At Brew City Insurance, we understand that owning a vehicle means more than just a means of transportation. It means independence, responsibility, and a lot of moving parts—both literally and financially. Whether you’re commuting through South Milwaukee, navigating downtown Milwaukee traffic, or heading out for a weekend at Lake Geneva, having the right Auto Insurance policy in place helps you drive with confidence.
What Is Auto Insurance and Why Do You Need It?
Auto Insurance is a type of financial protection designed to help cover expenses related to accidents, theft, damage, or liability involving your vehicle. It’s usually required by law and plays a significant role in protecting your personal finances.
If you’re involved in a car accident, the costs can add up quickly, from vehicle repairs and towing to medical bills and legal fees. The right Auto Insurance policy can help with these costs, depending on the coverage you choose. It may also help cover damage caused by natural disasters, theft, vandalism, or collisions with animals such as deer.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin minimum auto insurance requirements are designed to provide a small level of protection in the event you damage someone else’s property, or you cause harm to another person. In Wisconsin, drivers need a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and $10,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability Coverage.
What is the best deductible?
The best deductible is what you can afford to pay out of pocket when you file an auto insurance claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa. A higher deductible means your accepting a more significant portion of the risk yourself. It is best not to take on more risk than you can afford.
What is “full coverage?”
There is no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is a term that is used to suggest you have chosen protection that goes beyond the minimum coverage required by your State. It typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, medical payment coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
You can save money on your car insurance by avoiding moving violations, crashes, DUIs, and other incidents. By having a clean driving record, you may also qualify for a safe driver discount. Students may qualify for good student and student-away-at-school discounts. Your vehicle’s anti-theft devices and safety features may also provide more discounts. Paid-in-full, multi-car, and prior carrier discounts are also common.
How long does an auto accident affect my insurance?
A crash won’t impact your car insurance premiums forever. After about three to five years, your rates should recover. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the type of accident as well as the company you are insured with.
Is buying direct cheaper than buying through an agent?
Buying direct is not always cheaper than buying through an agent. You might think that cutting out the middleman would result in cheaper car insurance rates, but when it comes to insurance, this isn’t the case. In fact, an independent agent, one that represents many insurance companies, can often save you money.
What is the best auto insurance company?
The best auto insurance company differs per individual. No insurance company is objectively the best. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best customer service, the broadest coverage, or the lowest rates? Or maybe you have unique coverage or underwriting needs? An agent can help you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the right policy for your situation.
What is the best or cheapest auto insurance rate?
The best or cheapest auto insurance rate can be found by comparison shopping. Compare premiums as well as differences in coverage. An independent insurance agent can help. They can provide options from multiple carriers, along with the expert guidance you need to make a smart choice.
How do I switch to a new auto insurance company?
You can switch to a new auto insurance company at any time, but to avoid overpaying or violating state law, you do need to watch out for a couple of things. Car insurance policies are often sold for coverage periods of six months or one year. In some cases, you may be charged a fee if you decide to cancel your insurance policy early. You may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the premium. You also want to make sure you have continuous coverage to avoid a coverage gap.
Key Coverage Options
Every driver’s needs are different. At Brew City Insurance, we work with many top-rated insurance carriers to help you find a plan that fits your budget and your lifestyle. Here are some of the most common types of Auto Insurance coverage:
- Liability Coverage: Typically required by the state of Wisconsin, this helps cover costs if you’re found legally responsible for injuries or property damage to others. It usually includes bodily injury and property damage liability.
- Collision Coverage: Helps pay for damage to your car after a collision, regardless of who was at fault. If you hit another vehicle or object, this can help cover repair or replacement costs.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision-related incidents, such as theft, fire, vandalism, falling objects, or hitting a deer. It’s a common add-on for those who want full protection.
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Helps pay for injuries or damages if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough—or any—insurance. This can be especially helpful in hit-and-run situations.
- Medical Payments: May help cover medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault.
- Rental Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance: Optional but valuable, mainly if you rely heavily on your vehicle.
Independent Agents Offer More Options
Unlike captive agencies that can only sell policies from one company, Brew City Insurance is independent. That means we’re not limited to a single insurance carrier. We can compare quotes and policies from multiple companies and help you choose the one that best fits your specific needs.
This also means we’re not tied to sales quotas or one-size-fits-all policies. Instead, we focus on finding what’s right for you and your family. Our job is to help you understand what you’re buying and make sure it works for your lifestyle.
Local Service That Welcomes Walk-Ins
At Brew City Insurance, we live and work right here in South Milwaukee. We know the roads, the weather, and the risks that come with driving in Wisconsin. From icy streets in winter to crowded construction zones in summer, our local knowledge helps us guide you toward coverage that makes sense.
We also know that sometimes it’s easier to ask questions in person. That’s why we welcome walk-in traffic every day. If you’re not sure what kind of coverage you need, want to review your current policy, or want to get a better rate, stop by and talk with us.
Serving Drivers Across the Greater Milwaukee Area
We proudly serve individuals and families in South Milwaukee and beyond, including:
Oak Creek, Cudahy, Saint Francis, Greendale, Franklin, Greenfield, Milwaukee, West Milwaukee, Hales Corners, Caledonia, West Allis, Shorewood, Glendale, Whitefish Bay, River Hills, Fox Point, Bayside, Brown Deer, Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, New Berlin, and Muskego.
Whether you’re a first-time driver, a parent adding a teen to the policy, or someone looking to bundle Auto Insurance with Homeowners or Renters coverage, we can help make it simple.
What Affects Your Premium?
There’s no universal cost for Auto Insurance. Several factors can impact what you pay each month, such as:
- Your driving history
- Type and age of your vehicle
- Where you live and park your car
- How often you drive
- Your age and marital status
- Your credit score (in some cases)
- Any previous claims
We’ll walk you through these details so that everything is clear and understandable. If your rate changes, we’ll help explain why—and if possible, find a better fit.
Discount Opportunities
Many drivers qualify for discounts without even knowing it. As independent agents, we know which companies offer:
- Good driver or accident-free discounts
- Good student discounts
- Multi-policy discounts (Auto + Home, for example)
- Discounts for vehicle safety features like anti-lock brakes or airbags
- Pay-in-full or paperless billing discounts
We’ll help you identify every savings opportunity available to you.
What to Do After an Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident, knowing what to do can help you stay calm and organized. Here are some steps to consider:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
- Move your vehicle to a safe area if possible.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Take photos of the scene, damage, and any relevant details.
- Report the incident to your insurance agent.
When you work with Brew City Insurance, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. We’re here to help you through it.
Why Brew City Insurance?
We’re more than just insurance agents, we’re your neighbors. Our team, led by Debra Larson and her daughter Danielle Cooke, is committed to making insurance easier, more understandable, and more accessible. We offer:
- In-person service with no appointment needed
- Honest, friendly guidance
- Multiple carrier options
- Help when you need it most
Let’s Talk About Your Auto Insurance Needs
Whether you’re buying your first car, reviewing your current coverage, or insuring a new driver in your household, Brew City Insurance is here to help. Our doors are open, and we’re ready to sit down and talk through your needs, one step at a time.
Because in the end, having the right insurance coverage means that the important things in life, such as your memories, milestones, and future, can continue for years to come.
