Restaurant Insurance in Washington: 2026 Cost Guide

How Much Does Restaurant Insurance Cost in Washington?

Restaurant insurance in Washington averages $166 per month for general liability coverage alone. A comprehensive insurance package — including general liability, commercial property, and workers' compensation — typically runs between $2,298–$3,842 per year for a typical full-service restaurant.

Here's what you can expect to pay for individual coverage types in Washington:

These figures are based on a typical full-service restaurant with 10-20 employees and $500,000–$1,500,000 in annual revenue. Your actual costs will depend on your specific location within Washington, claims history, employee count, and coverage limits.

Washington-Specific Insurance Requirements

Washington is a monopolistic workers' comp state—all coverage must be purchased through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Private workers' comp is prohibited. Restaurants should purchase separate employers' liability (stop-gap) coverage from a private insurer. Seattle's restaurant market is among the most expensive in the nation for insurance due to high property values, wages, and earthquake risk. The Cascadia Subduction Zone poses a catastrophic earthquake threat that most restaurants are unprepared for.

Required Coverages in Washington

• General Liability
• Workers' Compensation (from L&I—monopolistic state)

Recommended Additional Coverages

• Commercial Property
• Liquor Liability
• Earthquake Insurance
• Business Interruption
• Employers Liability (stop-gap)
• Umbrella/Excess Liability

Washington Risk Factors That Affect Insurance Costs

Washington faces significant earthquake risk (Cascadia Subduction Zone and local faults), particularly in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area, requiring separate earthquake coverage.

Seattle's extremely competitive restaurant market has among the highest commercial property values on the West Coast, driving up property insurance.

Washington's $16.66/hr minimum wage is among the highest nationally ($20.76 in Seattle), creating elevated workers' comp premiums.

Best Restaurant Insurance Companies in Washington

We've identified the top insurance providers serving Washington restaurants. CoverWallet is our top pick for most Washington restaurants based on coverage options, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Workers' Compensation Rules in Washington

Washington is a MONOPOLISTIC STATE for workers' compensation. All employers must purchase coverage from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)—private workers' comp is not permitted. Every business must register and create a workers' comp account. Employers may self-insure if certified by the state.