Who Is Required to Carry Workers' Comp in Wisconsin?
Under Wisconsin law, most employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance if they have:
- Three or more employees at any one time, OR
- One or more employees and have paid combined wages of $500 or more in any calendar quarter
This applies to full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. Even sole proprietors with just a few part-time helpers may be required to carry coverage.
What Does Workers' Comp Cover?
- Medical expenses: Doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, prescriptions, and rehabilitation related to a work injury
- Lost wages: Temporary or permanent disability benefits when an employee cannot work due to a work-related injury or illness
- Death benefits: Payments to dependents if an employee dies as a result of a work-related incident
- Employer liability: Legal defense costs if an injured employee sues
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to carry required workers' compensation coverage in Wisconsin can result in serious consequences:
- Fines of up to $100 per day for each day without required coverage
- Personal liability for all medical costs and wage replacement for injured workers
- Potential criminal charges in some circumstances
- Stop-work orders that can shut down your business operations
The cost of a workers' comp policy is almost always far less than the cost of even a single uninsured workplace injury.
What Factors Affect Your Premium?
- Industry classification — higher-risk industries pay more
- Total payroll — premiums are typically calculated per $100 of payroll
- Claims history — your experience modification rate (EMR) reflects past claims
- Safety programs — documented safety training can reduce your premium
How Brad Can Help
Brad works with Wisconsin small business owners to make sure they have the right coverage in place — from workers' compensation and general liability to commercial property insurance. A quick call to (920) 251-4969 can help you confirm you are compliant and properly protected.