Washington contractors insurance

Licensing & registration in Washington

Contractors generally must register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) as a general or specialty contractor before bidding or working. Registration itself has insurance and bond requirements. Confirm current rules with L&I before you operate.

Washington registration generally requires both a continuous surety bond and a general liability insurance policy on file with L&I, with bond amounts that differ for general vs. specialty contractors. Verify the current amounts with L&I.

Coverages Washington contractors carry

• •General liability — generally intended to respond to third-party injury and property damage from your work, including completed-operations claims that surface after a job.
• •Workers’ compensation — required in most states once you have employees, and commonly required of subs by the GCs who hire them.
• •License / registration bond — a guarantee to the public required by many licensing bodies; distinct from your liability insurance.
• •Tools & equipment (inland marine) — optional coverage generally intended to address loss or damage to your own gear.
• •Commercial auto — for work trucks and vans; personal auto typically excludes business use.

Who needs it in Washington

Common Washington users include home builders and remodelers, roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and landscapers across Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Vancouver.