RHINELANDER - Drivers in Wisconsin are now required to have liability insurance under a new law that goes into effect today.

"The new law states you have to have liability insurance, which covers you and the other person. So, that if you're in an accident, you'll be covered and the other party will be covered," said Heather Lundt, and insurance agent at Farmers Insurance Group in Rhinelander.

If an officer pulls you over, you'll now be asked to show proof of insurance, along with your I.D. and registration.

"If they don't have it with them, they can receive a citation. Typically officers will use discretion as to whether a citation will be issued or a warning to provide proof of insurance," explains Rhinelander Police Chief Mike Steffes.

Wisconsin is one of the last states to make it a law to have liability insurance and some drivers say the new law is a long time coming.

"With the cost of everything nowadays, I believe that everyone should be responsible. They need to be responsible for they have caused," said one driver we spoke with, Brandy La Luzerne.

But that may mean adding in an extra cost to an already tight budget for some people.

Another driver, Nathan Nuzkiewicz said "It's hard for some people to keep it, but you almost have to have it because you are on the road."

If you're tempted to take a gamble and not get the insurance, the Rhinelander Police Chief says it's not a good idea to chance it.

"The citation amount is right around $200. If you think about what $200 is going to be, that $200 goes a long way toward your insurance policy," said Chief Steffes.

A policy that helps drivers pick up the pieces should the unthinkable happen.