In Wisconsin, auto accidents have been growing every year. With this rise in car accidents, the number of deaths is also increasing. Every year, over 500 people die in Wisconsin from car accidents. For the last four or five years, this number has been steadily rising.
As the number of auto accidents continues to rise in this part of America, it’s more important than ever to have adequate auto insurance coverage.
Whether you’re a new driver or an experienced one, having the right insurance can provide peace of mind and protect you financially in case of an accident. Here are a few reasons why you should get auto insurance today if you’re living in Wisconsin:
Rising Number of Auto Accidents in Wisconsin
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the number of auto accidents in the state has been increasing in recent years. In 2020, there were over 115,000 auto accidents reported, resulting in over 23,000 injuries and over 500 fatalities. In recent times, those numbers have only gone up, especially the number of fatalities, which, as of 2021, stood around 600.
This rise in the number of car accidents is a sign that things in the Wisconsin driving and traffic scene are not going great. Therefore, it’s best that you take necessary precautions while driving and, most importantly, get insurance.
Wisconsin State Minimum Insurance Requirements May Not Be Enough
Wisconsin requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage. It includes $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for bodily injury per person, and $50,000 for bodily injury per accident. While these minimums may seem like enough, they may not be sufficient to cover the costs of a serious accident.
If you’re at fault for an accident that results in significant injuries or property damage, you could be held financially responsible for any costs that exceed your insurance coverage. That’s why it’s best to seek assistance from insurance companies. These companies have dedicated staff who will go through your files and help you understand what kind of policy will be best for you.
Different insurance providers take different routes to this problem. In Wisconsin, the Brookfield insurance company Rodrian Insurance does this thing where the team will sit down with you and discuss all possible accident scenarios and walk you through how life-altering they can be.
By the end of that discussion, you’ll have an idea regarding the type of insurance you want. This is an approach that will help you land the best deal whenever you’ve too many options on the plate.
Protection Against Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
Unfortunately, not all drivers on Wisconsin roads carry auto insurance, even though it is required by law. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may be left with significant expenses that you have to pay out of pocket.
Even if the other driver has insurance, their coverage may not be sufficient to cover all of your damages and injuries. In such situations, it’s recommended that you get uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This will be a part of your auto insurance policy and can help you get the additional protection you need against such uninsured or underinsured drivers.
Additional Coverage Options for Added Protection
In addition to liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, there are several other types of coverage that you can add to your auto insurance policy for added protection. These may include the following.
1. Collision coverage:
This coverage will take care of costs associated with repairing or replacing your own vehicle.
2. Comprehensive coverage:
This coverage will deal with the costs of damage to your vehicle from non-collision incidents like theft or vandalism. Medical payments coverage: This will cover costs associated with the medical expenses for you and your passengers.
3. Rental car coverage:
Rental coverage will help you cover vehicle rental costs while your own vehicle is being repaired or replaced after an accident.
Adding these types of coverage to your auto insurance policy can provide added peace of mind and protection in case of an accident.
Having said all that, it’s easy to see why getting auto insurance is so important if you’re living in Wisconsin or any other part of the United States where the number of car accidents is on the rise. Getting the right type of car insurance policy will help you drive stress free, knowing that even if you‘re involved in a car accident that’s not your fault, you’ll have the safety net of your insurance to fall back to.
Also read: When Should I Renew My Auto Insurance Policy