Workers' Comp Insurance for Roofing Businesses in Wisconsin

Roofing (NCCI class code 5551) is one of the highest-risk class codes in the entire system, with rates often $20-$45 per $100 of payroll. Falls and burns drive frequency and severity. Many carriers won't write roofers at all, which means your placement options are limited and rates are high — but a strong safety program and clean experience mod can dramatically lower your premium in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin workers' compensation market is governed by WCRB, and the average rate statewide is approximately $1.13 per $100 of payroll.

Wisconsin requirements for roofing businesses

When required: Required for employers with 3+ employees, or any employer with payroll over $500 in any quarter.

Sole proprietors: Sole proprietors are exempt unless they elect.

Owner / officer exclusion: Officers may be excluded.

Roofing class codes used in Wisconsin

Why roofing workers' comp is tricky in Wisconsin

Most standard carriers decline roofing accounts entirely. Of those that will write it, many require minimum payroll thresholds, OSHA-compliant fall protection programs, and detailed loss runs. We work with specialty markets that actively want roofing accounts and can usually beat any quote you've received.

Tips for Wisconsin roofing contractors

• ✓ Document your fall protection program — written policy, training records, harnesses inspected
• ✓ Limit residential vs commercial roofing exposure carefully — different codes apply
• ✓ Run a pay-as-you-go program to align premium with actual seasonal payroll
• ✓ Pre-qualify subs to avoid being responsible for their unsafe practices
• ✓ Request schedule credits for safety programs, drug testing, and clean loss runs

Roofing workers' comp in other states

Rates and requirements for roofing contractors vary widely by state. Compare Wisconsin to other major markets:

Other industries in Wisconsin

Wisconsin workers' comp rates and requirements for other common industries: