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A.M. Steinbach is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and content marketing strategist who has been writing for Compare.com since 2023. He's an expert in breaking down a diverse range of insurance topics into crisp, readable content.
A.M. has worked with major brands in insurance, tech, finance, and healthcare. He also contributes to The Average Joe, a personal finance newsletter that reaches more than 250,000 daily readers, and other notable publications.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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Whether you’re visiting the renowned Milwaukee Art Museum or an iconic brewery, getting around the city is relatively smooth. And recent public transit improvements have eased traffic in Wisconsin’s largest city. No wonder Milwaukee’s average commute time is nearly five minutes below the national average.
But this relative lack of traffic hasn’t kept Milwaukee’s car insurance rates from rising. Milwaukee drivers pay $203 per month on average — $66 higher than the rest of Wisconsin.
In this guide, we’ll explore the cheapest car insurance options for drivers in Milwaukee and break down which companies work best for specific types of drivers.
Safeco’s average car insurance rate of $103 per month is the cheapest in Milwaukee.
First Chicago’s average rate of $283 per month is the lowest for teens in the area.
Milwaukee’s average car insurance rate is $68 higher than Madison’s.
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While Milwaukee drivers pay an average of $203 per month for car insurance, you can save by purchasing your policy from a more affordable insurer.
“Wisconsinites are lucky to have a lot of choice when it comes to car insurance,” says Andy Franken, president of the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance. “This breadth of consumer choice drives prices down — and makes it easier for drivers to shop around for the policy that fits their needs and budget.”
Here are the five cheapest auto insurers in Milwaukee, based on Compare.com data.
Company | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Safeco | $103 |
| Nationwide | $130 |
| First Chicago | $161 |
| Liberty Mutual | $187 |
| GAINSCO | $189 |
Safeco is the cheapest company in Milwaukee, with an average car insurance rate of $103 per month. Various factors affect your auto insurance rates, so Safeco may not be the cheapest for everyone.
Different drivers have different needs when it comes to insurance, so let’s highlight the best car insurance companies for your particular situation.
How We Chose the Cheapest Companies in Milwaukee
Our team analyzed thousands of rates from dozens of the top insurance companies in Milwaukee. Using that data, we listed the five cheapest options for Milwaukee drivers based on several key factors, such as age, coverage level, driving history, and more. All the rates listed are based on someone who drives a 2016 Honda Accord and has the minimum limits for coverage in Milwaukee. The listed “full-coverage” rates include $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverages in addition to state-minimum liability coverage.
No single car insurance company is perfect for all drivers. Certain companies have unique qualities and offers that make them well-suited for specific types of drivers.
The following sections will pinpoint the best auto insurance companies for cost-conscious drivers, teen drivers, and discount-seeking drivers in Milwaukee.
Safeco offers the cheapest car insurance policies in Milwaukee, with an average rate of $67 per month for liability coverage and $135 for full coverage. Drivers can save even more through Safeco’s discounts, a 2.5% cash-back reward for safe driving, and its RightTrack telematics program, which rewards safe drivers with up to $513 in savings.
Unfortunately, Safeco’s J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating (795/1,000) is below average. But the company’s A grade from AM Best underscores Safeco’s financial strength.
Offers the lowest rates in Milwaukee
An A financial strength rating from AM Best
Discounts and telematics offer additional savings
Below-average customer satisfaction rating from J.D. Power
Receives more NAIC complaints than average
Mixed customer reviews on Better Business Bureau
Teen drivers pay higher car insurance rates, but First Chicago offers Milwaukee teens the lowest rates, at $283 per month on average. First Chicago offers a good student discount for teens who maintain a high GPA, and their multi-car discount works well for parents who add their teens’ cars to their existing policies.
While some customers might appreciate the small, boutique feel of an insurer like First Chicago, the company may lack the resources of larger car insurance companies, like State Farm or Allstate. For instance, AM Best gives First Chicago a B grade, indicating only fair financial strength.
Lowest average rate for Milwaukee teens
Offers student-friendly discounts
24/7 claims services
B financial strength rating from AM Best
Available in only eight states
Receives far more NAIC complaints than average
Milwaukee residents already pay an average of $130 per month for Nationwide car insurance, which is below the state average. But drivers can save even more when they take advantage of Nationwide’s generous bundling discounts, with drivers saving an average of $646 when they purchase Nationwide’s home and auto policies together.
Nationwide’s J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating (821/1,000) is below average for the region, but its A+ financial strength rating from AM Best means you don’t have to worry about the company’s ability to pay out claims.
Second-lowest average rate in Milwaukee
A+ financial strength rating from AM Best
Offers generous discounts
Slightly above-average number of NAIC complaints
Not available in all states
Below-average customer satisfaction rating from J.D. Power
Your coverage level affects your car insurance rates substantially. Drivers who purchase just liability insurance typically pay lower rates. Liability insurance at the state-minimum coverage level is the cheapest policy available — though keep in mind it only covers the other driver’s medical bills and repairs after an accident.
The following table highlights the cheapest car insurance companies in Milwaukee for liability insurance.
Company | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Safeco | $67 |
| Nationwide | $75 |
| GAINSCO | $95 |
| First Chicago | $104 |
| Liberty Mutual | $108 |
Safeco offers the cheapest liability-only policies, though Nationwide’s average rate is just $8 more per month. All five companies have average rates that are comfortably below Wisconsin’s average.
But what if you want a policy with more coverage? Let’s take a look at the most affordable full-coverage policies in Milwaukee.
A full-coverage policy includes liability insurance, as well as collision and comprehensive coverages. Collision insurance covers damage to your own vehicle after an accident, while comprehensive insurance covers damage from non-collision events, like fire, severe weather, and vandalism.
Naturally, full coverage is more expensive than liability-only, but you can still find a great deal from the right company.
Here are five of the cheapest insurers for full coverage in Milwaukee.
Company | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Safeco | $135 |
| Nationwide | $166 |
| First Chicago | $205 |
| Liberty Mutual | $227 |
| MetLife | $285 |
Safeco is the only company that offers full-coverage policies below the overall state average, with average full-coverage rates of just $135 per month. Safeco, Nationwide, First Chicago, and Liberty Mutual appear on both the full coverage list and liability-only lists — clearly establishing them as Milwaukee’s affordable choices.
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When it comes to insurance premiums, your age is a major factor. Young drivers pay the highest rates, but rates tend to decrease as you age.
Here are the cheapest companies in Milwaukee by age group and their corresponding rate.
Age Group | Cheapest Company | Average Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Teens | First Chicago | $283 |
| 20s | Safeco | $89 |
| 30s | Safeco | $98 |
| 40s | First Chicago | $141 |
| 50s | First Chicago | $125 |
| 60+ | Safeco | $81 |
Milwaukee teens pay higher rates on average — and even their cheapest option is still more than double the Wisconsin state average. Safeco is the right choice for younger adults, while middle-aged adults seeking cheap car insurance should consider First Chicago.
Teenagers and senior drivers are at opposite ends of the affordability spectrum — so which cheap coverage options are available to them?
Teen drivers are by far the most expensive drivers to insure. Car insurance companies see teens as high-risk drivers, given their higher frequency of severe accidents.
But Milwaukee teens aren’t destined for unreasonable rates. First Chicago offers fairly affordable rates, with an average monthly premium of $283. Teens can lower the cost of car insurance when they earn good grades, which will qualify them for First Chicago’s good student discount.
Senior drivers pay some of the lowest rates on average. Older drivers tend to commute less, which results in lower annual mileage. So, their rate of fatal accidents decreases, which may explain their lower rates.
Safeco is the most affordable option for seniors, at just $81 per month. This rate is less than half of Milwaukee’s average rate. And senior drivers can save even more when they go a length of time without an accident or enroll in RightTrack, which rewards drivers for safe habits and less nighttime driving.
Your driving record is another key rating factor. Drivers with at-fault accidents and speeding tickets on their record pay more on average.
The following table shows which companies offer the lowest average rates based on driving history.
Driving Record | Cheapest Company | Average Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record | Safeco | $102 |
| Speeding ticket | Safeco | $153 |
| At-fault accident | First Chicago | $184 |
Once again, Safeco is the affordable choice, but its average rates rise by around 50% after you receive a speeding ticket. Drivers with at-fault accidents pay the highest average rates, though First Chicago’s rates for these drivers are still below the Milwaukee average.
Let’s break down the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with a clean record, a speeding ticket, and an at-fault accident.
Good drivers — defined as those with no accidents or tickets — pay the lowest rates. Safeco offers an average monthly rate of $102 for good drivers, which is nearly half the Milwaukee average.
Good drivers can save even more when they enroll in RightTrack, the company’s telematics program, which rewards safe habits during braking, accelerating, and nighttime driving.
Drivers can also receive a special bonus when they go six months without an accident, earning a check totaling 2.5% of their total premium (so up to 5% in a year). And the company’s diminishing deductible lowers your collision deductible each time you go a policy period without a claim.
Car insurance rates go up by an average of 37% after you receive a ticket, according to Compare.com data. Fortunately, Safeco drivers with a ticket pay an average of $153 per month for car insurance, which is $50 below the Milwaukee average.
Drivers who install safety features in their car or enroll in a safe driving course can earn discounts from Safeco — which can offset the rate bump that might follow a speeding ticket.
Your rates rise by 44% after an at-fault accident, according to Compare.com data. Drivers with an accident on their record will be relieved to learn First Chicago offers them an average rate of $184 per month — $19 below the Milwaukee average.
Costs add up after an accident. Luckily — on top of collision coverage — First Chicago offers car insurance products like rental car reimbursement and towing coverage to drivers who need support after an accident.
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Drivers in Milwaukee pay an average of $203 per month for car insurance. But keep in mind that this rate is just a benchmark — and that your specific driver profile will affect your car insurance costs.
Milwaukee’s rates are on the high end — but how do they compare to rates in other cities and regions?
The table below shows how Milwaukee’s auto insurance rates compare to other cities in the area.
State | Average Rates |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $203 |
| Kenosha | $141 |
| Madison | $135 |
| Rest of Wisconsin | $137 |
| Chicago | $224 |
| National average | $211 |
Rates in Milwaukee are high compared to other Wisconsin cities like Madison and Kenosha, where rates are $135 and $141 per month, respectively. The rest of Wisconsin pays just $137 per month, on average.
“Just across Lake Michigan, drivers in Michigan face the highest rates in the country. Illinois to the south also has high rates. Luckily, Wisconsin’s varied marketplace gives consumers plenty of options,” says Franken. “This may explain the state’s lower rates.”
“That said, many factors affect rates. Repair costs, labor costs, and medical costs are just a few — and can vary by ZIP code,” Franken says. “If these costs skew higher in a city like Milwaukee, drivers in the city may face higher rates.”
Wisconsinites must have proof of insurance while on the road. Wisconsin requires drivers to purchase the following minimum insurance amounts:
$10,000 in property damage liability
$25,000 per person in bodily injury liability
$50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability
The Wisconsin DMV’s official site offers more details about state-minimum insurance requirements.
Here are answers to some common questions about car insurance in Milwaukee.
Drivers in Milwaukee pay an average of $203 per month for auto insurance.
Safeco is the cheapest auto insurance company in Milwaukee, offering drivers an average rate of $103 per month.
Milwaukee’s crime rate, property values, rate of litigation, and local repair costs all affect how much drivers pay. Your driver profile, including your choice of vehicle, driving history, credit, age, marital status, and more, will affect your rates.
Wisconsin drivers must have $10,000 in property damage liability, $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, and $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident.
Drivers caught without proof of insurance will receive a fine of up to $500, and drivers who present fraudulent car insurance will be fined up to $5,000.
Sources
U.S. Census data, “Milwaukee vs. United States,” Accessed October 16, 2023.
St. Louis Federal Reserve, “Mean Commuting Time for Workers (5-year estimate) in Milwaukee County, WI,” Accessed October 16, 2023.
Insurance Information Institute, “Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?,” Accessed October 16, 2023.
J.D. Power, “2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” Accessed October 16, 2
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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A.M. Steinbach is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and content marketing strategist who has been writing for Compare.com since 2023. He's an expert in breaking down a diverse range of insurance topics into crisp, readable content.
A.M. has worked with major brands in insurance, tech, finance, and healthcare. He also contributes to The Average Joe, a personal finance newsletter that reaches more than 250,000 daily readers, and other notable publications.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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