Stop-gap coverage for the gap L&I leaves open.
In Washington, workers' comp comes only from L&I, and it doesn't include employer's liability. Stop-gap coverage fills that gap when an injured employee, or someone else, sues your business over a workplace injury. Many general contractors and contracts require it.
- Added to your general liability in most cases
- Limits that match your contracts
- Certificates showing stop-gap coverage
What stop-gap employer's liability covers, in plain English
Coverage, limits and exclusions vary by carrier and policy. Your policy documents are what decide a claim, and we walk you through them before you buy.
Washington is a monopolistic state
Washington is one of four states where employers must buy workers' comp from the state fund, here L&I, or self-insure. Private policies elsewhere include employer's liability. L&I coverage doesn't, so it's bought separately as stop-gap.
Your workers' injuries
L&I pays medical bills and lost wages for employees hurt on the job. In return, employees usually can't sue you. Stop-gap covers the exceptions.
Deliberate injury claims
Washington law lets an employee sue an employer who deliberately intended an injury. Courts read this narrowly, but defending the lawsuit is still expensive. Stop-gap can pay for the defense, depending on the policy.
Third-party-over claims
An injured worker sues the general contractor, and the GC turns to you under the indemnity clause in your subcontract. Many Washington subcontracts waive your industrial insurance immunity for this. Stop-gap helps cover it.
Usually an endorsement
Stop-gap is usually added to your general liability policy, with limits such as $1 million per accident. Some carriers write it as a separate policy.
What it doesn't replace
Stop-gap doesn't replace L&I. You still need L&I coverage for your employees, and stop-gap won't pay benefits L&I should have paid.
Is this you?
- Washington businesses with employees
- Contractors whose contracts require employer's liability
- Subcontractors signing indemnity agreements
- Businesses that also operate in other states
Why Rhino
- Added to your general liability in most cases
- Limits that match your contracts
- Certificates showing stop-gap coverage
- Help in English, Russian and Ukrainian
Have this ready
- Your L&I account number
- Number of employees and payroll
- Any contract or GC requirements for employer's liability
- States where your employees work
Three steps, one agent
- 1
Tell us what you need
Use the form, call or text. It takes a couple of minutes.
- 2
We shop several carriers
You see real prices side by side, not one company's offer.
- 3
You're covered
Pick a plan and we handle the paperwork, ID cards and certificates.
Stop-gap questions
Do I need stop-gap if I already pay L&I?
Often yes. L&I covers your workers' injuries but not employer's liability lawsuits. Many contracts ask for both.
My GC wants "employer's liability" on my certificate. What do I buy?
In Washington, that's stop-gap coverage. We add it to your GL and show it on your certificate of insurance.
What limits do I need?
Many contracts ask for $1 million each accident, $1 million disease per employee and $1 million disease policy limit. Check your contract, and we'll match it.
I have no employees. Do I need it?
Usually not, unless a contract requires it. Tell us your situation, and we'll check.
My crew also works in Oregon or Idaho. Am I covered?
Workers' comp works differently there. Tell us where your employees work, and we'll check what you need in each state.
Ready when you are.
Talk to a licensed agent at (800) 700-9181, Mon–Fri 9am–6pm PT.