We looked at average costs, customer service ratings, and policy options from multiple top insurers to find the best and cheapest home insurance companies in Wisconsin.
By
Andrew HurstAndrew HurstSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertAndrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.
Edited by
Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
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Reviewed by
Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
Updated|4 min read
Expert reviewedExpert reviewedThis article has been reviewed by a member of ourFinancial Review Council to ensure all sources, statistics, and claims meet the highest standard for accurate and unbiased advice.Learn more about oureditorial review process.
Wisconsin is a great place to settle down and buy a house, and thanks to its relatively mild weather, homeowners insurance in the Badger State is relatively affordable.
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Wisconsin is $1,150 per year or $96 a month. This is around 34% lower than the national average of $1,754 per year.
Compare home insurance rates in Wisconsin
But there are several factors you should consider when choosing an insurer. Not sure what to look for? Policygenius can help you figure out your coverage needs and compare quotes from multiple top companies in Wisconsin.
UPDATE: Home insurance premiums up 15% in Wisconsin
Home insurance premiums in Wisconsin increased 15% from May 2022 to May 2023, according to our latest analysis of internal policyholder data. This is due to a mix of sustained inflation, labor shortages, rising construction costs, and severe natural disasters that have caused insurance companies to increase rates and establish stricter underwriting rules to offset the risks.
Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:
Dwelling: $300,000
Other structures: $30,000
Personal property: $150,000
Loss of use: $60,000
Liability: $300,000
Medical: $1,000
All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in Wisconsin
According to our analysis, Auto-Owners, StateFarm, AmericanFamily, Farmers, and Allstate are the best homeowners insurance companies in Wisconsin.
Policygenius analyzed thousands of quotes the largest Wisconsin insurers to find the average cost of homeowners insurance at each company. We then looked at J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores and compared that with the coverage needs of the state's residents to find the best homeowners insurance in Wisconsin.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
5.0
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers flood insurance
Why we chose it
Auto-Owners Insurance is the best homeowners insurance company in Wisconsin thanks to wide range of coverage options, its high marks for financial strength, and its customer experience ratings.
Pros and cons
Pros
Offers additional coverage options
Lots of discounts
Cons
Not able to get quotes or file claims online
More details
Why we chose it
Auto-Owners Insurance is our pick for the best overall home insurance company in Wisconsin. The company has received above-average ratings on J.D. Power's Home Insurance Study, and it gets fewer complaints than average according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
With endorsements like guaranteed replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, inland flood coverage, and a comprehensive Homeowners Plus endorsement package, Auto-Owners offers many ways to customize your policy.
How much does Auto-Owners home insurance cost in Wisconsin?
The average cost of Auto-Owners home insurance in Wisconsin is $1,150 per year, which is 34% cheaper than the statewide average.
How to get a quote
To get a homeowners insurance quote, you’ll have to call a local Auto-Owners Insurance agent.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.8
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers flood insurance
Offers earthquake insurance
Wind/hail deductible
Offers wildfire insurance
Why we chose it
State Farm is one of the best home insurance companies in Wisconsin thanks to its large selection of policy options, high customer service marks, and industry-best financial stability ratings.
Pros and cons
Pros
Top-tier coverage add-ons, including extended replacement cost coverage
High customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings
Cons
No discounts for first-time homebuyers
Higher rates than average
More details
Why we chose State Farm
State Farm is the best home insurance company in Wisconsin, especially if you want to add coverage to a basic policy. State Farm lets homeowners get extended replacement cost coverage for their homes, replacement cost coverage for their personal property, water backup protection, and more.
State Farm's customer service is highly rated, too. The company has received high ratings from policyholders, according to J.D. Power’s 2022 customer satisfaction, claims, and digital experience surveys. It has also received the highest rating possible from A.M. Best for financial strength and stability.
How do State Farm home insurance rates compare to the Wisconsin average?
The average cost of home insurance from State Farm in Wisconsin is $1,403 per year, which is 22% more expensive than the statewide average.
How to get a quote
Online through State Farm or by contacting your local State Farm agent.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.6
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers flood insurance
Bundle home & auto
Why we chose it
American Family is one of the best home insurance companies in Wisconsin, especially for people who want to add coverage to a basic policy. AmFam also has high customer service ratings and several discounts.
Pros and cons
Pros
Several one-of-its-kind coverage endorsements and policy perks
High customer satisfaction and digital shopping satisfaction scores with J.D. Power
Offers nearly one dozen discounts
Cons
Requires you to work with an agent to purchase a policy
More details
Why we chose American Family
American Family is one of the top home insurance companies in Wisconsin. You can customize your American Family policy with up to 15 additional coverage options — including inland flood, equipment breakdown, and service line coverage.
One downside is that in Wisconsin home insurance from American Family costs about $25 more than average per year. Although more expensive than average, AmFam's many discounts (including paying your premiums all at once, opting for paperless billing, and signing up for automatic payments) can make your premiums even cheaper.
How do American Family home insurance rates compare to the Wisconsin average?
The average annual cost of American Family home insurance in Wisconsin is $1,175 per year, which is 2% more expensive than the statewide average.
How to get a quote
Online with American Family or by contacting a local agent
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.5
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Offers extended replacement cost
Bundle home & auto
Smart home discounts
Why we chose it
Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in Wisconsin for those who want to add coverage to their policies. Farmers also has a range of discounts, slightly cheaper-than-average rates, and high claims satisfaction scores.
Pros and cons
Pros
Optional extended or guaranteed replacement cost dwelling coverage
Receives few complaints from policyholders and has a high claims satisfaction score
Rates are cheaper than average
Cons
Below-average scores on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys
More details
Why we chose Farmers
Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in Wisconsin, especially if you want to add coverage to a basic policy. Optional coverages from Farmers include guaranteed or extended replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, and a personal articles floater.
Farmers also earned a high score in J.D. Power’s 2022 claims satisfaction study (though it scored below average on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys). Plus, Farmers receives fewer complaints than average, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
How do Farmers home insurance rates compare to the average in Wisconsin?
The average cost of Farmers home insurance in Wisconsin is $1,095 per year, which is 5% cheaper than the state's average annual premium.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.5
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A+
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Smart home discounts
Why we chose it
Allstate is one of the best and cheapest home insurance companies in Wisconsin. Besides having lower-than-average rates, Allstate also offers a few add-ons that can make a basic policy stronger.
Pros and cons
Pros
Much cheaper rates than average in Wisconsin
Offers water backup protection, other endorsements
Offers short-term rental insurance
Cons
Beginning to pull back coverage in high-risk areas
Customer experience scores with J.D. Power are below the segment average
More details
Why we chose Allstate
Allstate is one of the best and cheapest home insurance companies in Wisconsin. In addition to its low rates, Allstate offers a few home insurance coverages that you can add to your policy. These include water backup protection, scheduled personal property coverage, and identity theft restoration coverage.
If you're looking to cover your short-term rental, Allstate's HostAdvantage is another perk. HostAdvantage comes with theft protection, coverage for your damaged property ($10,000 per host period), and a $25 discount on cleaning services from Merry Maids.
How do Allstate home insurance rates compare to the Wisconsin average?
The annual average cost of Allstate home insurance in Wisconsin is $1,052 per year, which is 9% cheaper than the statewide average.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Allstate, or by contacting a local Allstate agent.
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Wisconsin is $1,15 0 per year, or $96 a month, for an insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This means insurance in Wisconsin is 34% cheaper than the national average per year.
Wisconsin homeowners insurance rates by city
We calculated the cost of home insurance in Wisconsin's largest cities and found that Sheboygan is the cheapest big city for homeowners insurance in the state, while Milwaukee is the most expensive.
Here’s a look at the average cost of home insurance in the 20 largest cities in Wisconsin.
City
Average monthly cost
Average annual cost
Difference from state average (%)
Milwaukee
$103
$1,235
7%
Madison
$90
$1,076
-6%
Green Bay
$85
$1,022
-11%
Kenosha
$91
$1,088
-5%
Racine
$90
$1,079
-6%
Appleton
$88
$1,061
-8%
Waukesha
$87
$1,047
-9%
Eau Claire
$95
$1,141
-1%
Oshkosh
$87
$1,045
-9%
Janesville
$90
$1,074
-7%
West Allis
$88
$1,061
-8%
La Crosse
$98
$1,175
2%
Sheboygan
$85
$1,014
-12%
Wauwatosa
$89
$1,072
-7%
Fond du Lac
$87
$1,042
-9%
Brookfield
$88
$1,054
-8%
New Berlin
$87
$1,042
-9%
Wausau
$89
$1,070
-7%
Menomonee Falls
$87
$1,048
-9%
Greenfield
$89
$1,063
-8%
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Wisconsin homeowners insurance rates by coverage amount
The table below highlights the average annual premium in Wisconsin for five different levels of dwelling coverage, which is the part of your policy that covers structural damage to your home.
Generally speaking, more dwelling coverage means higher homeowners insurance rates, as shown in the table below.
Dwelling coverage limit
Average annual cost
$100,000
$572
$200,000
$864
$300,000
$1,150
$400,000
$1,453
$500,000
$1,721
Compare home insurance rates in Wisconsin
Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Wisconsin
Based on our analysis of home insurance rates in every one of the Wisconsin's ZIP codes, we found that its cheapest home insurance companies are WestBendMutual, RuralMutual, Allstate, Farmers, and WisconsinMutual.
Cheapest Wisconsin homeowners insurance if you have poor credit
If you have a poor credit score, this can cause your premiums to soar as well. Insurance providers consider low credit as a sign that you’re more likely to rely on insurance claims to cover the cost of small damages or losses, so insurance providers will often charge higher rates as a result.
With an average rate of $1,111 per year, WisconsinMutual has the cheapest home insurance rates in Wisconsin for a homeowner with poor credit.
Company
Average annual cost
Wisconsin Mutual Insurance
$1,111
Badger Mutual Insurance
$1,118
Rural Mutual Insurance
$1,140
West Bend Mutual Insurance
$1,324
Secura Insurance Companies
$1,440
Allstate
$1,597
Acuity
$1,775
USAA
$1,806
Hastings Mutual Insurance
$1,871
Encova Insurance
$2,039
American Family
$2,070
Auto-Owners Insurance
$2,260
AAA
$2,398
State Farm
$2,407
Farmers
$2,417
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Cheapest Wisconsin homeowners insurance if you have an older home
It can cost a lot to insure older homes. That's because they're more prone to structural damage than new homes. Older homes are also often constructed out of materials and with features that would be expensive to replace if they were damaged.
With an average annual premium of $871, RuralMutualInsurance offers the cheapest home insurance rates in Wisconsin for a home over 100 years old.
Company
Average annual cost
Rural Mutual Insurance
$871
West Bend Mutual Insurance
$904
Allstate
$1,014
Farmers
$1,089
Wisconsin Mutual Insurance
$1,111
Badger Mutual Insurance
$1,118
Auto-Owners Insurance
$1,133
USAA
$1,136
Secura Insurance Companies
$1,139
Acuity
$1,184
American Family
$1,204
Hastings Mutual Insurance
$1,292
State Farm
$1,396
AAA
$1,669
Encova Insurance
$2,039
Collapse table
Cheapest Wisconsin homeowners insurance if you have a history of claims
If you have multiple claims on your record, you'll typically pay more for home insurance, as insurers will consider you more likely to file future claims than a homeowner with a spotless claims history.
With an average annual premium of $1,111, WisconsinMutual offers the cheapest home insurance rates in Wisconsin if you've filed multiple claims in a five-year period.
Company
Average annual cost
Wisconsin Mutual Insurance
$1,111
Badger Mutual Insurance
$1,118
Rural Mutual Insurance
$1,140
West Bend Mutual Insurance
$1,324
Secura Insurance Companies
$1,440
Allstate
$1,597
Acuity
$1,775
USAA
$1,806
Hastings Mutual Insurance
$1,871
Encova Insurance
$2,039
American Family
$2,070
Auto-Owners Insurance
$2,260
AAA
$2,398
State Farm
$2,407
Farmers
$2,417
Collapse table
Coverage options in Wisconsin
When looking at how much each insurance company charges for different coverage levels and risks, you should also be aware of what your policy does and doesn’t cover.
Before you buy homeowners insurance in Wisconsin, you should be sure you're protected against the state's severe weather and flooding.
Windstorm insurance
You should be sure that your home insurance policy fully protects your property from the strong winds and occasional hail that can come with spring and summer storms in Wisconsin.
While most home insurance policies do cover wind damage (including tornado damage) and hail damage, you should make sure that you'll be able to fully rebuild by adding replacement cost coverage to your policy.
Flood insurance
If you live in a low-lying part of Wisconsin or somewhere that's near a lake, your property might be at risk of experiencing flood damage. Despite the risk of flood damage, homeowners insurance policies don't cover floods.
You should consider getting flood insurance if there's a chance your home could be damaged by rising water. A few companies offer flood insurance endorsements or even separate flood insurance policies, but most companies offer coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Compare home insurance rates in Wisconsin
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of homeowners insurance in Wisconsin?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Wisconsin is $96 per month or $1,150 per year.
How can I lower my homeowners insurance in Wisconsin?
You can lower your homeowners insurance in Wisconsin by taking advantage of discounts offered through your home insurance company. This might mean bundling your home and auto policies together for discounts of up to 25% off your premiums, or adding security systems to your home to score discounts.
Is it mandatory to have homeowners insurance in Wisconsin?
There is no state law that requires homeowners to carry home insurance, but most mortgage lenders require you to purchase home insurance. Because your mortgage lender is financially invested in your property, they'll want to ensure it's fully insured until the mortgage is paid off.
Andrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.
Pat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.