Washington workers’ comp and subcontractor insurance requirements
What general contractors, property managers and other businesses hiring subcontractors in Washington need to know: who has to carry workers’ comp, when you’re on the hook for an uninsured sub, and what to collect before work starts.
Washington at a glance
| Who must carry workers’ comp | Employers with 1 or more employees. |
|---|---|
| Where coverage comes from | State fund only (monopolistic state), or approved self-insurance |
| Regulator | Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) |
Are you liable for an uninsured sub in Washington?
Contractors can be responsible for workers’ comp premiums their subcontractors fail to pay (RCW 51.12.070).
Separately, your own workers’ comp premium auditor may charge you for an uninsured sub’s payroll. Collecting a current certificate for every sub is the simplest protection. See workers’ comp audits and uninsured subcontractors, or estimate the cost with the workers’ comp audit calculator.
Washington-specific things to know
- Workers’ comp comes from L&I unless the employer is self-insured. A private ACORD 25 policy doesn’t cover Washington work. Check the sub’s L&I account with the state’s “Verify a contractor” lookup.
- L&I coverage doesn’t include employers’ liability. Subs buy “stop gap” coverage separately, often on their GL.
What to collect from subcontractors in Washington
- A certificate of insurance, usually an ACORD 25, for GL, auto and umbrella, plus state fund proof of workers’ comp.
- Exemption paperwork for sole proprietors or officers who claim they don’t need workers’ comp under Washington rules.
- Additional insured and waiver of subrogation endorsements for higher-risk trades. See waiver of subrogation on workers’ comp.
- A renewal certificate before each policy expires. See COI expiration.
Common contract minimums
These aren’t set by Washington law. They’re typical subcontract requirements that you can adjust by trade and project size.
| Coverage | Typical minimum |
|---|---|
| General liability | $1M each occurrence / $2M aggregate, additional insured, primary and non-contributory |
| Auto liability | $1M combined single limit |
| Umbrella / excess | $1M–$5M+, by trade risk and project size |
| Workers’ comp / employers’ liability | Statutory / $500K–$1M each, waiver of subrogation |
Generate requirements by trade with the subcontractor insurance requirements generator.
Frequently asked questions
Is workers’ comp required in Washington?
Employers with 1 or more employees. Confirm details with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
Is a general contractor liable for an uninsured subcontractor in Washington?
Contractors can be responsible for workers’ comp premiums their subcontractors fail to pay (RCW 51.12.070).
What insurance should I require from subcontractors in Washington?
State law sets workers’ comp rules; your contract sets everything else. Common minimums are general liability of $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate, auto liability of $1M, workers’ comp with employers’ liability of $500K–$1M, and additional insured status and waiver of subrogation in your favor.
Can a private insurer cover workers’ comp in Washington?
No. Washington is a monopolistic state, so workers’ comp comes from the state fund (or approved self-insurance). Ask subs for state fund proof of coverage, and for separate “stop gap” employers’ liability.
General information, not legal or insurance advice. Last reviewed October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) or a licensed professional.
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