Running a business in Washington means opportunity—but also risk. From lawsuits to property damage, threats are always circling. The good news? You don’t have to face them alone. At Hood Insurance Agency in Lynnwood, we believe protection is more than a policy—it’s a principle. And like any strong pack, we defend our own.
Here are the real questions we hear from Washington business owners—and the straight answers that keep you one step ahead of danger.
It depends on your industry, size, and exposures. The most common coverages include:
General Liability – Covers injuries, property damage, and lawsuits.
Commercial Property – Protects buildings, equipment, and inventory.
Workers’ Compensation – In Washington, this is only available through the state (L&I). It covers medical care and lost wages for injured employees.
Stop Gap Coverage – An add-on to liability policies that fills the employer’s liability gap left by Washington’s workers’ comp system.
Professional Liability (E&O) – Protects service-based businesses against claims of mistakes or negligence.
Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) – A bundled liability + property package, often more cost-effective than buying separately.
The smart move? Build layers of protection so no risk slips through the cracks.
Yes—in more ways than most people realize.
Workers’ Compensation – Required for any business with employees, and must be purchased through the state (L&I).
Contractors, electricians, plumbers – L&I requires proof of general liability insurance for licensing.
Truckers, movers, NEMT, and livery services – Must carry commercial auto insurance.
Daycares (licensed by DSHS) – Must carry both general liability and professional liability.
Adult Family Homes – Required to carry general liability insurance.
And that’s just a partial list—other industries and professional licenses come with their own mandates. Add in landlord and client contract requirements, and the reality is this: most Washington businesses can’t operate without insurance.
Carriers calculate premiums based on:
Industry risk level
Payroll and revenue
Number of employees
Claims history
Location (Lynnwood ≠ rural Eastern WA)
Want to keep costs down? Improve workplace safety, keep claims low, and let us shop the carriers. That last part matters more than you think—our pack hunts smarter, not harder.
A BOP is like a combo meal: liability + property coverage in one package, often cheaper than buying separately. It works well for many small businesses, but not all. The key is making sure the coverage is built for your business, not just whatever bundle is cheapest.
Standard policies always have blind spots. Common exclusions include:
Intentional acts or fraud
Employee injuries (that’s workers’ comp)
Floods and earthquakes (require separate policies)
These blind spots are where risks like to strike. Knowing them upfront means you can add supplemental protection before it’s too late.
Yes—most premiums are deductible as business expenses. But tax law isn’t wolf territory, so always confirm with your CPA before you file.
Bundle policies (BOPs often save money).
Raise deductibles (if cash flow allows).
Keep a safe workplace (fewer claims = better rates).
Work with a broker who shops multiple carriers (that’s us).
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Risks don’t travel alone—they come in packs: lawsuits, accidents, disasters. The way to survive isn’t to fight them alone, but to run with a stronger pack.
At Hood Insurance Agency, we help Washington businesses stay protected with coverage that fits. From Lynnwood to Spokane, Snohomish County to the Canadian and Oregon borders, we shop the market, explain the fine print, and stand with you when the unexpected strikes.
📍 Based in Lynnwood, serving all of Washington
🐺 Protection is more than a policy—it’s a principle