The State of Wisconsin has recently passed legislation that changes the insurance law. Many of you are aware of these changes from what you read in the news and see on TV.  Some of the new laws are already in effect and others will go into effect January 1, 2010.  The changes include the following amendments:

1. Liability insurance is now mandatory and the minimum liability limits have been increased to $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage.
2. Medical payments coverage of $10,000 per person is now required. You have the option of rejecting this coverage in writing.
3. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident is now required.
4. Underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident is now required.
5. At the time of a claim, uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist policy limits may be added together (stacked) to provide you more coverage.  The stacking is limited to coverage you've paid for up to a maximum of three vehicles.
6. Uninsured and underinsured motorist injury coverage must be offered as part of your umbrella policy. You have the option of rejecting this coverage in writing.

Each of these changes will likely impact the cost of your insurance in some way. Please be sure to review your renewal policy closely and call our office with any questions. We can help you make any changes to your insurance coverage and provide advice on what is the most cost effective way to restructure these coverages. Please be advised that each insurance company we represent is pricing these new coverages in varying ways based on how they are interpreting the new law.