Wisconsin workers’ comp and subcontractor insurance requirements
What general contractors, property managers and other businesses hiring subcontractors in Wisconsin need to know: who has to carry workers’ comp, when you’re on the hook for an uninsured sub, and what to collect before work starts.
Wisconsin at a glance
| Who must carry workers’ comp | Employers with 3 or more employees, or 1 or more employees paid $500 or more in wages in any calendar quarter. |
|---|---|
| Where coverage comes from | Private insurers, plus self-insurance where approved |
| Regulator | Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Division |
Are you liable for an uninsured sub in Wisconsin?
A contractor can be liable for an uninsured subcontractor’s employees (Wis. Stat. § 102.06).
Separately, your own workers’ comp premium auditor may charge you for an uninsured sub’s payroll. Collecting a current certificate for every sub is the simplest protection. See workers’ comp audits and uninsured subcontractors, or estimate the cost with the workers’ comp audit calculator.
What to collect from subcontractors in Wisconsin
- A certificate of insurance, usually an ACORD 25, showing GL, auto, umbrella and workers’ comp.
- Exemption paperwork for sole proprietors or officers who claim they don’t need workers’ comp under Wisconsin rules.
- Additional insured and waiver of subrogation endorsements for higher-risk trades. See waiver of subrogation on workers’ comp.
- A renewal certificate before each policy expires. See COI expiration.
Common contract minimums
These aren’t set by Wisconsin law. They’re typical subcontract requirements that you can adjust by trade and project size.
| Coverage | Typical minimum |
|---|---|
| General liability | $1M each occurrence / $2M aggregate, additional insured, primary and non-contributory |
| Auto liability | $1M combined single limit |
| Umbrella / excess | $1M–$5M+, by trade risk and project size |
| Workers’ comp / employers’ liability | Statutory / $500K–$1M each, waiver of subrogation |
Generate requirements by trade with the subcontractor insurance requirements generator.
Frequently asked questions
Is workers’ comp required in Wisconsin?
Employers with 3 or more employees, or 1 or more employees paid $500 or more in wages in any calendar quarter. Confirm details with the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Division.
Is a general contractor liable for an uninsured subcontractor in Wisconsin?
A contractor can be liable for an uninsured subcontractor’s employees (Wis. Stat. § 102.06).
What insurance should I require from subcontractors in Wisconsin?
State law sets workers’ comp rules; your contract sets everything else. Common minimums are general liability of $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate, auto liability of $1M, workers’ comp with employers’ liability of $500K–$1M, and additional insured status and waiver of subrogation in your favor.
General information, not legal or insurance advice. Last reviewed October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Division or a licensed professional.
Other states
Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wyoming