At Thiel Insurance Group, we are dedicated to finding the right auto insurance policy to meet your needs and budget. We have years of experience and knowledge regarding the risks Wisconsin drivers face, and the potential costs of a loss. Working with a reputable insurance agency can make all the difference in the world should you ever need to file a claim.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin minimum auto insurance requirements are designed to provide a small level of protection in the event property, or you cause harm to another person. In Wisconsin, drivers need a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and $10,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability Coverage. The Wisconsin wrongful death claim provisions should also be reviewed. In Wisconsin, you are allowed to pursue monetary compensation through a wrongful death action for: • The decedent’s medical expenses. • The decedent’s funeral and burial expenses. • Financial losses, such as lost wages and income the decedent would have earned had he or she survived. • Loss of companionship and society. This is intended to compensate those who would suffer personal loss because of the decedent’s untimely death. It is usually extended to the decedent’s spouse, domestic partner or children who are under 18 years old. These are limited to $350,000 if the decedent was an adult, and $500,000 if the decedent was a minor.
What is the best deductible?
The best deductible is what you can afford to pay out of pocket when you file an auto insurance claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa. A higher deductible means your accepting a more significant portion of the risk yourself. It is best not to take on more risk than you can afford.
What is “full coverage?”
There is no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is a term that is used to suggest you have chosen protection that goes beyond the minimum coverage required by your State. It typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, medical payment coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
You can save money on your car insurance by avoiding moving violations, accidents, and not turning in small claims. By having a clean driving record, you may also qualify for a safe driver discount. Bundling your coverages with a homeowners policy, insuring multiple vehicles with the same insurance company, paying a policy in full, signing up for telematics, and having a good insurance score also help lower premiums.
How long does an auto accident affect my insurance?
A crash won’t impact your car insurance premiums forever. After about three to five years, your rates should recover. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the type of accident as well as the company you are insured with.
Is buying direct less expensive than buying through an agent?
Buying direct is not always less expensive than buying through an agent. You might think that cutting out the middleman would result in cheaper car insurance rates, but when it comes to insurance, this isn’t the case. In fact, an independent agent, one that represents many insurance companies, can often offer lower premiums. The independent agent is also available to discuss potential claims situations in the future without a claim automatically being filed.
What is the best auto insurance company?
The best auto insurance company differs per individual and situation. No insurance company is objectively the best. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best customer service, the broadest coverage, or the lowest rates? Or maybe you have unique coverage or underwriting needs? An agent can help you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the right policy for your situation.
What is the best or least expensive auto insurance rate?
The best or cheapest auto insurance rate can be found by comparison shopping. Compare premiums as well as differences in coverage. An independent insurance agent can help. They can provide options from multiple carriers, along with the expert guidance you need to make a smart choice.
How do I switch to a new auto insurance company?
You can switch to a new auto insurance company at any time, but to avoid overpaying or violating state law, you do need to watch out for a couple of things. Car insurance policies are for coverage periods of six months or one year, and changing at renewals is most common. If you do change midterm, a refund for the unused portion of the premium may likely occur. Most importantly, make sure that coverage is continuous with no gaps.
Discounts & Bundles for Savings
With Thiel Insurance Group, you can get a variety of discounts and see savings by bundling your car insurance with other policies. Save money with the following:
- Multi-car discount: Insure more than one vehicle to receive a multi-car discount.
- Multi-policy discount: Bundle your car insurance with home insurance, business insurance, or other policies for a reduced rate compared to individual policies.
- Good driver discount: If you’re a good driver, we want to reward you for having no accidents or moving violations.
- Good student discount: A good student’s As and Bs can translate to some serious savings.
- Safety features discount: If your car is equipped with safety features such as airbags, you may qualify for a discounted rate.
Auto Insurance Major Coverage
What does auto insurance cover and which policy is right for you? Each policy is different depending on the coverage you need, but the following are some of the major coverages you should consider:
Collision Coverage
Whether your vehicle needs a minor repair or total replacement, collision coverage is vital for any car owner. Whoever is at fault for the accident, collision coverage will pay for the damage to your vehicle. Talk to an insurance agent to discuss the different deductibles available.
Comprehensive Coverage
Collision coverage doesn’t cover all auto damage. Hitting a deer, getting caught in a hail storm and engine fires are just a few examples of claims that are covered by comprehensive coverage. Again, an agent can help you choose a proper deductible.
Bodily Injury Coverage
Bodily Injury coverage is one of the most important aspects of car insurance policies. Depending on your individual policy’s coverage limits, this is the part of your insurance that will pay for all of or part of your losses, such as bodily injuries or death due to an auto accident. Typical expenses include medical bills, loss of income, and other losses that may be determined by a court of law.
Property Damage
Property Damage coverage helps to pay for property damage due to an automobile accident for which you are responsible. The most common types of property damage include damage to another vehicle, a person’s home, a fence, a yard, or a business.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist
Despite the law that requires all drivers to have insurance, there are irresponsible people who drive without it. Additionally, there are some drivers who have insurance, but not enough coverage. For these reasons, you should carry Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage, otherwise known as UM/UIM. Should you be involved in an accident and the other driver was not properly insured, your UM/UIM coverage would pay for your injuries, those of any passengers who may be in your car, and any related expenses.
Rental/Towing
Should you have an accident and your car needs repairs, a policy from Thiel Insurance can help you keep your daily routine. Towing is available to bring your damaged vehicle to the auto shop of your choice. Additionally, if your car will be out of commission for several days, your policy may cover the cost of a car rental until your vehicle is ready.
Contact Us for Your Free Auto Insurance Quote
We have two convenient offices in the Fox Cities, including Appleton and Kimberly. Visit your local office to meet with one of our agents. We will explain how car insurance works, then help you find the perfect coverage for your vehicles and your insurance needs. Contact us today to get your no obligation free auto insurance quote started today!