Wisconsin: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 14 topic we track for Wisconsin on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Wisconsin compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Lemon law rules · Sales tax rates · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Gas tax · Uninsured drivers · Marijuana laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	3 years
Property damage	6 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$25,000 / $50,000 / $10,000
Fault system	At-fault (the driver who caused it pays)
Shared-fault rule	Modified comparative: barred at 51% fault or more

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	10 days
Accept or deny	Reasonable time
Pay	30 days after written notice of the covered loss and amount

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$10,000 ($15,000 for cases filed from Jan. 1, 2027)
Filing fee	$94.50 ($124 from Nov. 1, 2026)
Lawyers	Allowed

Total loss rules

Total loss rule	70% of actual cash value

Shared fault rules

Rule	Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)
When you are barred	Barred if you are 51% or more at fault

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Death, injury, over $1,000 damage, or $200+ to government property
Deadline	Immediately, to police

Lemon law rules Single detailed source

Repair attempts or days	4 attempts or 30 days
Coverage period	Warranty or 1 year, whichever first

Sales tax rates Single detailed source

State rate	5.00%
Combined average	5.72%

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	Work zones only
Texting ban	Yes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	Partial
Who must wear one	Riders under 18 or with an instructional permit

Gas tax Single detailed source

Gasoline	32.9¢ per gallon
Diesel	32.9¢ per gallon

Uninsured drivers Single detailed source

Drivers uninsured	15.6%
UM/UIM coverage	Uninsured motorist required

Marijuana laws Single detailed source

Legal status	CBD / low-THC only