Wisconsin DUI & Violation Insurance Requirements

After a DUI, suspended license, or major violation in Wisconsin, your current insurer will typically non-renew your policy at the next renewal. Wisconsin requires SR-22 filing for most violations, and your premium will increase 50–300% depending on the offense. You must maintain continuous coverage to avoid license suspension.

Updated April 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.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Wisconsin?

Insurance rates for Wisconsin drivers with DUI or serious violations typically increase 50–300% compared to standard rates, depending on the severity of the offense and your prior driving record. A first-time DUI typically increases premiums 80–150%, while driving with a suspended license or multiple violations can double or triple your rate. Non-standard carriers price policies based on violation type, time since the offense, completion of required programs, and whether you have had any incidents since the violation.

Minimum Liability Only

Meets Wisconsin SR-22 filing requirements with state minimum liability limits (typically 25/50/10). Most affordable option for drivers without liens, but offers no coverage for your own vehicle.

Standard Liability Coverage

Higher liability limits (50/100/25 or 100/300/100) to protect assets and reduce out-of-pocket risk after an at-fault accident. Recommended for drivers with property or savings to protect.

Full Coverage with Collision & Comprehensive

Includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Required by lienholders and recommended for newer vehicles. More difficult to find in the non-standard market, and significantly more expensive for high-risk drivers.

What Affects Your Rate

Violation type — DUI typically increases rates 80–150%, while suspended license violations or multiple offenses can increase rates 150–300%
Time since violation — rates begin to decrease 3–5 years after the offense if no new incidents occur
SR-22 filing requirement — the filing itself costs $15–$50, but being classified as high-risk is what drives the premium increase
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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Sources

Wisconsin Department of Transportation — Driver License Reinstatement Requirements
Wisconsin Department of Transportation — SR-22 Certificate of Insurance Information
Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 344 — Suspension of Operating Privilege

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