A weathered wooden post-and-rail fence runs beside a paved rural road at sunset, with a red barn and silo in the background.

Wisconsin SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance

Wisconsin requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

Find SR-22 Coverage Now

Wisconsin at a Glance

25/50/10

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Required

Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy

$60

State license reinstatement fee, about 2 days to process

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

State Requirements

Uninsured motorist coverage is also mandatory at the same limits unless explicitly rejected in writing. Drivers with DUI convictions, license suspensions for multiple violations, at-fault accidents while uninsured, or habitual traffic offender status must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the Wisconsin DMV. State minimums typically cover basic reinstatement, but non-standard carriers often recommend higher limits to avoid policy cancellation risks.

Liability Insurance

Wisconsin's 25/50/10 minimum is the legal floor for bodily injury and property damage liability. Non-standard carriers in Wisconsin frequently require 50/100/25 or higher limits as a condition of writing SR-22 policies, particularly for DUI offenders or drivers with multiple at-fault accidents.

SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 is not a separate policy but a certificate filed by your insurer proving continuous coverage to the Wisconsin DMV. Required for DUI, repeat violations, uninsured accidents, and license suspensions, the filing must remain active for 3 years without lapse. Wisconsin law does not mandate coverage above state minimums for SR-22 filing, but many non-standard carriers price more competitively at higher limits due to underwriting risk tiers.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Wisconsin is one of the few states requiring uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at 25/50 unless you sign a written rejection. If you've been in an uninsured accident before, carriers may refuse to write a policy without UM/UIM coverage at or above liability limits.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Wisconsin does not mandate comprehensive or collision coverage unless you have a loan or lease. Drivers with older vehicles frequently drop these coverages to lower SR-22 policy costs, focusing spend on maintaining continuous liability and UM/UIM.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk profiles — DUIs, suspensions, lapses, and multiple violations.

Cost Overview

$261–$266/mo

Typical monthly rate in Wisconsin, drivers with an SR-22 after a DUI

Rate data: ValuePenguin and NerdWallet, 2026

A woman with long gray hair in a white shirt, jeans, and brown loafers stands beside the open door of a dark car on a tree-lined residential street.

See What Your SR-22 Should Really Cost

Find SR-22 Coverage Now

If your license is suspended

Occupational License (Occupational Operator License)

application fee $50, about 0 days to process.

A coverage lapse is reported

The state acts on a lapse after 0 days.

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need SR-22 in Wisconsin after a DUI?

Wisconsin requires SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date of license reinstatement following a DUI/OWI conviction. The clock starts when you reinstate your license, not when the conviction occurs, so any delay in reinstatement extends your total SR-22 period. If your SR-22 policy lapses at any point during the 3 years, Wisconsin restarts the entire requirement from the date you refile.

What happens if I let my SR-22 insurance lapse in Wisconsin?

Your insurer is required to notify the Wisconsin DMV within 10 days of policy cancellation or lapse. The DMV will immediately suspend your license and restart your 3-year SR-22 requirement from the date you file a new SR-22 and reinstate your license. You'll also pay a new reinstatement fee and face potential penalties for driving during the suspension period.

Find Your City in Wisconsin