Washington General Liability Insurance

Protect your business, stay compliant, and win more jobs with dependable coverage.

If you're a contractor in Washington, general liability insurance isn't just smart—it's often required. Whether you're handling residential renovations or large commercial builds, general liability insurance helps protect your business from third-party claims like property damage, bodily injury, and legal fees.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) requires minimum coverage of $200,000 for public liability and $50,000 for property damage, or a $250,000 combined single-limit policy. L&I must be listed as a certificate holder on your general liability policy.

General Liability Application

Why Contractors Need General Liability Insurance

More clients—including general contractors and homeowners—are asking for proof of liability coverage before hiring. Without it, you could lose out on projects or risk being held personally responsible for damages.

Contractor general liability insurance in Washington proves you're covered. When you work with CCIS, we'll provide a Certificate of Insurance that you can share with your clients. Need someone listed as an "Additional Insured"? We've got you covered—just ask.

What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?

General liability insurance for contractors in Washington State protects your business in case of:

• Bodily Injury – An injury, illness, or disease suffered by a person, including death.
• Property Damage – Refers to physical injury to tangible property, as well as any subsequent loss of use.
• Products and Completed Operations – Coverage is offered for bodily injury and property damage after a project has been finished, but only for work done during the policy period
• Medical Payments – Covers medical expenses for bodily injury caused by an accident that occurs within the policy period. Coverage is usually restricted to $5,000.
• Personal and Advertising Injury – Injuries caused by false arrest, malicious prosecution, unlawful eviction, the use of another's concept in an advertisement, copyright infringement, or the publication of anything that slanders, libels, or violates a person's right to privacy. Not prevalent in contractor general liability cases.

Typical limits include:

• $1 million per occurrence
• $2 million aggregate
• $2 million for products/completed operations

Insurance carriers can provide numerous variations on these restrictions. If additional coverage is required, a contractor can buy an Excess policy. The Excess coverage will cover any damages that exceed the maximum limits of primary General Liability policy.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of general liability insurance for Washington contractors depends on several factors—like your trade classification, payroll, revenue, subcontractor use, and where your business operates.

*Prices shown are for a one year term and based on several factors including, but not limited to, classification, payroll, subcontractor costs, gross receipts and location. Rates do not constitute an offer of coverage and are subject to change at any time. Rates may fall outside average ranges shown here due to exceptional risk factors.

Understanding Claims and Policy Types

There are two types of general liability policies for Washington contractors:

• Occurrence-Based: Covers incidents that happen during your policy period—no matter when the claim is filed.
• Claims-Made: Covers claims only if both the event and the filing happen while your policy is active.

Most contractors should choose occurrence-based coverage since it's more widely accepted by clients and general contractors.

When a claim is filed, the insurance company will handle defense and settlements up to your policy limit. You'll only need to cover your deductible, and the insurance company will cover the balance of damages and/or medical payments up to the policy limits.

General Liability Coverage for All Types of Washington Contractors

No matter your specialty, having the right contractor general liability insurance in Washington is essential. At CCIS, we work with all types of licensed trades to provide tailored coverage that meets both regulatory requirements and real-world risks.

Here are just a few of the contractor types we serve:

• General Contractors – Residential and commercial
• Electricians – Including those doing panel upgrades, rewiring, and lighting installs
• Plumbers – From rough-in to final fixtures
• Roofers – Working on both flat and pitched surfaces
• HVAC Contractors – Heating, cooling, and ventilation services
• Painters and Drywall Contractors
• Concrete and Masonry Workers
• Landscapers and Tree Service Contractors
• Carpenters and Framers
• Remodelers and Home Improvement Specialists

Each trade has different exposures, so your policy should reflect the unique risks you face. Whether you're laying foundations or installing solar panels, we'll help you secure the right general liability insurance for contractors in Washington State—without overpaying for coverage you don't need.

Frequently Asked Questions: Washington General Liability Insurance