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Which insurance policies are recommended for Wisconsin businesses?
Small businesses in Wisconsin most often buy these types of insurance.
General liability insurance
This type of business liability insurance is important for all Wisconsin businesses. It covers common third-party risks, and it's required by most commercial leases.
BEST FOR
- Customer bodily injuries
- Damaged customer property
- Libel and other advertising injuries
Workers’ compensation insurance
Workers’ comp insurance is required for Wisconsin businesses that have three or more employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
BEST FOR
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Legal costs from employee injuries
Commercial auto insurance
This policy is required for business-owned vehicles in Wisconsin. It covers injuries and property damage in an accident, along with vehicle theft, vandalism, and weather damage.
BEST FOR
- Accidents involving commercial vehicles
- Theft of a business-owned vehicle
- Damage to a company vehicle
Business owner’s policy
A BOP bundles commercial property insurance and general liability coverage in one plan. It's often the most cost-effective type of commercial insurance for a Wisconsin business.
BEST FOR
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Damaged customer property
- Damaged business property
Professional liability insurance
This policy, also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O), protects Wisconsin businesses that provide professional services or advice. It covers lawsuits related to work performance.
BEST FOR
- Work mistakes and oversights
- Professional negligence lawsuits
- Late or incomplete work
Errors and omissions insurance
E&O, sometimes called professional liability insurance, is common with professional services in Wisconsin. It can cover the cost of lawsuits related to your work performance.
BEST FOR
- Missed deadlines
- Accusations of negligence
- Errors and oversights
Cyber insurance
This policy covers financial losses from data breaches and cyberattacks. It's recommended for Wisconsin businesses that handle credit card numbers and other sensitive data.
BEST FOR
- Customer notification expenses
- Fraud monitoring services
- Data breach investigations
Commercial umbrella insurance
Umbrella insurance boosts coverage on your general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and employer's liability insurance when the underlying policy reaches its limit.
BEST FOR
- Customer lawsuits
- Auto accident lawsuits
- Employee injury lawsuits
Commercial property insurance
This policy covers the value of a business's physical structure and its contents, such as inventory, equipment, and furniture. Bundle it with general liability coverage in a BOP for savings.
BEST FOR
- Fire
- Theft and vandalism
- Weather damage
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Which business insurance policies are required in Wisconsin?
State laws can affect which business insurance coverage you need. These policies are required everywhere in Wisconsin, from Madison to Milwaukee.
Workers' compensation insurance
Generally, the state of Wisconsin requires businesses with three or more employees, full-time or part-time, to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Workers' comp covers medical bills for work-related injuries and illnesses, and provides disability benefits for injured Wisconsin workers. The employer's liability insurance included in most policies protects employers from legal costs in the event an employee sues over an injury.
Commercial auto insurance
All business-owned vehicles in Wisconsin must be covered by commercial auto insurance. This policy covers the cost of accidents involving work vehicles.
Wisconsin's minimum requirements for auto liability insurance are:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
Trucking companies may need additional coverage to comply with regulations.
Though it's not required, personal vehicles driven for work purposes should be covered by hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA), as personal auto policies usually exclude business use. It can be added to commercial general liability insurance or a business owner's policy.
How much does small business insurance cost in WI?
Commercial insurance can be affordable for small business owners. Average costs in Wisconsin are:
General liability: $44 per month
Workers' comp: $49 per month
Professional liability/E&O: $62 per month
Factors that influence business insurance costs include:
- Your industry and risks
- Business operations
- Number of employees
- Business property, such as an office building or computers
- Policy limits and deductibles
How to get insurance for your Wisconsin business
View video transcript.
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When you are ready to get insurance for your Wisconsin business, you can complete Insureon's easy online application to get quotes from top-rated insurance companies.
FAQs about Wisconsin business insurance
Review answers to frequently asked questions about WI business insurance.
How do I get a certificate of insurance for my business?
Insureon's licensed agents can help you find policies that fulfill Wisconsin's requirements and protect against financial loss. Once you've purchased insurance with us, you can download a certificate of insurance by logging into your account.
Can my company be held liable for a data security breach?
Yes – that's why cyber insurance is so crucial. Hackers are three times more likely to target small businesses, as they often have fewer resources to combat a threat.
Wisconsin's data breach laws require businesses to report security breaches to affected residents, and the costs can escalate quickly. Cyber liability insurance lessens the financial impact by paying for notification costs, legal fees, and fines.
Does my industry affect state business insurance requirements?
Yes, your state may have special requirements for business insurance and bonds for your industry. You may also need a license depending on the work you do.
Contractors often need to carry general liability insurance or surety bonds to perform certain types of work. Having the right insurance and bonds helps you comply with state licensing requirements.
Real estate agents and brokers and other professionals who offer advice or services sometimes need errors and omissions insurance (E&O; also known as professional liability insurance) to get licensed in their state.
State law requires that practicing physicians carry professional liability insurance coverage.
Note that cities, like Milwaukee, and counties may have their own laws, in addition to state laws.
How can I save money on Wisconsin small business insurance?
As with any purchase, shopping around is one of the best ways to find affordable options. With Insureon, you can compare quotes from top-rated insurance carriers by filling out a free online application.
Other ways to save include bundling insurance products for a discount, and choosing less expensive coverage options, such as lower limits or a higher deductible. Learn more about how to find cheap business insurance.