It's Important To Know Your Limits

Your auto insurance policy should be read closely to determine precisely the nature and extent of the risks covered.

An auto policy in Wisconsin will consist of coverage for property and collision damage to vehicles, and liability, which protects you if you are responsible for causing an accident and injury to others.

Most policies also contain a small amount of medical coverage ($1,000 to $5,000), which covers medical bills resulting from an auto accident. This coverage can be used independently or in addition to any health insurance you might have.

Auto policies in Wisconsin are required to provide uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects you if you have an accident with a negligent, uninsured driver. It covers medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses associated with serious injury. It is important to talk with your insurance agent to be sure you are adequately covered for this.

Underinsured motorist coverage is not required in Wisconsin, but Wisconsin law mandates that insurers must offer such coverage with the initial purchase of the policy in limits of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. This coverage protects you if you have an accident with a negligent driver with only minimal insurance. Since uninsured motorist coverage does not apply, the other driver's minimal liability policy may not cover injuries you suffer in an accident. Your own policy may not cover your injuries, either. Again, talk to your insurance agent to be sure your coverage options anticipate this problem. The additional cost of underinsurance coverage is small so that you should seriously consider having it.

This is a potentially confusing area of the law so you should consult an attorney at Previant, Goldberg, Uelmen, Gratz, Miller & Brueggeman, S.C. if you are involved in a serious auto accident.