Last updated: October 20, 2025
"The first rule in investment is don't lose and the second rule in investment is don't forget the first rule." - Warren Buffett
Fix and flip insurance sometimes called renovation insurance or builder’s risk insurance is an essential coverage for Wisconsin real estate investors who buy, renovate, and resell homes for profit. Unlike basic homeowners policies, fix and flip insurance in Wisconsin is built to address risks specific to vacant properties, ongoing construction, and frequent title transfers all common in BRRRR and fix-and-flip projects throughout Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and beyond.
Whether you’re a first-timer transforming a bungalow in Wauwatosa or a veteran flipping multifamily properties in Kenosha, fix and flip insurance Wisconsin is your safeguard for investment capital, legal liability, and keeping your projects on track.
Across Wisconsin, premiums for fix and flip insurance have increased by more than 25% over the past year and a half. For investors, this means tighter margins and greater scrutiny over deal viability, whether you’re working in Appleton, Racine, or Sheboygan. At OfferMarket, we review hundreds of Wisconsin fix and flip policies annually, and we find that most investors are quoted insurance premiums nearly 33% higher than needed based on lender requirements and actual risk.
The reason? Many Wisconsin investors rely on agencies with little commercial insurance expertise, or agents locked into a single carrier’s products resulting in inflated premiums and subpar coverage. At OfferMarket, we developed a smarter way: our rate shopping platform compares 40+ top carriers in Wisconsin, ensuring you get robust protection for your flip at a fair price, quality-controlled by our expert team.
Every month, we help Wisconsin investors save thousands. Ready to see how much you can save?

Wherever your Wisconsin renovation is located, OfferMarket has your back: We cover every region from the Northwoods and Door County to the shores of Lake Michigan.
Wherever your Wisconsin rehab is based, our insurance network has you covered:
Our specialized coverage spans the diverse landscapes and neighborhoods unique to Wisconsin.
In Wisconsin, many flips begin as empty homes. Standard insurance typically excludes vacant dwellings—leaving you exposed to higher risks of vandalism, copper theft, and damage from undetected issues like frozen pipes during those frigid Badger State winters.
Every project—from kitchen upgrades in Oshkosh to roof replacements in Eau Claire—brings hazards such as:
Wisconsin fix and flip insurance specifically covers these perils throughout all rehab stages.
If a contractor is injured while renovating a duplex in Janesville or a trespasser slips in a vacant Fond du Lac property, you could face significant legal exposure. General liability coverage within your Wisconsin fix and flip policy protects against lawsuits and unexpected medical bills.
Policies are highly customizable for Wisconsin’s diverse markets. Typical inclusions and options:
Covers structures and materials from:
| Covered Risks |
|---|
| Fire |
| Vandalism |
| Theft (especially of materials like lumber or copper) |
| Lightning |
| Wind and hail (crucial in the Midwest) |
| Water damage (non-flood) |
Covers claims from:
Covers the property under renovation, materials in transit, and newly installed features.
Keeps your policy active even when the home sits empty during renovations.
Optional protection for tools and machinery—vital on Wisconsin job sites.
Pays for code upgrades, demolition, or rebuilding costs when local ordinances demand it.
If your project in La Crosse or Sheboygan is rented during rehab or post-renovation, loss of rents covers income lost due to a covered claim.
Always check exclusions with your agent and read your policy carefully.
Wisconsin fix and flip insurance is essential for:
From modest Milwaukee duplexes to luxury lakefront flips in the Dells, fix and flip insurance is a core risk management tool.
Premiums in Wisconsin depend on:
| Property Value | Rehab Budget | Estimated Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $50,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| $300,000 | $100,000 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| $500,000 | $200,000 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
Note: Annual premiums are usually refundable pro-rata if you sell or refinance early. Bundling properties under one portfolio policy can further lower per-property costs for volume flippers.
When shopping for fix and flip insurance Wisconsin, it comes down to the risks you want covered, the price you’ll pay, and the quality of your agent’s expertise. We recommend comprehensive policies that include property, liability, business interruption, and flood insurance when necessary.
Work with a Wisconsin-focused agency that knows the local market and has access to multiple carriers for the best price and protection. Get your Wisconsin fix and flip insurance quote now!
OfferMarket simplifies the process for Wisconsin investors by connecting you directly with underwriters who know the state’s real estate landscape.
Lenders in Wisconsin typically require:
Missing coverage can lead to:
OfferMarket works closely with your lender to keep your loan and insurance experience seamless, especially OfferMarket Capital.
If you’re investing across Milwaukee, Madison, or several smaller Wisconsin markets at once, the way you structure your insurance coverage matters. OfferMarket helps high-volume Wisconsin flippers streamline their insurance across multiple addresses.
| Options | Benefits of Portfolio Insurance |
|---|---|
| Blanket Policy | One policy protects all properties—ideal for investors with several ongoing flips. |
| Scheduled Policy | Each Wisconsin property is listed separately, with unique limits and premiums. |
| Master Policy | Bundles vacant, builder’s risk, and liability into a single, easy-to-manage bill. |
No matter your strategy—from the Northwoods to the heart of Milwaukee—OfferMarket optimizes your insurance spend and simplifies your paperwork.
Make sure your Wisconsin fix and flip project is covered from every angle:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Property insurance covers the full replacement value | ✅ |
| General liability policy minimum $1M | ✅ |
| Vacant property endorsement is included | ✅ |
| Builder’s risk coverage for the renovation phase | ✅ |
| Tools and equipment protection (if you use or rent tools) | ✅ |
| Lender named as loss payee | ✅ |
| Flood/earthquake insurance if the property is in a risk zone | ✅ |
| Policy term matches your project timeline | ✅ |
| Certificate of insurance issued and filed for your records | ✅ |
Below are standard guidelines often required by Wisconsin fix and flip lenders—mirroring best practices for risk management in the state.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes |
| AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
| Policy Term | 1 Year |
| Limits | Replacement Cost or Loan Amount |
| Deductible | $5,000 |
| Accepted Policy Types | Dwelling Fire (“Special Form”), Commercial Property (“Basic/Special Form”) |
| Cancellation Notice | 30 days |
| Exclusions | No windstorm/hail or named storm exclusion |
| Lender’s Designation | Mortgagee |
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes |
| AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
| Policy Term | 1 Year |
| Limits | $1M per occurrence, $2M aggregate |
| Deductible | $1,000 |
| Coverage Type | Occurrence basis |
| Cancellation Notice | 30 days |
| Lender’s Designation | Additional Insured |
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes (if rented during rehab) |
| AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
| Policy Term | 1 Year |
| Limits | One year of projected rental revenue |
| Coverage Details | Actual Loss Sustained basis |
| Cancellation Notice | 30 days |
| Lender’s Designation | Mortgagee |
If your Wisconsin property is in a FEMA-designated flood zone (common in river cities like La Crosse or along Lake Michigan), your lender will require flood insurance.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes (If in a flood zone) |
| AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
| Policy Term | 1 Year |
| Limits | Greater of $250,000 or loan balance |
| Cancellation Notice | 30 days |
| Lender’s Designation | Mortgagee |
If your fix and flip project involves financing, lender require their mortgagee clause on your policy, such as:
| Requirement | Wisconsin Specific Fix and Flip Insurance Details |
|---|---|
| Mortgagee Clause | OfferMarket Capital LLC ISAOA/ATIMA 627 S Hanover St Baltimore, MD 21230 (or as specified by your Wisconsin lender) |
| Condos | Blanket policy may be used if it allows the individual unit to be included in coverage. Wisconsin condo associations must maintain “all risk” coverage for common areas, fixtures, and shared equipment at 100% of insurable replacement value. |
| PUDs | Blanket policy may be used if it covers each unit. Homeowner association must keep “all risk” insurance for all community property, fixtures, and common equipment at full replacement value. |
| Required Forms | Use the ACORD form to confirm compliance with lender and state requirements. |
| Submission Timeline | Submit insurance certificates, invoices, or paid receipts at least 24 hours before closing. Provide final policy documents within 60 days after closing. |
| Vacancy Protocol | Notify your carrier if the property in Wisconsin becomes vacant or unoccupied during the policy period. Obtain a vacancy permit for the full period of vacancy to ensure continuous coverage. |
Thousands of real estate investors and lenders across Wisconsin trust OfferMarket to remove the stress and confusion from insurance shopping.
Yes, your lender or title company will require proof of insurance before closing. OfferMarket can issue your certificate of insurance in just hours.
Yes, you must disclose any ongoing work at your Wisconsin property. Some carriers may require an inspection or restrict certain coverages mid-project.
You can cancel your fix and flip insurance policy and receive a refund for the unused portion of your premium.
Absolutely. OfferMarket’s portfolio policies are popular among multi-property Wisconsin investors, saving you time and money.
Some carriers may not allow tenants under a standard fix and flip policy. In that case, you’ll need a hybrid or landlord policy. We’ll help you choose the right coverage.
OfferMarket Insurance is a specialized rate-shopping platform that finds you the most competitive fix and flip or landlord insurance in Wisconsin, based on your preferences and lender’s requirements. Our experts review every quote for accuracy and savings.
You can, as long as your agent understands commercial fix and flip insurance and complies with your lender’s guidelines. Many general agents lack Wisconsin-specific expertise, so using OfferMarket often saves time and avoids compliance issues.
Yes, your fix and flip insurance can be paid at closing or directly to your agent. If you pay your agent, you’ll need to provide proof of payment before closing.
Most Wisconsin lenders do not require escrows for insurance. You’re usually responsible for paying your policy directly. If your rehab exceeds 12 months, be prepared to show proof of renewal.
AM Best rates the financial strength of insurance carriers. An (A- VIII) or higher means your carrier is stable and reliable.
Builders risk insurance covers your Wisconsin property and construction materials during renovations. Covered perils include fire, wind, hail, vandalism, theft, and more. The policy typically ends when the property sells, is occupied, or construction is complete.
Fix and flip insurance isn’t just recommended in Wisconsin—it’s vital. With slim margins, tough winters, and renovation risks, savvy investors know that downside protection is just as important as upside potential.
Whether you’re managing a handful of flips in suburban Waukesha or dozens of renovations across the state, OfferMarket’s insurance solutions grow with your portfolio.
Protect your capital. Safeguard your deals. Build your future in Wisconsin real estate.
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