Wisconsin OWI and insurance: How much does an OWI raise your insurance?

Does a OWI raise car insurance rates in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin car insurance averages $1,664 with a clean driving record. However, average car insurance rates after a OWI increase to $2,899, which is $1,235 more.

Car insurance companies charge much higher rates if you are proven to be a risky driver. If you have multiple OWIs, average rates dramatically increase to $4,270.

How much does a OWI raise your insurance in Wisconsin?

The cheapest insurer after a OWI is Travelers, with rates averaging $1,723. The next cheapest insurer is Erie Insurance a difference of $368 from Travelers. Progressive has the third-most affordable car insurance rates with a OWI.

Not only is driving under the influence dangerous, but it's also expensive. You'll face hefty fines and increased car insurance rates for years. However, every company weighs a OWI differently and offers different rates, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential.

This table shows average car insurance rates after a OWI in Wisconsin.

Company	Annual premium for clean records	Annual premium after a DUI	Annual premium after multiple DUIs
Travelers	$1,089	$1,723	$2,480
Erie Insurance	$1,313	$2,091	$2,731
Progressive	$2,128	$2,393	$3,631
State Farm	$2,378	$2,583	$2,583
Nationwide	$1,287	$2,990	$4,233
GEICO	$1,195	$3,016	$4,508
Allstate	$2,515	$3,202	$4,148
Farmers	$2,139	$4,508	$6,787
USAA	$984	$1,817	$2,022

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PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in Wisconsin?

If you're convicted of a DUI in Wisconsin, consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, car insurance rates will increase, and OWI will stay on your record for life.

If someone gets a OWI in your car, does it go on your insurance?

In most situations, insurance follows the vehicle rather than the driver, so your auto insurance rates won't increase because the OWI will not show up on your driving record.

However, your rates may increase if your vehicle is involved in an accident due to a OWI. Additionally, your car can be declared a crime scene after an accident, so you won't have access to your vehicle until the police are ready.

How long does a OWI affect your insurance in Wisconsin?

While a OWI may remain on your driving record forever, it doesn't affect rates forever. A OWI affects Wisconsin car insurance and stays on your record for life. Your car insurance rates should begin to decrease after several years with no further infractions on your driving record.

PEOPLE ASK:

Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DUI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DUI, especially if you have multiple convictions. However, if you already have car insurance, your insurer will likely continue your coverage. Since insurance rates will increase after a DUI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates.

How much does a OWI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers typically pay higher car insurance rates than older, more seasoned drivers because they have less driving experience. While a OWI increases costs for everyone, a teen's premiums climb even more after a conviction. The average car insurance rate for a teen with a OWI is $4,109.

Below are the cheapest insurers after a OWI for each age group:

For teens: Erie Insurance has the most affordable rate at $4,109.
For young adults: Travelers offers the lowest-priced coverage for young adults at $1,879.
For adults: Travelers provides the best rate, averaging $1,723.
For seniors: Travelers delivers the cheapest average rate at $1,664.

This table illustrates how a OWI affects car insurance rates across different age groups.

Company	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
Erie Insurance	$2,904	$4,109	$1,205	42%
Travelers	$2,976	$4,151	$1,175	39%
Nationwide	$4,300	$5,671	$1,371	32%
State Farm	$6,019	$6,608	$589	10%
GEICO	$4,047	$7,889	$3,842	95%
Allstate	$7,145	$9,507	$2,362	33%
Farmers	$7,711	$14,370	$6,659	86%
Erie Insurance	$2,904	$4,109	$1,205	42%
Travelers	$2,976	$4,151	$1,175	39%
Nationwide	$4,300	$5,671	$1,371	32%
State Farm	$6,019	$6,608	$589	10%
GEICO	$4,047	$7,889	$3,842	95%
Allstate	$7,145	$9,507	$2,362	33%
Farmers	$7,711	$14,370	$6,659	86%
USAA	$2,458	$3,867	$1,409	57%
USAA	$2,458	$3,867	$1,409	57%

How much does a OWI raise your insurance in your city?

The least expensive city in Wisconsin for car insurance after a OWI is Oshkosh, while the costliest city is Milwaukee, with an average rate of $3,540. Your location influences your insurance costs, even without a OWI. Drivers in areas with heavier traffic or higher rates of vehicle theft typically face higher premiums because their cars are at a greater risk. A OWI then raises those already elevated rates even more.

This table shows average OWI car insurance rates by city. Compare rates in large cities to rural areas to see how your location impacts rates.

City	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
Cudahy	$1,651	$2,933	$1,282	78%
Eau Claire	$1,491	$2,499	$1,008	68%
Evansville	$1,499	$2,515	$1,016	68%
Madison	$1,524	$2,593	$1,069	70%
Menomonee Falls	$1,484	$2,537	$1,053	71%
Milwaukee	$2,013	$3,540	$1,527	76%
Oshkosh	$1,357	$2,248	$891	66%
Portage	$1,581	$2,648	$1,067	68%
Sheboygan	$1,394	$2,355	$961	69%
Sun Prairie	$1,457	$2,436	$979	67%
Wausau	$1,526	$2,522	$996	65%
Cudahy	$1,651	$2,933	$1,282	78%
Eau Claire	$1,491	$2,499	$1,008	68%
Evansville	$1,499	$2,515	$1,016	68%
Madison	$1,524	$2,593	$1,069	70%
Menomonee Falls	$1,484	$2,537	$1,053	71%
Milwaukee	$2,013	$3,540	$1,527	76%
Oshkosh	$1,357	$2,248	$891	66%
Portage	$1,581	$2,648	$1,067	68%
Sheboygan	$1,394	$2,355	$961	69%
Sun Prairie	$1,457	$2,436	$979	67%
Wausau	$1,526	$2,522	$996	65%

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How to get car insurance after a OWI in Wisconsin

Insurers will label you a high-risk driver after a OWI, but you can still secure car insurance. Finding suitable coverage following a OWI conviction may require some additional effort.

If you already have car insurance and receive a OWI, your insurer will likely continue your policy; however, your premiums will increase at renewal time.

If you need car insurance after a OWI or want to find the lowest rates, shop around for coverage. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the most affordable policy in Wisconsin since each insurer offers different rates after a OWI.

Wisconsin OWI insurance requirements and penalties

A OWI in Wisconsin means you must meet specific requirements for high-risk drivers. In Wisconsin, you will need an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form filed by your insurance company that shows the state that you have at least the minimum amount of car insurance required by law. While an SR-22 doesn't increase your car insurance rates, the cause behind the form does.

A OWI can lead to fines, a driver's license suspension, car impoundment, and jail time. Multiple offenses have more severe penalties. Additionally, you may have to pay lawyer fees, towing charges, and impound fees.

The table below indicates Wisconsin OWI laws and penalties based on first and subsequent offenses.

Increased penalty for high BAC	Administrative license suspension after a first offense	Limited driving privileges during suspension	Ignition interlocks	Open container laws	Repeat offender laws
0.17, 0.20 and 0.25	6-9 months	Yes	Mandatory for high BAC (0.15 or higher) and repeat convictions	Yes	Yes
0.17, 0.20 and 0.25	6-9 months	Yes	Mandatory for high BAC (0.15 or higher) and repeat convictions	Yes	Yes

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*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a OWI does your insurance go down?

A OWI affects car insurance rates for at least three years, although the timeframe varies by state. In some states, like California, a OWI can impact your premiums for as long as 10 years.

In Wisconsin, drivers can expect higher car insurance rates after a OWI and expect it to stay on their record for life.

Tips to save money after a OWI

A OWI can cost you thousands of dollars in fines, fees and increased insurance premiums. Fortunately, there are still ways to lower your rates afterward.

Wisconsin drivers can cut car insurance expenses after a OWI by:

Raising their deductible to reduce monthly premiums
Looking for discounts, such as multi-policy savings or safety feature discounts
Keeping a clean driving record going forward
Completing a defensive driving course
Improving their credit score
Comparing quotes from multiple insurers

Methodology

We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
40-year-old driver
Honda Accord LX
Good credit
A clean driving record
12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Additional rate data is drawn based on:

One and two OWI convictions
Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

Wisconsin OWI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a OWI?

Depending on the state, a OWI may stay on your driving record for up to 10 years. In most situations, a OWI influences car insurance rates for three to five years.

Will my insurance drop me after a OWI in Wisconsin?

Most insurers won't drop your policy after just one OWI, but your premiums will increase significantly. However, if you have multiple OWIs, your insurer may refuse to continue coverage. The greater the risk you pose, the more difficult it becomes to find car insurance.