Wisconsincontractor insurance & bonding requirements
Updated April 2026 · Source: WI Dept of Safety & Professional Services §SPS 305
Minimum requirements
- General liability
- $500,000
- Workers' comp
- Required for crews
Licensed general contractors in Wisconsincarry commercial insurance so that if a crew member gets injured on-site, a homeowner's appliance is damaged during demo, or a neighboring property suffers an impact from construction, the contractor's policy (not the homeowner's) pays the claim. AskBaily does not match homeowners to contractors below these minimums.
Dwelling Contractor Certification required for all 1-2 family residential. No bond.
Common questions
What insurance does a Wisconsin general contractor need?
A Wisconsin general contractor needs at minimum $500,000 general liability coverage. Workers' compensation insurance is required for crews. Per WI Dept of Safety & Professional Services §SPS 305.
How much is the surety bond for Wisconsin contractors?
Wisconsin does not require a state-level surety bond for general contractors. Dwelling Contractor Certification required for all 1-2 family residential. No bond.
Who is the licensing authority in Wisconsin?
WI Dept of Safety & Professional Services §SPS 305 is the authority for Wisconsin contractor oversight. Public license lookup is available at https://dsps.wi.gov/.
How does AskBaily verify contractors in Wisconsin?
AskBaily runs automated verification against WI Dept of Safety & Professional Services §SPS 305 before a contractor is matched to a homeowner project. The pro's license number is validated live at signup.
What happens if a contractor doesn't carry the required insurance?
Underinsured contractors are removed from the AskBaily match pool immediately. A homeowner who hires an unlicensed or underinsured contractor in Wisconsin can lose the right to mechanic's lien protection, may be held liable for on-site injuries, and forfeits protection under WI Dept of Safety & Professional Services §SPS 305. That's why AskBaily's policy is to match only verified pros.
Nearby jurisdictions
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