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Which policies are recommended for businesses in Washington state?
Small businesses in Washington most often buy these types of insurance.
General liability insurance
This type of business liability insurance is important for all businesses in Washington state. It covers common third-party risks, and it's required by most commercial leases.
BEST FOR
- Customer bodily injuries
- Personal injuries
- Advertising injuries
Workers’ compensation insurance
Washington businesses must provide workers' comp for their employees, with some exceptions. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
BEST FOR
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Physical and occupational therapy
Commercial auto insurance
This policy is required for business-owned vehicles in Washington. It covers injuries and property damage in an accident, along with vehicle theft, vandalism, and weather damage.
BEST FOR
- Accidents involving commercial vehicles
- Theft of a business-owned vehicle
- Damage to a company vehicle
Business owner’s policy
A BOP bundles commercial property insurance and general liability coverage in one plan. It's often the most cost-effective business insurance policy for a small Washington business.
BEST FOR
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Damaged customer property
- Damaged business property
Professional liability insurance
This policy, also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O), protects Washington businesses that provide professional services or advice. It covers lawsuits related to work performance.
BEST FOR
- Work mistakes and oversights
- Professional negligence lawsuits
- Late or incomplete work
Errors and omissions insurance
E&O, sometimes called professional liability insurance, is common with professional services in Washington. It can cover the cost of lawsuits related to your work performance.
BEST FOR
- Missed deadlines
- Accusations of negligence
- Errors and oversights
Cyber insurance
A cyber liability policy covers costs related to data breaches and cyberattacks. It's recommended for Washington businesses that handle credit cards and other sensitive data.
BEST FOR
- Customer notification expenses
- Fraud monitoring services
- Data breach investigations
Commercial umbrella insurance
Umbrella insurance boosts coverage on your general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and employer's liability insurance when the underlying policy reaches its limit.
BEST FOR
- Customer lawsuits
- Auto accident lawsuits
- Employee injury lawsuits
Commercial property insurance
This policy covers the value of a business's physical structure and its contents, such as inventory, equipment, and furniture. Bundle it with general liability coverage in a BOP for savings.
BEST FOR
- Fire
- Theft and vandalism
- Weather damage
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Which business insurance policies are required in Washington?
State laws can affect which business insurance coverage you need. These policies are required everywhere in Washington, from Seattle to Spokane.
Workers' compensation insurance
With a few exceptions, Washington state law [PDF] requires businesses with employees, full-time or part-time, to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Washington is a monopolistic state, which means coverage must be purchased through the state fund. This policy covers medical bills for work-related injuries and illnesses, such as a cleaning company employee becoming ill from cleaner fumes. It can also include coverage for additional expenses.
Workers' comp policies purchased through the state fund don't include employer's liability insurance, which helps pay for lawsuits related to employee injuries. Washington employers can buy this protection through a private insurer as stop gap coverage.
Commercial auto insurance
All business-owned vehicles in the Evergreen State must be covered by commercial auto insurance. This policy covers the cost of accidents involving work vehicles in Washington.
Washington's minimum requirements for auto liability insurance are:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $10,000 property damage liability per accident
Trucking companies may need additional coverage to comply with regulations.
Though it's not required, personal vehicles driven for work purposes should be covered by hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA), as personal auto policies usually exclude business use. It can be added to commercial general liability insurance or a business owner's policy.
How much does small business insurance cost in WA?
Commercial insurance can be affordable for small business owners. Average costs in Washington are:
General liability: $42 per month
BOP: $63 per month
Professional liability/E&O: $75 per month
Factors that influence business insurance costs include:
- Your industry and risks
- Business operations
- Number of employees
- Location, such as Seattle or Tacoma
- Policy limits and deductibles
How to get insurance for your Washington business
View video transcript.
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When you are ready to get insurance for your Washington business, you can complete Insureon's easy online application to get quotes from top-rated insurance companies.
FAQs about Washington business insurance
Review answers to frequently asked questions about Seattle and Washington business insurance.
How do I get a certificate of insurance for my business?
Insureon's licensed agents can help you find policies that fulfill Washington state's requirements and protect against financial loss. Once you've purchased insurance with us, you can download a certificate of insurance by logging into your account.
Can my company be held liable for a data security breach?
Yes – that's why cyber insurance is so crucial. Hackers are three times more likely to target small businesses, as they often have fewer resources to combat a threat.
Washington's data breach laws require businesses to report security breaches to affected residents, and the costs can escalate quickly. Cyber liability insurance lessens the financial impact by paying for notification costs, legal fees, and fines.
Does my industry affect state business insurance requirements?
Yes, your state may have special requirements for business insurance and bonds for your industry. You may also need a license depending on the work you do.
Contractors often need to carry general liability insurance or surety bonds to perform certain types of work. Having the right insurance and bonds helps you comply with state licensing requirements.
Real estate agents and brokers and other professionals who offer advice or services sometimes need errors and omissions insurance (E&O) to get licensed in their state.
Cannabis businesses in the state of Washington need to carry general liability insurance and add the state as an additional insured to operate legally.
Note that cities and counties may have their own laws, in addition to state laws.
How can I save money on Washington small business insurance?
As with any purchase, shopping around is one of the best ways to find affordable options. With Insureon, you can compare quotes from top-rated insurance carriers by filling out a free online application.
Other ways to save include bundling insurance products for a discount, and choosing less expensive coverage options, such as lower limits or a higher deductible. Learn more about how to find cheap business insurance.