If you drive a car in Wisconsin, you need auto insurance. It’s not just mandatory; it is essential for protecting your current and future income and assets against possible loss. The right policy can save you tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages and liability. That is why as a driver, settling for a sub-par insurance policy should never be an option. Of course, that does not mean that quality coverage should break the bank. At Terp Insurance, we shop and compare rates on the auto insurance coverage you need, delivering competitive prices on reliable auto insurance that is designed to stand up to nearly any loss or claim.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin minimum auto insurance requirements are designed to provide a small level of protection in the event you damage someone else’s property, or you cause harm to another person. In Wisconsin, drivers need a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and $10,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability Coverage.
What is the best deductible?
The best deductible is what you can afford to pay out of pocket when you file an auto insurance claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa. A higher deductible means your accepting a more significant portion of the risk yourself. It is best not to take on more risk than you can afford.
What is “full coverage?”
There is no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is a term that is used to suggest you have chosen protection that goes beyond the minimum coverage required by your State. It typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, medical payment coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
You can save money on your car insurance by avoiding moving violations, crashes, DUIs, and other incidents. By having a clean driving record, you may also qualify for a safe driver discount. Students may qualify for good student and student-away-at-school discounts. Your vehicle’s anti-theft devices and safety features may also provide more discounts. Paid-in-full, multi-car, and prior carrier discounts are also common.
How long does an auto accident affect my insurance?
A crash won’t impact your car insurance premiums forever. After about three to five years, your rates should recover. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the type of accident as well as the company you are insured with.
Is buying direct cheaper than buying through an agent?
Buying direct is not always cheaper than buying through an agent. You might think that cutting out the middleman would result in cheaper car insurance rates, but when it comes to insurance, this isn’t the case. In fact, an independent agent, one that represents many insurance companies, can often save you money.
What is the best auto insurance company?
The best auto insurance company differs per individual. No insurance company is objectively the best. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best customer service, the broadest coverage, or the lowest rates? Or maybe you have unique coverage or underwriting needs? An agent can help you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the right policy for your situation.
What is the best or cheapest auto insurance rate?
The best or cheapest auto insurance rate can be found by comparison shopping. Compare premiums as well as differences in coverage. An independent insurance agent can help. They can provide options from multiple carriers, along with the expert guidance you need to make a smart choice.
How do I switch to a new auto insurance company?
You can switch to a new auto insurance company at any time, but to avoid overpaying or violating state law, you do need to watch out for a couple of things. Car insurance policies are often sold for coverage periods of six months or one year. In some cases, you may be charged a fee if you decide to cancel your insurance policy early. You may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the premium. You also want to make sure you have continuous coverage to avoid a coverage gap.
Types of Auto Insurance Coverage
We here at Terp Insurance offer a wide range of coverages designed to protect you against risk behind the wheel. Examples include:
Liability
Law requires auto liability insurance for Wisconsin drivers, but the minimum coverage established by the state is too low to protect drivers against major claims. If you are at-fault for an accident, be ready with liability protection that will cover property damage and injuries to the fullest extent. You can also rely on your liability protection to cover your legal bills and defense costs if you are sued for damages.
Collision
How much would it cost to replace your vehicle if it were destroyed in an accident? Collision coverage helps pay to repair your vehicle after an accident or reimburse you for your loss if your car is totaled. If you financed your vehicle with a lender, you might be required to carry collision insurance to satisfy the terms of your financial agreement. Even if you own your car in full, collision insurance protects your savings and income, allowing you to retain the equity in your damaged or destroyed vehicle.
Comprehensive
Sometimes bad things happen to cars that do not involve collisions. Perhaps you were the victim of vandalism, or maybe your vehicle was damaged during a hail storm. Whatever the damage, comprehensive insurance generally covers it if it is non-collision related.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
If you are injured by a hit-and-run driver or a driver with no insurance, uninsured motorist protection can help compensate you for your injuries. Similarly, underinsured motorist insurance can fill in the gaps left behind by drivers with too little insurance coverage to meet the needs of your claim.
Other Coverages
We also offer a wide range of additional protections and endorsements meant to enhance your policy and provide complete coverage to meet your needs. Examples include:
- Medical Payments
- Towing and Roadside Assistance
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- And more
Save Money on Car Insurance in Manitowoc
If you are not yet using an independent agent to shop for Wisconsin car insurance, you could be leaving better coverage and greater cost savings on the table. Here at Terp Insurance, we know how to put money back in the pockets of our clients without sacrificing coverage. We can show you several ways of lowering your premiums and qualifying for money-saving discounts, such as:
- Raising your deductible
- Taking an approved driver safety course
- Combining home and auto coverage
- Maintaining good grades (students)
- And more
To find out how an independent agent can save you money on car insurance, contact our office to request your free quotes today.