What Insurance Does a Small Business in Washington Need?

Most Washington small businesses need general liability and commercial property coverage (often combined in a business owners policy), L&I workers compensation plus stop-gap if they have employees, and commercial auto if vehicles are used for work. Depending on the business, professional liability, cyber, liquor liability, bonds and an umbrella may also be needed.

The core coverage checklist

• General liability: injuries and property damage to others
• Commercial property: your equipment, inventory, improvements and building
• Business income: lost income while you recover from a covered loss
• Workers comp and stop-gap: required through L&I if you have employees, with stop-gap from a private carrier
• Commercial auto: plus hired and non-owned auto if employees drive their own cars for work

Depending on what you do

• Professional liability: if you give advice or professional services
• Cyber liability: if you store customer data or take card payments
• Liquor liability: if you serve or sell alcohol
• Contractor bonds: required to register as a contractor with L&I
• Employment practices liability: for claims from employees about hiring, firing or harassment
• Commercial umbrella: for higher limits required by contracts

Check your contracts first

Your lease, client agreements and vendor contracts often spell out exactly what insurance you need, including limits and endorsements. Reading them before buying coverage avoids last-minute scrambles for certificates.

Start with a review

Every business is different. We can review your operations and contracts and recommend coverage that fits. Visit our business insurance page or call (425) 555-0100.