The Hartford ranks first among Washington business insurance providers with strong affordability and financial stability scores. Its top rankings in affordability and stability and high customer service marks set it apart from competitors. NEXT and Simply Business offer reliable alternatives for the state's business owners.
Business Insurance in Washington
The Hartford tops our Washington business insurance rankings with a MoneyGeek score of 4.64 out of 5.
Find affordable coverage that protects your small business in Washington below.
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Updated: September 22, 2025
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Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business offer Washington business owners the most reliable insurance coverage based on MoneyGeek's analysis.
The best business insurance in Washington depends on your industry risks, employee count and preferred coverage limits.
To find the best coverage, assess your risks, compare multiple quotes, research provider service quality and maximize available discounts.
Best Business Insurance Companies in Washington
| The Hartford | 4.64 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| NEXT | 4.62 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.47 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.41 | 5 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.39 | 7 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.32 | 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.30 | 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.27 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | 8 | 3 | 4 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Best by Coverage Type
The Hartford leads Washington's market with the best general liability coverage and business owner's policies (BOP). NEXT stands out for professional liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.
| Business Owners Policy | The Hartford | 4.67 |
| General Liability | The Hartford | 4.64 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | NEXT | 4.69 |
| Workers Compensation | NEXT | 4.62 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Best Washington Small Business Insurance Reviews
Our research team analyzed business insurance providers across Washington to identify the top three options for small business owners. Each company stands out with unique strengths in coverage, pricing and customer service.
The Hartford
Best for Affordability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$93This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
N/AThis rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Best Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$117This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
N/AThis rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5
Simply Business
Best for Coverage Availability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$109This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
N/AThis rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.7/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.2/5
Cheapest Business Insurance Companies in Washington
The Hartford provides the most affordable business insurance in Washington at $101 monthly ($1,214 annually). Thimble and Simply Business round out the top three budget-friendly options with rates of $115 and $120 per month. See the complete list of providers and their rates in the table below.
| The Hartford | $101 | $1,214 |
| Thimble | $115 | $1,376 |
| Simply Business | $120 | $1,435 |
| Nationwide | $123 | $1,471 |
| Progressive Commercial | $124 | $1,483 |
| Coverdash | $125 | $1,503 |
| NEXT | $126 | $1,513 |
| biBERK | $129 | $1,553 |
| Hiscox | $136 | $1,633 |
| Chubb | $146 | $1,754 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Washington
Washington business owners can find the cheapest general liability coverage through The Hartford at $93 per month. We found Simply Business offers the second-lowest rate at $109 monthly. Compare rates from all providers in the table below.
| The Hartford | $93 | $1,119 |
| Simply Business | $109 | $1,307 |
| Nationwide | $111 | $1,326 |
| Progressive Commercial | $114 | $1,369 |
| NEXT | $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 are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Washington
The Hartford offers the lowest-cost professional liability insurance (E&O) at $81 monthly ($977 annually). NEXT provides another budget-friendly option for Washington businesses.
| The Hartford | $81 | $977 |
| NEXT | $83 | $997 |
| Progressive Commercial | $86 | $1,028 |
| Thimble | $87 | $1,041 |
| Simply Business | $87 | $1,043 |
| Hiscox | $88 | $1,052 |
| Coverdash | $89 | $1,065 |
| biBERK | $90 | $1,078 |
| Nationwide | $93 | $1,122 |
| Chubb | $101 | $1,210 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on professional liability/errors and omissions policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest BOP Insurance Companies in Washington
The Hartford offers the cheapest BOP rates in Washington, with monthly premiums of $129 ($1,547 annually). Business owners can also find affordable coverage through Thimble, Simply Business and Nationwide.
| The Hartford | $129 | $1,547 |
| Thimble | $136 | $1,628 |
| Simply Business | $163 | $1,956 |
| Nationwide | $164 | $1,966 |
| biBERK | $169 | $2,027 |
| Coverdash | $169 | $2,034 |
| Progressive Commercial | $171 | $2,052 |
| NEXT | $178 | $2,134 |
| Hiscox | $191 | $2,293 |
| Chubb | $203 | $2,430 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on BOP policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
How Much Does Business Insurance Cost in Washington?
Business insurance in Washington costs between $88 and $167 monthly, with professional liability being the most affordable and business owner's policies the most expensive. Rates vary based on the coverage type your business needs.
| BOP | $167 |
| General Liability | $118 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | $88 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cost of Business Insurance by Industry and Coverage
Business insurance costs in Washington vary widely based on industry and coverage type. Our research shows general liability for drone operators starts at $19 monthly, while pressure washing businesses pay up to $1,534 for a business owner's policy.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Type:Business Owners Policy
Select
Industry:Accountants
| Accountants | Business Owners Policy | $37 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
What Factors Influence My Costs?
Your Washington business insurance rates can be affected by multiple factors. Here are the key elements that influence your premium costs:
Industry risk level
Your line of business drives insurance costs more than any other factor. Construction companies pay higher rates than consultants because work sites have higher accident risks. A construction firm might pay $500 monthly for coverage, while a consulting business pays closer to $50 for similar policy limits.
Geographic location and weather risks
Your location in Washington affects insurance costs based on local hazards. According to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, businesses face earthquakes, landslides and flooding risks. Areas with higher disaster rates or urban crime pay more for coverage than rural locations with fewer claims.
Business size
Your workforce size directly impacts insurance costs. Workers' comp rates are calculated per $100 of payroll, while liability coverage considers your revenue and customer traffic. A retail store with 20 employees and high foot traffic pays substantially more than a solo consultant working remotely.
Claims history
Insurance claims follow your business for years and can quickly increase your rates. Even a single liability claim affects costs across multiple coverage types. Insurers offer better rates to businesses that maintain claim-free records and show strong risk management.
Coverage types and limits
Your coverage choices shape your premium costs. Higher coverage limits increase rates, but bundling options like business owner's policies can reduce overall expenses. Washington businesses often save by combining property and liability coverage into one policy.
Years in business
New businesses start with higher premiums since insurers lack data to assess their risk level. Operating claim-free for several years helps establish a track record, leading to lower rates as insurers gain confidence in your risk management practices.
Professional certifications
Safety certifications and professional licenses can reduce your insurance costs, especially in high-risk industries. OSHA certifications and industry-specific training programs show insurers you prioritize safety, often qualifying your business for premium discounts.
Washington Business Insurance Buying Guide
Running a business takes significant focus, and getting business insurance shouldn't add to your stress. Our guide breaks down the insurance requirements for Washington businesses, helping you confidently make informed coverage decisions.
What Coverage Is Required?
We researched all Washington business insurance requirements so you don't have to worry about missing anything. Here's our detailed breakdown of state requirements:
Workers' comp
Washington requires workers' compensation insurance for most businesses through an exclusive state-run system called the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. You must carry workers' comp if you have one or more employees, including part-time and seasonal workers. Washington is unique because all businesses must buy coverage through the state fund; private workers' comp insurance isn't available. Corporate officers can opt out if they own at least 10% of the company, and sole proprietors and business partners are exempt unless they choose coverage. The state system provides comprehensive coverage but limits your insurance options.
Commercial auto insurance
Small businesses that own vehicles or require employees to drive for work need commercial auto insurance. Washington requires all vehicles to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $10,000 for property damage. Given Washington's mix of urban traffic and mountain highways, businesses should consider higher limits for better financial protection.
Unemployment insurance
Washington requires unemployment insurance for businesses that pay wages of $1,000 or more in any quarter or employ one or more workers for 18 weeks during a calendar year. Register with the Washington State Employment Security Department and pay quarterly contributions. The state has lower thresholds for wages and weeks worked than many others.
Professional liability insurance
If you hold a professional license in Washington for medical, legal, architectural or engineering work, you'll need professional liability insurance. Health care providers must carry malpractice coverage with minimum amounts that vary by specialty, while other professionals should check with their licensing boards for specific requirements.
Paid family and medical leave
Washington requires paid family and medical leave insurance through payroll deductions from employees. This coverage provides partial wage replacement for workers who need time off for family or medical reasons. Employers must participate in the state program unless they provide equivalent private coverage that meets or exceeds state benefits.
Contractor bonds and insurance
If you hold a contractor license in Washington, you'll need to carry liability insurance and post a surety bond. General contractors must carry at least $200,000 in liability coverage and post bonds ranging from $12,000 to $60,000 depending on their license classification. Specialty contractors have varying requirements based on their trade. This protects customers if you don't complete work as promised or follow licensing rules.
What Coverage Do We Recommend?
Washington keeps business insurance rules simple, but smart coverage choices fall on you as the business owner. We researched the best insurance options for the Evergreen State's leading industries:
Tech/IT Services | Professional liability (E&O), general liability, cyber liability, commercial property, workers' compensation, directors & officers | Washington's tech giants and startups face significant cyber liability exposure, intellectual property disputes, and high-value professional errors. Seattle's cloud services and gaming companies concentration requires specialized coverage for data breaches and system failures. |
Software | Professional liability (E&O), cyber liability, general liability, commercial property, product liability | Software companies in Washington face global liability exposure from product defects, security vulnerabilities, and data breaches. The state's innovation economy creates high-stakes disputes over intellectual property and professional services. |
Manufacturing | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, product liability, equipment breakdown, environmental liability | Washington's aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors handle high-value products with complex supply chains. Boeing's presence creates specialized risks requiring coverage for precision manufacturing, product recalls, and international liability. |
Marine Services | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, marine liability, pollution liability, cargo coverage, weather damage | Washington's Puget Sound and Pacific Coast support major shipping, fishing, and recreational marine industries. Businesses face unique risks from severe weather, environmental regulations, and specialized maritime exposures. |
Coffee Shop | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, cyber liability, product liability, equipment breakdown | Coffee culture is central to Washington's identity with high customer volumes and premium equipment. Shops face burn risks, equipment damage from frequent use, and liability from hot beverage accidents in busy urban environments. |
Trucking | Commercial auto, general liability, cargo coverage, workers' compensation, environmental liability | Washington's trade with Asia and agricultural exports create heavy trucking activity. Companies face mountain driving hazards, cargo theft at ports, and environmental liability from fuel spills in ecologically sensitive areas. |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in Washington
Getting the right business insurance in Washington can strain your budget and time. Here are practical ways to secure reliable coverage while keeping your costs low:
- 1
Assess your business risks
Start by listing potential problems specific to your Washington business operations. A retail store needs strong property coverage while a consulting firm requires professional liability protection.
- 2
Compare multiple insurance quotes
Insurance companies calculate risks differently, leading to varied prices for the same coverage. Contact at least three providers to find the best rates for your Washington business needs.
- 3
Evaluate insurance provider quality
When choosing an insurer, look beyond price. Check financial strength ratings and read customer reviews about claim response times. A Seattle tech startup needs expertise different from that of a Spokane construction company.
- 4
Take advantage of available discounts
Many insurers offer savings when you bundle policies or maintain a clean claims record. A retail store could save by combining property and liability coverage into a business owner's policy.
- 5
Review coverage each year
Business needs change with growth and new services. A small coffee shop that adds catering services needs updated coverage to protect against new risks.
Washington Business Insurance: Bottom Line
Based on our analysis, The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business are Washington's best business insurance providers. What works best for you depends on your business risks and employee needs. Research each company's service quality, maximize discounts and select coverage that fits your budget.
Small Business Insurance in Washington: FAQ
Business owners in Washington have many questions about choosing the right insurance coverage. Here are the most common questions and answers.
What business insurance is required by law in Washington?
Washington requires workers' compensation if you have employees, and commercial auto insurance with minimum limits of $25,000/$50,000/$10,000. Licensed contractors must carry surety bonds. General liability insurance isn't mandatory but is often required by contracts.
How much does business insurance cost in Washington?
Our analysis shows that business insurance costs range from $88 to $167 monthly, depending on coverage. Professional liability is the least expensive at $88, while BOPs cost $167. Actual costs depend on your industry, business size and claims history.
Which company has the cheapest business insurance in Washington?
The Hartford offers the lowest rates at $101 monthly in Washington, with Thimble ($115) and Simply Business ($120) following behind. Always compare quotes since rates vary based on specific risks.
What business insurance do I need for my small business in Washington?
Start with general liability insurance to protect against customer injuries and property damage. Include workers' compensation for employees and commercial auto for company vehicles. Retail stores need property coverage, while contractors require builder's risk insurance.
What is the best business insurance company in Washington?
The Hartford leads business insurance providers in Washington with a MoneyGeek score of 4.64 out of 5.0. NEXT and Simply Business round out the top choices.
Consider comparing multiple insurance providers to find coverage that matches your business requirements.
Do small businesses in Washington need workers' compensation insurance?
Yes, Washington state requires workers' compensation insurance for most businesses with employees. The state's Department of Labor and Industries manages the program and enforces compliance.
What factors affect business insurance costs in Washington?
Your industry impacts costs most significantly. Construction businesses pay higher premiums than retail stores. Location affects rates too, with coastal areas facing steeper costs due to natural disasters. Employee count drives workers' compensation expenses, while claims history and safety measures influence rates.
How do I get cheap business insurance in Washington?
Compare quotes from multiple insurers, assess your specific business risks and look for bundled policy discounts. Focus on both price and service quality when selecting coverage.
What's the difference between general liability and errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance in Washington?
General liability insurance protects against physical injuries and property damage. Professional liability (E&O) insurance covers financial losses from service mistakes, poor advice or missed deadlines.
Can I get business insurance quotes online in Washington?
Yes, online quotes are readily available from top Washington insurers. For complex businesses requiring specialized coverage like pollution liability, working with an agent may be necessary.
How We Scored the Best Business Insurance Companies in Washington
Small business owners in Washington need reliable coverage that protects their operations without breaking their budgets. We designed our methodology to help Washington entrepreneurs navigate challenges like earthquake risks and the state's mandatory workers' compensation system.
We studied thousands of quotes from 79 industries across four coverage types for a two-employee firm with $300,000 annual revenue and $150,000 payroll. All policies included $1 million per occurrence and $2 million total per year, with BOPs adding $5,000 business property coverage.
- Affordability (50% of score): We analyzed premium costs across multiple coverage types, comparing rates for businesses with similar profiles. Lower premiums earned higher scores in this category.
- Customer experience (30% of score): Our evaluation included claims processing speed, customer service response times and user satisfaction ratings from verified policyholders.
- Coverage options (15% of score): We assessed the range of coverage types, endorsements and policy customization options available to meet diverse business needs.
- Financial strength (5% of score): We reviewed AM Best ratings and other financial stability indicators to ensure insurers can meet their claims obligations.
This approach helps Washington small business owners compare insurers on what matters most: affordable premiums, reliable service, adequate coverage and financial stability.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- NEXT. "NEXT Empowers Agents with Enhanced Products, Cutting-Edge Digital Tools, Opening New Revenue Opportunities and Sparking Momentum in Small Business Insurance." Accessed July 25, 2025.
- Simply Business. "Simply Business Offers Insurance to Third-Party Sellers Through Amazon Insurance Accelerator." Accessed July 25, 2025.
- The Hartford. "Customer Claims Ratings and Reviews." Accessed July 25, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "NEXT." Accessed July 25, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Simply Business US." Accessed July 25, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford." Accessed July 25, 2025.
- Washington State Department of Natural Resources. "Washington Geological Survey." Accessed August 21, 2025.