Finding the Best Auto Insurance in La Crosse, WI

Choosing the right car insurance is important to make sure you have sufficient coverage at an affordable rate. With so many options to consider, getting quotes and comparing insurers is the key to finding the best auto insurance in La Crosse. This guide provides tips and top companies to check out to get the coverage you need.

What Impacts the Cost of Auto Insurance in La Crosse?

Numerous factors determine what you’ll pay for car insurance. Some major considerations include:

• Your driving record – drivers with accidents, tickets or violations pay more
• Your credit score – those with poor credit are seen as higher risk
• Your age – rates are higher for young drivers under 25 and elderly drivers
• Your location – premiums are affected by where you live
• Your mileage – driving over 15,000 miles annually raises rates
• Your coverage limits – higher liability limits cost more
• Your deductibles – raising them lowers premiums
• Your vehicle – insuring luxury or sports cars costs more

With so many variables, the only way to find the cheapest rates is to compare quotes from multiple top insurers.

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Wisconsin

To legally drive in Wisconsin, you must have at least these liability insurance coverage amounts:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $10,000 property damage
• $25,000/$50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury

Experts recommend also getting collision and comprehensive to fully protect your vehicle. But raising deductibles saves money on premiums.

Top Auto Insurance Companies in La Crosse

The best insurance providers offer competitive pricing, extensive coverage options, top financial strength ratings, and strong customer service. Recommended insurers to get quotes from in La Crosse include:

State Farm

• Largest auto insurer in the U.S.
• Discounts for safe driving, good students, and anti-theft devices
• Bundling policies saves up to 30%
• 24/7 claims service and mobile app

American Family Insurance

• Popular regional company based in Madison, WI
• Usage-based insurance program to get a discount for safe driving
• Multi-policy discounts offered
• Online tools to manage your policy

Progressive

• Third largest auto insurer nationwide
• Name Your Price tool gets customized rate quotes
• Usage-based Snapshot program rewards safe driving
• Convenient mobile app and online services

Acuity Insurance

• Wisconsin-based regional insurer
• Prompt claims handling with 97% satisfaction rate
• Discounts for safe driving, good students, and multi-policies
• Get quotes easily online or over the phone

Esurance

• Lower rates with customized quote options
• Policy management and claims via mobile app
• Discounts for anti-theft devices, good students, and multi-car
• Rideshare coverage for Uber & Lyft drivers

How to Get the Cheapest Auto Insurance in La Crosse

To find affordable rates, follow these tips:

• Shop around – Get quotes from at least 3-5 top insurers to compare
• Ask about discounts – See what you qualify for like multi-policy, good driver, etc.
• Raise your deductible – Increasing it to $500-$1000 saves substantially
• Maintain good credit – Having a score over 700 will lower premiums
• Limit mileage – Cut down driving to qualify if you go under 10,000 miles/year
• Pay premiums upfront – Paying in-full saves vs. monthly installments
• Check group insurance – Alumni, professional, or club programs can save
• Take a defensive driving course – Completing one drops rates 5-15%

Finding the cheapest car insurance takes a bit of work, but saves you hundreds per year on premiums.

How Much is Auto Insurance in La Crosse, WI?

How much you’ll pay for insurance depends on your specific risk profile. La Crosse drivers pay average annual premiums of:

• Minimum coverage: $566
• Full coverage: $1,316

For a full coverage policy, a typical La Crosse driver pays around $110 per month. But quotes from different insurers can vary widely. Comparing rates is the only way to find the best deal.

Top Factors That Affect Your Insurance Rates

While all the factors mentioned above impact premiums, some of the biggest determinants of your exact rates are:

Driving Record

Having past tickets, accidents, DUIs, or other violations results in much higher premiums. Drivers with a clean record qualify for the lowest rates. Just one DUI can increase your costs by 47% on average.

Credit Score

Drivers with poor FICO credit scores under 600 will pay significantly more. Maintaining good/excellent credit will save you the most on your policy.

Coverage and Deductibles

The more coverage you buy and the lower your deductibles, the more your premiums will be. Opting for minimum liability coverage and high deductibles like $1000 lowers rates substantially.

Age

For drivers under 25, rates are very high due to lack of experience. Over 65, costs rise again due to higher risk. Middle-aged drivers pay the least for coverage.

Comparing quotes that account for these big factors is key to finding the best rate.

Expert Tips to Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs

Aside from comparing prices, here are some pro tips to save on your policy:

• Ask about discounts for government workers, affinity group members, good drivers and students
• Consider usage-based programs (like from Progressive or Liberty Mutual) that base rates on driving data
• Ask about price breaks for paying premiums upfront or setting up automatic payments
• See if any safety features qualify for discounts – air bags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices
• Take an accident prevention course to improve driving skills and possibly earn a discount
• Increase liability coverage limits to guard assets better in a major accident

Is Car Insurance Required in La Crosse, WI?

Yes, under Wisconsin state law all drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage levels to operate a vehicle legally. You must be able to provide current proof of insurance any time you are driving.

Not having insurance can lead to fines, license suspension, and having your vehicle impounded if you are pulled over. Maintaining continuous coverage is essential to avoid penalties and ensure you are protected financially.

When Does Your Auto Insurance Provider Need to Know if You Move?

You must notify your insurer anytime you relocate to a new home or apartment address. Your premiums are based on factors like crime rate, risk of accidents, and claim volume for your area. Moving to a new zip code usually necessitates a rate change.

Be sure to update your insurance company within 30 days of moving so your new address is on file should you need to file a claim. You’ll also want to update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and mailing information.

Final Thoughts on Finding the Right Auto Insurance

Finding the ideal car insurance involves balancing sufficient coverage, top-rated financial strength, strong customer service, and an affordable premium. Fortunately, La Crosse has many highly rated insurers competing for your business.

Comparing personalized quotes is by far the best approach to getting a great rate. Be sure to account for all the unique variables that determine your costs. With a little research, you can obtain the optimum coverage at a reasonable price.

Top Auto Insurance Questions

How much is car insurance per month in La Crosse?

Average monthly premiums for a full coverage policy in La Crosse are around $110. Budget around this amount, but get quotes to find your best rate based on specific factors.

Who has the cheapest car insurance in La Crosse, WI?

The cheapest company will depend on your individual risk profile. On average, GEICO, Progressive and National General have the lowest rates, but comparison shop to find your best deal.

How much down payment is required for auto insurance in La Crosse?

Most insurers don’t require a down payment and allow you to pay for your entire premium in monthly installments. However, you’ll usually pay a fee or interest to do so. Paying in full upfront avoids fees and can earn a discount.

What zip codes are considered La Crosse, WI?

The primary zip codes defining metro La Crosse are 54601, 54602, 54603, and 54604. However, some outlying communities like Onalaska (54650) and Holmen (54636) are also considered part of the La Crosse area.

How long can you go without car insurance in Wisconsin?

There is no grace period in Wisconsin for going without insurance. You are required to maintain continuous auto insurance on any registered vehicle you drive. Lapses in coverage can lead to fines and suspension.

Can someone else insure my car in Wisconsin?

No, Wisconsin requires the registered owner of a vehicle to purchase insurance for it