Having a low credit score can make car insurance more expensive in Wisconsin, but affordable options still exist. Many insurers consider credit when setting rates, and drivers with poor credit often pay more—even with a clean driving record.
“Bad credit can significantly impact your car insurance costs. Most insurance companies use a credit-based insurance score to help predict risks, in which statistically, drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims,” says Ted Kaplun, principal attorney and founding partner of KaplunMarx, a personal injury law firm in Pennsylvania. “This means insurers often charge higher premiums to those with poor credit, despite a clean driving record.”
This guide breaks down the cheapest car insurance options for drivers with bad credit in Wisconsin, using real-world rate data to help you find savings and make informed choices.
- The average annual car insurance rate for full coverage for drivers with bad credit in Wisconsin is $3,220.
- The cheapest insurance company in Wisconsin for drivers with poor credit is Travelers.
- Shopping around can help drivers with any credit score find more affordable rates for their situation.
What are the average car insurance rates for people with bad credit in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, drivers with bad credit pay an average of $268 per month for full coverage car insurance. If you choose liability-only coverage with 50/100/50 limits, the average monthly cost drops to $68. Minimum liability coverage is even lower at $59 per month.
The table below shows how car insurance rates in Wisconsin increase for drivers with poor credit.
| Company | Average rates | Rates after bad credit | $ increase | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,089 | $1,769 | $680 | 62% |
| Nationwide | $1,287 | $1,849 | $563 | 44% |
| Geico | $1,195 | $1,859 | $664 | 56% |
| State Farm | $2,378 | $2,500 | $122 | 5% |
| Erie Insurance | $1,313 | $3,100 | $1,786 | 136% |
| Progressive | $2,128 | $3,572 | $1,444 | 68% |
| Allstate | $2,515 | $3,972 | $1,457 | 58% |
| Farmers | $2,139 | $4,779 | $2,639 | 123% |
| USAA* | $984 | $1,863 | $879 | 89% |
Find out how bad credit can impact your car insurance rates
Top car insurance companies in Wisconsin for drivers with bad credit
Since each insurer assesses risk differently, car insurance rates for drivers with bad credit can vary in Wisconsin. Some companies consistently offer lower premiums to high-risk drivers.
If you have bad credit, the cheapest car insurance providers in Wisconsin are Travelers, Nationwide, and Geico.
The table below compares average car insurance costs by company for drivers with bad credit in Wisconsin.
| Company | Annual rates after bad credit | Six-month rates after bad credit | Monthly rates after bad credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,769 | $885 | $147 |
| Nationwide | $1,849 | $925 | $154 |
| Geico | $1,859 | $930 | $155 |
| State Farm | $2,500 | $1,250 | $208 |
| Erie Insurance | $3,100 | $1,550 | $258 |
| Progressive | $3,572 | $1,786 | $298 |
| Allstate | $3,972 | $1,986 | $331 |
| Farmers | $4,779 | $2,389 | $398 |
| USAA* | $1,863 | $931 | $155 |
Check out our detailed guide on the cheapest car insurance companies
How age and gender affect car insurance rates with bad credit in Wisconsin
Age and gender are two factors car insurance companies consider when determining premiums. Young drivers pay more for coverage than those with more experience behind the wheel. Female drivers are statistically less likely to get into a serious accident. As a result, women tend to pay less for car insurance coverage than their male counterparts.
The table below highlights the average rates across age and gender for those with bad credit.
| Age | Six-month cost for male drivers | Six-month cost for female drivers | Monthly cost for male drivers | Monthly cost for female drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | $5,419 | $4,732 | $903 | $789 |
| 25 | $1,959 | $1,870 | $327 | $312 |
| 40 | $1,606 | $1,614 | $268 | $269 |
| 65 | $1,460 | $1,407 | $243 | $234 |
How driving record and location influence rates with bad credit in Wisconsin
In addition to your credit score, your driving record and location significantly impact how much you pay for car insurance, especially if you have bad credit. Drivers with violations like speeding tickets or at-fault accidents are considered higher risk by insurers and often face higher premiums.
Where you live also affects your car insurance rates. Premiums vary by state and ZIP code, with drivers in rural areas typically paying less than those in urban regions with higher traffic congestion and crime rates.
For drivers with bad credit, factors like driving history and geographic location can sometimes influence rates even more than credit alone. That’s why comparing car insurance options and understanding all the factors affecting your premium is important.
Check out 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
What are the discounts for drivers with bad credit in Wisconsin?
While drivers with bad credit might experience higher rates, seeking out discounts can help to offset their costs. Some of the discounts drivers with bad credit can pursue include:
Safe driving discounts: Many car insurance companies offer discounts to safe drivers. If you are comfortable signing up for a telematics program that tracks your driving behavior, you could score significant savings if you practice safe driving habits.
Bundling discounts: If you need other types of coverage, like renters insurance or homeowners insurance, buying multiple policies through the same insurer can often lead to a discount.
Affinity discounts: Being part of a group, like an alumni association or a veteran organization, can sometimes result in a discount.
Pay-in-full discount: Some insurers offer a discount when you pay for coverage upfront instead of monthly.
Paperless discount: Many insurers offer a discount if you opt to go paperless.
See what drivers with bad credit pay on average in nearby states
Tips to find cheap car insurance with bad credit in Wisconsin
As you look for cheap car insurance with bad credit in Wisconsin, use these strategies to seek out lower rates:
- Shop around: Comparing rates across multiple insurance companies can help you find the most affordable rate for your unique situation.
- Raise your deductible: A higher deductible generally leads to a lower insurance premium. Locking in the premium savings can make sense if you have the money to cover a higher deductible during an emergency.
- Maintain safe driving habits: Safe drivers tend to pay less for coverage. Sticking to safe driving habits can lead to savings.
How to shop for car insurance with bad credit in Wisconsin
When shopping for car insurance with bad credit in Wisconsin, use the following steps as a guide:
- Gather your information: To get accurate quotes, you must provide basic information about your vehicle. For example, you’ll likely need to provide your car’s VIN, make, model and year.
- Consider your policy needs: While a state minimum coverage policy often offers the cheapest rates, it might not fit your unique situation. For example, you’ll need full coverage while paying off an auto loan.
- Compare quotes: Collect quotes from multiple car insurance companies to find the most affordable option.
Frequently ask questions
Does a bad credit score affect car insurance rates in Wisconsin?
Yes, drivers with bad credit in Wisconsin typically pay higher car insurance premiums than those with good credit. Insurers often see lower credit scores as a sign of increased risk.
Can you improve your rates with bad credit in Wisconsin over time?
Yes, improving your credit history can lower your insurance premiums in the future. Some ways to improve your credit include making on-time bill payments, paying off high-interest debt as quickly as possible, and then paying off lower-interest debt.
Car insurance rates for good vs. bad credit in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, bad credit drivers pay an average of $3,220 per year for car insurance. In contrast, good credit drivers pay an average of $1,664 per year for the same full coverage car insurance.
Car insurance requirements in Wisconsin if you have bad credit
If you have bad credit, the car insurance requirement remains the same in Wisconsin. Like other drivers, you’ll need to carry a minimum amount of car insurance to legally drive in Wisconsin.
Find out whether it’s legal for insurers to raise your premium because of a bad credit score
Resources and Methodology
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates for drivers with poor credit scores. The rates are based on sample profiles of 40-year-old male and female drivers carrying full coverage policies with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles. Read the detailed methodology for more information.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families
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