Wisconsin workers' comp rates depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Wisconsin
With rates starting at $5 monthly, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Wisconsin.
Compare top Wisconsin workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.

Updated: November 24, 2025
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Best Wisconsin Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Wisconsin?
The Hartford offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Wisconsin. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- The Hartford: $69
- NEXT: $67
- Simply Business: $70
- Coverdash: $71
- biBerk: $74
Is workers' comp insurance required in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin mandates workers' comp insurance for most employers with three or more employees. Sole proprietors, partnerships and LLCs with fewer than three employees are exempt. Corporate officers and family members may also qualify for exemptions. Violating this requirement results in fines up to $25 per day per employee, plus potential criminal penalties.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Wisconsin?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Wisconsin run $72 monthly for a two-person business, which breaks down to about $36 per employee. Your actual premium depends heavily on your industry and payroll size. Low-risk businesses like speech therapy pay around $6 monthly ($3 per employee), while high-risk industries such as roofing face costs of $822 monthly ($411 per employee).
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Wisconsin?
You can get workers' comp coverage in Wisconsin by:
- Purchasing from private insurance companies licensed to sell workers' comp in the state
- Buying through the assigned risk pool if standard market coverage isn't available
- Self-insuring if your business meets Wisconsin's strict financial and operational requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does Wisconsin workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in Wisconsin covers:
- Medical expenses for workplace injuries, from a slip at a Milwaukee brewery to equipment accidents at Green Bay manufacturing plants
- Wage replacement benefits during recovery periods when employees cannot work
- Permanent disability compensation for lasting impairments that affect earning capacity
- Death benefits for families of workers who suffer fatal workplace incidents
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.
| The Hartford | 4.59 | $69 | 2 | 3 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.59 | $67 | 1 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.51 | $70 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.44 | $71 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.42 | $74 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | $79 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.38 | $70 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.36 | $70 | 4 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $70 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | $83 | 3 | 4 |
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.
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.
Explore the best business insurance providers in Wisconsin through our guides:
Best Wisconsin Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Review the top-rated workers' comp insurers we analyzed for Wisconsin businesses:

Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Wisconsin
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$67We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Wisconsin across 79 industriesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1st)Rating based on MoneyGeek's customer satisfaction surveyWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Percentage of current customers who would recommend NEXT
- pros
Leads Wisconsin in customer service for workers' comp coverage
Offers wide range of coverage options including rare add-ons
Digital platform enables quick policy changes and certificates
Strong financial backing from Munich Re ownership
consHigher premiums compared to many Wisconsin providers
Relatively new to workers' compensation market
NEXT delivers a tech-forward workers' compensation solution for Wisconsin businesses. It offers good digital convenience and customer support.
Overall Score 4.59 1 Affordability Score 4.36 6 Customer Service Score 4.70 1 Coverage Score 4.80 2 Stability Score 4.78 6 NEXT offers moderately priced workers' compensation in Wisconsin, with average premiums of $67 monthly or $807 annually.
Data filtered by:AccountantsAccountants $19 1 NEXT excels in delivering an outstanding customer experience through its digital-first approach. Its online platform enables instant policy changes and certificate generation.
Overall Customer Score 4.45 1 Claims Process 3.90 4 Customer Service 4.20 4 Digital Experience 4.80 1 Overall Satisfaction 4.40 2 Policy Management 4.30 1 Recommend to Others 4.80 1 Renewal Likelihood 4.60 1 NEXT provides comprehensive workers' compensation coverage meeting all Wisconsin state requirements, including medical expenses and lost wage benefits.

Best Wisconsin Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner-Up
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$69We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Wisconsin across 79 industriesWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating from independent customer satisfaction surveyWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.5/5 (2nd)Percentage of current customers who would recommend The Hartford
- pros
Ranks as Wisconsin's top workers' compensation provider
Industry-leading financial stability with A+ rating
Second-best customer service among Wisconsin carriers
Comprehensive digital tools for policy management and claims
consPremium costs higher than many competitors
Limited coverage customization options for specialized businesses
Longer processing times for complex claims
The Hartford is Wisconsin's best workers' compensation provider, combining good coverage with excellent customer service. It has an A+ financial strength rating provide stability for small business owners.
Overall Score 4.59 1 Affordability Score 4.49 3 Customer Service Score 4.55 2 Coverage Score 4.70 3 Stability Score 4.98 1 The Hartford offers moderately priced workers' compensation in Wisconsin, averaging $69 monthly or $822 annually.
Data filtered by:AccountantsAccountants $19 3 The Hartford delivers exceptional customer service with a dedicated focus on claims management and support. It also offers a 24/7 nurse triage hotline and structured return-to-work programs.
Overall Customer Score 4.38 2 Claims Process 4.50 1 Customer Service 4.70 1 Digital Experience 3.80 10 Overall Satisfaction 4.50 1 Policy Management 4.20 4 Recommend to Others 4.50 2 Renewal Likelihood 4.40 2 The Hartford provides comprehensive workers' compensation coverage meeting all Wisconsin state requirements. Its policies include unlimited medical coverage, wage replacement benefits and employer liability protection.
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.
| 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?
These rates represent small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on workers' comp policies. Your actual premium depends on your business location, industry, employee count, claims history, coverage limits and other factors insurers consider.
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.
| Automotive | Progressive Commercial | $105 | $1,257 |
| Accountants | NEXT Insurance | $19 | $224 |
| Ad Agency | Simply Business | $15 | $174 |
| Auto Repair | Progressive Commercial | $137 | $1,645 |
| Barber | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $150 |
| Bakery | Progressive Commercial | $48 | $579 |
| Beauty Salon | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $158 |
| Catering | NEXT Insurance | $68 | $812 |
| Bounce House | Thimble | $36 | $433 |
| Candle | NEXT Insurance | $35 | $426 |
| Cannabis | biBERK | $84 | $1,011 |
| Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $45 | $540 |
| Computer Programming | The Hartford | $25 | $305 |
| Coffee Shop | NEXT Insurance | $42 | $509 |
| Computer Repair | Thimble | $22 | $259 |
| Construction | Thimble | $163 | $1,955 |
| Contractor | NEXT Insurance | $153 | $1,833 |
| Consulting | NEXT Insurance | $27 | $329 |
| Daycare | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $147 |
| Courier | NEXT Insurance | $203 | $2,432 |
| Dental | Simply Business | $10 | $122 |
| Drone | NEXT Insurance | $24 | $288 |
| DJ | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $149 |
| Dog Grooming | Simply Business | $60 | $716 |
| Electrical | NEXT Insurance | $53 | $631 |
| Ecommerce | NEXT Insurance | $20 | $242 |
| Excavation | Thimble | $98 | $1,181 |
| Engineering | The Hartford | $36 | $431 |
| Food Truck | Thimble | $41 | $496 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $56 | $669 |
| Food | The Hartford | $38 | $458 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $24 | $293 |
| Handyman | NEXT Insurance | $85 | $1,026 |
| Gardening | NEXT Insurance | $43 | $511 |
| Hospitality | The Hartford | $64 | $763 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $9 | $109 |
| HVAC | NEXT Insurance | $57 | $684 |
| Janitorial | NEXT Insurance | $46 | $547 |
| Junk Removal | Simply Business | $127 | $1,525 |
| Jewelry | The Hartford | $28 | $337 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | NEXT Insurance | $34 | $406 |
| Lawyers | The Hartford | $49 | $583 |
| Marine | Progressive Commercial | $136 | $1,628 |
| Manufacturing | The Hartford | $53 | $633 |
| Massage | The Hartford | $13 | $157 |
| Mortgage Broker | Progressive Commercial | $13 | $152 |
| Painting | Thimble | $125 | $1,504 |
| Moving | The Hartford | $240 | $2,874 |
| Nonprofit | NEXT Insurance | $29 | $350 |
| Personal Training | Simply Business | $23 | $276 |
| Party Rental | The Hartford | $33 | $397 |
| Pharmacy | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $70 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $64 | $768 |
| Pet | The Hartford | $27 | $329 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $6 | $75 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $185 |
| Real Estate | NEXT Insurance | $27 | $321 |
| Plumbing | The Hartford | $57 | $690 |
| Pressure Washing | Nationwide | $90 | $1,074 |
| Roofing | Nationwide | $900 | $10,796 |
| Restaurant | Thimble | $58 | $690 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $31 | $376 |
| Security | NEXT Insurance | $47 | $558 |
| Software | Progressive Commercial | $24 | $289 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | $39 | $471 |
| Speech Therapist | Thimble | $5 | $65 |
| Spa/Wellness | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $192 |
| Tech/IT | The Hartford | $25 | $294 |
| Startup | Thimble | $12 | $143 |
| Transportation | NEXT Insurance | $211 | $2,534 |
| Tree Service | NEXT Insurance | $197 | $2,366 |
| Travel | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $75 |
| Tutoring | Simply Business | $9 | $109 |
| Trucking | The Hartford | $250 | $3,004 |
| Wedding Planning | Thimble | $26 | $307 |
| Veterinary | Simply Business | $18 | $214 |
| Wholesale | NEXT Insurance | $37 | $447 |
| Welding | Progressive Commercial | $105 | $1,259 |
| Window Cleaning | NEXT 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).
| 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:
Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau (WCRB) Rate Setting
Wisconsin isn't an NCCI state. The WCRB sets all workers' comp rates with Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance approval, meaning all carriers charge identical base rates for the same class codes. The WCRB also establishes minimum premium rules with unique adjustments when minimums exceed 20% of actual earned premium. You can't shop for lower base rates between carriers, but carriers offer premium discounts when premiums exceed $10,000 and policy dividends to compete for your business and reward good claims performance.
Consecutive Years of Rate Decreases
Wisconsin workers' comp rates dropped 10.5% effective October 1, 2024, marking the ninth consecutive annual decrease and saving businesses around $206 million. Overall, rates in 2024 are 46.6% lower than rates in effect on September 30, 2016. The consecutive rate decreases are driven by Wisconsin's superior return-to-work rates, low litigation rates, low benefit delivery expenses and high injured worker satisfaction. When injured workers return faster and fewer claims end up in litigation, insurance carriers pay out less per claim, and these savings get passed to Wisconsin employers through annual rate reductions.
No Medical Fee Schedule
Wisconsin is one of only six states without a medical fee schedule for workers' comp treatment and ranks among the highest for medical reimbursement rates nationwide. Wisconsin's average workers' comp medical payment is 35% higher than the median state and 10 to 21% higher than other Midwest states. Without fee schedule caps, medical costs run significantly higher. These inflated expenses increase total claim costs, which carriers factor into rates. The 2025 state budget includes Wisconsin's first fee schedule for hospital charges only, expected to impact rates starting in 2028.
Low Litigation Rates
Wisconsin has low litigation rates compared to other states, which reduces administrative costs and legal expenses that would otherwise increase premiums. When injured workers dispute claims, litigation drives up costs through attorney fees, expert witnesses and extended claim durations. Wisconsin's injured workers are more satisfied with their care than workers in other states, resulting in lower litigation and savings for employers. Lower litigation means fewer legal bills for carriers to pay, translating directly into lower premiums. States with high litigation rates can see workers' comp costs 20 to 30% higher than Wisconsin's rates solely due to legal expenses.
Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Insurance Pool (Assigned Risk)
The WCRB administers the assigned risk pool for employers unable to obtain coverage in the voluntary market. The pool serves as Wisconsin's insurer of last resort for high-risk businesses or those with poor claims history. Pool insureds lose the benefit of insurance company dividends and premium discounts for large employers. Premium costs are generally the same for pool coverage, but you miss out on dividends and discounts available in the voluntary market. If placed in the pool, you'll pay the full standard rate without cost-saving opportunities, resulting in 15 to 30% higher effective premiums compared to voluntary market carriers.
Premium Discounts and Dividends
Insurance companies apply premium discounts when premiums exceed $10,000 and offer policy dividends at year-end. Since Wisconsin mandates identical base rates across carriers, dividends and discounts become the primary way insurers compete and reward good claims performance. Premium discounts immediately reduce costs once you cross the $10,000 threshold. Dividends return a portion of your premium if claims experience was favorable. These can reduce effective workers' comp costs by 10 to 25%, making carrier selection crucial even though base rates are standardized across Wisconsin.
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.
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.
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.
- 1Determine 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.
- 2Gather 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.
- 3Request 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.
- 4Research 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.
- 5Evaluate 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.
- 6Review 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.
- 7Reassess 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.
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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. "Health Cost Dispute FAQs." Accessed December 6, 2025.
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. "Facts for Employers about the Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Law." Accessed December 6, 2025.
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. "Insurance Premiums for Worker's Compensation Continue to Decline." Accessed December 6, 2025.
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. "Worker's Compensation Insurance Pool." Accessed December 6, 2025.
- Wisconsin Hospital Association. "Worker's Compensation." Accessed December 6, 2025.
- Wisconsin Hospital Association. "Worker's Compensation Rates Fall for Ninth Consecutive Year." Accessed December 6, 2025.
- Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. "Employers Call for Worker's Compensation Medical Fee Schedule to Lower Costs." Accessed December 6, 2025.
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. "Guide to Worker's Compensation Insurance for Employers." Accessed December 6, 2025.
- Workers Compensation Research Institute. "WCRI: Medical Payments for Treatment of Injured Workers in Wisconsin Highest of 17 Study States." Accessed December 6, 2025.

