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Wisconsin is an amazing state to open a small business. In fact, 50% of the manufacturers based in the Badger State believe Wisconsin is going in the right direction when it comes to business. Data shows that around half a million small enterprises are located in Wisconsin, employing one-half of the state’s total workforce. That’s why starting a new business or taking your company to this state would be a great idea. But have you thought about insurance?
Commercial insurance is a necessity when you’re trying to stay afloat in the Badger State, such as its below-normal snowfall in 2025 or last year’s alcohol laws. Also, you may suffer loss due to natural disasters, workers quitting on you, data breaches, arson, theft, etc. That’s why business insurance has become indispensable for Wisconsin-based companies.
This blog will explore 9 leading firms in Wisconsin that provide business insurance.
Tivly
Let’s start with the best option for Wisconsin-based businesses, i.e., Tivly. Tivly connects you with 200+ insurance providers scattered throughout the United States. You can get a free quote from them, and Tivly’s commercial insurance packages are really affordable.
Thimble
Next, we have Thimble, which is an MGA offering diverse insurance policies. Thimble has very good reviews on Trustpilot. Also, Thimble’s useful app makes it easier for startups based in the Badger State to get commercial insurance. Getting a quote takes 60 seconds, and you will get the much-needed business insurance coverage in a few minutes.
NEXT Insurance
NEXT Insurance gives you access to unique funding options, protecting 1,300+ niches across the United States, especially in Wisconsin. Bundling two or more policies will give you a very generous 10% discount. At NEXT, general liability starts at $19 per month for small business owners!
Hiscox
Hiscox caters to the needs of small businesses to high-net-worth (HNW) individuals. One of its main offices is located in Chicago. But you can contact Hiscox online and get coverage in 15 minutes or so. Hiscox serves many industries, ranging from caregivers and makeup artists to real estate agents and golf instructors.
InsuranceBee
The services of InsuranceBee are available in Wisconsin. You can easily get ample coverage for your small business based in Wisconsin with this provider. Whether you have a landscaping firm or a landscaping business, InsuranceBee will provide you with the much-needed coverage.
Potter Agency
Potter Agency is yet another leading firm for Wisconsin entrepreneurs. It is based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They mainly provide general liability insurance at Potter Agency. Plumbers as well as electricians are the target niches of this firm. On their website, they claim that their insurance policies “will cover those accidents or damages that occur on-site or as a result of using goods or services sold by [your] company.”
Forward Bank
At Forward Bank (or Forward Insurance), you can easily apply for commercial insurance to protect your startup in the Badger State. Their service offerings include the following options:
- Commercial auto coverage
- Commercial property coverage
- Commercial umbrella coverage
- Business liability coverage
- Inland marine coverage
- Cyber liability coverage
- Workers compensation coverage
- Farm insurance
- Non-Profit insurance
McClone Insurance
At McClone, Wisconsin-based enterprises can easily apply for decent insurance packages to stay safe when emergencies happen. This firm is based in Menasha.
Society Insurance
Lastly, we’d like to mention Society Insurance. This insurance carrier is perfect for businesses based in Wisconsin. At Society, you can get insurance if your business niche is:
- Bars
- EZ prep foods
- Restaurants
- Medical clinics
- Convenience stores
- Grocery stores
- Food & beverage manufacturing
Brief Overview of Leading Business Insurance Providers
The table below describes how the top 9 insurance companies in Wisconsin differ by product and unique selling features.
| Insurance Firm | Products | Unique Selling Features |
| Tivly | General Liability, Professional Liability, Commercial Auto Insurance, Workers’ Compensation | Marketplace with access to 200+ insurance affiliates, quick coverage matching |
| Thimble | General Liability, Professional Liability, Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) | On-demand coverage (hourly, daily, monthly, yearly), instant Certificate of Insurance issuance |
| NEXT Insurance | General Liability, Professional Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Auto, Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) | Digital-first insurance management, quick policy purchase within 10 minutes |
| Hiscox | General Liability, Professional Liability (E&O), Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), Cyber Security Insurance | Tailored coverage for small businesses, streamlined online policy management |
| InsuranceBee | General Liability, Professional Liability (E&O), Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), Cyber Liability, Workers’ Compensation | Tech-savvy, fast quotes and coverage for freelancers and small businesses |
| Potter Agency | General Liability Insurance | Local agents assist in finding the right plan at the right budget, serving specific Wisconsin areas |
| Forward Insurance | Commercial Auto, Commercial Property, Liability, Cyber, Workers Comp, Farm, Non-Profit | Customized solutions for businesses/nonprofits in WI and MN, specialized farm coverage |
| McClone | Broad spectrum of insurance products | RiskMAP process to secure the right coverage at the right price, claims management |
| Society Insurance | Tailored for Restaurants, EZ Prep Foods, Bars, Small Businesses, Medical Offices, and more | Extensive industry knowledge, in-depth policies for Wisconsin businesses, endorsed by WRA & TLW |
Top Wisconsin Cities for Business Insurance
The following cities in Wisconsin provide the required infrastructure support and economic environments suitable for finding business insurance solutions.
- Milwaukee
- Madison
- Green Bay
- Kenosha
- Racine
- Appleton
- Waukesha
- Eau Claire
- Oshkosh
- Janesville
- West Allis
- La Crosse
- Sheboygan
- Fond du Lac
- Menasha
Wisconsin Government Resources for Business Insurance
You can get additional information about business insurance requirements in Wisconsin through these government resources.
- OCI Business Insurance
- US Small Business Administration | Wisconsin
- Health Insurance for Small Business Owners
- Workers’ Comp Entrepreneurs’ Resources
Conclusion
Small business owners in Wisconsin are hailing the elimination of personal property tax as a great victory for the Badger State’s entrepreneurial class. It seems like the timing is perfect for someone to start a new company in Wisconsin!
Hopefully, you now know that Wisconsin is perfect for business, with ample business insurance providers here. If you want to learn about the best insurance providers in Michigan or the top commercial insurance firms in Minnesota, we have you covered. If you want to start a business in the Badger State, here are the most reliable funding options in Wisconsin to give you a good head start.
You should also visit Sophisticated Investor for the latest insights on protecting and growing your business.
Brandi is a financial writer and entrepreneur with decades of expertise covering U.S. business and financial topics. Her work has been featured on Consumer Affairs, ASBN Small Business Network, Koho and many other top financial publications.
