As a painter in Washington state, having proper insurance coverage is essential for protecting your business, meeting state requirements, and securing contracts. This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential insurance coverages Washington painters need, including costs based on our analysis of actual quotes from leading carriers.

Add another layer of understanding with our overview of painting business insurance coverages.

General Liability Insurance for Washington Painters

Based on our analysis of over 800 painters’ insurance quotes, here are the typical costs for Washington painting contractors:

Revenue SizeAvg Premium% of RevenueFavorable RatePotential Savings
$150K$2,0001.3%$1,50025%
$500K$5,2001.0%$2,00062%
$1M$9,6001.0%$2,40075%

These premiums assume:

  • Clean claims history (5+ years without incidents)
  • Standard $1M/$2M coverage limits
  • Mix of residential and commercial painting work
  • Approximately 10% subcontractor costs

Worker’s Compensation Insurance for Washington Painters

In Washington, workers’ compensation is managed through the state-run Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Based on our analysis, Washington painters typically pay:

  • Average cost per employee: $2,436 annually
  • Cost per $100K payroll: $5,480

Key factors affecting premiums:

  • Worker classification codes
  • Total payroll
  • Claims history
  • Safety programs
  • Experience modifier rating

Additional Business Insurance for Painters in Washington

1. Commercial Auto Insurance

  • Annual premiums: $1,500-$3,050 per vehicle
  • Standard limits: $100K per person/$300K per accident
  • Higher limits ($500K-$1M) recommended for larger operations

2. Tools & Equipment Coverage

  • Annual premiums: $200-$2,000
  • Policy limits: $5,000-$15,000+
  • Covers painting equipment during transport and at job sites

3. Contractor’s E&O Insurance

  • Annual premiums: $50-$500
  • Coverage limits: $10,000-$1M+
  • Protects against claims of faulty workmanship

4. Commercial Property Insurance

  • Annual premiums: $1,000-$5,000
  • Covers workshops, storage facilities, and paint inventory
  • Protection against fire, theft, and weather damage

5. Surety Bonds

For $10,000 bond amount:

  • Excellent credit: $100-$300
  • Good credit: $300-$500
  • Poor credit: $500-$1,000

Get Washington Painter Liability with ContractorNerd

ContractorNerd makes painters insurance simple and data-driven through:

  • Instant online quotes from top-rated carriers
  • Side-by-side coverage comparisons
  • Painter-specific expertise and guidance
  • Streamlined application process
  • Ongoing policy management support
  • Claims advocacy when needed

Our team of painting insurance specialists helps you:

  • Optimize coverage levels based on your specific risks
  • Find competitive rates through our carrier network
  • Bundle policies for additional savings
  • Ensure compliance with Washington state regulations

Visit our online quote tool or speak with one of our painting insurance specialists today to get started with customized quotes for your Washington painting business.