WI · Landscaping & Lawn Care · WCRB state

Landscaping & Lawn Care workers compensation in Wisconsin

Wisconsin uses an independent rating bureau (WCRB), so class-by-class Landscaping & Lawn Care rates are available only via the rating bureau, not in public filings. As a national reference, Landscaping & Lawn Care workers comp runs a median of $2.83 per $100 of payroll, with a range of $0.850 to $9.96 across reporting states. Wisconsin caps weekly benefits at $1,340 with a 12-year statute of limitations. Verified 2026-05-09.

National median $2.83
Rate authority WCRB
Max weekly benefit $1,340

Landscaping & Lawn Care rate context for Wisconsin

Wisconsin does not publish class-by-class loss costs publicly, but Landscaping & Lawn Care rates from comparable reporting states give you a useful planning range. Use the national rate range below as a baseline; your actual quote depends on payroll size, loss history, and your specific NCCI class code.

Landscaping & Lawn Care class code Typical occupation National median National range
0042 Landscape gardening $2.83 $0.850 - $9.96
Why no per-state rates here? Wisconsin uses an independent rating bureau (WCRB) whose loss costs are sold to subscribers and brokers. The class codes above use the same NCCI nomenclature, but your binding rate comes from your carrier's filed loss cost multiplier (LCM) applied to those base loss costs.

Wisconsin compliance for Landscaping & Lawn Care employers

Coverage threshold

Employers with 3 or more employees, or 1 or more employees if paying $500 or more in wages in any calendar quarter.

1099 vs W-2 in Landscaping & Lawn Care

Workers are classified based on an 'economic realities' test, focusing on control and independence, not solely on 1099 status.

Owner exclusion

Allowed in Wisconsin. Sole proprietor self-coverage optional; LLC member self-coverage optional.

Max weekly benefit

$1,340 at 66.67% of average weekly wage, effective 2025-01-01.

Statute of limitations

12 years from injury date in Wisconsin.

Audit window

Wisconsin carriers audit payroll Typically within 90-120 days of policy expiration, but can extend longer.. Keep Landscaping & Lawn Care payroll segregated by class code and have job-duty documentation ready.

Cross-cite: full Wisconsin workers comp overview · Landscaping & Lawn Care cross-state rate comparison · Wisconsin workers comp lawyer guide · Wisconsin settlement chart

Estimate your Landscaping & Lawn Care premium in Wisconsin

Pre-filled to Landscaping & Lawn Care and Wisconsin. Adjust payroll to see a real premium range from filed rates.

Estimate your workers comp premium

Pick your industry, state, and annual payroll. Range comes from real rate filings.

Filing checklist for Landscaping & Lawn Care businesses in Wisconsin

  1. Step 1, Confirm coverage threshold

    Employers with 3 or more employees, or 1 or more employees if paying $500 or more in wages in any calendar quarter. For Landscaping & Lawn Care operations, this typically applies once you make a first W-2 hire, even part-time.

  2. Step 2, Pick the right class code

    Landscaping & Lawn Care businesses typically use codes like 0042. The wrong code can cost 4 to 10x more or get reclassified at audit. Across reporting states, Landscaping & Lawn Care median rates run $2.83 per $100 with a range of $0.850 to $9.96.

  3. Step 3, Get a quote

    Private carriers write Landscaping & Lawn Care coverage in Wisconsin. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.

  4. Step 4, Document subcontractors

    General contractors are liable for injuries to uninsured subcontractor's employees. Landscaping & Lawn Care operators with crews of 1099s should keep certificates of insurance for every sub, otherwise the GC absorbs the sub liability at audit.

  5. Step 5, Annual audit

    Carriers audit payroll Typically within 90-120 days of policy expiration, but can extend longer.. Have payroll segregated by class code, job descriptions on file, and overtime properly excluded from rated payroll. Landscaping & Lawn Care class allocation can shift if any worker spends more than 50% of time on a different code.

Penalty for non-coverage in Wisconsin: Fines of $100 per day up to $10,000, potential criminal charges, and personal liability for employee injuries.

Landscaping & Lawn Care workers comp FAQs in Wisconsin

Why aren't Landscaping & Lawn Care workers comp rates published for Wisconsin?

Wisconsin uses an independent rating bureau (WCRB). Class-by-class rate data for this state is available through the rating bureau or licensed brokers. For a national reference, Landscaping & Lawn Care median rates run $2.83 per $100 of payroll across all reporting states, with a typical range of $0.850 to $9.96.

How can a Landscaping & Lawn Care business in Wisconsin get a real quote?

Get a quote from any private carrier licensed in Wisconsin. Provide your annual payroll, ownership structure, and your current Landscaping & Lawn Care class code. Most carriers will return a binding quote within 24-48 hours. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.

Are Landscaping & Lawn Care 1099 contractors covered by workers comp in Wisconsin?

Workers are classified based on an 'economic realities' test, focusing on control and independence, not solely on 1099 status.

What is the maximum weekly benefit for an injured Landscaping & Lawn Care worker in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin caps weekly workers comp benefits at $1,340 (effective 2025-01-01), calculated as 66.67% of the average weekly wage. Landscaping & Lawn Care workers are subject to the same statutory cap as workers in any other industry.

How long does a Landscaping & Lawn Care worker have to file a comp claim in Wisconsin?

The statute of limitations in Wisconsin is 12 years from the date of injury. Most claims also require notice to the employer within 30 days. Landscaping & Lawn Care workers should report any incident on the date it happens, even minor strains, because cumulative trauma claims can fail without contemporaneous documentation.

Can a Landscaping & Lawn Care business owner exclude themselves from comp coverage in Wisconsin?

Yes, Wisconsin allows business owners (sole proprietors, partners, LLC members, corporate officers) to file an exclusion election. Landscaping & Lawn Care owner-operators often elect out to keep premium below the minimum. Sole-proprietor self-coverage is not required, and LLC member self-coverage is not required.