Additional WI Homeowners Insurance Options
For even more protection, you can add more coverage options to your WI homeowners insurance policy. The Hartford offers the following types of additional coverage:
- New for Old” Protection ‡‡ helps replace your destroyed belongings with new ones of the same quality.
- Reimbursement for replacing locks if your keys get lost or stolen. This coverage pays up to $500 to replace locks, with a $100 deductible.
- Identity fraud expense coverage reimburses you for out-of-pocket expenses up to certain limits to help you recover after fraud or identity theft. See your policy for specific limits.
- Disappearing Property Deductible‡‡ reduces your deductible every year when you go three consecutive years without having an insurance loss.
- Equipment breakdown coverage helps cover your repair or replacement costs if your appliances or electronics have a mechanical or electrical breakdown. It also provides coverage if you want to make “green” upgrades. It pays up to 125% of your cost to replace any covered equipment with items that are similar, but more energy efficient or environmentally friendly. Keep in mind that this does not include normal wear and tear.
- Valuable items blanket for additional protection on certain valuables. For instance, if your insured jewelry gets stolen, this coverage can help cover the costs to replace it.
Most Common Wisconsin Home Insurance Claims
Living in Wisconsin means experiencing all four seasons – from sunny summers to snow-filled winters. Throughout the year, Wisconsin homeowners can experience severe weather, like tornadoes or blizzards. Since Wisconsin weather can be hard on a home, it’s best to make sure you’re always prepared for the unexpected.
Having a WI home insurance policy can help protect your home from damage caused by weather disasters. However, it’s important to know that
flood insurance isn’t included in standard homeowners insurance policies. To get coverage, you’ll have to purchase a separate insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).***
How To File a Claim for Homeowners Insurance in Wisconsin
If a storm or natural disaster damages your home, The Hartford makes filing a easy. We’ll review your coverage and help with any covered repair costs. Be sure to follow these steps to make sure you know what to do if your home gets damaged:4
- Notify your insurance company as soon as you can after the loss has occurred. An insurance representative will decide the most appropriate way to assess and adjust any covered damage.
- Identify building damage to your home and other structures on your property like your garage, shed or swimming pool. Your insurance representative will decide on resources to assess the damage and determine the best method of repair.
- Make temporary, necessary repairs to protect your home from further damage. And be sure to keep your receipts so you can include them in your insurance claim.
- Complete a claim form, which your insurance company will give you. After damages occur, you’ll want to inventory your personal property that was impacted. You can talk with your adjuster about the best way to document and submit your claim for these items.
Once your insurance adjuster has gathered all pertinent information to determine coverage and estimate your damage, a discussion will take place to advise you on the settlement.
Average Cost for Home Insurance in Wisconsin
Home insurance costs typically vary by state and other factors. According to 2024 average home insurance rates, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Wisconsin is $1,176 annually, or $98 monthly.5 This is $1,110 lower than the national average of $2,285 per year.6
Home insurance companies look at several factors when determining price, like:
- The type of home you have
- Location
- The insurance coverages and amounts you choose
Because of this, you may pay more or less than the average in your state. Consider shopping around and comparing different home insurance quotes to make sure you get the coverage you need at a price that fits your budget.
Wisconsin Homeowners Insurance Discounts
There are several savings opportunities available to help you save on home insurance in Wisconsin with the AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford, including:
- Bundle Home and Auto Insurance: If you bundle your home and auto insurance with The Hartford, you can save over $800.**
- Home Security Discount: The Hartford rewards you for making the investment to protect your home. So, if you install devices like burglar alarms, you can qualify for a home security discount.
- Fire Protection: If you install certain devices to help protect your home from fire damage, you can get a home insurance discount. This includes fire sprinkler systems and monitored alarms.
Is Homeowners Insurance Required in Wisconsin?
No, you are not required to have Wisconsin home insurance by law. However, if you have a mortgage, then your lender may require you to have it. Because homes in Wisconsin face different risks, from theft to winter storms to hurricanes, it’s important to have coverage.
Top Wisconsin Home Protection Tips
Whether you’re trying to prevent burglaries or protect your family from a fire, there are steps you can take to help protect your Wisconsin home, including:7
- Installing smoke and heat detectors in or near all bedrooms.
- Keeping your house clear of trash, oily rags or other materials that can catch fire.
- Checking your appliances for any frayed wiring.
- Practicing home fire drills to be sure everyone understands what to do in an emergency.
- Keeping matches and lighters away from children.
- If you smoke, doing it outside and never in bed.
- Making sure all doors are locked and not letting newspapers or mail pile up if you’re away on vacation.
- Installing window decals in rooms where older family members or children sleep. You can get these from your insurance company or local fire department.
Evaluate Your Risks as a Wisconsin Homeowner
In case the unexpected occurs, one thing that can help make the claims process smoother is a home inventory. You can use it to help decide how much coverage to get and figure out what needs repairing after a disaster.
To create your home inventory:8
- List and describe every item of value in your house.
- Write down any serial numbers.
- Save receipts for your items.
- Keep detailed records of antiques, jewelry, major appliances and collectibles.
- Take photos so you can see what each item looked like before damage.
- Regularly update your home inventory to account for new items.
Get a Quote for Wisconsin Home Insurance
When it comes to protecting your home in Wisconsin, it’s important to work with an insurance company you can rely on. At The Hartford, our representatives are here to help you every step of the way.
Get your online quote within minutes for Wisconsin home insurance and customize your policy to meet your unique needs. All you need is your zip code to get started. See what discounts you’re eligible for and get a
homeowners insurance quote online today or by calling
877-422-2345.
Last Updated: November 7, 2024
2,5,6 Bankrate, “Home insurance rates by state for November 2024”
3 Medical benefits are calculated on the basis of usual, customary and reasonable charges.
4 State of Wisconsin: Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, “Consumer’s Guide to Homeowner’s Insurance”
7 State of Wisconsin: Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, “Settling Property Insurance Claims”
8 State of Wisconsin: Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, “Personal Property Home Inventory”
*** This is an optional coverage and may not be available in all states.
America’s Dairyland is an amazing place to call home. From Milwaukee and Madison to Green Bay and Kenosha, the state of Wisconsin has so much to see and do. And with so much to explore in the Badger State, protecting your home here should be one of your top priorities.
Wisconsin home insurance helps protect your property and belongings from various risks, such as fire, lightning and theft. It helps cover your repair or replacement costs if your home or property gets damaged in a covered loss. Without home insurance coverage, you’d have to pay out of pocket to fix or replace your property.