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Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Insurance
Protect your business and employees with Wisconsin workers' comp
Wisconsin workers' compensation insurance supports employees who get hurt or sick because of their jobs. This coverage helps with medical expenses and lost wages while they recover. Many companies need workers' comp to meet legal requirements, build trust, and reduce liability.
Learn more about workers' compensation in America's Dairyland and see how you can customize a policy with experts at Progressive Commercial.
Who needs workers' compensation insurance in Wisconsin?
Most Wisconsin businesses need workers' comp insurance. Common factors include how many employees you have, how much you pay them, and your industry.
Wisconsin workers' compensation law requires coverage if you:
- Hire three or more people, either full-time or part-time
- Pay one or more workers a total of $500 or more in a three-month period
- Are a farmer with six or more workers at the same time for 20 days in a year
Keep in mind, out-of-state employers also have to follow these rules if they operate in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin workers' compensation insurance exemptions
The Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Act explains which employees you won't need to cover, including:
- Domestic servants
- Some farm employees
- Nonprofit volunteers who receive less than $10 per week
- Members of certain religious organizations
Sole proprietors, partners, and members of a limited liability company (LLC) usually won't need to purchase insurance, but they can if they want protection for their own work-related injuries.
What are the penalties for not having workers' comp in Wisconsin?
Businesses that are supposed to have Wisconsin workers' compensation insurance will face penalties without it, such as fines or a stop work order.
Getting Wisconsin workers' comp is the best way to avoid these consequences.
How much does workers' comp cost in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin workers' compensation rates are based on things like:
- Job classification and risk: The Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau (WCRB) evaluates risk in different professions. Safer jobs might pay less for insurance.
- Payroll: Workers' comp cost is typically calculated per $100 of your company's total payroll, which includes salaries, bonuses, and other benefits. A high payroll can mean a more expensive policy.
- Claims history: Companies with a history of workers' comp claims might have to pay more for insurance. You can reduce costs with a good safety record.
- Insurance carrier: Some Wisconsin workers' compensation insurance companies might adjust rates based on how they look at risk and other factors.
How can you get workers' comp in Wisconsin?
There are three ways for businesses to get a policy and meet Wisconsin workers' compensation requirements:
- Private insurers: Most companies get workers' comp through private insurers. These companies can customize policies and offer reliable claims services.
- Self-insurance: The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development can approve large, financially stable businesses for self-insurance. These companies pay for claims themselves instead of buying workers' comp.
- Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Pool: The WCRB manages a workers' compensation pool. This option helps companies with a harder time getting private insurance due to industry, claims, or other factors.
How does workers' comp work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin workers' compensation insurance works when employees and employers take certain steps. First, employees need to report their injury to you as soon as possible. After that, you'll file a claim with your insurance company.
If the claim is approved, the worker will start receiving Wisconsin workers' comp benefits, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
Remember that workers' comp helps your business, too. It provides a process for resolving disputes, and it can protect you from lawsuits. Employees who accept their Wisconsin workers' compensation settlement usually can't sue.
Wisconsin workers' compensation death benefits
Death benefits support the spouse and dependents of a worker who dies. Eligible family members can receive:
- Up to four times the deceased's average yearly salary
- A one-time payment of up to $10,000 for funeral expenses
Get more information about workers' comp death benefits in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin workers' compensation statute of limitations
If an employee gets injured, they have to tell their employer about it within two years to qualify for workers' compensation in Wisconsin. However, if the employer already knew or should have known about the injury, the employee has up to six years to make a claim.
For certain serious injuries and illnesses, there is no time limit for reporting.
Why choose Progressive Commercial for Wisconsin workers' comp
Progressive Commercial has connected business owners like you with the right insurance for over 50 years. Our in-house agents and reliable partners work together to give you coverage you can trust at a competitive price.
Call us today or start a quote online to get Wisconsin workers' compensation insurance.
