Mandatory Auto Insurance Coverage in Wisconsin
Reader’s Question:
What is Wisconsin’s mandatory auto insurance coverage?
Gary
Milwaukee, WI
Wisconsin’s financial responsibility law is intended to make sure that all licensed drivers in Wisconsin are liable for the damages that may arise from getting into an accident to which they are found to be at fault. This financial responsibility may come in the form of a vehicle liability insurance policy, certificate of self-insurance, surety/guarantee bond, or personal funds.
If you decide to satisfy the required financial responsibility by getting a vehicle liability insurance policy, you have to abide by the state-mandated minimum coverage requirements. Your policy must be able to cover 25 thousand dollars for the injuries or death of one person, 50 thousand dollars for the injuries or death of two or more persons for a single incident, and 10 thousand dollars for property damage and vehicle repair. The policy must also have uninsured motorist coverage worth 25 thousand dollars/50 thousand dollars to cover bodily injuries only.
If you feel the need to protect your assets, you may opt to get coverage that is beyond the required minimum set by the state. Your additional coverage will depend on your needs; therefore make sure that you get the appropriate policy for you. You may also check for deductibles that are applicable to your policy. Deductibles are additional payments that you make to pay for the damages. Your payment plus the payment made by the insurance company compose the total amount for a certain portion of the claim. To better understand this add-on and your other options, try seeking advice from different insurance agents.
Car Insurance Premium for Rebuilt Car
Reader’s Question:
What car insurance premium should I expect if I have my “rebuilt” car insured here in Wisconsin?
Philip
Green Bay, WI
Typically, a “rebuilt” title is given to a vehicle that has been damaged and repaired after having been considered a “total loss” by the car insurance company. A vehicle may be considered as a “total loss” if it has been decided that the cost to repair the damage is higher than its “actual cash value.” Normally, the cost of repair falls between 51% to around 80% of the car’s actual cash value (the car insurance company decides on what percentage the repair cost should fall under in order to consider the vehicle a “total loss”). If the car is totaled, it is given a salvage title. However, if the car is repaired and is proven to be ready for the road, it is given a rebuilt title.
In reality, it is difficult to obtain an insurance for a rebuilt vehicle. This is because most automotive insurance companies consider “rebuilt” vehicles as “bad risks” with higher probabilities of getting into an accident again. In case an insurance company agrees on getting your vehicle insured, you may expect that company to give you only a specific amount, something less than the premium that you could actually get if you insure a vehicle that is not titled “rebuilt.” In that case, it is up to you if you want to get that policy or not. Try going for an insurance shopping there in Green Bay, WI, so you could choose which among the companies you’ve consulted with could give you the best insurance rates for your car. Or you could go online and check out it out.
