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State files updated Oct 30, 2026
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Washington contractor license bondInsurance and workers' comp

General contractor $30,000 (RCW 18.27.040, effective 7/1/2024; specialty contractors $15,000; assignment of savings account allowed).1 General liability: $200,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit.2

Bond and insurance by trade in Washington

TradeBondInsuranceWorkers' comp
General contractorGeneral contractor $30,000 (RCW 18.27.040, effective 7/1/2024; specialty contractors $15,000; assignment of savings account allowed).1General liability: $200,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit.2Industrial insurance (L&I) account required if employees work in WA.3
Electrical$4,000 electrical contractor bond or assignment of savings account (in addition to registration bond).5Electrical license: GL encouraged, not required.5Required if the business has employees.5
Plumbing, HVAC and roofingSpecialty contractor $15,000 (RCW 18.27.040, effective 7/1/2024; general contractors $30,000; assignment of savings account allowed).1General liability: $200,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit.2Industrial insurance (L&I) account required if employees work in WA.3

How much is the contractor bond in Washington?

General contractor $30,000 (RCW 18.27.040, effective 7/1/2024; specialty contractors $15,000; assignment of savings account allowed). Can be raised up to 3x after a residential judgment.1

What general liability insurance does Washington require?

General liability: $200,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit; L&I as certificate holder.2

Can a Washington contractor be exempt from workers' comp?

Industrial insurance (L&I) account required if employees work in WA; UBI alone suffices if no employees (RCW 18.27.030).3

What do Washington contractors carry, by trade?

Active licenses in the state file, 2026-10-304.

TradeActiveMedian bond
Electricians5,129$4,000
General Contractors52,124$30,000
HVAC Technicians1,318$15,000
Plumbers2,200$6,000
Roofers538$15,000

What is a certificate of insurance?

It's the one-page summary (usually an ACORD 25 form) a contractor's agent issues to show the policies, limits and dates in force. How to read and check one

Sources

  1. WA L&I: bond (app.leg.wa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. WA L&I: insurance (lni.wa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. WA L&I: workers' comp (app.leg.wa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. WA L&I via data.wa.gov (m8qx-ubtq, bzff-4fmt, ciwg-agsx) (data.wa.gov, 2026-10-30)
  5. L&I Electrical / Plumber certification: electrical bond (lni.wa.gov)