Whether you're a solo plumber, a landscaping crew, or a general contractor overseeing subcontractors, insurance isn't optional — and it's not one-size-fits-all. Here's what Wisconsin contractors actually need, and why each piece matters.

General Liability: The Non-Negotiable Foundation

General liability (GL) insurance is the baseline for any contractor. It covers third-party bodily injury and property damage — meaning if someone gets hurt at your job site or you accidentally damage a client's property, your GL policy responds. Most commercial clients and general contractors will require a certificate of insurance before you set foot on a job.

A $1,000,000 per-occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate limit is the industry standard minimum. Larger projects or clients may require $2M/$4M or higher. As an independent agent, I can structure your limits to match what your contracts require without overbuilding the policy.

Completed Operations Coverage

Standard GL includes completed operations, which covers claims that arise after a job is done. If a deck you built collapses six months later, completed operations is what pays. Many contractors aren't aware this coverage has its own sub-limit and expiration — make sure yours extends far enough to match your work warranty.

Commercial Auto

If you use a truck, van, or trailer for your business — even occasionally — your personal auto policy almost certainly won't cover a work-related accident. Commercial auto coverage applies to vehicles used for business purposes and typically provides higher limits to match the greater liability exposure of work vehicles. See our guide on commercial auto vs. personal auto for more detail.

Tools and Equipment Coverage

Your tools travel with you, get left on job sites overnight, and sometimes walk away. Tools and equipment coverage (often called inland marine) covers your equipment — ladders, saws, generators, compressors — against theft, damage, and loss. It's a separate policy from your GL and typically very affordable relative to the value it protects.

For contractors with heavy equipment, you'll want to look at contractors equipment floaters, which can cover larger machinery separately.

Workers' Compensation

In Wisconsin, if you have any employees — even part-time seasonal workers — you're required by law to carry workers' compensation insurance. It covers medical costs and lost wages for employees injured on the job and shields you from direct lawsuits from injured workers. Going without it is a significant legal and financial risk.

Sole proprietors with no employees are exempt, but should consider the exposure carefully if they work on sites where an injury could be career-ending.

Umbrella / Excess Liability

A commercial umbrella policy sits above your GL and auto limits, providing an extra layer of protection for catastrophic claims. For larger contractors or those working on higher-value projects, a $1M–$5M umbrella is often worth the relatively modest premium.

What Subcontractors Need to Know

If you hire subcontractors, your GL policy may or may not cover their work — it depends on the policy language. Ask your agent specifically about subcontractor exclusions and whether you need to collect certificates of insurance from subs before they work on your jobs. Failing to do so can leave you exposed for their mistakes.

Getting the Right Coverage for Your Trade

Different trades carry different risk profiles. A roofer has different needs than an electrician, and both differ from a landscaper. Coverage requirements, limits, and exclusions vary significantly by trade. That's why working with an independent agent — rather than buying off a generic online portal — matters. I'll find carriers that specialize in your type of work and build a program that actually fits.