Business insurance • Washington plumbing contractors
Washington Plumbing Contractor Insurance: L&I License, $6,000 Bond, and Coverage
Washington requires businesses that offer plumbing to hold an L&I plumbing contractor license, separate from general contractor registration, and to designate a certified plumber. The license requires a $6,000 continuous bond and general liability of $200,000 plus $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined. Employers buy workers’ comp from L&I.
This guide covers Washington plumbing contractor licensing, bond and insurance minimums, L&I workers’ comp, coverage, and typical costs. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency licensed in Washington, and a licensed agent can compare quotes for your plumbing business.
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Washington plumbing contractor license
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bond | $6,000 continuous plumbing contractor bond, or assignment of savings |
| General liability | $200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit |
| Designated plumber | A certified plumber who is an owner, partner, or full-time employee |
| Fees | $148.10 application, $53.20 designated plumber, $139.10 renewal |
Since July 1, 2021, general contractors cannot offer or bid plumbing work without this license. Source: Washington L&I plumbing contractor requirements.
Washington workers’ compensation
Washington is a monopolistic state. Businesses with one or more employees must buy workers’ compensation from L&I, and the state fund does not include employer’s liability, so many contractors add stop-gap coverage to their general liability policy (Insureon (monopolistic states)).
Coverage most Washington plumbers carry
- General liability: third-party injuries and property damage, such as a failed fitting that floods a customer’s home.
- Business owner’s policy: general liability bundled with property coverage for your shop and stock, often at a lower combined price.
- Workers’ compensation: medical bills and lost wages if an employee is hurt on the job.
- Commercial auto: service vans and trucks that carry crews, parts, and equipment.
- Tools and equipment (inland marine): pipe threaders, drain machines, and cameras on job sites or in transit.
- Commercial umbrella: extra limits on top of general liability and auto, often required on commercial jobs.
What Washington plumbers pay
| Policy | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | $147 | $1,768 |
| Business owner’s policy | $213 | $2,559 |
| Workers’ compensation | $179 | $2,150 |
| Commercial auto | $285 | $3,415 |
| Tools and equipment | $42 | $505 |
| Professional liability | $67 | $808 |
| Commercial umbrella | $93 | $1,111 |
Costs reported by Insureon for plumbing businesses that bought policies through its site, mostly with fewer than five employees. Your price depends on payroll, the work you do, claims history, and location.
Washington plumbing insurance FAQs
What bond does a Washington plumbing contractor need?
A $6,000 continuous plumbing contractor bond, or an assignment of savings.
How much liability insurance does Washington require for plumbing contractors?
$200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit.
Can a Washington general contractor do plumbing?
Not without a plumbing contractor license. Since July 1, 2021, general contractors cannot offer or bid plumbing work on their own.
Related guides
- Plumbing contractor insurance
- Washington roofing contractor insurance
- Washington contractor bond
- Washington contractors insurance
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Commercial auto insurance
- Contractor insurance
- Washington electrical contractor insurance
- Washington HVAC contractor insurance
Important information
Compensation. The link in the partner quote box near the top of this page is sponsored, and Blake Insurance Group may be paid if you make a purchase. Sponsored placement does not affect the other information on this page.
Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16944666. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state. Mentioning a company on this page does not mean we represent it.
Cost figures. Published averages and ranges are cited from the sources named, as of the dates shown. They are not quotes and may not reflect your price, which depends on the insurer, your state, your payroll, the work you do, and your claims history.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
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