Wisconsin Auto Insurance Law Takes Effect Next Year

Almost every American driver is now required to have auto insurance, with Wisconsin having just become the 49th state to mandate coverage.

The state's mandatory insurance law will take effect next July and will also require drivers to carry more coverage for things like property damage and medical expenses.

"If you are going to go on the road, make sure your vehicle is insured. And if you can't afford to do that, then you shouldn't be on the road. That's what I've heard from people," state senator John Lehman was quoted as saying in a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report.

The Journal Sentinel article also cited statistics showing that about 15 percent of Wisconsin drivers were uninsured in 2007, which is consistent with the national average.

With the Wisconsin law now in place, New Hampshire is the final state to not require drivers to carry insurance policies.

While the vast majority of drivers are required to carry auto insurance, consumers still have a great deal of flexibility when it comes to shopping for premiums that fit their budget and coverage needs.

ShareThis