Homeowners Insurance in Wisconsin

Homeowners insurance in Wisconsin will include coverage for windstorms, fire, and other perils, but you’ll want to add sinkhole insurance.
Written by Talullah Blanco
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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The state of
Wisconsin
does not require homeowners insurance, but most lenders require you to carry coverage for the duration of your mortgage. Shop for homeowners insurance by comparing quotes and choosing the policy with the coverage you need. 
If you purchased a home in Wisconsin, you’ll need homeowners insurance to protect your home from fire, hailstorms, theft, and other perils. Every state has different events that cause widespread property damage, so it’s important to understand what could put your home at risk in your state to build a policy that’s right for you. 
That’s why the price comparison and
car insurance
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Jerry
has compiled everything you need to know about getting
homeowners insurance
in Wisconsin. We’ll explain what home insurance is, the perils it covers, and how much it costs
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What is homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance is a type of property insurance that covers damages to your home and its contents in the event of a covered disaster. 
The standard homeowners insurance policy provides coverage to repair or rebuild your home, additional living expenses, and legal fees if someone is injured on your property.

Basic components of homeowners insurance

Here are the five elements of coverage included in a homeowners insurance policy:
  • Structure (Coverage A): Pays to repair or replace damage to the interior or exterior of your house caused by covered disasters like fire, lightning, windstorms, and vandalism. 
  • Additional structures (Coverage B): Damages to freestanding garages, sheds, fences, or other structures on your property caused by disasters will also be covered by homeowners insurance.
  • Personal property (Coverage C): Provides financial compensation for personal belongings destroyed in an insured disaster. From clothing and jewelry to furniture and appliances, your homeowners insurance policy will cover most of the contents of your home. 
  • Personal liability (Coverage D): Liability coverage protects you from possible lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that occur on your property.
  • Additional living expenses (Coverage E): Reimburses you for rent, hotel rooms, meals, and any other temporary living expenses incurred while you are waiting for your home to be repaired.
There are three levels of coverage you can choose when you purchase a homeowners insurance policy. Your most basic coverage covers the actual cash value (ACV), which is the cost of your home and its belongings at the time of its loss.
The replacement cost is the amount it would cost to repair your home and replace its contents up to your coverage limit, while the guaranteed or extended replacement cost pays for the cost to rebuild your home at current prices, even if it exceeds your liability limit.
Key Takeaway In the event of a covered disaster or lawsuit, your home insurance will provide financial stability and legal protection. 
MORE: How to choose the right kind of home insurance for you

Named perils

Your homeowners insurance will only cover the named perils detailed in the policy. The standard policy covers:
  • Fire
  • Smoke
  • Lightening
  • Windstorm or hail
  • Volcanic eruption
  • Weight of ice, snow, and sleet
  • Freezing of a plumbing
  • Falling objects 
  • Explosion
  • Vandalism, malicious mischief, and theft
  • Riot or civil commotion
  • Accidental discharge or overflow of water steam
  • Accidental tearing, cracking, burning, or bulging
  • Sudden and accidental damage from artificially generated electrical current 
Read your policy before you sign to be aware of perils your policy does not cover but are causes of property damage in your state. 
Key Takeaway Homeowners insurance does not cover damage due to negligence.
MORE: Does home insurance cover flooded basements?

Is homeowners insurance required in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin does not require homeowners insurance. However, most lenders will require you to purchase a homeowners insurance policy and carry coverage for the duration of your mortgage.
How to get homeowners insurance 
Shopping for home insurance is similar to how you shop for car insurance. You’ll start shopping for homeowners insurance by comparing quotes from several companies online. Insurance premium quotes vary between providers for the same coverage, so don’t settle for the first one. 
Not sure where to begin? Get a quote from your car insurance provider to bundle your home and auto policies. If you aren’t satisfied with your initial quote, most insurance companies offer bundling discounts that save you between 5% and 15% on both policies. 
Save time and money by shopping for home insurance with
Jerry
. They’ll gather affordable quotes, help you switch plans, and bundle your home and car insurance policies for maximum savings.
The most common causes of loss in Wisconsin are snowfall, windstorms, and sinkholes
While the first two natural disasters are covered, the typical homeowners insurance policy excludes earth movement which includes sinkholes. Wisconsin sinkholes can range between 20 and 30 feet in diameter and are 10 feet deep. 
If you live in the eastern, southern, or western part of Wisconsin that has dolomite and limestone beneath the surface, you’ll want to purchase sinkhole insurance to protect your home from sinkhole damage. 

How much does homeowners insurance cost in Wisconsin?

Homeowners in Wisconsin can expect to pay less than the national average cost of homeowners insurance. 
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Wisconsin is $986 per year, while the national average cost is $1,477 annually. However, there are several factors that can impact the cost of  your homeowners insurance premium. 

Claims history

Your home insurance premium will be higher if you’ve recently filed a claim because you are more likely to file another. The insurance provider raises your insurance premium to compensate for future claim payouts. 
The amount your insurance rate increases will depend on the type of claim you file and the extent of the damage. 

Older homes

If your home is older, then your insurance premium will be higher than the house that was recently built down the street. Insurance companies see older homes as a greater risk for a property damage claim and raise premiums to prepare for potential costs.

Homeowners insurance discounts in Wisconsin

Insurance companies offer a variety of discounts for homeowners, but they differ between providers. The table below features the common discounts you’ll see when shopping for homeowners insurance:
Discount
How to get it
Bundling
Bundling home and auto insurance
could earn you a 5% to 10% discount on your policies
First-time homeowner
If it’s your first time purchasing a home most insurance companies will offer you a discount.
Claims-free
If you haven’t filed a claim in the last 2 to 3 years, you may receive a discounted rate.
Storm proofing
If you live in an area prone to natural disaster, upgrading your roof or installing weather-related safety measures could earn you a discount on your homeowners policy.
Security system
Set up a security system to prevent theft and you may be eligible for a discounted insurance rate.
Upgraded fire alarm
Setting up your fire alarm to contact the fire department directly could earn you a discount.

How to save on home and auto insurance

Shopping for affordable
home insurance
and finding the coverage you need can feel impossible with so many variables to consider. But with
Jerry
, it’s as easy as downloading an app. 
Jerry is the easiest and most effective way to find a home insurance policy that is customized for you. They’ll even help you bundle your policy with your
car insurance
for the most savings. 
After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. Basically, you get all of the savings and coverage, with none of the hassles. 
 “Super cheap!
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FAQs

Standard home insurance policies don’t include coverage for sinkholes. Depending on where you live, your lender or mortgage company may require additional coverage for sinkholes.
The cost of home insurance varies depending on your location, but the average cost of home insurance in Wisconsin is less than the national average. You can expect to pay $986 per year or $82 a month.
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