinckney St. Suite 400, Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-8356

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