Business Insurance WI for Small Business Owners

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As a small business owner in Wisconsin, you're likely no stranger to the importance of protecting your business from unexpected events. Business insurance WI can provide you with financial security and peace of mind.

In Wisconsin, small business owners can choose from a variety of business insurance policies, including liability insurance, property insurance, and workers' compensation insurance. These policies can help protect your business from financial losses due to accidents, injuries, or property damage.

Wisconsin law requires employers with four or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance, which can help cover medical expenses and lost wages for employees who are injured on the job. This can be a significant expense, but it's a crucial investment in the health and well-being of your employees.

Types of Business Insurance

Wisconsin business insurance covers a range of professions, from lawn care businesses to accountants and real estate agents. These types of businesses often require specialized insurance coverage to protect against unique risks.

Some common types of business insurance include:

  • Lawn care business insurance
  • Professional liability insurance for accountants
  • Errors and omissions insurance for real estate agents
  • Commercial property insurance for contractors and manufacturers
  • Liability insurance for food trucks and restaurants
  • Business interruption insurance for cleaning services and dry cleaners
  • Liability insurance for personal trainers and consultants

Auto

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Auto insurance is a must-have for Wisconsin businesses that own vehicles. Commercial auto insurance covers injuries and property damage in an accident, as well as vehicle theft, vandalism, and weather damage.

In Wisconsin, commercial auto insurance policies must include a minimum of $50,000 of auto coverage per accident to pay for claims if someone is injured. This is a requirement for businesses that lease or own vehicles for business use.

If you have a personal auto policy, check with your insurance agent to see if business use is covered. Many commercial auto policies will exclude accidents while you're working, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

Commercial auto insurance policies typically include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage. Here's a breakdown of the typical coverage limits:

Umbrella

Umbrella insurance is a type of coverage that kicks in when your other business insurance policies reach their limits.

It's designed to provide extra protection against lawsuits, which can be a major financial burden for businesses.

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Commercial umbrella insurance specifically boosts coverage on your general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and employer's liability insurance.

This means it can help protect your business from costly lawsuits related to customer injuries, auto accidents, or employee injuries.

Here are some examples of lawsuits that umbrella insurance can help cover:

  • Customer lawsuits
  • Auto accident lawsuits
  • Employee injury lawsuits

Property

Commercial property insurance is a must-have for any business that owns or leases a physical location. It protects your assets, such as your building and its contents, from damage caused by fire, theft, vandalism, and weather.

This type of insurance is often bundled with general liability coverage in a Business Owners Policy (BOP) for savings. Bundling can be a smart move, especially for small businesses.

Here are some common perils covered by commercial property insurance:

  • Fire
  • Theft and vandalism
  • Weather damage

Keep in mind that damage from flooding is usually not covered by most insurance companies, so if your business is in a flood zone, consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy.

You might enjoy: Business Flood Insurance

Foxquilt for Owners

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Foxquilt is shaking things up for small business owners in Wisconsin, putting the power back in their hands to customize and buy their insurance online, hassle-free.

It only takes a few minutes to get a customized coverage that fits your unique needs. This is a big change from the old-school companies that make getting business insurance a total headache.

With Foxquilt's online platform, you can get your quote, buy your insurance, and instantly snag your policy documents, all in a snap. No more waiting around for emails or callback.

Foxquilt understands that cash flow is crucial for small business owners, which is why they offer flexible payment plans and accept credit cards at no extra charge.

You can compare quotes from leading insurance providers in seconds and get a certificate of insurance the same day with Foxquilt.

About

Business insurance is an essential investment for any company, providing financial protection against unforeseen events and helping to maintain stability in times of crisis.

Sign of Stockholm Town Mutual Insurance Co established 1872 in Stockholm, WI.
Credit: pexels.com, Sign of Stockholm Town Mutual Insurance Co established 1872 in Stockholm, WI.

Liability insurance, for example, can cover damages or injuries caused to employees, customers, or third parties, as we saw in the section on Professional Liability Insurance.

Small businesses, in particular, may benefit from Business Owner's Policy (BOP), a comprehensive insurance package that bundles property and liability coverage.

Property insurance can be customized to cover specific assets, such as equipment, inventory, or buildings, as discussed in the section on Property Insurance.

Insurance policies can also be tailored to meet the unique needs of specific industries, such as healthcare or technology, as we explored in the section on Industry-Specific Insurance.

Business interruption insurance can help cover lost revenue and expenses in the event of a disruption, such as a natural disaster or equipment failure, as seen in the section on Business Interruption Insurance.

Policy

Small businesses in Wisconsin can choose from various insurance policies to protect their interests.

Wisconsin businesses often buy property insurance, general liability insurance, and business interruption insurance as part of a Business Owners' Policy (BOP).

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A BOP is an affordable way for small businesses to get customized coverage that meets their specific needs.

Some insurance carriers offer a standard BOP that includes property insurance, general liability insurance, and business interruption insurance.

You can also opt for specialty insurance companies that add additional coverage options to a BOP, tailored to your industry's unique risks.

You've got choices when it comes to getting business insurance in Wisconsin, including local agents, banks, or online insurers.

Cost and Estimation

The cost of business insurance in Wisconsin can vary depending on several factors. Average costs for small business owners in the state are relatively affordable, with general liability insurance starting at around $29 a month.

General liability insurance can cost as low as $44 per month, with workers' comp insurance costing around $49 per month. Professional liability/E&O insurance can cost around $62 per month.

Factors that influence business insurance costs include your industry and risks, business operations, number of employees, business property, policy limits, and deductibles. These factors will be taken into account by an insurance agent when assessing your small business's insurance needs.

Here's a breakdown of estimated monthly costs for Wisconsin business insurance:

Keep in mind that these estimates are based on average costs and can vary depending on your specific business needs.

Cost Estimate

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The cost of business insurance in Wisconsin can vary depending on several factors. Average costs for small business owners in the state are relatively affordable.

General liability insurance can start as low as $29 a month, but you'll likely pay slightly higher monthly rates. Certain factors raise or lower premium costs, including the industry you're in and where your business is located.

The number of employees you hire also affects premium costs, with workers' comp costing around $49 per month. Policy limits and deductibles also play a role in determining your premium costs.

Here are some estimated monthly costs for different types of business insurance in Wisconsin:

A good rule of thumb for most small businesses is to carry between $500,000 and $1 million in commercial general liability insurance. However, high-risk businesses may need to consider increasing their coverage to a higher amount.

How Long?

Getting business insurance in Wisconsin can be a quick and painless process. It's possible to get insured in just minutes, all online, thanks to companies like Foxquilt.

The paperwork is also streamlined, with policy documents sent directly to your inbox, eliminating the need to wait around.

Foxquilt's team might reach out to you if your business requires some extra attention, but they'll still work quickly to get your business insured with the protection it needs.

Getting and Claiming Insurance

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Business insurance is a vital investment for any company, and the process of obtaining and claiming insurance is relatively straightforward. You can purchase business insurance from a licensed insurance agent or broker.

To get started, you'll need to provide some basic information about your business, including its name, address, and type of operations. This information will help determine the type and amount of insurance you need.

The cost of business insurance varies depending on factors such as the type of business, location, and level of coverage. On average, small businesses pay around $500 to $1,000 per year for basic insurance coverage.

Once you've purchased your insurance policy, you'll need to review and understand the terms and conditions, including the coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. This will help you make informed decisions about your business and protect your assets in the event of a claim.

Explore further: What Insurances Do I Need

How to Get Insurance

Getting insurance for your business can be a straightforward process. You can compare quotes from leading insurance providers in seconds and get a certificate of insurance the same day.

Insureon's online application is an easy way to get started. You can complete the application to get quotes from top-rated insurance companies.

Fast results are possible with online applications.

Claim Examples

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A catering company's fridge breaks down, leading to spoiled food being served at an event, causing guests to get food poisoning and one of them to be hospitalized.

This is a classic example of a commercial general liability insurance claim, which can help protect businesses from unforeseen events like this.

A catering company's reputation can be severely damaged by a single incident, making it essential to have insurance that covers such risks.

In this case, the catering company can file a claim with their insurance provider to cover the costs of medical expenses, lost business, and potential lawsuits.

Insurance for Specific Professions and Industries

If you're a business owner in Wisconsin, you know how important it is to protect your company with the right insurance. Many professions and industries in the state require specific types of insurance to cover their unique risks.

Some of the most commonly insured professions in Wisconsin include lawn care businesses, accountants, real estate agents, contractors, and consultants. These professionals often face lawsuits related to work performance, professional negligence, and missed deadlines.

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Here are some examples of professions that are commonly insured in Wisconsin:

By understanding the specific insurance needs of your profession or industry, you can better protect your business and ensure its success.

Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation insurance is a must-have for Wisconsin businesses with three or more employees. It also provides protection for sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.

If an employee gets hurt at work or suffers an illness from a work-related exposure, workers' compensation will pay for their medical expenses and cover some of their lost wages until they're able to return to work.

Workers' comp insurance covers medical bills for work-related injuries and illnesses, and provides disability benefits for injured Wisconsin workers. The employer's liability insurance included in most policies protects employers from legal costs in the event an employee sues over an injury.

Businesses with three or more employees, full-time or part-time, are required to carry workers' compensation insurance in Wisconsin. This requirement applies to all business-owned vehicles in Wisconsin, which must be covered by commercial auto insurance.

Here are the key benefits of workers' compensation insurance:

  • Employee medical expenses
  • Disability benefits
  • Legal costs from employee injuries

Errors and Omissions

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Errors and omissions insurance is a must-have for professionals who offer services that can be subject to errors or oversights. It can cover the cost of lawsuits related to your work performance.

This type of insurance is also known as professional liability insurance, and it's common with professional services in Wisconsin. It can protect your business if you're accused of negligence, missed deadlines, or professional errors.

Professional liability insurance may offer you a lawyer if you're sued, pay your defense costs, and pay third-party claims or settlements that may arise. A professional liability policy comes highly recommended for anyone that offers professional services.

Some common examples of errors and omissions include missed deadlines, accusations of negligence, and errors and oversights.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Insurance Cover on Business - Merchant Services

Cyber

Cyber insurance is a must-have for businesses that handle sensitive data. It covers financial losses from data breaches and cyberattacks.

If you're a Wisconsin business that handles credit card numbers, cyber insurance is a good idea. This type of policy will help you cover expenses related to customer notification, fraud monitoring services, and data breach investigations.

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Cyber liability insurance is another option for businesses that want to protect themselves from cyber threats. It will help you cover the cost of notifying affected customers and repairing your reputation.

Here are some of the things that cyber liability insurance can cover:

  • Customer notification expenses
  • Fraud monitoring services
  • Data breach investigations

In addition to these expenses, cyber liability insurance can also cover the cost of credit monitoring and ransom demands.

By Industry

If you're a professional, such as an accountant or real estate agent, you know how crucial it is to protect your business from potential lawsuits. Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, can offer you a lawyer if you're sued, pay your defense costs, and pay third-party claims or settlements.

Some professions that are commonly insured in Wisconsin include lawn care businesses, accountants, real estate agents, contractors, consultants, food trucks, cleaning services, restaurants, dry cleaners, and personal trainers.

If you're considering insurance for your business, it's essential to know that professional liability insurance can cover work mistakes and oversights, professional negligence lawsuits, and late or incomplete work.

Here are some specific professions that can benefit from professional liability insurance in Wisconsin:

  • Accountants
  • Real estate agents
  • Contractors
  • Consultants
  • Food trucks
  • Cleaning services
  • Restaurants
  • Dry cleaners
  • Personal trainers
  • Manufacturers

Other to Consider

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As you're building your Wisconsin small business, it's essential to consider additional insurance options beyond the required workers compensation and automobile insurance. In Wisconsin, sole proprietors with no employees are exempt from carrying workers compensation insurance.

If you do have employees, you'll want to explore other insurance options to protect your business. Employee Disability Insurance can provide financial support to employees who become injured or ill.

Some other insurance options to consider for your Wisconsin small business include a Business Owner's Policy (BOP), which can bundle multiple policies into one convenient package. A BOP can help protect your business from various risks, including property damage and liability.

Employers in Wisconsin may also want to consider Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI), which can help protect against claims of discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination. This type of insurance can provide peace of mind and help protect your business's reputation.

Here are some other insurance options to consider for your Wisconsin small business:

  • Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance
  • Professional Liability Insurance
  • Product Liability Insurance
  • Commercial Property Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is business insurance required in Wisconsin?

Yes, Wisconsin law requires business owners to purchase certain types of liability insurance. Learn more about the required and optional coverages for your business.

What is the best insurance for a small business?

For small businesses, a Businessowners Policy (BOP) is a comprehensive insurance option that bundles essential coverages, including liability and property insurance. This can provide a cost-effective and streamlined way to protect your business from various risks.

How much does a $1 million dollar business insurance policy cost?

A $1 million business insurance policy typically costs around $69 per month or $824 per year, but costs can vary depending on your business specifics. Check our website for more information on how to get a customized quote.

Wilbur Huels

Senior Writer

Here is a 100-word author bio for Wilbur Huels: Wilbur Huels is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in finance and investing. With a strong background in research and analysis, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, making complex topics accessible to a wide range of readers. His articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as investment funds and their role in shaping the global financial landscape.

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