Car Insurance in Madison
Madison, Wisconsin is one of the most popular college towns in the country. Its flagship university, the University of Wisconsin at Madison is nestled in quaint natural areas, like Lakeshore Path and Picnic Point.
The city itself is also home to more than 250,000 people and has a healthy mix of natural wonders, cuisine, nightlife, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy iconic venues such as State Street, the Chazen Museum of Art, the Arboretum, and a dazzling array of festivals, live music, and farmer’s markets. Not just for university students, Madison, WI, holds something near and dear for everyone.
Quick Facts
- The average cost of car insurance in Madison is $36 per month*.
- In 2019, there were seven recorded fatal accidents in Madison.
*We use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by state. Your rates will be determined by several factors, including your age, your gender and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Madison?
On average, car insurance in Madison costs $36 per month for basic liability. This is lower than the U.S. national average of $39 and slightly higher than the Wisconsin state average at $28 per month. When compared to other major Wisconsin cities, Madison’s monthly average rates rank in the middle, more than Appleton and Green Bay but less than Milwaukee, a much bigger city.
The amount of Wisconsin car insurance you pay will depend on several factors, including age, gender, zip code of residence, marital status, and more. If you have one or more claims on your record, then you should expect premiums to skyrocket.
Full comprehensive, collision and property damage coverage gives you the best protection for your family and your property if an accident occurs. Although seeking state minimum required coverage limits guarantees some protections and is less expensive, you may face devastating out-of-pocket costs if you cause an accident.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage the amount of auto premiums paid, such as inquiring about discounts, owning an older make/model vehicle, and opting for higher deductibles.
Madison Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
Your zip code is a major factor when determining auto insurance rates. Some zip codes have higher auto theft and vandalism rates than other zip codes, so the cost of auto insurance is higher. All insurance companies have real-time data for each region and recalculate rates accordingly.
Madison has 13 zip codes. Here is a breakdown of the average monthly cost of car insurance by zip code using a driver profile of a 30-year-old male with the basic coverage. Your rates may differ based on your age, gender, and the amount of coverage you need.
| Zip Code | Average Monthly Car Insurance Rate |
|---|---|
| 53703 | $37 |
| 53704 | $37 |
| 53705 | $38 |
| 53706 | $37 |
| 53711 | $37 |
| 53713 | $37 |
| 53714 | $37 |
| 53715 | $36 |
| 53716 | $37 |
| 53717 | $38 |
| 53718 | $35 |
| 53719 | $38 |
| 53726 | $37 |
Madison Car Insurance Rates by Age
Madison, Wisconsin car insurance rates also vary by age. Some age groups are at higher risk of accidents than others, resulting in higher premiums for the entire group. For example, teenage Madison drivers have an average monthly rate of almost 300% higher than Madison drivers in their 50s and 60s.
| Age | Average Monthly Car Insurance Rate |
|---|---|
| Teenagers | $256 |
| 20s | $82 |
| 30s | $36 |
| 40s | $36 |
| 50s | $36 |
| 60s | $35 |
| 70s | $40 |
Driving Conditions in Madison
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Madison?
In 2019, there were seven recorded fatal accidents in Madison. Of these accidents, 11 vehicles were involved, with four accidents involving drunk people.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Madison?
Road infrastructure and bridges in Madison, Wisconsin, are constantly undergoing revision. For example, Madison’s water utility companies conduct repairs to over 150 water main breaks every year. Other projects focus on adding green areas and repairing public spaces.
According to the Infrastructure Report Card’s 2020 ASCE Wisconsin Report Card, Wisconsin gets a score of C in terms of how well the state handles infrastructure or performs maintenance upgrades (e.g., energy grid and drinking water systems) throughout the region.
Get a Quote for Car Insurance in Wisconsin Today!
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Madison
Wisconsin is an at-fault insurance state, which means all damages after a car accident are paid by the person determined to be at fault. If you are determined to be at fault and carry only the basic legal requirements of insurance, you may find yourself responsible for large out-of-pocket expenses once your insurance has paid.
Here are the state minimum requirements for Wisconsin car insurance:
- $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident
- $10,000 property damage per accident
Anyone who drives on Wisconsin roads must have the minimum basic liability coverage. This requirement extends to rental and leased cars. If your vehicle is financed, your lender will most likely require full coverage.
Factors Allowed in Madison Car Insurance Rates
Many factors determine how much your insurance company will charge for your car insurance. Individual states determine what factors insurance companies can use to determine your rate. Some people pay higher premiums based on age, gender, and zip code of residence.
Other factors used to determine car insurance rates are:
- Driving record and claims history
- Physical location
- Gender
- Age
- Marital status
- Type of vehicle
- Credit score
Remember, keeping a safe driving record and taking advantage of discounts is your best bet for keeping rates low.
Discounts for Car Insurance in Madison
Fortunately, there are many ways to save money on car insurance in Madison. For example, if you need insurance on non-auto items, such as your home and/or your boat, and you “bundle” those items into one policy with the same insurance agency, you can receive a sometimes substantial discount.
Other discounts include:
-
Good student discount
-
Anti-theft discount
-
Good driver discount
-
Military discount
Be sure to call your insurance company every several months to learn of any new discounts you may qualify since your circumstances may change.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Madison?
Expect to pay some serious penalties for driving without insurance in Wisconsin. In addition to a suspended license, fines for first-time offenders can go up to $510 with a demand to file SR-22 insurance that shows proof of financial responsibility. An SR-22 certificate is a court-ordered document that proves a driver is covered by the state’s minimum required auto insurance. It will remain on file for three years.
Remember, any lapses in coverage may be subject to penalties. Insurance companies maintain a real-time database of active and lapsed coverage, and that information is provided to the state. The state may send a notice upon news of any lapsed coverage, so it is important to stay covered at all times.
Get a Madison Car Insurance Quote Today!
State law in Wisconsin requires car insurance for all drivers. Luckily, there are many options available, even with a less-than-stellar driving record.
Freeway Insurance is ready to assist you in finding the best car insurance policy. Get started with a free quote online, visit us at a Wisconsin office near you, or call our team at (800) 777-5620 for a quote today.