Best Wisconsin Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers

Wisconsin workers' comp rates depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.

What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Wisconsin?

Is workers' comp insurance required in Wisconsin?

How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Wisconsin?

How do you get workers' comp insurance in Wisconsin?

What does Wisconsin workers' comp insurance cover?

Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Wisconsin

The Hartford leads Wisconsin workers' comp insurance with rock-solid financial strength and comprehensive policy options that cover diverse business needs. NEXT and Simply Business rank as excellent alternatives, offering reliable protection and competitive rates for small business owners throughout the state.

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The Hartford4.59$6923
NEXT Insurance4.59$6712
Simply Business4.51$7051
Coverdash4.44$7162
biBERK4.42$7425
Nationwide4.42$7924
Progressive Commercial4.38$7075
Hiscox4.36$7046
Thimble4.35$7085
Chubb4.26$8334

How Did We Determine These Rates and Rankings?

Get Matched to Top Workers' Comp Insurers in Wisconsin

Select your industry and state to get a customized Wisconsin workers' comp quote from your top provider match.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN WISCONSIN

Best Wisconsin Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews

Review the top-rated workers' comp insurers we analyzed for Wisconsin businesses:

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Company Image
NEXT

Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Wisconsin

MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
  • Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium

    $67
  • Workers' Comp Digital Experience Score

    4.8/5 (1st)
  • Workers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score

    4.8/5 (1st)
Company Image
The Hartford

Best Wisconsin Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner-Up

MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
  • Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium

    $69
  • Workers' Comp Claims Process Score

    4.5/5 (1st)
  • Workers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score

    4.5/5 (2nd)

Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Wisconsin

NEXT delivers the most affordable workers' comp insurance in Wisconsin at just $67 monthly or $807 per year. This puts $5 back in your pocket each month compared to the state average of $72, representing a solid 7% savings annually. The Hartford comes in second at $69 monthly, while Thimble rounds out the top three most budget-friendly options at $70 per month. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.

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NEXT Insurance$67$807
The Hartford$69$822
Thimble$70$836
Progressive Commercial$70$839
Hiscox$70$841
Simply Business$70$845
Coverdash$71$855
biBERK$74$882
Nationwide$79$952
Chubb$83$997

How Did We Determine These Rates?

Cheapest Workers' Comp in Wisconsin by Industry

Simply Business offers the most affordable workers' comp rates for dental practices at just $10 monthly. They lead pricing in eight industries, including ad agency, veterinary and wedding planning sectors. The Hartford ranks second overall, offering competitive rates across 17 industries like automotive, auto repair and bakery businesses.

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AutomotiveProgressive Commercial$105$1,257
AccountantsNEXT Insurance$19$224
Ad AgencySimply Business$15$174
Auto RepairProgressive Commercial$137$1,645
BarberNEXT Insurance$12$150
BakeryProgressive Commercial$48$579
Beauty SalonNEXT Insurance$13$158
CateringNEXT Insurance$68$812
Bounce HouseThimble$36$433
CandleNEXT Insurance$35$426
CannabisbiBERK$84$1,011
CleaningNEXT Insurance$45$540
Computer ProgrammingThe Hartford$25$305
Coffee ShopNEXT Insurance$42$509
Computer RepairThimble$22$259
ConstructionThimble$163$1,955
ContractorNEXT Insurance$153$1,833
ConsultingNEXT Insurance$27$329
DaycareNEXT Insurance$12$147
CourierNEXT Insurance$203$2,432
DentalSimply Business$10$122
DroneNEXT Insurance$24$288
DJNEXT Insurance$12$149
Dog GroomingSimply Business$60$716
ElectricalNEXT Insurance$53$631
EcommerceNEXT Insurance$20$242
ExcavationThimble$98$1,181
EngineeringThe Hartford$36$431
Food TruckThimble$41$496
FloristSimply Business$56$669
FoodThe Hartford$38$458
Funeral HomeNEXT Insurance$24$293
HandymanNEXT Insurance$85$1,026
GardeningNEXT Insurance$43$511
HospitalityThe Hartford$64$763
Home-basedThe Hartford$9$109
HVACNEXT Insurance$57$684
JanitorialNEXT Insurance$46$547
Junk RemovalSimply Business$127$1,525
JewelryThe Hartford$28$337
Lawn/LandscapingNEXT Insurance$34$406
LawyersThe Hartford$49$583
MarineProgressive Commercial$136$1,628
ManufacturingThe Hartford$53$633
MassageThe Hartford$13$157
Mortgage BrokerProgressive Commercial$13$152
PaintingThimble$125$1,504
MovingThe Hartford$240$2,874
NonprofitNEXT Insurance$29$350
Personal TrainingSimply Business$23$276
Party RentalThe Hartford$33$397
PharmacyNEXT Insurance$6$70
Pest ControlThe Hartford$64$768
PetThe Hartford$27$329
Physical TherapyThimble$6$75
PhotographyNEXT Insurance$15$185
Real EstateNEXT Insurance$27$321
PlumbingThe Hartford$57$690
Pressure WashingNationwide$90$1,074
RoofingNationwide$900$10,796
RestaurantThimble$58$690
RetailProgressive Commercial$31$376
SecurityNEXT Insurance$47$558
SoftwareProgressive Commercial$24$289
Snack BarsThe Hartford$39$471
Speech TherapistThimble$5$65
Spa/WellnessNEXT Insurance$16$192
Tech/ITThe Hartford$25$294
StartupThimble$12$143
TransportationNEXT Insurance$211$2,534
Tree ServiceNEXT Insurance$197$2,366
TravelNEXT Insurance$6$75
TutoringSimply Business$9$109
TruckingThe Hartford$250$3,004
Wedding PlanningThimble$26$307
VeterinarySimply Business$18$214
WholesaleNEXT Insurance$37$447
WeldingProgressive Commercial$105$1,259
Window CleaningNEXT Insurance$190$2,278

How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin workers' comp insurance costs an average $72 monthly ($868 annually), slightly below the national average of $74. Industry rates vary, from speech therapists at $71 annually ($36 per employee) to roofers at $9,864 annually ($4,932 per employee).

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Accountants$20$241
Ad Agency$16$187
Auto Repair$149$1,782
Automotive$115$1,381
Bakery$53$631
Barber$14$166
Beauty Salon$14$171
Bounce House$39$470
Candle$39$468
Cannabis$82$987
Catering$73$878
Cleaning$48$580
Coffee Shop$46$556
Computer Programming$28$333
Computer Repair$24$285
Construction$177$2,119
Consulting$30$358
Contractor$164$1,968
Courier$221$2,650
DJ$14$165
Daycare$13$158
Dental$11$132
Dog Grooming$63$761
Drone$26$316
Ecommerce$21$257
Electrical$57$680
Engineering$38$455
Excavation$106$1,271
Florist$60$716
Food$41$497
Food Truck$44$530
Funeral Home$26$317
Gardening$46$556
HVAC$61$737
Handyman$92$1,104
Home-based$10$119
Hospitality$68$820
Janitorial$48$577
Jewelry$30$356
Junk Removal$138$1,652
Lawn/Landscaping$37$441
Lawyers$52$624
Manufacturing$58$692
Marine$148$1,776
Massage$14$170
Mortgage Broker$14$163
Moving$257$3,085
Nonprofit$31$373
Painting$137$1,641
Party Rental$36$430
Personal Training$24$294
Pest Control$69$831
Pet$30$360
Pharmacy$6$75
Photography$17$200
Physical Therapy$7$81
Plumbing$63$753
Pressure Washing$82$983
Real Estate$29$349
Restaurant$63$752
Retail$34$409
Roofing$822$9,864
Security$51$611
Snack Bars$43$513
Software$26$312
Spa/Wellness$17$206
Speech Therapist$6$71
Startup$13$153
Tech/IT$27$321
Transportation$227$2,725
Travel$7$82
Tree Service$218$2,610
Trucking$267$3,203
Tutoring$10$118
Veterinary$19$232
Wedding Planning$28$333
Welding$115$1,376
Wholesale$40$477
Window Cleaning$205$2,465

Wisconsin Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors

These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Wisconsin:

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Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau (WCRB) Rate Setting

Consecutive Years of Rate Decreases

No Medical Fee Schedule

Low Litigation Rates

Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Insurance Pool (Assigned Risk)

Premium Discounts and Dividends

How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law requires workers' compensation coverage if you employ three or more employees or pay one or more workers combined wages of $500 or more per quarter. Your policy must cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses with no dollar limits, temporary disability benefits equal to two-thirds of average weekly wages (up to $1,326 weekly for 2025), and permanent disability benefits based on injury severity.

Failing to maintain the required workers' compensation coverage results in penalties equal to twice the premiums you should have paid or $750 minimum, and Wisconsin can order your business to cease operations until coverage is obtained.

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Wisconsin Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions

While you're required to have coverage in Wisconsin, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:

  • Small businesses under the 3-employee threshold: You don't need workers' comp in Wisconsin until you hire your third employee or pay combined wages of $500 or more in any quarter, giving small startups breathing room as they grow.
  • Farm family members: Wisconsin exempts your immediate and extended family working on your farm, including your spouse, parents, children, siblings, in-laws (parents, siblings and children) and their spouses.
  • Small farm operations: Your Wisconsin farm only needs coverage when you employ six or more workers on the same day for 20 days within a calendar year, recognizing seasonal agricultural work patterns.
  • Corporate officers in family businesses: If your closely held corporation has 10 or fewer stockholders, you can exclude up to two officers from coverage by filing a Corporate Officer Option Notice with Wisconsin's Worker's Compensation Division.
  • Nonprofit volunteers: Wisconsin exempts volunteers who receive $10 or less per week in compensation, allowing nonprofits to rely on community support without insurance complications.
  • Licensed real estate professionals – Real estate brokers, agents and salespersons meeting Wisconsin Statute § 452.38 requirements can operate without coverage based on their independent contractor status.
  • Sole proprietor running your business alone: As a sole proprietor without employees, you're not required to carry coverage, though buying a policy protects you financially if you're injured on the job.
  • Business partners and LLC members: Partners and LLC members aren't considered employees under Wisconsin law, so you can operate without coverage if you have no other staff, though voluntary coverage is available.
  • Independent contractor who passes Wisconsin's 9-part test: Workers who meet all nine criteria under Wisconsin Statute § 102.07(8)(b) aren't classified as employees and don't trigger your coverage requirement.
  • Self-employed professionals and consultants: When you work for yourself in Wisconsin without employees, you're exempt from mandatory coverage but can purchase a policy to cover your own work-related medical expenses and lost income.
  • Household employees: Domestic workers like housekeepers, nannies and personal care providers in your home aren't covered under Wisconsin's workers' comp system.
  • Casual workers outside your core business: Wisconsin excludes people whose work isn't part of your regular trade, business or profession from coverage requirements.
  • Certified religious sect members: Members of qualifying religious sects with proper certification from Wisconsin's Worker's Compensation Division can claim exemption based on their beliefs.
  • Tribal enterprise employees: Wisconsin doesn't require coverage for workers at Native American businesses, including casinos, unless the tribe chooses to waive sovereign immunity and participate in the state system.

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injury icon
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS

Federal programs supersede Wisconsin workers' comp for specific worker categories. Federal employees in Wisconsin receive benefits through the Federal Employees' Compensation Act instead of state coverage, including postal workers and VA hospital staff. Railroad workers fall under the Federal Employers' Liability Act, while maritime employees are covered by the Jones Act or Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Independent contractors and unpaid volunteers remain exempt because Wisconsin law doesn't classify them as employees.

How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Wisconsin

Here's how to get workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price.  

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  1. 1
    Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Wisconsin

    Wisconsin requires coverage once you employ three or more workers, or when you've paid $500 or more in combined gross wages in any calendar quarter. Farmers need coverage if they employ six or more workers on the same day for 20 days during the year. Wisconsin enforces a strict nine-point test for independent contractors, so workers you classify as 1099 contractors may legally be employees requiring coverage.

  2. 2
    Gather your business information

    You'll need employee count, annual payroll and Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau (WCRB) classification codes for accurate quotes. Wisconsin uses over 500 industry-specific classifications that differ from NCCI codes used in other states. Getting your payroll or classification wrong means surprise audit bills or coverage gaps when you file a claim. Sole proprietors, partners and LLC members included in policies must use a payroll of $64,844 for premium calculations.

  3. 3
    Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers

    Get quotes from at least three insurers to compare coverage and rates. Around 400 insurance companies write workers' comp in Wisconsin. If carriers deny your application, apply to the Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Insurance Pool through WCRB. Wisconsin businesses saw average rate decreases of 10.5% in October 2024, marking the ninth consecutive year of declining premiums. Comparing quotes helps you find the best business insurance costs.

  4. 4
    Research providers with industry experience

    Focus on insurers who understand your specific business risks and classification codes beyond simply offering affordable business insurance rates. WCRB classifies your entire business rather than individual employee roles. Construction companies and high-risk industries should prioritize carriers with specialized knowledge of Wisconsin's system and experience handling claims in your sector. Look for insurers offering safety consultations specific to your industry.

  5. 5
    Evaluate your top provider options

    When selecting the best insurance for your business, consider these factors:

    • Verify the insurer's experience with Wisconsin's workers' comp claims process and medical treatment protocols
    • Wisconsin is one of six states without a medical fee schedule, which research shows gets workers back on the job faster than states with fee schedules
    • Choose carriers offering return-to-work programs and safety consultations tailored to Wisconsin businesses
    • Ask about self-insurance options if you're a larger employer: approximately 180 private sector and 55 municipal employers are self-insured in Wisconsin

    Check claim processing times, customer service ratings and complaint history with the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. Wisconsin's workers' comp program ranks tied with Iowa as having the lowest time employees spend away from work after injury among 17 states studied, thanks to strong return-to-work programs.

  6. 6
    Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy

    Read policy terms carefully, focusing on coverage limits, exclusions and renewal conditions specific to Wisconsin regulations. Wisconsin offers pay-as-you-go workers' comp structures with low upfront premiums, allowing payments based on actual payroll instead of estimated payroll. This pay-as-you-go workers' comp option works well for seasonal businesses or companies with fluctuating employee counts. The penalty for coverage lapses is twice the premium amount or $750, whichever is greater.

  7. 7
    Reassess before annual renewal

    Before your policy renews, review changes in your business including employee count, any claims filed and your experience modification rate calculated by WCRB. While Wisconsin's rates decreased 10.5% in 2024, individual rates vary based on injury risk and claims history. Medical inflation is affecting experience mods since Wisconsin doesn't use a fee schedule. Document all safety improvements throughout the year, as these impact your renewal rates and experience modification factor.

Best Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line

The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business lead Wisconsin's workers' comp insurance rankings. Research each company's service quality, maximize discounts and select coverage that fits your budget.  

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About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.


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