We've compiled answers to common questions about general liability insurance in Washington and best business insurance options based on MoneyGeek's research and analysis:
Best General Liability Insurance in Washington
The Hartford leads Washington general liability insurance as both the top choice and the most affordable option at $93 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: November 26, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in Washington: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Washington?
The Hartford ranks as the best general liability insurance company in Washington with an overall score of 4.64 out of 5. It provides affordable coverage at $93 per month and excellent claims handling. NEXT follows closely as the runner-up, offering strong digital tools and customer service for $117 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Washington?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Washington offer affordable monthly rates:
- The Hartford: $93 per month
- Simply Business: $109 per month
- Nationwide: $110 per month
- Progressive: $114 per month
- NEXT: $117 per month
Do Washington businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Washington state doesn't legally mandate general liability insurance for most businesses. However, licensed contractors, electricians, and other trades often must carry minimum coverage to maintain their licenses. Local municipalities may impose additional requirements. Even without legal requirements, landlords and clients often ask for proof of coverage before signing contracts or leases.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Washington?
General liability insurance costs between $19 and $1,046 per month for small Washington businesses with two employees. Drone operators pay the lowest rates, while pressure washing companies see the highest premiums. Your actual cost depends on your industry, business location, coverage limits and company size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Washington
The Hartford leads our rankings for general liability insurance in Washington, offering the most affordable rates with quality customer support. NEXT excels in customer service and provides strong coverage options for small businesses. Nationwide also delivers reliable service with excellent financial stability, making it another solid choice for Washington business owners.
| The Hartford | 4.64 | $93 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.58 | $117 |
| Nationwide | 4.52 | $111 |
| Simply Business | 4.48 | $109 |
| Coverdash | 4.37 | $118 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $122 |
| biBERK | 4.30 | $129 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.27 | $114 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $135 |
| Hiscox | 4.19 | $129 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates reflect MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Get Matched to the Best Cheap Washington General Liability Insurer
Select your industry and state to get a customized Washington general liability insurance quote.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN WASHINGTON
General liability insurance shields your Washington business from customer injury and property damage claims, but other risks require different coverage. Explore these additional financial protection options for your business:
Best Washington General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the right general liability insurance provider in Washington requires looking beyond affordable rates to consider coverage quality and customer service. Our research identifies the top business insurers based on comprehensive analysis.
The Hartford
Best Washington General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$93These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Best Washington Commercial General Liability: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$117These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Washington
The Hartford provides the cheapest general liability insurance in Washington at $93 per month, saving businesses $24 or 20% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also offer affordable coverage options.
| The Hartford | $93 | $1,119 |
| Simply Business | $109 | $1,307 |
| Nationwide | $111 | $1,326 |
| Progressive Commercial | $114 | $1,369 |
| NEXT Insurance | $117 | $1,407 |
| Coverdash | $118 | $1,411 |
| Thimble | $122 | $1,459 |
| Hiscox | $129 | $1,552 |
| biBERK | $129 | $1,553 |
| Chubb | $135 | $1,622 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates reflect small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on general liability policies. Your premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how much coverage you choose and other factors insurers consider. Available options differ by state.
Cheapest General Liability Insurance in Washington by Industry
MoneyGeek's research identifies the most affordable general liability insurance providers across Washington industries based on comprehensive rate analysis.
- The Hartford dominates with the cheapest rates in 17 industries. The company excels in service-based sectors like electrical work, trucking and pest control.
- Thimble offers the most affordable coverage in 13 industries and is especially strong for creative and technology businesses, including software companies and ad agencies.
- Nationwide ranks as the cheapest provider for 12 industries. The insurer performs best with traditional businesses like construction, manufacturing and restaurants.
- Simply Business leads affordability in 11 industries, focusing on professional service sectors such as accounting, legal practices and consulting firms.
- biBerk secures the lowest rates across 10 industries. The provider specializes in personal service trades including barber shops, beauty salons and contractor work.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | Simply Business | $16 | $197 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $113 | $1,356 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $126 | $1,508 |
| Auto Repair | Nationwide | $92 | $1,100 |
| Bakery | biBERK | $90 | $1,078 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $110 | $1,314 |
| Barber | biBERK | $92 | $1,109 |
| Beauty Salon | biBERK | $92 | $1,109 |
| Bounce House | Thimble | $87 | $1,046 |
| Cannabis | Thimble | $83 | $1,001 |
| Catering | Hiscox | $86 | $1,037 |
| Computer Repair | Nationwide | $90 | $1,084 |
| Cleaning | Thimble | $95 | $1,142 |
| Coffee Shop | The Hartford | $85 | $1,019 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $112 | $1,340 |
| Construction | Nationwide | $88 | $1,061 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $190 | $2,278 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $16 | $197 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $232 | $2,780 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $29 | $351 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $171 |
| Dog Grooming | Nationwide | $85 | $1,020 |
| DJ | Thimble | $95 | $1,142 |
| Electrical | The Hartford | $97 | $1,158 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $15 | $175 |
| Ecommerce | Coverdash | $84 | $1,008 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $421 | $5,052 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $19 | $228 |
| Food | Simply Business | $88 | $1,052 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $35 | $420 |
| Food Truck | NEXT Insurance | $84 | $1,005 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $198 | $2,379 |
| Funeral Home | Chubb | $84 | $1,002 |
| Gardening | Simply Business | $93 | $1,115 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $52 | $628 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $20 | $239 |
| Hospitality | Chubb | $93 | $1,110 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $186 | $2,234 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $122 | $1,467 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $111 | $1,336 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $144 | $1,730 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Nationwide | $84 | $1,009 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $16 | $197 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $23 | $274 |
| Massage | NEXT Insurance | $86 | $1,031 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $27 | $321 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $216 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $30 | $358 |
| Moving | Nationwide | $98 | $1,176 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $126 | $1,511 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $29 | $344 |
| Party Rental | Coverdash | $85 | $1,016 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $21 | $254 |
| Pharmacy | Chubb | $88 | $1,053 |
| Pet | Simply Business | $87 | $1,040 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $973 | $11,672 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $182 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $308 | $3,700 |
| Pressure Washing | The Hartford | $973 | $11,682 |
| Retail | Coverdash | $84 | $1,008 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $137 | $1,644 |
| Restaurant | Nationwide | $94 | $1,132 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $235 | $2,822 |
| Security | The Hartford | $125 | $1,506 |
| Spa/Wellness | Coverdash | $84 | $1,011 |
| Snack Bars | Coverdash | $89 | $1,070 |
| Software | Thimble | $95 | $1,142 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $23 | $273 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $23 | $273 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $16 | $197 |
| Travel | biBERK | $18 | $215 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $216 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $36 | $428 |
| Tree Service | Nationwide | $98 | $1,176 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $28 | $338 |
| Trucking | The Hartford | $92 | $1,103 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $112 | $1,340 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $153 | $1,834 |
| Wedding Planning | Thimble | $98 | $1,178 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $39 | $462 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $146 | $1,754 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Washington
General liability insurance costs Washington small businesses an average of $117 per month. The average cost of general liability coverage depends on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies often pay higher premiums due to greater liability risks, while accounting firms usually pay less because they have lower exposure to claims. Sole proprietors generally pay less than businesses with employees since they have fewer liability exposures.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Washington by Industry
General liability insurance in Washington ranges from $19 monthly for drone businesses to $1,046 for pressure washing companies. This wide cost variation shows why general liability coverage rates depend heavily on your specific industry. Review this table to find typical costs for your business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $25 | $302 |
| Ad Agency | $40 | $485 |
| Automotive | $61 | $731 |
| Auto Repair | $174 | $2,083 |
| Bakery | $103 | $1,239 |
| Barber | $51 | $607 |
| Beauty Salon | $76 | $916 |
| Bounce House | $80 | $963 |
| Candle | $63 | $753 |
| Cannabis | $77 | $919 |
| Catering | $100 | $1,201 |
| Cleaning | $151 | $1,816 |
| Coffee Shop | $103 | $1,230 |
| Computer Programming | $33 | $398 |
| Computer Repair | $54 | $653 |
| Construction | $200 | $2,405 |
| Consulting | $25 | $301 |
| Contractor | $291 | $3,495 |
| Courier | $223 | $2,680 |
| Daycare | $38 | $451 |
| Dental | $25 | $295 |
| DJ | $29 | $347 |
| Dog Grooming | $73 | $870 |
| Drone | $19 | $228 |
| Ecommerce | $84 | $1,003 |
| Electrical | $128 | $1,541 |
| Engineering | $46 | $546 |
| Excavation | $532 | $6,385 |
| Florist | $49 | $587 |
| Food | $123 | $1,476 |
| Food Truck | $162 | $1,944 |
| Funeral Home | $69 | $828 |
| Gardening | $128 | $1,541 |
| Handyman | $279 | $3,348 |
| Home-based | $27 | $326 |
| Home-based | $52 | $628 |
| Hospitality | $74 | $894 |
| HVAC | $280 | $3,364 |
| Janitorial | $157 | $1,880 |
| Jewelry | $46 | $552 |
| Junk Removal | $186 | $2,228 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $137 | $1,648 |
| Lawyers | $26 | $313 |
| Manufacturing | $73 | $875 |
| Marine | $32 | $384 |
| Massage | $109 | $1,314 |
| Mortgage Broker | $26 | $314 |
| Moving | $142 | $1,701 |
| Nonprofit | $41 | $492 |
| Painting | $164 | $1,972 |
| Party Rental | $91 | $1,090 |
| Personal Training | $27 | $327 |
| Pest Control | $37 | $442 |
| Pet | $64 | $769 |
| Pharmacy | $71 | $847 |
| Photography | $28 | $331 |
| Physical Therapy | $126 | $1,509 |
| Plumbing | $413 | $4,957 |
| Pressure Washing | $1,046 | $12,554 |
| Real Estate | $61 | $729 |
| Restaurant | $166 | $1,988 |
| Retail | $75 | $897 |
| Roofing | $443 | $5,320 |
| Security | $159 | $1,908 |
| Snack Bars | $134 | $1,610 |
| Software | $30 | $361 |
| Spa/Wellness | $122 | $1,463 |
| Speech Therapist | $36 | $428 |
| Startup | $33 | $392 |
| Tech/IT | $30 | $362 |
| Transportation | $43 | $516 |
| Travel | $24 | $286 |
| Tree Service | $148 | $1,780 |
| Trucking | $117 | $1,407 |
| Tutoring | $35 | $415 |
| Veterinary | $51 | $615 |
| Wedding Planning | $32 | $380 |
| Welding | $188 | $2,261 |
| Wholesale | $51 | $613 |
| Window Cleaning | $182 | $2,184 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates reflect small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on general liability policies. Your premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how much coverage you choose and other factors insurers consider. Available options differ by state.
What Factors Affect Washington General Liability Insurance Costs?
Many factors determine what Washington businesses pay for general liability insurance.
Washington's Legal and Regulatory Environment
Washington’s pure comparative negligence system and the 1989 removal of damage caps allow unlimited jury awards. Juries in King County and Pierce County often issue six-figure verdicts, which pushes insurers to raise premiums to account for higher payout risks. The Insurance Fair Conduct Act adds extra penalties for bad-faith practices, so insurers are more likely to settle claims rather than challenge them, increasing overall claim costs.
Contractors must carry minimum limits of $200,000 and $50,000, but most clients require at least $1 million in coverage. Higher coverage limits lead to higher premiums because insurers charge more when they take on greater liability exposure.
Washington's Healthcare and Medical Costs
Washington’s healthcare costs rose 13% from 2016 to 2019, nearly double the inflation rate, and 2025 premiums climbed another 10.7%. Rising medical expenses push bodily injury payouts higher. When emergency room visits and surgeries cost more, insurers spend more on each slip and fall or accident, which leads to premium increases to cover those losses.
Medical malpractice settlements average $1.3 million, showing that Washington courts place a high value on injury cases. This approach carries over into general liability claims, prompting insurers to raise rates and maintain larger reserves for higher expected costs.
Washington's Geographic and Environmental Risks
Washington ranks second-highest for earthquake risk nationally. The Cascadia Subduction Zone and active fault lines near Puget Sound increase property damage liability and structural hazard claims. The 2001 Nisqually earthquake alone generated $315 million in insured losses. Frequent rainfall creates year-round slip-and-fall hazards, elevating premises liability frequency.
Washington Department of Ecology regulations require businesses near water or handling hazardous materials to purchase separate pollution liability endorsements, adding policy costs. Combined geographic and environmental factors force insurers to charge higher premiums, especially for Puget Sound businesses facing concentrated disaster exposure.
Washington's Urban vs. Rural Location Differences
King County (Seattle) and Pierce County (Tacoma) see the highest premiums in Washington because large jury pools often award higher verdicts, dense populations lead to more accidents per business, and urban medical costs drive up claim payouts. Lawsuits occur more often in major cities than in rural areas, raising legal expenses for insurers.
Heavy foot traffic also creates more chances for accidents. For example, Seattle restaurants report more slip and fall incidents than shops in rural communities. These urban conditions lead insurers to charge 30% to 50% more in King and Pierce counties compared with rural parts of the state because their loss histories are far different.
Washington's Economic and Industry Profile
Washington's technology sector dominates 22% of the state economy (the highest nationally) creating high-income workers whose injury claims include substantial lost wages, increasing average costs and pushing premiums higher. Strong construction activity gives clients leverage to demand $1 million coverage, five times state minimums, directly raising contractor premiums since higher limits cost more.
Elevated Seattle property values amplify damage claims when business operations harm expensive vehicles or commercial property. Fortune 500 concentration creates aggressive litigation, with attorneys targeting businesses expecting substantial insurance coverage. Higher settlement demands force insurers to increase rates, covering Washington's elevated claim environment.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Washington?
Washington sets mandatory commercial general liability requirements based on your industry. Contractors need coverage to register with the state, while cannabis businesses have the highest minimums because of strict regulatory oversight.
These limits are only the legal baseline, and many businesses carry higher coverage to protect themselves from claims that can go beyond state minimums.
- $50,000 for property damage
- $100,000 per individual
- $200,000 for incidents involving multiple people This includes electricians, plumbers, roofers, painters, HVAC installers, and dozens of other licensed trades.
Washington public liability insurance requirements for general contractors
RCW 18.27.050 mandates $50,000 property damage coverage, $100,000 per person for injuries or death, and $200,000 when multiple people are injured. Registration suspends automatically if your policy lapses or gets canceled.
Washington public liability insurance requirements for specialty contractors
RCW 18.27.050 applies identical coverage requirements to specialty contractors:
Washington public liability insurance requirements for cannabis businesses
WAC 314-55-082 sets cannabis licensee requirements at $1 million minimum, higher than contractor requirements. You must use an insurer rated A – Class VII or better and name the state as an additional insured with your business address on the policy.
Note: State insurance rules change often. Check with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner or talk to a licensed agent to confirm the latest requirements before buying coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Washington
Getting business insurance in Washington starts with understanding your industry's mandatory minimums, then adding coverage that matches your actual risk exposure. Small businesses often need $1 million in general liability coverage, though contractors and cannabis operations must meet higher state-mandated requirements.
- 1Determine Coverage Needs
Washington doesn’t require general liability insurance for most businesses, although municipalities can set their own rules and licensed contractors must meet specific coverage levels.
Small business coverage limits usually range from $500,000 to $2 million per occurrence. Your contracts, lease agreements and client expectations ultimately guide how much business insurance coverage you need.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Insurers calculate quotes using your annual revenue, employee count, location, and business classification code. Washington premiums vary based on industry risk, claims history, and coverage limits you select. Prepare your EIN, business registration, and state business license before requesting quotes.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
General liability insurance costs Washington small businesses an average of $117 per month, with rates ranging from $19 for drone businesses to $1,046 for pressure washing companies.
Request quotes from at least three Washington-licensed insurers, comparing premiums, deductibles, coverage limits and whether legal defense costs sit inside or outside policy limits. The cost of your coverage depends primarily on your industry risk level, with high-risk trades paying more than office-based businesses.
- 4Look Beyond Price
Cheap business insurance creates costly gaps when claims arise. Policy exclusions for professional errors, pollution and employee injuries require separate coverage. Washington courts award large judgments, so verify your limits cover both settlements and legal defense costs.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner's lookup tool verifies insurer and agent licenses. Choose insurers rated A- or better by AM Best, which are strong ratings indicate financial stability to pay future claims. Review complaint ratios through the state commissioner to avoid companies with poor claims-handling records.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Bundling general liability with commercial property insurance saves Washington businesses 10% to 25% on premiums. Claims-free histories, annual payments, and safety certifications reduce costs further. OSHA compliance and employee training programs qualify for additional discounts at most insurers.
- 7Obtain Certificate of Insurance
Washington landlords, contractors, and clients require proof of insurance before doing business. Most insurers issue digital certificates instantly, though some take 24 to 48 hours. Keep your agent's contact information handy for urgent requests that could delay projects or contracts.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Review coverage 60 to 90 days before renewal, especially after hiring employees, expanding services, or increasing revenue. Washington contractors risk automatic registration suspension if insurance lapses, so continuous coverage is mandatory. Annual quote shopping identifies better rates and ensures limits align with current operations.
Top General Liability Insurance in Washington: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in Washington starts with understanding your specific business needs and budget. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide are leading providers in the state, but your best choice depends on your industry, company size and coverage requirements. Compare quotes from multiple insurers and verify their credentials before making your final decision.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
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- Office of the Insurance Commissioner Washington State. "Health Care Cost Affordability." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- Office of the Insurance Commissioner Washington State. "Medical Malpractice Annual Report 2024." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- Office of the Insurance Commissioner Washington State. "New Legislative Report on Affordability Reveals Current State of Washington's Health Care System." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- Office of Financial Management Washington State. "October 2024 Washington Monthly Economic Report." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- The Seattle Times. "Premiums for WA Health Insurance Will Go Up in 2025. Here's How Much." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- Washington State Legislature. "Chapter 4.22 RCW: Contributory Fault." Accessed November 27, 2025.