Washington Workers' Compensation Insurance

• You have one or more employees working in Washington. 
• You’re going to work for someone else. Unless you’re an employee, you won’t be covered by their insurance policy and may need to provide proof of work comp. Are you an employee or an independent contractor? 10 ways to tell >>

Other regulations that may affect you:

• Workers’ compensation insurance covers wage replacement and medical bills for employees injured on the job. To protect against other injuries at your place of business, you may need general liability insurance. Learn more about general liability >>

Factors That Impact Coverage

• You are an existing business hiring its first employees: You’ll need to re-file your Business License Application with the state of Washington. Once you’ve filed your business license, the Department of Employment Security will set up your state unemployment tax account, and the Department of Labor & Industries creates your workers’ compensation account and obtains your minor work permit, if applicable.
• You are a sole proprietor or partner: In Washington, you are excluded from the policy but have the option to purchase Elective Coverage for yourself.
• You are a corporate officer or member of an LLC: You have the option to purchase Elective Coverage for yourself in Washington, but you may exclude yourself if you meet all of the following criteria:
  • A bona fide corporate officer who also is on the board of directors and a shareholder, being elected according to the corporation’s bylaws and articles of incorporation
  • Have substantial control in daily management of the corporation
  • Primary duties do not include manual labor