I switched from Member Benefits to another major insurance company because I thought I was getting a better deal. It was a big mistake. After an accident, it was like jumping through hoops.
“I remember thinking, ‘This is not how I was treated at Member Benefits.’ Needless to say, I’m back. I won’t leave again.”
These products and services are offered to Wisconsin residents.
Not all insurance companies are the same.
It’s important to work with someone you trust to help you find the right balance between coverage and cost…someone who will be there when you need them.
Auto insurance protects not only you, but also passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. It also offers coverage for damage to your vehicle and other people’s property.
How much insurance and what kind of coverages you need will depend on your situation. Insurance is not one-size-fits-all. To find the right balance between cost and protection, we recommend buying auto insurance using three general principles:
- Buy the right amount of protection for your situation.
- Buy more liability protection rather than less.
- Choose the highest deductible amount that you can comfortably afford.
Auto insurance. It’s The law.
Wisconsin requires liability insurance to operate a motorized vehicle. As of June 1, 2010, the owner of a motor vehicle must have a liability policy that meets the minimum requirements for proof of financial responsibility.
Auto insurance is a package of coverages that together make up a policy.
Liability coverages
Liability coverage will apply when you are responsible for injuring someone else or damaging another’s property with your vehicle.
- Bodily injury
Bodily injury coverage does not protect you or your car directly. If you cause an accident injuring other people, it protects you against their claims up to the stated amounts for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. It will also usually pay if the accident was caused by a member of your family living with you or a person using your vehicle with your consent. It does not pay for bodily injury you may sustain. - Property damage
This coverage protects you if you are at fault for damage to another person’s property, such as a car, its contents, or other property you damage in an accident such as a garage, house, fence, or trailer. - Medical payments
Medical payments coverage pays for necessary medical care for you or others covered by your policy resulting from an accident. - Uninsured/underinsured motorist
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverages pay for your expenses or the expenses of others covered by your policy if an injury is caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Coverages for damage to your vehicle
Because your vehicles are a significant financial investment, usually second only to your home, it is important to protect yourself from financial hardship when your car is damaged in an accident and needs to be repaired or replaced.
There are two common coverages available for your vehicles: collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. If you have a loan from a bank on your vehicle, your financial institution may require you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage.
- Collision
This coverage pays for the damage to the policyholder’s car resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object. - Comprehensive
This coverage pays for the damage to the policyholder’s car resulting from incidents other than collision. For example, damage from deer hit, hail, fire, explosions, and theft.
Recommended auto coverages
For auto insurance, we typically recommend the following coverages:
Bodily Injury: $250,000/$500,000 (per person limit/per accident limit)
Uninsured Motorist: $250,000/$500,000 (minimum $50,000/$100,000 required by law)
Underinsured Motorist: $250,000/$500,000 (minimum $50,000/$100,000 required by law)
Property Damage: $100,000
Medical Payments: $5,000 (minimum of $1,000 required by law if you have MedPay coverage)
Because every situation is different, let one of our consultants help determine the right coverage for you. Call 1-800-279-4030 or schedule a personal phone consultation at a time convenient for you.
The deductible is the amount that you will pay before receiving any money from the insurance company.
Deductibles can range from $100 to $5,000. A higher deductible means you pay more out of pocket if a loss occurs, but a higher deductible can also save you money by reducing your premiums.
Three reasons to consider a higher deductible:
- You can reduce your premium.
- Buying protection that covers you for a small claim is generally not a good buy. You buy insurance to protect yourself from substantial losses.
- A higher deductible lessens the chance that your standing with your insurance company will be affected. If you have a low deductible which causes you to submit a number of small claims, your premiums will likely increase…or your coverage could even be terminated.
Choosing the right deductible
Your ability to pay the deductible is an important consideration when choosing a level that is right for you. Even if you believe that paying a higher deductible to reduce your premium is a sound theory, a high deductible makes little sense if making this payment creates significant hardship for you and your family.
If you have questions about whether you should choose a higher deductible, call one of our Member Service Consultants at 1-800-279-4030.
We offer many auto insurance discounts that can save you money on your insurance premium.
Review your coverage regularly with one of our Member Service Consultants to be sure you’re receiving all of the discounts for which you qualify. The following auto discount may be available to qualified participants.
- Auto/Home Discount
- Multi-Car Discount
- Good Student Discount
- Accident-Free Discount
- Renewal Discount
- Safe Driver Discount
- Loyalty Discount
- Mature Driver Discount
- Driver Safety Discount
- Pay-in-Full Discount
Other ways to save money.
- Increasing your deductible can reduce your premium costs without compromising your coverage.
- Understanding what factors (within your control) impact your insurance premiums can help you reduce costs.
While many companies offer auto insurance, ours is the only one created exclusively for public school employees, like you.
Our programs are designed with the following special features that set us apart from other commercial providers.
- Coverage built around your driving habits and your coverage needs
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible payment options
- Additional coverages available: RVs, Boats, Motorcycles, ATVs, Travel Trailers, Snowmobiles, and much more.
Quick quote
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PLEASE NOTE: The information you submit DOES NOT provide you with insurance coverage.
Created by educators
WEA Member Benefits
Over 50 years ago, we were created by Wisconsin educators for Wisconsin educators. No other financial organization can say this. Explore our unique programs and services.