Every state has a safety net to protect insurance consumers from financial loss in the rare instance that a company becomes insolvent. This safety net is called a "guaranty fund." The guaranty funds are established by state law and are composed of licensed companies in the state. They pay the claims of policyholders and other claimants of an insolvent company. The money to pay the claims against the insurance company comes from assessments made against all of the insurance companies that are members of the guaranty fund.

In Wisconsin, this fund is called the Wisconsin Insurance Security Fund (Fund). The Fund is created by state law and is funded by assessments of insurers licensed to do business in Wisconsin. In general, the Fund protects residents for most claims of licensed insurers in liquidation. The Fund should not be relied upon to eliminate all risks of loss to insureds due to insurer insolvency. Some types of policies may not be fully covered and significant delays could occur in settling obligations in cases of liquidation.

Questions about the coverage and limitations of the Wisconsin Insurance Security Fund can be addressed to:

Wisconsin Insurance Security Fund
2445 Darwin Rd. #101
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 242-9473
http://www.wilifega.org/