Quinn Audio

To be licensed in Washington, a contractor files a surety bond and proof of general liability insurance with the Department of Labor & Industries, in an amount set by the license type. This contractor's current filing shows a $4,000 bond.

The bond is a limited fund a homeowner (or subcontractor or supplier) can make a claim against, through the courts, if a registered contractor fails to meet its obligations on a job. Contractors must also keep general liability insurance on file — at least $50,000 in property damage and $200,000 in public liability coverage, or a $250,000 combined single limit — which covers damage the contractor causes, not workmanship disputes. The rows above are the bond and insurance filings L&I publishes for this registration; whether a specific filing applies to a specific project depends on its dates and terms.

An electrical contractor in Washington holds an electrical contractor license issued by the Department of Labor & Industries, a separate program from construction contractor registration. Typical work includes service and panel upgrades, branch circuit wiring, lighting, and troubleshooting. Individual electricians are additionally certified through the state's electrician certification program; the license shown here is the business-level license. A $15,000 surety bond and general liability insurance, filed with WA L&I, are required for this registration. Washington currently lists 16 Electrical contractors registered in Vashon.