Edgerton sits in a unique position—literally. This city of about 6,200 people straddles the line between Rock and Dane Counties along I-90, making it a convenient Madison commuter town while maintaining its distinctive identity as the former "Tobacco City USA." If you're living in or moving to Edgerton, understanding your insurance needs means considering both your small-city lifestyle and your connection to larger metropolitan areas. Whether you're in one of the historic Queen Anne mansions on Washington Street or a newer development near the interstate, here's what you need to know about protecting what matters most.
Auto Insurance for I-90 Commuters
Wisconsin's minimum auto insurance requirements are straightforward: you need at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, plus $10,000 for property damage. But here's what makes Wisconsin different—the state also requires uninsured motorist coverage at the same 25/50 limits. This isn't optional coverage like it is in many other states. It protects you when someone without insurance hits you, and given that roughly 13% of Wisconsin drivers are uninsured, it's coverage you'll be glad to have.
If you're among the many Edgerton residents who commute to Madison for work, your insurance rates will reflect that daily drive. The roughly 30-mile round trip on I-90 adds up to significant annual mileage—around 7,500 miles per year just for commuting. Insurance companies price your policy based partly on how many miles you drive annually, because more time on the road means higher risk. Be honest about your mileage when getting quotes. Underreporting might save you money upfront, but it could cause your claim to be denied if you have an accident during your commute.
The good news? Wisconsin auto insurance is relatively affordable. The average full coverage policy runs about $101 per month statewide, with Madison-area rates averaging around $104 monthly. Factors that'll help keep your rates low include maintaining a clean driving record, bundling your auto and home insurance, and asking about commuter discounts if you carpool or use park-and-ride facilities along I-90.
Home Insurance in a Dual-County City
Edgerton's split between Rock and Dane Counties creates an interesting situation for homeowners insurance. While the coverage you need doesn't change based on which county you're in, the insurance market can vary. At the 2020 census, about 5,800 Edgerton residents lived in Rock County while just 146 lived in the Dane County portion. This matters because some insurance companies use county-level data for pricing, and Dane County's proximity to Madison can sometimes mean different rate structures.
Your biggest home insurance consideration in Edgerton? Winter weather and flooding. Wisconsin's cold winters can freeze and burst pipes—a common and expensive claim. Make sure your policy includes water damage coverage, and consider increasing your limits if you have an older home with original plumbing. The average household income in Edgerton is nearly $97,000, suggesting many residents have homes valued well above the state average, so adequate dwelling coverage is essential.
Those beautiful historic homes on Washington Street—the Queen Anne mansions built during Edgerton's tobacco boom—need special consideration. Older homes often cost more to insure because replacement costs are higher (try finding someone to recreate ornate Victorian woodwork), and systems like electrical and plumbing may be outdated. If you own a historic property, work with an agent who understands the unique needs of older homes and can help you get appropriate replacement cost coverage.
Flood Insurance: More Important Than You Think
Here's something that surprises many Wisconsin homeowners: your standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage. And southern Wisconsin, where Edgerton sits, is particularly prone to flooding. Since October 2016, 20 of Wisconsin's 72 counties have received federal disaster declarations due to flooding. When rivers overflow or heavy rains overwhelm drainage systems, you're on your own without a separate flood insurance policy.
Even if you don't live in a designated high-risk flood zone, consider this statistic: 20% of flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk areas. Over a 30-year mortgage, you have a 26% chance of experiencing at least one flood. That's higher than your chance of having a fire, yet most people insure against fire without a second thought.
FEMA implemented new flood insurance pricing in 2021 called Risk Rating 2.0, which means rates are now based on your individual property's flood risk rather than just flood zone maps. About 66% of policyholders nationwide saw price increases, though annual increases are capped at 18% by law. The bright side? If you're in a lower-risk property, you might actually pay less than under the old system. Talk to a local agent about whether flood insurance makes sense for your specific location in Edgerton.
Life and Health Insurance Considerations
With Edgerton's median age of 38.4 years and average household income approaching $100,000, many residents are in their peak earning and family-raising years. This is exactly when life insurance matters most. If someone depends on your income—a spouse, kids, aging parents—you need enough coverage to replace that income if something happens to you. A common rule of thumb is 10 times your annual salary, though your specific needs depend on your debts, family situation, and financial goals.
Term life insurance is usually the most affordable option for families. A healthy 35-year-old can often get a $500,000 20-year term policy for less than $30 per month. That coverage ensures your family could pay off the mortgage, cover daily expenses, and fund college educations even if you're not there. As you get older and your kids become independent, your life insurance needs typically decrease.
Getting Started with Local Coverage
Edgerton has local independent insurance agencies that understand the unique needs of the community. Independent agents differ from captive agents (who work for one company) because they can shop multiple insurance carriers to find you the best coverage and price. Given Edgerton's position between two counties and its mix of historic homes and new construction, working with someone who knows the local market can save you both money and headaches.
When shopping for insurance, gather quotes from at least three sources. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples—the same coverage limits, deductibles, and policy features. Ask about discounts for bundling multiple policies, having a good credit score, installing home security systems, or completing defensive driving courses. And review your policies annually. As Edgerton continues growing (the population increased 4% since 2020), your insurance needs may change too.
Living in Edgerton offers the best of both worlds—small-city community feel with big-city access via I-90. Your insurance should reflect that balance, protecting your home and family while fitting your budget. Whether you're restoring one of those tobacco-era mansions or settling into a modern subdivision, taking the time to get the right coverage now means you can focus on what really matters: enjoying everything this unique Wisconsin community has to offer.
