Your Wisconsin auto insurance rates are as changeable as the local weather. And although a blizzard might put a damper on your fishing excursion it's not as long-lasting as bad driving record. There are several factors that can shed a negative light on your insurance premium, and it's best to be educated rather than surprised if you're offered a high Wisconsin auto insurance rate.

Type of Vehicle
The make and model of a vehicle earmark your Wisconsin auto insurance rates. Sports cars have a bad rap when it comes to insurance companies, and with higher injury, collision and property damage costs they can dictate your rate. For example, out of an average score of 100, the 2006 and 2007 Ford Mustang models had a score of 124 for insurance losses (substantially worse than average for all vehicles to insure by 24 points), according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Needless to say, it's best if you don't let a fast talking car salesman badger you into buying a sports car unless you're prepared to pay. Additionally, the higher the likelihood your vehicle could be stolen the more expensive your premium will be. Wisconsin's top three most stolen vehicles in 2008 were the 2000 Dodge Caravan, the 1992 Honda Accord and the 1994 Plymouth Voyager, according to the NICB.

Congestion
Congested cities are more prone to accidents, thefts and vandalism than smaller towns which are causes of concern to your insurance agent. Metropolitan areas like Milwaukee and Madison have higher populations and more bottleneck traffic therefore your Wisconsin auto insurance rates will amplify if you travel these areas on a regular basis.

Credit Score
Get a free credit report before you shop for Wisconsin auto insurance rates to avoid any surprises. Your credit score determines your insurance score. Studies have shown that the way a person handles financial affairs is a good predictor of insurance claims. Your risk is calculated by your insurance score which affects how high or low your premium will be. Keep an eye on your score by requesting a free credit report annually. Because of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are required by law to provide you one free report annually.

Conclusion
To get the best coverage and most affordable Wisconsin auto insurance rates, check with your agent to see if you qualify for any discounts. Most companies will offer discounts to policyholders who combine their insurance policies and to those who take driver's safety courses. LocalInsurance tracks down companies that match you specific criteria. Simply type in your zip code and fill out a form on LocalInsurance.com and you'll have a bundle of quotes to compare against your current rate.

To find more information on the auto insurance requirements in Wisconsin, visit these useful links: