Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Wisconsin in 2025
Wisconsin law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 344, vehicle owners must maintain financial responsibility before operating a motor vehicle in the state. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance through the state's Mandatory Liability Insurance Law.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Wisconsin Statutes establish financial responsibility requirements for all motor vehicles operated on highways in Wisconsin. Under Wisconsin Statute § 344.62, no person may operate a motor vehicle upon a highway unless the owner or operator has in effect a motor vehicle liability policy with respect to the vehicle being operated. Wisconsin requires all drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage or alternative financial responsibility at all times while operating a vehicle.
Operating a vehicle without required insurance may result in a fine of up to $500.
Drivers and owners who fail to show proof of insurance at the time of the stop/accident may be fined up to $10.
Offering proof of insurance that is found to be fraudulent may result in a fine of up to $5,000.) may result in a fine of up to $500. Drivers and owners who fail to show proof of insurance at the time of a traffic stop or accident may be fined up to $10. The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance regulates insurance companies and handles consumer complaints related to automobile insurance.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 266-2353
Official Website: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Wisconsin law establishes minimum amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the state. Wisconsin requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of more than one person | $50,000 total |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 |
Wisconsin law requires both liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage as mandatory minimum requirements.
Alternative methods of demonstrating financial responsibility include a surety bond filed with the Department of Transportation, a deposit of cash or securities with the Department of Transportation, or qualification as a self-insurer holding a valid certificate under Wisconsin law.
Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
101 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 266-3585
Official Website: Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
Proof of Insurance Documents
Wisconsin requires vehicle operators to carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times. Vehicle owners must provide acceptable documentation when requested by law enforcement officers at traffic stops or accident investigations. The following formats are accepted:
- An insurance identification card issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Wisconsin
- A motor vehicle liability policy or certificate showing current coverage
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a cellular telephone or other electronic device showing the required coverage information
- A certificate of self-insurance issued by the Department of Transportation
Drivers and owners of motor vehicles are required to show proof of insurance at traffic stops or accidents if requested by law enforcement.
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Limited exceptions to the financial responsibility requirement exist under Wisconsin law:
- Motor vehicles owned by the United States government, Wisconsin, or another state, or any county or municipality of Wisconsin or another state, when operated with the owner's or lessee's permission
- Motor vehicles insured as school buses under specific statutory requirements when operated by the owner or with the owner's permission
- Motor vehicles owned by self-insurers holding valid certificates of self-insurance issued by the Department of Transportation when operated with the owner's permission
- Motor vehicles covered by surety bonds or deposits of cash or securities meeting statutory requirements filed with the Department of Transportation
- Trailers, semi-trailers, all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, and limited-use off-highway motorcycles as defined in Wisconsin law
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not require proof of insurance when obtaining a driver license or registering a vehicle, unless specifically requested by the Division of Motor Vehicles as a requirement before reinstatement of a driver license after a suspension or revocation. However, Wisconsin law mandates that all motor vehicles operated on public highways maintain continuous liability insurance coverage.
New Wisconsin residents must apply for Wisconsin title and license plates after establishing residence. New residents must apply for a Wisconsin driver's license within 60 days for a regular license or within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License. New residents must obtain Wisconsin insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements before operating their vehicles on Wisconsin highways.
Wisconsin motorists may renew vehicle registration online through the Department of Transportation website, by mail, or in person at Division of Motor Vehicles customer service centers. The Division of Motor Vehicles monitors compliance with insurance requirements through law enforcement verification at traffic stops and accident investigations.
