Table of Contents
- What is General Liability insurance coverage?
- Does Washington State require General Liability insurance?
- What small business might need General Liability insurance in Washington State?
- How much does a General Liability insurance policy cost in Washington State?
- How NEXT helps Washington State small business owners
What is General Liability insurance coverage?
General liability insurance is critical for Washington State’s nearly 700,000 small businesses that employ almost half of the Evergreen State’s workforce.1 It can help protect these small businesses and self-employed workers after common accidents like slip-and-fall injuries and property damage.
General liability coverage can help cover costs if someone (other than an employee) claims that your business caused them bodily injury or destroyed their belongings. It can help cover medical bills, pay to repair or replace damaged items and assist with legal costs if you’re sued and need a lawyer.
In addition, general liability can cover incidences of advertising injury and reputational damage.
Does Washington State require General Liability insurance?
While Washington doesn’t require general liability for every business, but coverage is a good idea. It can help provide a financial safety net after unforeseen events.
Here’s why general liability is often the first business insurance purchased by small companies:
Licenses and permits
If you’re a general or speciality contractor in Washington State, general liability insurance is a requirement to register with the state. You’ll need to provide a certificate of insurance to show you carry general liability coverage.
Financial protection
Accidents can happen, and general liability can minimize out-of-pocket expenses if you’re accused of causing personal injury, damaging someone’s property or have to defend your business in a lawsuit.
Business growth
Washington State commercial general liability can demonstrate your professionalism. Some clients may ask for proof of insurance before they’ll let you bid on a project or hire you for a job.
Leasing property
A general liability policy can help you rent an office, warehouse, storefront or other commercial space. Many landlords will require a certificate of insurance and a minimum level of coverage before they’ll offer you a lease.
What small business might need General Liability insurance in Washington State?
General liability insurance is a must-have for general and speciality contractors in Washington State. To register with the state, proof of insurance is required.2
If you’re a general contractor, handyman, painter, carpenter, electrician or other tradesperson that remodels, completes repairs or does demolition, check the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to see general liability insurance requirements.
Beyond that, general liability can benefit any Washington State small business, from carpet cleaners in Bellevue to family restaurants in Kent to barbers in Olympia.
The broad protection of general liability covers common risks like personal injury claims and property damage.
How much does a General Liability insurance policy cost in Washington State?
Several factors related to your business operations and profession determine what you’ll pay for Washington State general liability coverage. These include:
- Where your business is located
- The type of work you do
- Your number of employees
- If you have past insurance claims
General liability policies are often affordable. The majority of NEXT customers pay $45 or less a month for their commercial general liability insurance.**
Get a free instant quote from NEXT to see what you’ll pay. It takes less than 10 minutes, and you can purchase your policy online.
You can also use our liability insurance calculator for a general estimate of insurance costs in Washington State.
How NEXT helps Washington State small business owners
We offer a fast and easy way for you to get a free general liability insurance quote, purchase coverage and instantly share a certificate of insurance. The entire process usually takes less than 10 minutes.
You can also chat with our Washington State–based NEXT licensed agents if you need help or have questions.
