Wisconsin insurance laws
Insurance regulations, rate filing requirements, department info, and recent bulletins for Wisconsin. Updated Apr 1, 2026.
Department of Insurance
Wisconsin employs a comprehensive regulatory framework under Chapters 600-655 of the Wisconsin Statutes. The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) oversees all insurance lines, handles consumer complaints, licenses agents and companies, and reviews rate filings through the SERFF system. Wisconsin generally uses a File & Use rate system, requiring insurers to submit rate and form filings before implementation but allowing immediate use while under review.
Auto Insurance
Notable Laws
- Wis. Stat. § 344.62: Mandatory motor vehicle liability insurance required with minimum 25/50/10 coverage
- Wis. Stat. § 632.32: Mandatory uninsured motorist coverage at 25/50 minimums; underinsured motorist coverage optional
- Wis. Stat. § 344.15: SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility required for high-risk drivers for 3 years
- Wis. Stat. § 632.32(2)(am): Medical payments coverage optional; must be offered but can be rejected by insured
- Wis. Stat. § 895.045: Comparative negligence statute affects tort liability and insurance claim determinations
Homeowners Insurance
Notable Laws
- Wis. Stat. § 631.36: Requires 60 days notice for nonrenewal, 10 days for cancellation (except nonpayment)
- Wis. Stat. § 619.01-619.13: Wisconsin Insurance Plan (FAIR Plan) provides basic property coverage for hard-to-insure properties up to $350,000
- Wis. Stat. § 628.34: Prohibits unfair discrimination in underwriting and rating; credit scoring permitted with restrictions
- Wis. Admin. Code Ins 6.67: Specific examples of unfair discrimination in property insurance underwriting
- Wis. Stat. § 632.32: Special cancellation provisions for certain circumstances
Recent Bulletins
Wisconsin Agent Appointment Renewal Invoices due 2026
Annual notification regarding agent appointment renewal invoices and deadlines for 2026 renewal cycle
View bulletinClaim Processing Timelines
Guidance on claim processing timelines and insurer obligations for timely payment under Wisconsin law
View bulletinCOVID-19 Immunization Coverage
Clarification on health insurance coverage requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations and related services
View bulletinThe Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems in Insurance
Wisconsin adopts NAIC model bulletin on AI systems in insurance, requiring transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI-driven underwriting and claims decisions
View bulletinThe Use of the "NPN Override" Function
Guidance on proper use of National Producer Number (NPN) override function in agent appointment system
View bulletinRecent Law Changes
Insurance Omnibus Law (2023 Wisconsin Act 212)
Comprehensive insurance law changes including increased consumer protection penalties from $1,000 to $5,000 for violations involving fraud or victims 60+, consolidated Wisconsin Insurance Security Fund accounts from six to five, authorized commissioner to bypass procurement rules for interstate regulatory consultants, and updated agent licensing standards to include 'competent and trustworthy' criteria.
Insurers and agents face increased penalties for violations involving seniors or fraud, and the security fund was streamlined for more efficient administration and claims handling.
Effective: 2024-03-22
Best Interest Law (2021 Wisconsin Act 260)
Established best interest standard for insurance intermediaries making annuity recommendations, requiring them to act in the consumer's best interest without placing their own financial interests ahead of the consumer's interests. Includes requirements for identifying and managing conflicts of interest, providing disclosures, and completing mandatory training.
Insurance agents selling annuities must now meet a higher fiduciary standard and complete mandatory training to protect consumers from unsuitable sales practices and conflicts of interest.
Effective: 2022-10-01
Insurance Omnibus Law (2021 Wisconsin Act 114)
Various changes to insurance laws including provisions for issuance of funding agreements by life insurers, modifications to paid-up insurance and annuity settlements, travel insurance producer licensing updates, and changes to reporting requirements for insurers and holding companies.
Insurers gained more flexibility in product offerings and corporate structures while maintaining consumer protections and regulatory oversight through updated reporting requirements.
Effective: 2021-12-05
Travel Insurance Law (2021 Wisconsin Act 111)
Adopted the Model Travel Insurance Act to modernize travel insurance regulation, establish limited lines travel insurance producer licensing category, clarify roles and responsibilities of travel retailers versus licensed producers, and streamline the sale of travel insurance products through travel agencies and online platforms.
Travel retailers can now sell travel insurance more easily through limited lines licensing while maintaining consumer protections through OCI oversight and disclosure requirements.
Effective: 2021-12-05
Insurance Data Security Law (2021 Wisconsin Act 73)
Created comprehensive cybersecurity requirements for insurance licensees including mandatory data security programs based on risk assessments, cybersecurity event notification to OCI within 3 business days, consumer breach notification within 45 days, and annual certification of compliance. Establishes penalties for non-compliance including fines and license actions.
Insurance companies and agents must implement robust cybersecurity measures, maintain incident response plans, and report breaches quickly to protect consumer data and avoid significant penalties.
Effective: 2021-07-15
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