Do You Have to Have Auto Insurance to Register a Car in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has more than two million personal auto vehicles registered in the state. Under Wisconsin mandates, only licensed drivers who comply with the state's financial responsibility laws can operate these vehicles. Although Wisconsin drivers must maintain auto insurance to operate their vehicles, in most cases, the Wisconsin DMV does not require its drivers to show proof of insurance at the time of vehicle registration.
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Registration
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In order to register a vehicle for the first time, Wisconsin drivers must apply for a registration at their local Wisconsin DMV. Drivers must complete and sign Form MV1: Title/License Plate Application. Along with the signed MV1, drivers must submit an original Certificate of Title for the vehicle, current identification and cash, check or money order for the registration fees. The registration amount includes the registration fee, title fee, and taxes. Endorse checks and money orders to the Wisconsin Registration Fee Trust.
Insurance Requirements
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Wisconsin drivers are required to maintain bodily injury and property damage liability limits of, at least, $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident with $15,000 in property damage. This coverage insures the other party against any injuries or damages caused by the policyholder. This coverage does not insure the policyholder, or his passengers, for injuries that result from his negligence.
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Proof
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Wisconsin drivers are required by law to carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times. In addition, drivers must display their proof immediately upon the request of a police officer, court official, and the Wisconsin DMV. Drivers previously deemed as noncompliant with the state's financial responsibility laws, as well as drivers who are reinstating their licenses after suspensions or revocations are required to provide proof of insurance to the Wisconsin DMV in order to register their vehicles.
Noncompliance
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Drivers that fail to comply with Wisconsin's auto insurance requirements are subject to fines and penalties. If a driver has insurance at the time of an accident or violation but fails to show proof of insurance, the driver will receive a $10 fine after proving their insurance coverage to the Wisconsin DMV. Drivers found uninsured while operating a vehicle are subject to fines up to $500. In addition, drivers that present fraudulent proof of insurance are subject to fines up to $5,000. Along with fines, uninsured drivers may have their license and registration privileges suspended.
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