Wisconsin Insurance Basics

Everyone loves a good deal, and shopping around for the best prices on everything from cars to clothes to groceries is common practice. And while shopping around for the best Wisconsin insurance rates may not be the most fun thing to shop for, knowing how and where to find the best deals can save you hundreds of dollars.

Luckily for residents in the Badger State, average insurance prices for home and auto are below national averages, and recent data even shows that auto insurance averages dropped 18% in Wisconsin last year. But there is still room to save money on your Wisconsin insurance rates for your home and car.

Saving on Wisconsin Insurance Rates for Autos
With so many discounts and ways to save, there is no reason for anyone to pay full price on auto insurance.

• Choose a higher deductible. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly payments. This is a particularly good idea for those who have safe, clean driving records already. Whatever you do choose, make sure you have the cash to cover it should you need to file a claim.
• Look for discounts. From good student discounts for high school and college students to AARP discounts to military discounts, there are plenty around. Ask your insurance provider for a list of available ones.
• Avoid tickets. Short of accidents and DUIs, they are the quickest way to drive insurance through the roof. If you do get a ticket, in Wisconsin you can take an approved defensive driving course to have it removed from your record.
• Park in the garage. Where you park your car can also affect your rates. If you have access to a garage, carport, or other covered parking, use it and inform your insurance. Parking on the street leaves you susceptible to accidents and increases your rates.

Saving on Wisconsin Insurance Rates for Homes
Many people are unaware of some of the many discounts available for homeowners:

• Multiple policies. Most companies will give you a discount on your homeowners insurance if you buy another policy through them as well, like auto or life.
• Safety features. Discounts can be substantial if you install safety features like an alarm system, deadbolt locks, or motion lighting, particularly in high crime areas. For example, while the likelihood you will be the victim of a crime in Wisconsin is 1 in 400, that figure jumps to 1 in 200 in Milwaukee, where insurance is more expensive.
• Updates to your home. If you live in an older home, updating the wiring, heating, and/or plumbing systems can save you money as well. Along those same lines, if your home was constructed within the past few years, you may also be eligible for savings.

Shopping Around for Wisconsin Insurance Rates
Because Wisconsin insurance rates can vary widely from company to company, shopping around and comparing quotes is one of the best ways to save. You can do this yourself, or you can let LocalInsurance.com do the work for you. This site allows you to easily and quickly find multiple quotes in your area for free, then compare them for the best rates possible.