Contractor Insurance in Ontario
Whether you are just starting out or run an established contracting business, your insurance should reflect the work you perform, the projects you take on and the equipment you rely on.
Humberview Insurance Brokers helps Ontario contractors compare insurance options for liability, tools and equipment, commercial vehicles and other business exposures. Select your trade below or request a quote to speak with a licensed broker.
Contractor Insurance by Trade
Carpenters
Cleaning
Concrete
Demolition
Drywall
Electricians
Excavation
Fencing
Flooring
General Contractor
HVAC
Insulation
Landscape
Masons/Bricklayers
Painting
Pest Control
Plumbers
Renovation
Roofers
Siding
Sign Installation
Solar Panel Installation
Telecommunications
Tiler
Waterproofing
Window and Door Installation
Contractor Insurance Coverage Options
| Commercial General Liability | Tools & Equipment | Installation Floater |
|---|---|---|
| Protection against covered third-party bodily injury, property damage and related liability claims. | Protection for eligible contractor tools and equipment. | Coverage for eligible materials in transit, at the jobsite and during installation. |
| Wrap-Up Liability | Pollution Liability | Employee Dishonesty / Crime |
| Project-specific liability coverage for eligible construction projects. | Protection against covered pollution liability claims. | Protection against covered losses caused by employee dishonesty. |
Coverage availability varies by insurer, contractor trade, operations and eligibility. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.
Explore Contractor Insurance CoveragesWhat Affects Contractor Insurance Costs?
Your premium is based on more than your trade alone. Insurers commonly consider:
| Business and operations | Insurance and claims history | Property and equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Trade, annual revenue, payroll, subcontractor use, project type and the work you perform | Prior insurance, claims, cancellations and years of experience | Tool and equipment values, commercial vehicles, storage arrangements and jobsite controls |
Common Contractor Liability Insurance Exclusions
| Exclusion or limitation | What it generally means |
|---|---|
| Employee & Owner Injuries | Injuries to employees or owners are generally addressed through workplace or other specialized coverage, not standard liability insurance. |
| Faulty Workmanship | The cost to repair or replace your own defective work is commonly excluded, although resulting damage may be treated differently depending on the policy. |
| Pollution | Pollution-related losses may require separate contractors’ pollution liability coverage. |
| Design & Professional Advice | Design errors, engineering and professional advice exposures may require professional liability coverage. |
Why Humberview for Contractor Insurance?
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One Dedicated Broker
Work with the same licensed broker who understands your business.
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Multiple Insurance Markets
Compare contractor insurance options from multiple insurers.
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Built Around Your Operations
Coverage is reviewed based on your trade, projects, equipment and business needs.
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Independent Since 1982
Serving Ontario businesses for more than 40 years
Contractor Insurance FAQ
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Does a contractor need liability insurance in Ontario?
Liability insurance is not legally required for every contractor, but many customers, landlords, general contractors and project owners require proof of coverage before work begins. It can help protect your business if you are legally responsible for covered injury or property damage.
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How much does contractor insurance cost in Ontario?
The cost depends on your trade, revenue, services, claims history, years of experience, subcontractor use, equipment and the coverage limits you select. A small low-risk operation may be priced very differently from a contractor performing larger or specialized projects.
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What insurance does an independent contractor need in Ontario?
Many independent contractors start with commercial general liability insurance. Depending on the work, you may also need coverage for tools and equipment, commercial auto, installation materials, professional liability or pollution liability.
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What type of insurance does a general contractor need?
General contractors commonly need commercial general liability insurance and may also need coverage for tools, equipment, installation materials and commercial vehicles. Insurers will also want details about subcontractors, project size and the type of work being managed.
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Does contractor insurance cover tools stolen from a jobsite?
Tools and equipment are not automatically covered under liability insurance. Contractors’ equipment coverage may help with theft or other covered loss, subject to the policy, deductible, limits and security requirements.
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Does contractor liability insurance cover damage caused while working at a customer’s property?
Commercial general liability insurance may respond to covered third-party property damage caused by your operations. The cost to correct your own defective work is commonly excluded, so it is important to understand the wording of your specific policy.
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Do subcontractors need their own liability insurance in Ontario?
In many cases, yes. General contractors and project owners often require subcontractors to maintain their own liability insurance and provide a Certificate of Insurance. Requirements depend on the contract and the work being performed.
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What is a Certificate of Insurance for a contractor?
A Certificate of Insurance is a document that confirms certain insurance coverage is in force on the date it is issued. Customers, project owners and general contractors commonly request one before allowing work to begin.
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Can a new contractor get business insurance without prior insurance history?
Yes. New contractors can often obtain insurance, although insurers may ask for more information about your experience, training, previous work and the type of projects you intend to take on.
Contractor Hub: Insights, Guides & Updates for Ontario Contractors
Protecting Your Tools and Equipment with Contractors Insurance
