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Wisconsin DUI & Violation Insurance Requirements

Wisconsin requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Wisconsin at a Glance

25/50/10

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Required

Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy

Yes

A defensive driving course can reduce points on your record

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Wisconsin

Most Wisconsin drivers do not realize their current insurer will non-renew — not cancel — their policy after a DUI or major violation, giving them until the next renewal period to find replacement coverage. Wisconsin typically requires drivers convicted of DUI, driving with a suspended license, or multiple serious violations to file SR-22 certification with the state DMV, proving continuous liability coverage for a minimum period. Non-standard carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers handle most of these policies, as many standard insurers do not offer SR-22 filing.

SR-22 Certificate Filing

SR-22 is not a type of insurance — it is a certificate your insurer files with the Wisconsin DMV proving you carry the state-required minimum liability coverage. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing; most standard insurers do not.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard auto insurance is coverage sold by carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers — those with DUIs, violations, lapses, or suspensions on their record. Non-standard carriers are often the only option for drivers who need SR-22 filing after a serious offense.

Liability Insurance

Bodily injury and property damage liability coverage is the minimum required to reinstate a suspended license in Wisconsin and to maintain SR-22 filing status. Any lapse in this coverage during your filing period will extend your suspension and reset your filing clock.

High-Risk Auto Insurance

High-risk auto insurance is the umbrella category for all policies issued to drivers with DUIs, multiple violations, at-fault accidents, or license suspensions. These policies are underwritten differently than standard auto insurance — carriers assess your specific violation history, the severity of the offense, and whether you have completed required courses or treatment programs.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

If you have an auto loan or lease, your lienholder will require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverage even after a violation. These coverages are optional under Wisconsin law but may be difficult to find at affordable rates in the non-standard market, where some carriers offer liability-only policies to high-risk drivers.

What Drivers Pay in Wisconsin

$210–$281/mo

Typical monthly rate in Wisconsin, drivers after a speeding ticket

Rate data: ValuePenguin and CarInsurance.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Time since violation — rates begin to decrease 3–5 years after the offense if no new incidents occur
  • Prior driving record — a clean record before the violation will result in lower increases than a history of multiple violations
  • Completion of required programs — DUI school, defensive driving courses, or treatment programs may qualify you for modest discounts with some non-standard carriers
  • Carrier availability — Wisconsin has a limited number of non-standard carriers willing to write SR-22 policies, which reduces competition and keeps rates higher
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