Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

Author profile picture

Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

Author profile picture

Nathan Foster

Agency Trainer

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent - Property and Casualty

Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

Nathan tra…

Author profile picture

Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

How much does car insurance cost in Milwaukee?

An average six-month car insurance policy in Milwaukee costs around $913, or roughly $152 per month. Our data for 2023 indicates that USAA is the least expensive car insurance provider in Milwaukee, with rates at $490 for a six-month policy. Nevertheless, keep in mind that USAA coverage isn't available to everyone. To discover other cost-effective choices if you're looking for vehicle insurance in Milwaukee, continue reading.

Milwaukee's inhabitants pay more than the Wisconsin average for auto insurance, which comes out to about $687 every six months. The average in the city is also higher than the national average of $742 every six months. In reality, 36% of our customers in Milwaukee feel that they are overpaying for their vehicle insurance. If you're paying too much or want to learn more about your auto coverage options, read on to discover what typical Milwaukee rates are like and how they're determined.

Car Insurance in Milwaukee vs. Wisconsin Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Milwaukee Average $913
Wisconsin Average $687

The cheapest car insurance companies in Milwaukee

1st place medal
1st place: USAA

USAA takes the prize for the cheapest coverage at $82 per month or $490 for a six-month policy. Keep in mind that USAA coverage is for military members and their families, so you may not qualify for their auto insurance.

2nd place medal
2nd place: Integrity Mutual Insurance Company

In second place is Integrity Mutual Insurance Company, offering auto insurance rates of just $95 per month ($572 for six months).

3rd place medal
3rd place: GEICO

Finishing out as third-cheapest on our list is GEICO. A policy from GEICO in Milwaukee costs $616 per six-month policy, which is about $103 per month.

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Milwaukee:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Milwaukee is $913 per six-month policy — $152 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Milwaukee is USAA ($490).
  • Milwaukee ranks as the most expensive city for car insurance in Wisconsin.
  • 36% of Zebra customers in Milwaukee are using our tools because they feel they're paying too much for their current auto insurance.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Milwaukee car insurance rates by company

According to our data for 2023, the best cheap car insurance with full coverage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is USAA at $82 per month or $490 per six-month policy, while the second cheapest is Integrity Mutual at $95 per month or $572 for a six-month policy. Both offer a variety of options to meet your auto insurance needs, but remember that some companies may have eligibility requirements or differences in price based on your profile. Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Milwaukee, WI
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $490
Integrity Mutual Ins Co $572
GEICO $616
State Farm $656
West Bend Mutual $665
Nationwide $719
Progressive $1,137
Allstate $1,368

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around to save on car insurance


To locate affordable car insurance that suits your requirements, it's advisable to compare and shop around for rates. Our comparison tools can do the heavy lifting for you, allowing you to concentrate on selecting the right coverage. Input your ZIP code to view rates from Progressive, Allstate, State Farm, and other top companies to find the best and most cost-effective car insurance in Milwaukee.

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Average car insurance in Milwaukee by rating factor

Finding the right car insurance company can be challenging because you want it to cover the important stuff without breaking the bank.

Although most companies use similar rating factors, each one has its own way of doing things. For example, some companies may be more interested in your credit score, while others might focus more on your previous claims.

To make sure you keep getting the best rates possible, it's a good idea to get new quotes every six months to a year.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: End-of-year earnings, which assess the revenue generated by premiums compared to the cost of claims paid out to insured drivers, play a crucial role in determining the cost of car insurance in Milwaukee. Even if you have a perfect driving record, you may still end up paying more with certain insurers due to the rising costs of doing business in the city.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Milwaukee

Of the many factors that are taken into consideration when calculating rates, age is one of the most important. Insurance companies use data to determine how likely drivers are to get into accidents or make claims, and unfortunately, teen drivers have a higher accident rate than any other age group. As result they face the highest premiums: in Milwaukee, the difference between rates paid by teenage drivers versus those who are in their 20s can be as much as $3,848 per year.

Insurance companies aim to manage risk, and the cost of insuring a teenage driver can appear daunting or unjust. But keep in mind that teenagers are the highest risk drivers, and to balance out the amplified claims expenses, insurers charge them higher premiums.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Milwaukee, WI
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $1,510
West Bend Mutual $1,802
GEICO $1,981
Integrity Mutual Ins Co $2,029
State Farm $2,475
Nationwide $2,889
Allstate $4,339
Progressive $5,888
Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s USAA $642
30s USAA $515
40s USAA $470
50s USAA $445
60s USAA $459
70s USAA $570

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Milwaukee drivers between 20-40 are USAA, Integrity Mutual and GEICO.


Data shows that the majority of Milwaukee drivers fall between ages of 20 and 40. This age group pays an average of $1,044 every six months, but by choosing one of these companies they could see savings of up to 40%! Remember that USAA insurance isn't available to everyone. 

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Milwaukee

The level of coverage you choose has a lot to do with your insurance rates. Our data indicate that 27% of Milwaukee drivers have the state minimum coverage. While drivers are only required to have a certain amount of coverage, if you only keep the bare minimum then you could potentially be underinsured in the event of a claim.

Your rates will rise if you add collision and comprehensive coverage, also called "full coverage," when bought together. Nevertheless, the additional peace of mind these coverages offer can be invaluable. Usually, you'll need to pay a deductible for these coverages, which can vary in quantity and impact your rate. If you select a higher deductible, your rates will be more affordable. If you prefer a lower deductible, your policy will cost you more.

It's worth taking into account additional features such as roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage which can shield you from drivers who don't have insurance or are underinsured. Adding these options to your policy will raise your insurance premium, but The Zebra advocates for them because they provide an added level of protection for you in the future.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

In an analysis of our data, 48% of drivers in Milwaukee have owned vehicles. If you are not leasing or financing your vehicle, you might consider if dropping comprehensive or collision coverage is right for you. We recommend getting the actual cash value of your vehicle via Kelley Blue Book or another reputable source. In general, if your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, you probably don't need collision coverage. Bear in mind, however, that dropping these coverages means that you will have to pay for any repairs out of your own pocket if you're involved in an accident.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Milwaukee, WI
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Integrity Mutual Ins Co $145
USAA $170
GEICO $194
State Farm $250
West Bend Mutual $268
Nationwide $282
Progressive $362
Allstate $427

40% of The Zebra's customers in Milwaukee choose the basic tier of coverage, but that doesn't mean it's right for everyone. As mentioned above, carrying the state minimum required coverage is one way to cut costs, but it can leave you in a tough spot if you're involved in a multi-car accident or one involving bodily injuries. Wisconsin's 25/50/10 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage — this may be fine for straightforward traffic incidents, but not enough for all situations.

Wisconsin also requires uninsured motorist protection (UMPD), as well. Learn more about insurance laws in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee car insurance rates by credit score

While most states, including Wisconsin, consider credit score as a key factor in determining insurance premiums, few people know why. Historical data has shown that individuals with lower credit scores tend to engage in more risky driving behavior, have lapses in coverage, and file more claims. Hence, insurers view drivers with good credit as less risky, leading to lower rates. Improving your credit score can be a smart strategy to reduce your auto insurance costs.

Milwaukee motorists with a credit score of 300-579 pay an astounding 303% more than those with a score of 800-850, according to our data. The majority of drivers in Milwaukee have a credit score categorized as "Average" In 2023, USAA or Integrity Mutual are the cheapest options for Milwaukee drivers for this credit tier.

car insurance in Milwaukee by credit score
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Milwaukee, WI
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $849
Integrity Mutual Ins Co $871
USAA $895
Nationwide $1,033
West Bend Mutual $1,184
Progressive $1,946
Allstate $2,001
State Farm $3,516

Zebra Tip: If you've improved your credit score, it's time to shop for car insurance!


In Milwaukee, our data shows drivers with "Fair" credit pay $3,876 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. That's about 175% less! If you have recently paid off a loan or other credit-improving actions, check your preferred credit monitoring software to see if your recent efforts could save you on your car insurance!

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

At-fault and collision-type accidents are the most common type of insurance claims. In 2023, an at-fault accident raised the average car insurance rates in Milwaukee from $30 to $65 per month — which may not seem like much but adds up to hundreds over the course of a year. The cheapest insurance company in Milwaukee after an at-fault accident is USAA, with Integrity Mutual a close second for savings.

Keeping your auto insurance rates affordable means maintaining a clean driving record by avoiding citations and accidents, no matter your location. When it comes to at-fault accidents, DUIs or DWIs, reckless driving charges, and speeding citations, all of these will cause your rates to increase. The type of accident or citation you receive will impact your premium for three to five years, but DUIs or DWIs can continue to impact you for an even longer period.

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Milwaukee, WI
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $685
Integrity Mutual Ins Co $742
State Farm $825
West Bend Mutual $944
GEICO $951
Nationwide $1,296
Progressive $1,946
Allstate $2,024

Milwaukee car insurance rates by violation

Take a look at the table below to see exactly how much a citation or violation could cost you in Milwaukee. 

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Milwaukee, WI
Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $913 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $917 1% $5
Not-at-fault accident $971 6% $59
Two Med/PIP claims $987 8% $74
One comp claim $995 9% $82
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,014 11% $101
Driving without lights $1,044 14% $131
Failure to show documents $1,047 15% $134
Child safety restraint $1,061 16% $148
Driving with expired registration $1,062 16% $149
Two comp claims $1,079 18% $166
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,089 19% $177
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,093 20% $180
Failure to yield $1,098 20% $185
Cell phone violation $1,099 20% $186
Illegal turn $1,099 20% $187
Driving too slowly $1,100 20% $187
Speeding in school zone $1,100 20% $187
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,104 21% $191
Following too closely $1,112 22% $199
Failure to stop at a red light $1,113 22% $200
Texting while driving $1,115 22% $203
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,117 22% $204
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,122 23% $209
Improper passing $1,136 24% $223
Passing school bus $1,155 27% $242
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,251 37% $338
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,287 41% $374
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,290 41% $377
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,301 42% $388
In 65 MPH zone $1,316 44% $403
Open container $1,385 52% $472
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $1,681 84% $768
DUI $1,699 86% $786
Reckless driving $1,711 87% $798
Driving with a suspended license $1,732 90% $819
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $1,745 91% $833
Racing $1,760 93% $847

Why is car insurance in Milwaukee so expensive?

Auto insurance in Milwaukee may feel expensive for a variety of reasons. One reason is that the cost of living in Milwaukee is higher than in other cities in Wisconsin, which means that car insurance companies have to charge more to cover their own costs. Aside from your coverage level, credit history and driving record, there are also other factors that impact your rates. Let's look at why car insurance can be expensive in Milwaukee, even for a great driver.

costs
Business costs

Cities across the country have experienced an increased cost of living for residents in the last few years, which usually means an increased cost of doing business for auto insurers. These increased costs are passed on to the consumer through higher rates.

location
Location

As with many urban centers, there are specific neighborhoods in Milwaukee where crime, theft, and uninsured drivers are more common. If you reside in a high-crime area, you're likely to pay more for auto insurance than if you lived elsewhere in town. The silver lining is that Milwaukee's insurance rates don't differ significantly from one ZIP code to the next. Although one might be marginally higher, the difference is typically only a few dollars.

Expensive Milwaukee ZIP codes: 53206, 53216, 53205, 53210, 53233

Cheap Milwaukee ZIP codes: 53228, 53226, 53220, 53227, 53217

weather
Weather

Regions that are prone to severe weather like hurricanes or tornadoes are a high risk for insurance companies, resulting in higher premiums in those areas. Weather-related damage is covered under comprehensive coverage, so if you are concerned about possible damage, then consider keeping comprehensive as part of your policy even if your vehicle is paid off.

drivers
Number of drivers

Milwaukee's larger population, when compared to more rural areas of Wisconsin, also means that there are more vehicles on the road. More vehicles translate to more accidents in general. The expenses related to accident claims are typically passed on to other drivers in the area through increased premiums — this applies even to drivers who don't often use their cars. 

Zebra Tip: Uninsured property damage coverage


If you live in an area with high numbers of uninsured drivers, we strongly suggest carrying uninsured motorist coverage (UMPD). In Wisconsin, however, it's already required ($25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident).

This coverage can come in handy if you or your car is damaged by an underinsured or uninsured driver. UMPD coverage usually has a lower deductible and is less expensive than collision coverage. Furthermore, the rate hike following a UMPD claim can be significantly less expensive than after a collision claim. If you happen to get into an accident with an uninsured driver in Milwaukee, you may have to cover the entire repair cost yourself.


Bundling insurance policies in Milwaukee

No matter where you reside, car insurance expenses always seem to be on the rise. However, there are still ways to help lower your auto coverage costs. One simple way to save money when shopping for a new policy is by bundling your homeowners or renters insurance with your car insurance. By bundling, you can potentially save up to 10% on combined premiums. Discover more about combining home and car insurance.

Take a few moments to compare rates from various insurers and see if consolidating your car and home insurance policies could save you money. By bundling, you may be able to get a better rate than you would by keeping your policies separate.

bundling home and auto insurance in Milwaukee
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Milwaukee, WI
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $469
State Farm $537
Integrity Mutual Ins Co $543
GEICO $585
West Bend Mutual $601
Nationwide $628
Progressive $991
Allstate $1,154

While insurance rates are beyond your control, the key to obtaining affordable auto insurance is to compare quotes from as many companies as possible. It can be overwhelming to secure an affordable rate that doesn't undermine your coverage but is also within your budget. Keep in mind any personal circumstances that may affect your rate, such as moving, aging, or enhancing your credit score, to ensure that you are not missing out on potential savings.

It's important to note that not all insurance companies are created equal, and shopping around to find the best fit for you is always a good idea.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Frequently asked questions

The average rate for a six-month auto insurance policy in Milwaukee is $913, which breaks down to $152 per month. This is more expensive than the Wisconsin state average as well as the national average.

USAA is the carrier with the cheapest rates in Milwaukee, with prices at about $490 per six-month policy. Be aware, though, that not everyone qualifies for USAA coverage.

Teen drivers in Milwaukee pay over $3,000 for a six-month policy or about $524 per month. Because car insurance is so expensive for teen drivers, we suggest that parents or guardians add teens to their own policy to help keep costs lower.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

How much is car insurance near me? Explore more cities near Milwaukee, WI


Recently answered questions about car insurance in Milwaukee from real Zebra customers

Car insurance near me in Milwaukee

Other people are also asking...

How much will my insurance cover if I have an accident while towing my friends trailer?

Each policy is going to have different guidelines as to what they will and will not cover. You will definitely want to check with your specific company to find out if your policy will cover the damages. With that being said, typically, your insurance would only cover damage that you caused to other…
Jun 20, 2018 Milwaukee, WI

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.