Contractor Insurance in Washington State
Protect Your Washington Contracting Business with the Right Insurance
Whether you're a general contractor, electrician, plumber, roofer, painter, HVAC contractor, or another skilled trades professional, your business faces unique risks every day. From job site injuries and property damage to equipment theft and contractual requirements, one unexpected incident can have a significant financial impact.
Richardson Insurance Services, Inc. helps contractors throughout Washington find insurance solutions designed to protect their businesses, employees, equipment, and reputation. As an independent insurance agency, we work with multiple highly rated insurance companies to help you compare coverage options and competitive pricing.
Whether you're an independent contractor in Everett just starting out or an established construction company in Tacoma with multiple crews, we can help you build an insurance package that fits your business.
Contractors We Commonly Insure
We work with many types of construction professionals throughout Washington, including:
- General Contractors
- Electrical Contractors
- Plumbing Contractors
- HVAC Contractors
- Roofing Contractors
- Painting Contractors
- Concrete Contractors
- Excavation Contractors
- Framing Contractors
- Drywall Contractors
- Flooring Contractors
- Finish Carpenters
- Remodelers
- Handymen
- Masonry Contractors
- Landscaping Contractors
- Fence Contractors
- Cabinet Installers
- Siding Contractors
- Window & Door Installers
- Commercial Contractors
- Residential Contractors
No matter your specialty, we can help identify the insurance coverage your business may need.
Insurance Coverages Washington Contractors Should Consider
Every contractor has different insurance needs depending on the size of the business, number of employees, equipment owned, and contractual obligations.
Common coverages include:
General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance helps protect your business if someone alleges that your work caused bodily injury or property damage.
Coverage may help pay for:
- Customer injuries
- Damage to client property
- Legal defense costs
- Settlements and judgments
- Advertising injury claims
Many property owners, builders, and municipalities require proof of general liability insurance before work begins.
Commercial Auto Insurance
If your company owns trucks, vans, trailers, or other work vehicles, commercial auto insurance can help protect your business while traveling between jobsites.
Coverage may include:
- Vehicle accidents
- Property damage
- Bodily injury liability
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Uninsured motorists
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Washington requires most employers to carry workers' compensation coverage for employees.
Construction remains one of the highest-risk industries for workplace injuries. Workers' compensation can help provide benefits for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Permanent disability benefits
Tools & Equipment Coverage
Contractors often invest thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars in equipment.
Tools and equipment coverage can help protect:
- Power tools
- Compressors
- Generators
- Ladders
- Excavators
- Skid steers
- Trailers
- Jobsite equipment
Coverage may apply to theft, vandalism, and certain types of accidental damage.
Commercial Property Insurance
If you own an office, warehouse, or shop, commercial property insurance can help protect your building and business property from covered losses such as:
- Fire
- Windstorms
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Certain water damage
Inland Marine Insurance
Many contractors transport expensive tools and equipment from one jobsite to another.
Inland marine insurance helps cover equipment while it is being transported or temporarily located away from your primary business location.
Builders Risk Insurance
Builders risk insurance helps protect buildings under construction, renovation, or remodeling.
Coverage may help protect:
- Materials
- Supplies
- Fixtures
- Structures under construction
Builders risk insurance is commonly required by project owners and lenders.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance
An umbrella policy provides additional liability protection above the limits of your underlying liability policies.
This added layer of coverage can be valuable for contractors working on larger commercial projects or projects involving significant potential liability.
Professional Liability Insurance
Some contractors also provide design, consulting, project management, or engineering-related services.
Professional liability insurance helps protect against claims involving:
- Errors
- Omissions
- Negligence
- Professional advice
Why Washington Contractors Need Specialized Insurance
Construction projects involve significant financial and legal risks. Even experienced contractors can face unexpected claims involving:
- Third-party injuries
- Property damage
- Equipment theft
- Weather-related delays
- Employee injuries
- Contract disputes
- Subcontractor liability
- Completed operations claims
Having the right insurance can help your business recover from covered losses and keep projects moving forward. Get a fast free quote today
Why Choose Richardson Insurance Services, Inc.?
Choosing insurance isn't just about finding the lowest premium—it's about making sure your business is properly protected.
When you work with Richardson Insurance Services, Inc., you'll benefit from:
- Independent insurance advice
- Access to multiple insurance companies
- Competitive pricing
- Coverage tailored to your business
- Knowledge of contractor insurance needs
- Responsive, personalized service
- Ongoing policy reviews as your business grows
Our goal is to help Washington contractors protect what they've worked hard to build.
Serving Contractors Throughout Washington
Richardson Insurance Services, Inc. proudly assists contractors across Washington, including businesses in:
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Bellevue
- Kent
- Everett
- Renton
- Yakima
- Bellingham
- Vancouver
- Olympia
- Federal Way
- Auburn
- Kennewick
- Pasco
- Richland
- Puyallup
- Redmond
- Kirkland
- And surrounding Washington communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance is required for contractors in Washington?
Requirements vary depending on your business structure, employees, and the contracts you accept. Many contractors carry general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, workers' compensation (when required), and tools and equipment coverage. Certain clients or projects may also require builders risk, umbrella, or professional liability insurance.
How much does contractor insurance cost in Washington?
Premiums vary based on several factors, including:
- Type of contracting work
- Annual payroll
- Revenue
- Claims history
- Number of employees
- Vehicles owned
- Equipment values
- Coverage limits selected
The best way to determine your cost is to request a personalized quote.
Do independent contractors need insurance?
Yes. Even sole proprietors can be held responsible for property damage, bodily injury, or accidents that occur during a project. Many clients also require proof of insurance before awarding contracts.
Is contractor insurance tax deductible?
Insurance premiums for legitimate business insurance policies are often considered deductible business expenses. Because every situation is different, it's best to consult your tax professional.
What is a certificate of insurance (COI)?
A certificate of insurance provides proof that your business carries specific insurance coverage. Many clients, property managers, and general contractors request a COI before work begins.
Can I bundle multiple business insurance policies?
Yes. Many contractors choose a Business Owners Policy (BOP) or bundle multiple coverages with the same carrier, which may simplify policy management and potentially reduce premiums, depending on eligibility.
Get a Contractor Insurance Quote Today
Whether you're starting a new contracting business or reviewing your current coverage, Richardson Insurance Services, Inc. can help you compare insurance options from multiple carriers.
Contact our team today to request a personalized contractor insurance quote and protect your Washington business with coverage designed for the work you do.