NEXT and The Hartford tie for best small business insurance in Wisconsin with identical MoneyGeek scores of 4.61. NEXT ranks first in customer service, which helps when you need quick certificate of insurance (COI )turnaround for contractor jobs. The Hartford leads in affordability at $83 monthly, making it the cheapest option for managing different coverage types like general liability or professional liability.
Best Small Business Insurance in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's top business insurance providers are NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business, with affordable rates starting at $6 monthly.
Get matched to the best Wisconsin commercial insurer for you below.

Updated: January 12, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
NEXT and The Hartford tie for best small business insurance in Wisconsin, with NEXT leading in customer service and The Hartford in affordability.
The Hartford offers the cheapest small business insurance in Wisconsin at $83 monthly, with Thimble second at $92 monthly.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the right small business insurance coverage for your Wisconsin business risks and budget.
Best Small Business Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
| NEXT Insurance | 4.61 | $98 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.61 | $83 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.48 | $95 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.47 | $99 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.41 | $99 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.39 | $102 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.32 | $97 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.30 | $92 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | $116 | 3 | 4 |
| Hiscox | 4.26 | $106 | 4 | 6 |
Note: These rates reflect MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Your actual rates vary based on your industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Discover the best or cheapest business insurer in Wisconsin for your desired coverage type in our resources below:

Best and Cheapest Wisconsin Business Insurance
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 (1st)Our Survey: Agent Service
4.7/5 (1st)
- pros
Ties for best small business insurance in Wisconsin
Cheapest option at $83 monthly
Ranks first in affordability for general liability, professional liability and BOP
A+ Superior AM Best rating
consMust speak with agent to finalize purchase online
Digital experience ranks 10th among national carriers
Not available in Alaska or Hawaii
At $83 monthly ($991 annually), The Hartford ties with NEXT for best small business insurance in Wisconsin because it combines the lowest rates with A+ Superior financial stability, meaning you won't worry about claim payments when you need them. Wisconsin trades and small business owners managing general liability, workers' comp and commercial auto bundles benefit most from fast COI turnaround for job requirements, though an agent must finalize your purchase.
Ranking first for general liability saves you $22 monthly versus the state average and professional liability saves $6 monthly, making it Wisconsin's most affordable option across coverage types. You can bundle GL and commercial property insurance through a BOP that's $33 cheaper than the state average. Workers' comp ranks second at $69 monthly, so hospitality businesses, manufacturers and employers should compare rates from other providers.
First-place national rankings for claims and overall satisfaction mean faster resolutions when you file, while knowledgeable agents help you adjust coverage mid-season or get COIs within four hours when landlords or general contractors (GC) demand proof before work starts. Digital experience ranks 10th, so while online COI requests process quickly, the mobile app lacks advanced self-service features competitors offer.
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 Spectrum BOP delivers industry-tailored coverage recommendations with transparent pricing that breaks down each cost, helping Wisconsin business owners compare apples to apples when shopping, unlike competitors' opaque quotes. Contractors and trades benefit most because you can bundle surety bonds for municipal projects, installation coverage for permanent fixtures and equipment protection in one policy rather than patching together gap coverage from multiple carriers.

Best Wisconsin Customer Experience
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: Digital Experience
4.8/5 (1st)Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5 (1st)
- pros
Ties for best small business insurance in Wisconsin
Ranks first for customer experience and digital tools
Cheapest workers' comp at $67 monthly in state
A+ Superior AM Best rating
consBOPs rank eighth, $9 above state average monthly
Claims processing ranks fourth nationally
Tied for Wisconsin's top small business insurer at $98 monthly ($1,178 annually), NEXT delivers same-day coverage and instant policy binding through its 100% digital platform. You avoid agent appointments or paperwork delays when you need to start operations immediately. Munich Re's A+ Superior backing means strong claims-paying ability, though you'll pay $15 more monthly than The Hartford for this digital convenience and financial stability.
At $67 monthly, NEXT offers Wisconsin's cheapest workers' comp, saving employers $5 versus the state average. Restaurants managing kitchen staff, landscaping crews and cleaning services benefit most from lower payroll costs. General liability matches the state average at $101 monthly, while business owner's policies run $153 monthly, exceeding Wisconsin's average by $9, so property-heavy retailers should compare rates.
Topping national rankings for digital experience, NEXT lets Wisconsin food truck operators and mobile businesses generate unlimited certificates at 2 a.m. when venues demand proof before morning setup. This eliminates office-hours delays that cost you bookings. Overall satisfaction scores rank first nationally, though claims processing places fourth, meaning disputes requiring adjuster review may resolve slower than other carriers.
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 Since Wisconsin contractors face harsh winters, NEXT's equipment breakdown coverage protects against furnace or compressor failures costing $3,000 to $8,000 to replace mid-season without separate mechanical policies. The Coverage Builder adds hired and non-owned auto protection when your crew drives personal trucks between job sites, plus tools and equipment insurance bundled into one policy instead of buying standalone inland marine coverage from specialty carriers.

Best Commercial Coverage Options in Wisconsin
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$94This 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
$70This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Digital Experience
4.5/5Our Survey: Service Quality
4.0/5
- pros
Ranks third for best small business insurance in Wisconsin
Compares quotes from 20+ A-rated carriers instantly online
General liability costs $7 below Wisconsin's state average
AI-powered advisor answers coverage questions during quote process
consBOPs rank seventh, $9 above Wisconsin average costs
Claims filed with underlying carrier, not Simply Business
Digital-only model means no local agent relationships available
At $95 monthly ($1,144 annually), Simply Business ranks third in Wisconsin and connects food processors with specialized carriers through one 10-minute application, comparing quotes from CNA, Hiscox and 18 others simultaneously. This AI-powered marketplace helps cheese makers and craft breweries find product liability coverage faster than calling multiple agents individually, though your policy comes from the underlying insurer that quotes you, not Simply Business directly.
General liability saves $7 monthly at $94 versus Wisconsin's average, ranking second statewide, while workers' comp costs $70 monthly (ranked sixth). Professional liability runs $75 monthly, placing fifth among state options. Business owner's policies cost $142 monthly and rank seventh at $9 above average, so retail stores with substantial inventory should compare alternatives like Hartford's $111 BOP pricing to lower property coverage costs.
Digital tools score 4.5/5 nationally (third-ranked), letting breweries download certificates instantly when distributors require proof before morning deliveries, avoiding shipment delays that cost revenue. The broker model creates friction during claims since you contact your underlying carrier (Hiscox, CNA, or Travelers) rather than Simply Business, contributing to the company's seventh-place claims processing score of 3.7/5.
Overall Customer Score 4.14 7 Claims Process 3.70 8 Customer Service 4.00 6 Digital Experience 4.50 3 Overall Satisfaction 4.10 7 Policy Management 4.10 7 Recommend to Others 4.20 8 Renewal Likelihood 4.10 7 Coverage varies by which of Simply Business's 18 carrier partners quotes your Wisconsin business. Manufacturers needing equipment breakdown protection for aging machinery can combine it with product liability through CNA, while restaurants add liquor liability through Travelers. This lets specialty food producers bundle cyber protection with general liability when single carriers won't offer both, though you'll manage separate policies if coverage comes from different insurers in the marketplace.
Get Matched to the Best Small Business Insurance Providers in Wisconsin
Select your industry and state to get a customized quote for your Wisconsin business.
How to Get the Best Cheap Small Business Insurance in Wisconsin
Wisconsin small business owners navigate three separate workers' compensation thresholds, mandatory uninsured motorist requirements and five state agencies overseeing insurance compliance. Getting business insurance that covers these risks without overpaying requires strategic planning beyond comparing premiums.
- 1
Know Wisconsin's legal mandates versus business protection
Wisconsin law requires workers' compensation at three employees OR $500 quarterly wages, plus commercial auto liability with mandatory $25,000/$50,000 uninsured motorist coverage. Milwaukee manufacturing facilities and Green Bay food processing plants need product liability and equipment breakdown coverage to cover costs from contamination claims and refrigeration failures—neither legally required but financially critical when aging machinery fails or foodborne illness lawsuits surface.
- 2
Address risks specific to your Wisconsin industry
Milwaukee makers need product liability when bad parts harm buyers. Food plants in Green Bay need coverage for equipment breakdowns when fridges fail and ruin stock during Wisconsin's factory growth. Tech firms in Madison need cyber liability after hackers steal data. Stores need business interruption coverage when floods close them during busy seasons. Contractors need umbrella policies when jobs exceed $250,000 liability limits set by state law.
- 3
Compare top private insurers with Wisconsin programs
Simply Business ranks third in Wisconsin at $95 monthly and connects businesses with 20+ carriers including CNA. The Hartford and NEXT compete strongly on price and service. When standard carriers deny workers' comp, apply through Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau's risk pool in Waukesha, where 300 carriers participate and pool rates match market pricing.
- 4
Balance affordability with claims handling and coverage breadth
Simply Business ranks third for digital experience but seventh for claims processing since you contact carriers directly. Saving $15 monthly loses value when Waukesha contractor rules require fast proof of $250,000 liability and the insurer takes weeks to respond—projects stop and contracts expire. Check AM Best ratings (A- minimum) and ask about response times for Wisconsin's 30-day insurance replacement window.
- 5
Bundle policies and leverage Wisconsin safety programs
Bundle general liability with commercial property in a business owner's policy and cut business insurance costs 20% to 30%, savings that matter when Wisconsin's five agencies (DWD, OCI, DSPS, DCF, DOR) create multiple bills. Pay yearly instead of monthly to avoid $200 to $400 in fees. This helps when Wisconsin's 10-day workers' comp window means late payments risk a $750 penalty.
- 6
Review coverage when crossing Wisconsin's strict thresholds
Wisconsin's $500 wage threshold triggers workers' comp even with one employee, stricter than most states. Adding a third employee activates the separate three-employee rule. Expanding from Milwaukee to Madison means different rates. Opening a second store in Green Bay during 2024's retail growth pushes you over seasonal limits. Review coverage every 12 months and right away when payroll, locations or staff counts change.
Best Business Liability Insurance Wisconsin: Bottom Line
NEXT and The Hartford tie for best small business insurance in Wisconsin. NEXT leads in customer service while The Hartford leads on price at $83 monthly. Thimble has the second-lowest rate at $92 monthly. Compare quotes from several insurers to match coverage with your Wisconsin business risks and budget.
Business Insurance Wisconsin: FAQ
Small business owners in Wisconsin often have questions about choosing the right business insurance. We answer the most common concerns below:
What's the best small business insurance in Wisconsin for contractors who need COIs for GCs or landlords?
NEXT ranks best for contractors who need insurance certificates. It creates instant COIs and leads in customer service. The Hartford offers another strong choice at $83 monthly. Both meet requirements from general contractors and landlords for Wisconsin projects.
How much does small business insurance cost per month in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin insurance costs vary by your industry, whether you run a restaurant or retail store. These are the monthly and annual rates by type:
- General liability insurance: $102 monthly or $1,219 annually
- Workers' compensation insurance: $72 monthly or $868 annually
- Professional liability (E&O) insurance: $76 monthly or $916 annually
- Business owner's policy (BOP): $144 monthly or $1,731 annually
Do I need workers' comp in Wisconsin if I have one to three employees or use subcontractors?
Yes. Wisconsin requires workers' comp at three employees OR $500 quarterly wages—even with one employee. Subcontractors may count as statutory employees under Wisconsin's nine-point test. You have 10 days to get coverage after crossing either threshold.
What insurance do Wisconsin restaurants and retail stores need?
Wisconsin restaurants and stores need general liability plus workers' comp at three staff or $500 in wages per quarter. Add property and lost income coverage. Bars should carry liquor liability since drunk patron suits cost thousands.
Do I need commercial auto insurance in Wisconsin if I drive to job sites or make deliveries?
Yes. Personal auto policies exclude business use. Wisconsin needs commercial auto at $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 and uninsured motorist at $25,000/$50,000. Get this before driving to job sites or making deliveries.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Business Employment Dynamics in Wisconsin — First Quarter of 2024." Accessed January 12, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. "Financial Responsibility for Dwelling Contractor Certification." Accessed January 12, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. "Worker's Compensation Insurance for Private Employers." Accessed January 12, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. "Workers' Compensation Insurance." Accessed January 12, 2026.
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. "Auto Insurance in Wisconsin." Accessed January 12, 2026.

