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Insurance for Painters and Carpenters in Washington and Idaho

In Washington, painting and wall covering, finish carpentry, and framing are L&I contractor specialties requiring registration, a $15,000 bond, and at least $250,000 of general liability. Idaho requires registration with $300,000 of liability for jobs of $2,000 or more. Work on pre-1978 homes requires a certified lead-safe renovation firm: in Washington through the Department of Commerce, in Idaho through the EPA.

By Trella Commercial · Updated October 5, 2026

The short version

  • Washington specialties: "painting and wall covering," "cabinets, millwork and finish carpentry," and "framing and rough carpentry" are L&I contractor specialties (WAC 296-200A-016), each requiring registration.
  • Washington minimums: a $15,000 specialty bond and general liability of at least $250,000 combined single limit.
  • Idaho: register with DOPL and carry $300,000 of general liability including completed operations for projects of $2,000 or more.
  • Lead-safe work on older homes: renovation of pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities must be done by certified renovation firms. Washington certifies firms through the Department of Commerce (RCW 70A.420); in Idaho, the EPA administers the program.
  • Check your policy for lead and silica exclusions, which are common in contractor general liability.

Registration and requirements

WashingtonIdaho
RegistrationL&I specialty contractor registration (RCW 18.27)DOPL contractor registration (Idaho Code 54-5204)
Bond$15,000 specialtyConfirm current requirements with DOPL
Liability minimum$250,000 combined single limit, or $200,000 and $50,000$300,000 single limit including products and completed operations
Lead-safe renovation (pre-1978 homes)Certified renovation firm through the Department of Commerce (RCW 70A.420, WAC 365-230)EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting program

More detail on registration in general contractors.

Coverage for painters and carpenters

CoverageWhat it handles
General liabilityDamage to clients' homes, overspray, completed work
Tools and equipmentSprayers, ladders, saws, and tools in trucks
Workers compL&I and stop-gap in Washington; Idaho workers comp
Commercial autoWork vans and trucks
Commercial umbrellaContract requirements and serious claims

Where painters and carpenters get caught

GapWhat happens
Lead exclusionClaims from pre-1978 work are excluded unless covered by endorsement
Uncertified lead-safe workRegulatory penalties, and claims your insurer may contest
Overspray on cars and neighboring propertyNeeds general liability that does not exclude it
Work at heightsSome policies limit work above a set number of stories
Subs without coverageTheir costs land on your audit; in Idaho you can be liable for their workers comp

For a related story, see the painting contractor story.

Common questions

Do painters need a contractor license in Washington?

Yes. Painting and wall covering is an L&I contractor specialty, requiring registration, a $15,000 bond, and general liability of at least $250,000 combined single limit.

Do I need lead certification to paint older homes?

For renovation of pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities, yes: the work must be performed by a certified renovation firm. In Washington, certification is through the Department of Commerce; in Idaho, through the EPA.

Does contractor liability insurance cover lead paint claims?

Often not. Many contractor general liability policies exclude lead, and coverage for certified renovators may need to be added specifically.

Sources

This page is general information. Rules were checked against primary sources in October 2026.

The coverage we usually build for painters and carpenters

General Liability

Injury and property damage claims from customers, clients, and the public. The policy most contracts require.

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Tools, Equipment & Business Income

Tools at job sites and in vehicles, equipment breakdown, and the income you lose while you rebuild.

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Workers Comp & Stop-Gap (WA)

Washington workers comp runs through L&I. Stop-gap covers the lawsuits L&I does not.

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Workers Comp (Idaho)

Required for most Idaho employers from the first employee. Bought from private carriers or the State Insurance Fund.

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Commercial Auto

Vehicles your business owns, plus liability when employees drive their own cars for work.

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Commercial Umbrella

Extra liability limits above your GL, auto, and employers liability, usually at a lower cost per dollar.

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What our clients say

“We run a small contracting business and our old policy left us exposed on a couple of jobs. Trella found better general liability and tools coverage with another carrier and got it done quickly. Felt like they actually looked at how we work instead of just filling out a form.”
Mike W. · Redmond, WA

Stories from contractors & trades

Illustrative stories: what each business came in for, and what the review found.

Building services

A Cleaning Company's Clients Wanted Three Things It Had Never Bought

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A Roofer's Umbrella Only Works if the Policies Underneath It Are Right

A roofing company needed a $5 million umbrella for commercial jobs. The review found that without stop-gap and the right GL form underneath, the umbrella would not have responded to the claims roofers actually face.

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A Spokane Painter Took a Job in Coeur d'Alene. Washington L&I Didn't Follow His Crew.

A commercial painting company based in Spokane began taking jobs across the Idaho line. The review found its crew wasn't clearly covered for injuries in Idaho, and its stop-gap and umbrella had gaps of their own.

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More contractors & trades we insure

  • Contractors & Trades: the full program

    General and specialty contractors, remodelers, electricians, plumbers, landscapers.

  • Insurance for General Contractors in Washington and Idaho

    What general contractors need in Washington and Idaho: L&I registration with a $30,000 bond and $250,000 of liability insurance, Idaho registration with $300,000 including completed operations, subcontractor rules, additional insured endorsements, and the coverage program to build.

  • Handyman Insurance in Washington and Idaho

    Insurance and registration for handyman businesses in Washington and Idaho: when you must register (Washington's $500 exemption disappears if you advertise), bond and liability minimums, what handymen cannot do without a trade license, and the coverage to carry.

  • Electrician and Electrical Contractor Insurance in Washington and Idaho

    What electrical contractors need in Washington and Idaho: the Washington electrical contractor license with a $4,000 bond and a designated master electrician or administrator, Idaho's $300,000 liability requirement, and the coverage program electricians actually need.

  • Plumber and HVAC Contractor Insurance in Washington and Idaho

    What plumbing and HVAC contractors need in Washington and Idaho: Washington's plumbing contractor license with a $6,000 bond and $250,000 of liability, how HVAC is licensed, Idaho's plumbing and HVAC bonds, and the coverage program for water damage, completed work, and service vans.

  • Cleaning and Janitorial Business Insurance in Washington and Idaho

    Insurance for house cleaning and commercial janitorial businesses in Washington and Idaho: general liability with care, custody, or control coverage, janitorial bonds, workers comp and stop-gap, the independent contractor test, and what property managers require.

  • Landscaping, Lawn Care, and Tree Service Insurance in Washington and Idaho

    Insurance and licensing for landscapers, lawn care companies, and tree services in Washington and Idaho: when contractor registration applies, pesticide applicator insurance minimums, call-before-you-dig rules, and the auto, equipment, and liability coverage crews need.

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