Requirements
Washington contractor requirements
L&I, LNI, bonding, and the insurance most contracts actually require.
Washington state minimums
- Registered with WA L&I as a contractor
- General contractor bond: $12,000
- Specialty contractor bond: $6,000
- General liability: $200K public liability + $50K property damage (or $250K CSL)
- Workers' comp through L&I once you have employees
- UBI number active with WA DOR
What contracts and lenders typically require
General liability · $1M/$2M
Standard in almost every subcontract and commercial lease.
Additional insured
Named additional insureds on the GL for GCs, property owners, and lenders.
Waiver of subrogation
Required on many GC-sub contracts.
Umbrella · $1M–$5M
Increasingly required for public works and larger commercial projects.
Do I need workers' comp if I'm a solo contractor?
No — sole proprietors can elect out on themselves via L&I. But once you hire (even one part-time helper), you register and report hours.
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