NEXT and The Hartford top our analysis of Wisconsin business insurance providers because of their strong customer service and comprehensive coverage. Simply Business is also a reliable option for small business owners across the state.
Business Insurance in Wisconsin
NEXT and The Hartford top our Wisconsin business insurance rankings, both with a MoneyGeek score of 4.61 out of 5.
Find affordable coverage that protects your small business in Wisconsin below.
Select your industry
Select state
Updated: August 26, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Small business owners can get the best business insurance in Wisconsin from NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business.
The best business insurance in Wisconsin depends on your industry risks, employee count and preferred coverage limits.
To find the best coverage, assess your risks, compare multiple quotes, research provider service quality and maximize available discounts.
Best Business Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
| NEXT | 4.61 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.61 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.48 | 4 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.47 | 7 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.41 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| biBerk | 4.39 | 8 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.32 | 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.30 | 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | 9 | 3 | 4 |
| Hiscox | 4.26 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Best by Coverage Type
NEXT leads Wisconsin businesses in general liability coverage and professional liability insurance. The Hartford offers the best business owner's policies (BOP). Both companies excel in workers' compensation coverage.
| Business Owners Policy | The Hartford | 4.67 |
| General Liability | NEXT | 4.55 |
| General Liability | The Hartford | 4.55 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | NEXT | 4.69 |
| Workers Compensation | NEXT | 4.59 |
| Workers Compensation | The Hartford | 4.59 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Best Wisconsin Small Business Insurance Reviews
Our research identified the top three business insurance providers in Wisconsin based on coverage quality and value. Here's what makes each company's comprehensive protection plan stand out for small businesses.
NEXT
Best Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$101This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
$67This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5
Simply Business
Best for Coverage Options
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$80This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
$69This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5.0Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5.0
Cheapest Business Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
The Hartford provides the most affordable business insurance in Wisconsin at $83 monthly ($991 annually). Thimble and Simply Business follow with competitive rates of $92 and $95 per month. Compare all insurance providers and their rates in the table below to find the best coverage for your business needs.
| The Hartford | $83 | $991 |
| Thimble | $92 | $1,100 |
| Simply Business | $95 | $1,144 |
| Progressive Commercial | $97 | $1,163 |
| NEXT | $98 | $1,178 |
| Coverdash | $99 | $1,188 |
| Nationwide | $99 | $1,192 |
| biBerk | $102 | $1,219 |
| Hiscox | $106 | $1,271 |
| Chubb | $116 | $1,386 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
Wisconsin business owners can find the cheapest general liability coverage through The Hartford at $80 per month. Simply Business offers the second-lowest rate at $94 monthly. Compare all provider rates for general liability insurance in the table below.
| The Hartford | $80 | $963 |
| Simply Business | $94 | $1,127 |
| Nationwide | $95 | $1,142 |
| Progressive Commercial | $98 | $1,178 |
| NEXT | $101 | $1,213 |
| Coverdash | $101 | $1,218 |
| Thimble | $105 | $1,263 |
| Hiscox | $112 | $1,344 |
| biBerk | $112 | $1,345 |
| Chubb | $117 | $1,399 |
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 general liability policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
The Hartford offers the most affordable professional liability insurance (E&O) at $70 monthly ($841 annually). NEXT provides another affordable option for Wisconsin business coverage.
| The Hartford | $70 | $841 |
| NEXT | $72 | $860 |
| Progressive Commercial | $74 | $889 |
| Thimble | $74 | $890 |
| Simply Business | $75 | $904 |
| Hiscox | $76 | $910 |
| Coverdash | $76 | $914 |
| biBerk | $78 | $932 |
| Nationwide | $81 | $969 |
| Chubb | $87 | $1,046 |
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 professional liability/errors and omissions policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest Workers’ Comp Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
NEXT offers the cheapest workers' comp rates in Wisconsin at $67 monthly ($807 annually). The Hartford and Thimble provide similarly competitive rates, making all three solid choices for affordable business coverage.
| 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. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest BOP Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
The Hartford offers the cheapest BOP rates in Wisconsin, with monthly premiums of $111 ($1,338 annually). Business owners can also find affordable BOP insurance with Thimble, Simply Business and Nationwide.
| The Hartford | $111 | $1,338 |
| Thimble | $118 | $1,410 |
| Simply Business | $142 | $1,700 |
| Nationwide | $142 | $1,705 |
| biBerk | $143 | $1,718 |
| Progressive Commercial | $146 | $1,748 |
| Coverdash | $147 | $1,764 |
| NEXT | $153 | $1,833 |
| Hiscox | $166 | $1,989 |
| Chubb | $175 | $2,102 |
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 BOP policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
How Much Does Business Insurance Cost in Wisconsin?
Business insurance in Wisconsin costs between $72 and $144 monthly, with workers compensation being the most affordable and business owner's policies the most expensive. Rates vary based on the coverage type your business needs.
| BOP | $144 |
| General Liability | $102 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | $76 |
| Workers Comp | $72 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cost of Business Insurance by Industry and Coverage
Business insurance costs in Wisconsin vary dramatically by industry and coverage type. Our research shows speech therapists pay just $6 monthly for workers' compensation, while pressure washing businesses pay $1,305 monthly for a business owner's policy.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Type:Business Owners Policy
Select
Industry:Accountants
| Accountants | Business Owners Policy | $31 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
What Factors Influence My Costs?
Your Wisconsin business insurance premiums are affected by several key factors. Here's what influences your costs and why they might be higher than expected:
Industry Risk Level
Your business type drives your insurance costs more than any other factor. Construction companies face insurance rates up to five times higher than consultants because their work involves more physical risks. A small construction firm often pays $500 monthly for basic coverage, while an accounting firm might pay just $50 for similar protection levels.
Geographic Location and Weather Risks
Wisconsin weather creates unique insurance challenges. The state's mix of severe storms, tornadoes, and harsh winters leads to higher coverage costs in vulnerable areas. According to NOAA data, Wisconsin experienced 16 billion-dollar weather disasters since 1980, with storm frequency increasing. Areas near rivers or in tornado-prone regions pay more than sheltered locations.
Business Size
Employee count directly affects your insurance costs. Workers' compensation rates in Wisconsin average $1.31 per $100 of payroll, while liability coverage increases with your revenue and customer traffic. A retail store with 15 employees typically pays triple what a solo consultant pays for the same coverage types.
Claims History
Your claims record follows your business for years and shapes your rates. Filing just one liability claim can increase premiums across all your coverage types by 20% or more. Insurance companies reward claim-free businesses with lower rates and special discounts.
Coverage Types and Limits
Your choices about coverage directly impact your costs. Higher liability limits cost more but protect your business better. Business owner's policies save money by bundling property and liability coverage together. Adding specialized coverage like cyber insurance increases costs but fills important protection gaps.
Years in Business
New Wisconsin businesses pay more for coverage until they build a track record. Insurance companies charge higher rates for the first three years because they lack data about your risk level. Most businesses see rates drop 10% to 25% after three claim-free years.
Professional Certifications
Safety certifications and professional licenses can lower your insurance costs. Wisconsin businesses with OSHA safety certifications often qualify for premium discounts up to 15%. Industry-specific credentials show insurers you follow best practices, leading to better rates.
Wisconsin Business Insurance Buying Guide
Getting business insurance can feel overwhelming when you're focused on running your business. We've created a simple guide to help Wisconsin business owners navigate their coverage options.
What Coverage Is Required?
Here's a breakdown of Wisconsin business insurance requirements you need to know.
Workers' Comp
Wisconsin requires workers' compensation insurance for most businesses, with some exemptions for small operations. You must carry workers' comp if you have three or more employees regularly employed at the same time. This higher threshold makes Wisconsin more business-friendly than states requiring coverage with just one employee. Corporate officers can opt out if they own at least 25% of the company, and sole proprietors and business partners are exempt unless they choose coverage. However, construction businesses and those with government contracts may need coverage regardless of employee count. Insurance requirements can change, and you should verify current Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development regulations before making coverage decisions.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Small businesses that own vehicles or require employees to drive for work need commercial auto insurance. Wisconsin requires all vehicles to carry at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 for injuries per accident, plus $10,000 for property damage. You'll also need uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits, which protects you if you're hit by a driver without insurance.
Unemployment Insurance
Wisconsin requires unemployment insurance for businesses that pay wages of $1,500 or more in any quarter or employ one or more workers for 20 weeks during a calendar year. You must register with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and pay quarterly contributions based on your payroll and experience rating.
Professional Liability Insurance
If you hold a professional license in Wisconsin for medical, legal, architectural or engineering work, you'll typically need professional liability insurance. Healthcare providers must carry malpractice coverage, while other professionals should check with its licensing board for specific requirements. The coverage amounts vary by profession and practice type.
Contractor Bonds and Insurance
If you have a contractor license in Wisconsin, you'll need to carry liability insurance and may need to post a surety bond depending on your work type. General contractors typically need at least $100,000 in liability coverage, while specialty contractors have varying requirements. Home improvement contractors may need additional registration and bonding requirements to protect customers if they don't complete work as promised or follow licensing rules.
What Coverage Do We Recommend?
Wisconsin keeps business insurance requirements simple, but that means you need to make smart coverage choices. Here's our analysis of the best insurance options for the state's leading industries:
Manufacturing | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, product liability, equipment breakdown, business interruption | Agricultural equipment, machinery and food processing manufacturers face tornado damage, hail risks and severe winter weather shutdowns. |
Food Processing | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, product liability, contamination coverage, recall insurance | Dairy and food processing are central to Wisconsin's economy. Businesses face contamination risks, product recalls, and strict regulatory compliance. Temperature-sensitive products require specialized coverage for equipment failures and spoilage. |
Restaurant | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, liquor liability, food contamination coverage, cyber liability | Wisconsin's tourism and culinary scene creates busy restaurants serving local specialties. Establishments face foodborne illness risks, alcohol-related incidents, and seasonal fluctuations affecting cash flow and staffing needs. |
Trucking | Commercial auto, general liability, cargo coverage, workers' compensation, winter weather coverage, refrigerated cargo insurance | Agricultural and manufacturing transport operates year-round despite harsh winters. Trucking companies face weather-related accidents, cargo spoilage from temperature fluctuations, and liability from transporting dairy and food products. |
Construction/Contractor | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, equipment coverage, seasonal business interruption | Construction projects face Wisconsin's extreme weather with short building seasons. Contractors need protection from winter work delays, freeze damage to materials, and equipment breakdown from temperature extremes. |
Bakery | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, product liability, equipment breakdown, contamination coverage | Wisconsin's baking traditions and local grain production support numerous bakeries. Operations face equipment breakdowns affecting temperature-sensitive processes, contamination risks, and liability from allergen exposure in baked goods. |
Auto Repair | General liability, garage keepers liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, environmental liability | Auto repair shops handle winter damage from road salt, harsh weather, and seasonal maintenance surges. Shops face customer vehicle damage, environmental issues from fluid disposal, and higher winter service demands. |
Veterinary | Professional liability, general liability, cyber liability, workers' compensation, animal bailee coverage | Wisconsin's agricultural economy supports both farm animal and pet veterinary services. Practices face malpractice claims, animal bite injuries, treatment compliance issues, and liability for animals in their care including valuable livestock. |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in Wisconsin
Getting the right business insurance in Wisconsin can strain your budget and time. Here's how to secure reliable coverage that protects your company while keeping costs manageable:
- 1
Assess Your Actual Risks First
Evaluate real business risks rather than accepting standard insurance packages. A Madison restaurant needs strong liability and property coverage, while a Green Bay consulting firm might focus on professional liability protection.
- 2
Get Quotes from Multiple Insurers
Insurance companies calculate risk differently, leading to varied pricing for the same coverage. Contact at least three providers to compare rates, as Wisconsin business owners often find significant price differences between carriers.
- 3
Choose Providers Based on Service Quality
Investigate insurer reputation, financial strength and industry experience before selecting coverage. A Milwaukee manufacturing company needs an insurer with strong equipment breakdown coverage, while a Kenosha retail store wants reliable theft protection.
- 4
Maximize Available Discounts
Combine policies where possible and maintain good safety records to reduce costs. A Wisconsin landscaping business could save by bundling general liability with commercial auto insurance and documenting regular equipment maintenance.
- 5
Review Coverage Annually
Business insurance needs change with company growth and new services. A small Appleton retailer expanding to online sales should review coverage to ensure proper protection for digital operations and increased inventory.
Wisconsin Business Insurance: Bottom Line
Based on our analysis, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business are Wisconsin's best business insurance providers. However, what's ideal for you depends on your business risks and employee needs. Research each company's service quality, maximize discounts and select coverage that fits your budget.
Small Business Insurance in Wisconsin: FAQ
Wisconsin business owners have many questions about insurance coverage and requirements. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions:
What business insurance is required by law in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin businesses with employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. Company vehicles need commercial auto insurance with minimum limits of $25,000/$50,000/$10,000. Some contractors need surety bonds.
How much does business insurance cost in Wisconsin?
Business insurance costs in Wisconsin range from $72 to $144 monthly. Workers' compensation is the most economical at $72, while business owner's policies run $144. Actual costs depend on your industry, business size and claims history.
Which company has the cheapest business insurance in Wisconsin?
The Hartford offers the lowest rates at $83 monthly in Wisconsin, with Thimble ($92) and Simply Business ($95) following close behind. Compare multiple quotes since rates vary by business risk factors.
What business insurance do I need for my small business in Wisconsin?
Begin with general liability insurance to protect against customer injuries and property damage. If you employ staff, add workers' compensation. Professional service businesses need E&O coverage, while retailers should include property insurance.
What is the best business insurance company in Wisconsin?
NEXT and The Hartford tie as Wisconsin's top business insurance providers, both with MoneyGeek scores of 4.61 out of 5. Simply Business and Nationwide round out the top choices. Consider comparing multiple insurance providers to find coverage matching your business requirements.
Do small businesses in Wisconsin need workers' compensation insurance?
Wisconsin businesses must carry workers' compensation insurance if they have three or more employees. Companies with government contracts also need coverage, regardless of employee count.
What factors affect business insurance costs in Wisconsin?
Your industry type is the primary cost factor. Construction businesses pay higher premiums than retail stores. Location within Wisconsin affects rates, with urban areas costing more than rural ones. Employee count impacts workers' comp costs, while claim history and safety measures influence rates.
How do I get cheap business insurance in Wisconsin?
Compare quotes from multiple insurers like NEXT and The Hartford, which rank highest in Wisconsin. Bundle policies, implement safety programs and carefully evaluate your coverage needs to reduce costs.
What's the difference between general liability and errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance in Wisconsin?
General liability insurance protects against physical accidents and property damage. Professional liability (E&O) covers service-related mistakes like missed deadlines or incorrect advice. Service businesses often need both coverages.
Can I get business insurance quotes online in Wisconsin?
Yes, top Wisconsin insurance providers offer online quotes. Have your business information ready for accurate pricing. Complex businesses may need an agent for specialized coverage options.
How We Scored the Best Business Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
Small business owners in Wisconsin need reliable coverage that protects operations without breaking budgets. We designed our methodology to help Wisconsin entrepreneurs navigate challenges and the state's workers' compensation requirements.
We studied thousands of quotes from 79 industries across four coverage types for a two-employee firm with $300,000 annual revenue and $150,000 payroll. All policies included $1 million per occurrence and $2 million total per year, with BOPs adding $5,000 business property coverage.
- Affordability (50% of score): We analyzed premium costs across multiple carriers, factoring in deductibles, limits and coverage types to assess total value.
- Customer experience (30% of score): Our evaluation included claims processing speed, customer service responsiveness and digital tools quality.
- Coverage options (15% of score): We examined policy customization options, industry-specific endorsements and coverage flexibility.
- Financial strength (5% of score): We reviewed insurer stability ratings from major agencies to ensure reliable claims-paying ability.
This approach helps Wisconsin small business owners compare insurers on what matters most: affordable premiums, reliable service, adequate coverage and financial stability.
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.
sources
- National Centers for Environmental Information. "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters." Accessed August 26, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "NEXT." Accessed August 26, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Simply Business US." Accessed August 26, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford." Accessed August 26, 2025.