WI · WCRB

Workers comp rates and rules in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has 0 workers comp class codes with filed rates, a maximum weekly benefit of $1,180 (66.67% of average weekly wage), and a statute of limitations of 12 years. Verified 2026-05-08.

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Class code rate comparison

The top 0 workers comp class codes filed in Wisconsin, sorted from cheapest to most expensive per $100 of payroll. Cross-state percentile shows where each code sits versus the same code in other states.

State Occupation Code Rate per $100 vs peers Source

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Wisconsin coverage rules & benefits

Coverage threshold

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

Max weekly benefit

$1,180 (66.67% of average weekly wage), effective 2024.

PPD weeks

500 weeks of permanent partial disability (whole-body schedule).

Death benefit

Up to $1,271,000 in fatal-claim death benefits to dependents.

Statute of limitations

12 years from injury date to file the claim.

1099 contractor treatment

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

Owner exclusion

Allowed. Sole proprietor self-coverage: optional. LLC member self-coverage: optional.

Estimate your premium in Wisconsin

Pre-filled to Wisconsin. Pick your industry and 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 & compliance 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.

  2. Step 2, Determine class code

    Your premium uses the NCCI class code that best matches your operation. The wrong class code can cost 4-10x more or get reclassified at audit.

  3. Step 3, Get a quote (or use the state fund)

    Private carriers like Travelers, Hartford, and Liberty Mutual write coverage in Wisconsin. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.

  4. Step 4, Track payroll & subcontractors

    General contractors are liable for injuries to uninsured subcontractor's employees. Keep certificates of insurance for every sub.

  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.

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

Wisconsin workers comp FAQs

Who has to carry workers compensation insurance in Wisconsin?

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

What is the maximum weekly workers comp benefit in Wisconsin?

The current maximum weekly benefit in Wisconsin is $1,180 (effective 2024). Benefits are typically 66.67% of the average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum.

How long do I have to file a workers comp claim in Wisconsin?

The statute of limitations for filing a workers compensation claim in Wisconsin is 12 years from the date of injury. Notice to the employer is typically required within 30 days.

Are 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.

Can business owners exclude themselves from workers comp coverage in Wisconsin?

Yes, Wisconsin allows business owners (sole proprietors, partners, LLC members, corporate officers) to exclude themselves from coverage by filing the appropriate election form. Sole-proprietor self-coverage is not required; LLC member self-coverage is not required.

What is the penalty for not carrying workers comp in Wisconsin?

Fines of $100 per day up to $10,000, potential criminal charges, and personal liability for employee injuries.

When does my workers comp carrier audit my payroll in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin typically requires a payroll audit Typically within 90-120 days of policy expiration, but can extend longer.. Final premium is reconciled to actual payroll, and class code allocation can shift based on the audit findings. Keep payroll segregated by class code and have job-duty documentation ready.

Am I liable for subcontractors' workers comp in Wisconsin?

General contractors are liable for injuries to uninsured subcontractor's employees.

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