Auto Insurance Rates Could Rise

Wisconsin drivers could be paying more money for car insurance. On November 1st, all policies will have uninsured motorist coverage. The plan is designed to protect those who get involved in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance to cover the damages.

Minimum coverage will jump from $50,000 to $100,000 per driver and $100,000 to $300,000 of coverage per accident. Insurance Agent John Allen says driver rates will go up. "That will affect everybody differently, depending on how much coverage each person has."

If someone has extra coverage now, it could mean about twenty bucks a year per car, but if you have less coverage "It could be 100-200 a vehicle a year, and you have multiple vehicles, it could make a big difference in their insurance costs." Allen says.

Drivers like Cameron Zasda say this increase couldn't have come at a worse time.  Money is tight, and this would take a big bite out of their budget. "I'm 21 years old, and I can't get liability for less than 300 a month. I can't afford that so it's pretty messed up."

On June 1st 2010, rates for medical coverage will also go up and  everyone in the state will be required to have car insurance. Allen says the requirement might not be effective. "Will these laws force people who aren't buying insurance today into buying insurance? That's yet to be seen."



Source