Hudson sits right on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, just across the St. Croix River from the Twin Cities metro. If you're living here, you already know that I-94 is your lifeline—whether you're commuting to the Cities, heading to the airport, or just running errands. But here's what you might not know: that same highway corridor that makes Hudson so convenient also shapes your auto insurance needs in some pretty significant ways.
Understanding Wisconsin's At-Fault Insurance System
Wisconsin operates under an at-fault insurance system, which is different from the no-fault systems you'll find in states like Michigan or Minnesota. Here's what that means for you: if you cause an accident, your liability insurance pays for the other driver's injuries and property damage. If someone else causes the accident, their insurance pays for your losses.
This is why your liability coverage matters so much. If you're at fault in a serious accident—say, a multi-car pileup on that icy St. Croix River bridge in January—you're personally responsible for damages beyond what your policy covers. Those minimum 25/50/10 limits can disappear fast when you're dealing with medical bills and vehicle repairs for multiple people.
Hudson's Minimum Coverage Requirements (And Why They're Not Enough)
Wisconsin law requires you to carry 25/50/10 liability coverage. Break that down and you've got $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. You also need uninsured motorist coverage at the same 25/50 levels to protect yourself if someone without insurance hits you.
Here's the problem with minimum coverage: $25,000 doesn't go far when you're talking about serious injuries. An ambulance ride, emergency room visit, and a few days in the hospital can easily hit that limit. And that $10,000 property damage cap? A new Honda CR-V starts around $32,000. If you total someone's newer vehicle, you're on the hook for the difference.
Most insurance experts recommend bumping your liability limits to at least 100/300/100 if you can afford it. Yes, your premium goes up, but we're often talking about an extra $20-40 per month. Compare that to the risk of a lawsuit that could attach your wages or put a lien on your house, and the math makes sense pretty quickly.
The I-94 Factor: Why Hudson Drivers Face Unique Risks
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Interstate 94. This highway is your gateway to everything, but it's also where accident risk spikes. The St. Croix River bridge is a documented accident hotspot, especially during rush hour and winter weather. Fatal crashes have occurred at the Second Street interchange and near mile marker 1, often involving multiple vehicles.
In 2024 and early 2025, several serious accidents on I-94 near Hudson resulted in fatalities and injuries, including motorcycle crashes and collisions involving commercial trucks. When you're dealing with interstate traffic at 70 mph, accidents tend to be more severe. This isn't meant to scare you—it's just reality. You share that road with long-haul truckers, commuters rushing to make it to work, and tourists who might not know the area well.
Because of this highway exposure, collision coverage becomes especially valuable for Hudson drivers. Collision pays to repair your vehicle regardless of who's at fault. If you slide on black ice and hit the guardrail on that bridge, collision coverage fixes your car. Without it, you're paying out of pocket. Given how harsh Wisconsin winters can be, this coverage often pays for itself the first time you avoid a major repair bill.
What Auto Insurance Actually Costs in Hudson
Here's some good news: Wisconsin is one of the most affordable states for car insurance. Statewide, drivers pay around $1,038 per year for full coverage or about $430 annually for minimum coverage. That puts Wisconsin in the top ten most affordable states for both full coverage and minimum coverage policies.
Several factors keep rates reasonable here. Wisconsin has relatively low vehicle theft rates compared to urban areas in other states. The population density is lower than states like California or New York, which means fewer accidents overall. And the state's insurance market is competitive, with plenty of carriers fighting for your business.
Your personal rate depends on factors like your age, driving record, credit score, and the car you drive. A 25-year-old with a speeding ticket will pay more than a 45-year-old with a clean record. Shopping around matters—rates can vary by hundreds of dollars between companies for the exact same coverage. Get quotes from at least three insurers, and don't be shy about asking for discounts. Bundling your auto and homeowners insurance, maintaining a good credit score, and completing a defensive driving course can all knock money off your premium.
Coverage Options Beyond the Minimum
Once you've got your liability coverage sorted out, think about these additional protections. Comprehensive coverage handles non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, hail, or hitting a deer. If you've ever driven through Wisconsin at dusk, you know deer are a real concern. Comprehensive is usually affordable and worth having if your car is worth more than a few thousand dollars.
Medical payments coverage (MedPay) picks up medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. It's especially useful if you have a high-deductible health insurance plan. For a few extra dollars per month, you might get $5,000 or $10,000 in MedPay that covers ambulance rides, hospital bills, and even follow-up care without hitting your health insurance deductible first.
Underinsured motorist coverage is also worth considering. This kicks in when someone hits you and they don't have enough insurance to cover your damages. Given how many drivers carry only minimum limits, this coverage fills the gap between what they can pay and what you actually need. Think of it as insurance against other people's bad decisions.
Getting the Right Coverage for Your Situation
Start by assessing your actual risk. Do you commute daily on I-94, or do you mostly stick to local Hudson streets? Are you driving a 2023 model with a hefty loan, or a 2015 vehicle that's paid off? Do you have significant assets—like home equity or retirement savings—that could be at risk in a lawsuit? Your answers to these questions should shape your coverage choices.
When you're shopping for insurance, don't just compare premium prices. Look at the company's reputation for claims service. When you're standing on the side of I-94 in February after an accident, you want an insurer that answers the phone and handles claims efficiently. Read reviews, ask friends and neighbors about their experiences, and check complaint ratios with the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.
Living in Hudson gives you the best of both worlds—small-town community with easy access to big-city amenities. But that I-94 corridor comes with real risks, and Wisconsin's at-fault insurance system means you need to think seriously about liability protection. Take the time to understand your options, shop around for competitive rates, and choose coverage that actually protects your finances if something goes wrong. Your future self will thank you.
