General Liability (GL)

• Third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal/advertising injury
• Typical limits $1M/$2M; higher limits available for larger projects
• Additional Insured, Primary & Noncontributory, and Waiver of Subrogation for owners and GCs
• Per-Project Aggregate - dedicates a fresh limit to each job
• Products & Completed Operations for claims that arise post-project

Wisconsin property owners increasingly require Per-Project Aggregate on renovation work; confirm this endorsement is in place before committing to multiple projects.

Workers' Compensation

• Required by Wisconsin law for any contractor with employees
• Covers medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation for work-related injuries
• Employers Liability protects against employee negligence suits
• Owner/officer exclusions available where permitted
• Experience modification and payroll audit support

Accurate payroll classification is crucial for managing WC premiums. The Wisconsin DWD actively audits contractors, making compliance essential.

Builders Risk (Course of Construction)

• Covers structures under construction against fire, theft, vandalism, and weather perils
• Single-project or blanket options for contractors with multiple jobs
• Soft costs, delay-in-completion, and Ordinance or Law endorsements available
• Often required by lenders for financing
• Should extend through the building department inspection process

Wisconsin's urban job sites can be targets for theft; ensure limits reflect the full completed value to avoid coinsurance penalties.

Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment)

• Covers tools, equipment, and materials on job sites
• Coverage follows equipment in transit and in storage
• Scheduled and blanket options available
• Theft from vehicles and job sites is a common risk

Standard Commercial Property only covers tools at your shop address; Inland Marine protects equipment actively used on projects.

Commercial Auto

• Covers vehicles used for transporting materials
• Liability for accidents on Wisconsin roads
• Hired & Non-Owned Auto coverage for personal vehicles used for work
• Fleet or single-unit options available

Wisconsin's diverse terrain can increase accident risks; ensure coverage is adequate for all vehicles used in operations.

Professional Liability / Contractors E&O

• Covers claims alleging negligent project management or design errors
• Project-specific or annual practice policy options
• Pairs with GL to cover financial losses not reached by GL

As GCs take on more design responsibilities, Contractors E&O becomes increasingly important to mitigate risks.

Commercial Umbrella / Excess Liability

• Extra limits over GL, Auto, and Employers Liability
• Often required for larger projects
• Cost-effective way to meet higher contract requirements

Umbrella policies can provide essential coverage for larger Wisconsin contracts, ensuring compliance with stringent requirements.

Bonds (License, Bid, Performance & Payment)

• License/Permit Bond required for contractor registration
• Bid Bond guarantees contract honor if awarded
• Performance Bond ensures project completion
• Payment Bond guarantees subcontractor payments

Wisconsin public contracts often require bonds; we arrange bond capacity alongside your insurance program.

Wisconsin Contractor Registration

All contractors performing work in Wisconsin must register with the Department of Safety and Professional Services. This registration requires proof of insurance and compliance with state regulations. Operating without registration can lead to fines and unenforceable contracts.

Building Permits

All construction work in Wisconsin requires permits from local municipalities. Permit applications typically require a current Certificate of Insurance, and larger projects may require the municipality named as Additional Insured. Confirm permit status before starting work.

Public Project Bonding

Public construction contracts in Wisconsin often require performance and payment bonds. Ensure you have the necessary bonding capacity before bidding on public work.

Worker Classification

Wisconsin applies specific tests for determining employee vs. independent contractor status. Misclassification can lead to significant liabilities, so ensure all subcontractors have proper insurance and documentation.