Do you need insurance to register a car in Wisconsin?

Why you can trust Insure.com

Quality Verified

At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry.

In Wisconsin, you can register your car without showing proof of insurance. But to drive legally – and protect yourself financially if there’s an accident – you’ll still need to carry at least the state’s minimum required coverage.

In this guide, we’ll explain the registration process and why it’s important to maintain continuous coverage.

Do you need car insurance to register your car in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, you don’t need car insurance to register or reregister your vehicle. The DMV doesn’t require proof of insurance for registration. However, if you plan to drive on public roads, you’re legally required to have insurance to cover any damages or injuries in an accident.

Wisconsin’s minimum insurance coverage includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $10,000 for property damage. Learn more about the state minimum requirements in the table below.

Minimum insurance requirements in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, auto insurance is required by law to ensure drivers can cover the cost of an accident. Wisconsin drivers are required to carry the following coverage limits:

How do you register your car in Wisconsin?

You can follow these steps to register your car in Wisconsin:

Make sure you have all the required paperwork. Here’s what you’ll need to register your vehicle:

• Title or proof of ownership
• Driver’s license
• Proof of address
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Visit the DMV. Visit your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or check if you can register online. You’ll need to bring the documents listed above with you.

Pay the registration fee. You’ll have to pay a fee to register your car in Wisconsin.

Receive your registration. Once your paperwork is processed, you will receive your license plates and a registration card, which you should keep in your vehicle at all times.

What are the consequences of driving without car insurance in Wisconsin

Driving without car insurance in Wisconsin can lead to serious consequences, including big fines, a suspended license, and being held responsible for damages if you cause an accident.

Depending on where you live, here’s what can happen if you’re caught driving without insurance in Wisconsin:

• License suspension
• Registration suspension
• Fines
• Jail time

What happens if my insurance lapses after I register my car in Wisconsin?

Most states require continuous car insurance to maintain a valid registration. Letting your coverage lapse could lead to fines, penalties, or suspended registration. This is why you should have valid insurance at all times.

You can register your vehicle in Wisconsin without having insurance, but driving without proper coverage can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. To stay compliant with state laws, make sure your insurance is active before hitting the road.

Shivani Gite

Contributing Writer

 

|

 . .

Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions.