The Hartford leads Wisconsin's workers' comp insurance market although tied with NEXT, scores higher with claims handling. NEXT and Simply Business provide equally strong alternatives for business owners, with all three carriers performing nearly identically in our analysis.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Wisconsin
The Hartford is Wisconsin's best workers' comp insurance provider, with an overall score of 4.59 out of 5 in our analysis.
Compare top Wisconsin workers' comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: September 11, 2025
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Key Takeaways
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business rank as Wisconsin's top workers' comp insurance providers, based on comprehensive scoring across service quality and coverage options.
Your business type, number of employees, previous claims and available budget all play key roles in determining the right workers' comp provider in Wisconsin.
To find the best workers' comp coverage in Wisconsin, start by collecting quotes, checking each provider's business expertise and comparing their coverage features.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
| The Hartford | 4.59 | 1 |
| NEXT | 4.59 | 1 |
| Simply Business | 4.51 | 2 |
| Coverdash | 4.44 | 3 |
| biBERK | 4.42 | 4 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.38 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.36 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | 7 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | 8 |
How Did We Determine These Rates and Rankings?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE IN WISCONSIN
Wisconsin businesses often need more than workers' comp. Here are helpful resources about other types of coverage:
Best Wisconsin Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
NEXT and The Hartford emerge as Wisconsin's best workers' compensation insurance providers, offering exceptional coverage for business owners.
The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$69Based on average costs for Wisconsin businessesOur survey: Claims process
4.5/5Rating from independent customer satisfaction surveyOur survey: Recommend to others
4.5/5Percentage of customers who would recommend this provider
NEXT
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$67Based on average costs across multiple business typesOur survey: Claims process
3.9/5Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingOur survey: Recommend to others
4.8/5Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
Wisconsin businesses can secure workers' comp coverage through NEXT for $67 monthly ($807 annually). The Hartford and Thimble offer competitive rates at $69 and $70 per month, respectively. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed:
| NEXT | $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?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers’ comp policies. Your actual premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how many employees you have, and other factors insurers consider.
Average Cost of Workers’ Comp Insurance in Wisconsin
Workers' compensation insurance in Wisconsin costs businesses an average of $72 per month or $868 annually. Wisconsin's rates run $2 below the national monthly average of $74. Your business's actual premium depends on your industry's risk level, number of employees, yearly payroll and previous claims record.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in Wisconsin by Industry
In Wisconsin, workers' compensation insurance costs vary dramatically by industry risk level. Speech therapists pay the lowest premiums at $6 monthly, while roofing businesses face higher rates at $822 per month. This difference reflects the varying workplace injury risks across different professions.
| 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 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, most employers must carry workers' compensation insurance when they have three or more full-time or part-time employees. Workers' comp provides essential coverage for medical expenses and lost wages if employees suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
Businesses operating without required coverage face fines of up to $750 for each violation, with penalties doubling for subsequent infractions. Employers may also face criminal charges.
Sole proprietors
Business owners who work independently can choose whether to carry workers' comp coverage on themselves. This exemption applies only to the owner, not any employees.
Corporate officers
Executive officers owning at least 25% of company stock may opt out by filing an exemption form. Officers must maintain separate health insurance coverage.
Independent contractors
Workers who control their own work methods and maintain separate business operations typically qualify for exemption. They must meet specific criteria for independent contractor status.
Real estate agents
Licensed real estate professionals working on commission basis are usually exempt. This applies when agents maintain independent contractor relationships with brokers.
Domestic workers
Household employees working fewer than 40 hours per week or earning under $750 per quarter may be exempt. This includes housekeepers, nannies and other in-home workers.
Agricultural workers
Small farms with limited payroll or seasonal workers often qualify for exemption. Coverage requirements vary based on annual worker hours and payroll amounts.
LLC members
Managing members of limited liability companies can opt out if they have significant ownership stakes. Written documentation must be filed with the state.
Religious organizations
Members of religious organizations who have taken vows of poverty while working for their church may be exempt. This applies to specific faith-based roles.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Wisconsin
Getting workers' comp coverage in Wisconsin doesn't have to be overwhelming, and you can find protection that keeps business insurance costs reasonable. Compare quotes from multiple providers, examine their coverage options and verify their claims handling processes to find the right fit for your company.
- 1
Check coverage requirements
Wisconsin state law requires most businesses with employees to carry workers' comp insurance.
- 2
Collect business data
Prepare accurate payroll records, employee counts and job classifications before requesting quotes.
- 3
Get multiple insurance quotes
Contact at least three different insurance providers for quotes. Wisconsin insurance rates can vary between carriers for the same coverage types.
- 4
Find industry-specific experience
Select insurers who understand your business sector's unique risks.
- 5
Review provider performance
Investigate each insurer's claim processing times and complaint history. Look for benefits like workplace safety programs or return-to-work assistance.
- 6
Examine policy details
Review coverage limits and exclusions carefully. Consider pay-as-you-go structures for flexible payment options.
- 7
Schedule annual reviews
Review coverage each year because changes in payroll, employee count or claims history can affect your business needs.
Wisconsin Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
Wisconsin businesses have access to several strong workers' compensation insurance providers. Our analysis shows NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business as top-rated insurers in Wisconsin. Consider getting quotes from these providers and compare their offerings based on your specific industry needs and company size.
Wisconsin Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Find clear answers to your most pressing questions in our comprehensive FAQ section below.
Is workers' comp insurance required for all Wisconsin businesses?
Wisconsin law requires employers with three or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Wisconsin?
NEXT offers the lowest-priced workers' comp insurance in Wisconsin at $67 per month ($807 annually). Final rates depend on your business's industry risk level, number of employees, payroll size and claims history.
What does workers' comp insurance cover in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin workers' compensation insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries or illnesses. Benefits include medical treatment, rehabilitation costs and partial wage replacement. The coverage protects employers from lawsuits while providing benefits to employees, but independent contractors must obtain separate coverage.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in Wisconsin?
NEXT and The Hartford lead Wisconsin's workers' comp market, both scoring 4.59 overall. NEXT excels in customer service (4.70), while The Hartford offers strong affordability. Simply Business ranks third with 4.51, featuring the best coverage options (4.90). Choose based on your priority: service quality, cost-effectiveness or coverage breadth.
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in Wisconsin?
Operating without workers' compensation insurance in Wisconsin is illegal and carries severe penalties. Employers face fines up to $750, possible criminal charges and business closure. The Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Division enforces compliance and can order uninsured businesses to pay all medical costs and lost wages for injured workers out of pocket.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in Wisconsin?
Sole proprietors in Wisconsin typically don't need workers' compensation insurance since they're not considered employees.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in Wisconsin?
Start by obtaining quotes from at least three Wisconsin workers' comp insurance providers. Compare rates, coverage options and industry expertise.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives every small business insurance decision in Wisconsin's expensive market. We compared monthly premiums across all companies, since even comprehensive policies won't help if you can't afford them.
- Customer experience (30%): When your employee gets hurt, you'll need an insurer that handles claims quickly and treats injured workers fairly. We used J.D. Power ratings, Wisconsin Department of Insurance complaint data and independent reviews.
- Coverage options (15%): We evaluated each company's policy flexibility, add-on options and coverage limitations for specific Wisconsin industries and regulatory requirements.
- Financial strength (5%): Premium savings don't matter if your insurer struggles financially. We checked AM Best ratings to ensure recommended carriers can deliver on their promises.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.