General Contractor Insurance in Washington State

General contractors in Washington face a uniquely broad spectrum of liability. Unlike specialty trades that focus on a single skill, GCs coordinate entire projects — which means they inherit risk from every subcontractor, every material choice, and every phase of construction. A single project can involve excavation, framing, electrical, plumbing, and finishing work, and if any of it goes wrong, the general contractor is often the first party named in a lawsuit.

Washington State holds general contractors to strict standards. Under RCW 18.27, you must register with the Department of Labor & Industries, carry a $30,000 surety bond, and maintain proof of liability insurance before you can legally operate. L&I actively enforces these requirements — unregistered contractors face fines up to $5,000 per infraction, and homeowners can file bond claims if work is defective or incomplete.

The risks are real and varied.Your crew accidentally severs a gas line during excavation — general liability responds to the property damage and any injuries.

Washington's construction defect statute (RCW 64.50) allows homeowners up to six years to bring claims for defective work. This long tail of liability means your insurance needs to protect you not just today, but years down the road. Operating without adequate coverage in Washington isn't just risky — it's a business-ending gamble that no serious general contractor should take.