Washington L&I Contractor Bonds
$15,000 specialty and $30,000 general contractor bonds, often issued the same day. Bad credit programs available.
Washington line: (509) 355-9480
Get Your L&I Bond Quote in Minutes
Enter your business name exactly as it is registered (or will be registered) with L&I. In many cases you can see pricing and get approved within minutes.
What Is a Washington Contractor Bond?
Every contractor registered with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) must keep a contractor bond on file. The bond protects your customers and the public: if you fail to meet your obligations, a claim can be made against the bond.
A bond is not insurance. If the surety pays a claim, you are expected to pay it back. That is why the bond is priced mainly on your credit, and why you also need general liability insurance to protect your business.
L&I Bond Amounts and Registration Requirements
To register or renew as a contractor in Washington, you need:
Specialty contractors: a $15,000 contractor bond
General contractors: a $30,000 contractor bond
General liability insurance: at least $250,000 combined single limit (or $200,000 bodily injury / $50,000 property damage), with L&I listed as certificate holder
Matching names: your bond and insurance issued in your exact L&I business name
The bond amounts rose on July 1, 2024 and apply at your next renewal. If your bond or insurance lapses, your registration can be suspended.
What Else Washington Contractors Need
Your bond keeps your registration active. These coverages keep you working:
General liability: most general contractors ask for $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate, additional insured and a waiver of subrogation.
Stop gap (employer’s liability): Washington workers’ comp comes only from L&I and does not include employer’s liability, so we add stop gap to your GL.
Commercial auto: for work trucks, vans and trailers.
Tools & equipment: for gear on the job site or in your truck.
See Washington contractor insurance for the full picture.
Fast Bond Approval and Filing
When your registration is on the line, timing matters.
Quotes in minutes, often approved the same day
Bad credit programs available
Specialty and general contractor bonds
Help with renewals, name changes and new registrations
Washington Contractors We Bond
Roofers, excavators, tree services, demolition crews, remodelers, electricians, plumbers and general contractors across Washington: Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Lynnwood, Silverdale, Bremerton, Vancouver, Spokane, Yakima and the Tri-Cities.
Trade guides: roofing · excavation · tree service · demolition
Need Your L&I Bond Today?
Start your quote below or call our Washington line at (509) 355-9480. Se habla español.
Washington Contractor Bond FAQ
How much is the Washington contractor bond?
$15,000 for specialty contractors and $30,000 for general contractors. The amounts rose on July 1, 2024 and apply at your next renewal.
How much does an L&I bond cost?
You pay a premium that is a small percentage of the bond amount. The rate depends mostly on your personal credit; contractors with strong credit pay the least, and bad credit programs are available.
Can I get an L&I bond with bad credit?
Yes. Programs are available for contractors with challenged credit, though pricing is higher.
Do I need insurance too?
Yes. L&I requires general liability of at least $250,000 combined single limit (or $200,000 / $50,000), with L&I listed as certificate holder.
Is a contractor bond the same as insurance?
No. The bond protects your customers and the public, and you repay the surety for any claim it pays. Insurance protects your business.
Bond services provided through licensed surety partners.
Insurance services provided by Bearstar Insurance Services.
Jesus Galvan is a licensed insurance broker in CA, ID, NV, OR, TX and WA, serving contractors in AZ, CO and across the western U.S.
Bond availability, terms, and pricing vary by state and surety underwriting guidelines.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a bond approval or binder.
Can I buy workers’ comp from a private insurer in Washington?
No. Washington is a monopolistic state, so workers’ comp comes only from L&I. Because L&I coverage doesn’t include employer’s liability, we add stop gap coverage to your general liability policy.
How fast can I get my bond?
Many L&I bonds are quoted and approved within minutes and issued the same day, depending on underwriting.
Contact
Call
info@hardhatinsurance.net
Hard Hat Insurance is a specialized marketing division of Bearstar Insurance Services.
Insurance services provided by Bearstar Insurance Services.
Jesus Galvan is a licensed insurance broker in CA, ID, NV, OR, TX and WA, serving contractors in AZ, CO and across the western U.S. California License #4291921.
Other license numbers available upon request. Coverage availability varies by state.
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