Restaurant Insurance in Washington
The policies a Washington restaurant, bar, food truck, or catering operation needs — what the state requires, what's strongly advised, and what it costs.
Reviewed by J. Robert Smith, Licensed Insurance Agent (NPN 10378680). Last updated .
In Washington, a restaurant's core program is general liability, a property or business-owner's policy (BOP), and commercial auto for any delivery. Workers' compensation is mandatory once you hire staff, and dram-shop law exposes any alcohol-serving business, so liquor liability is strongly advised. This hub compares Washington's workers' comp and liquor-liability rules and cost alongside the coverages every restaurant and bar should carry.
- Workers’ comp
- Required once you hire staff
- Liquor liability
- Dram-shop law applies — strongly advised
- Dram-shop law
- Yes
- Suggested liquor limits
- $1M/$2M; bars and nightclubs often $2M/$4M
Workers’ compensation in Washington
Yes. Washington requires workers' compensation for virtually every restaurant employee from the first hour worked, and it is a monopolistic state fund: private workers' comp is not sold, so you must buy coverage from the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Owners and corporate officers are exempt but may elect coverage for themselves.
Full Washington workers’ comp guide — thresholds, exemptions, and rates →
Liquor liability & dram-shop law in Washington
Washington recognizes dram-shop liability through case law built on RCW 66.44.200, which bars selling liquor to any person “apparently under the influence.” A commercial vendor can be liable to injured third parties for over-serving. Washington has no statutory damages cap for dram-shop claims. Insurance is not mandated by statute.
Full Washington liquor-liability guide — the statute, limits, and cost →
Coverages every Washington restaurant should weigh
- General liability
Third-party slip-and-fall and property-damage claims — the foundation policy.
- Business owner’s policy (BOP)
Bundles general liability with property coverage for your building, equipment, and contents.
- Commercial property
Kitchen equipment, tenant improvements, signage, and inventory.
- Commercial & hired/non-owned auto
Delivery, catering runs, and errands in owned or employee vehicles.
- Employment practices (EPLI)
Harassment, discrimination, and wrongful-termination claims from staff.
- Umbrella
Extra limits above your liquor, auto, and general liability policies.
Washington regulators
Talk to an agent who insures food & beverage every day
A licensed commercial-lines agent who specializes in restaurants and bars will review your coverage, close the gaps that catch owners, and show you what a program actually costs — before anything is bound.