![Light-rasberry-logomark light raspberry logomark](webp/light-rasberry-logomark.webp)
Need general contractor insurance in Ontario? We’ve got you covered
As a general contractor, you take on a lot of extra responsibility for every subcontractor you bring into a project. That’s just part of the job, but not to worry, we’ll make sure you have the right coverage. Our commercial insurance brokers sweat the details so you can focus on your business.
![Light-rasberry-logomark light raspberry logomark](webp/light-rasberry-logomark.webp)
Save on general contractor insurance in Ontario
As a brokerage for over 70 of Canada’s top insurers we have access to some of the best coverages and rates available for general contractor insurance in Ontario. Our commercial insurance brokers will take care of the comparison shopping and find a policy that’s perfect for you and your business. Call us for a free consultation and no-obligation quote today.
What’s included in general contractor insurance?
Insurance packages for general contractors include commercial general liability to protect you and your business along with coverage for your tools, vehicle, shop and more.
Commercial general liability
This essential coverage protects your contracting business if your work or that of a subcontractor causes property damage or leads to an injury. It includes legal bills and court-awarded costs. If the worse happens, we’ll be there to help.
More about More about CGL
Commercial auto
Coverage if your company vehicles are in an accident, stolen, or if you hurt someone or damage their property while driving. We can also cover any personal vehicles used for work. Ask about non-owned auto insurance coverage.
More about commercial auto insurance
Tools and equipment
Protects the tools and equipment you rely on if they are damaged, stolen or destroyed in a fire. It also pays for short-term rentals so you can keep working after a claim. Large equipment will need extra coverage, we can help with that too.
More about tools and equipment insurance
Commercial property
If your business has a physical office or warehouse, property coverage protects the building, computers, supplies and more against fire, storms, burst pipes, vandalism and theft. We can cover home-based offices too.
More about commercial property insurance
Frequently asked questions about general contractor insurance
How much is general contractor insurance?
General contractor insurance packages start at around $650 a year. The actual price for your business coverage depends on a number of factors:
- Whether you need insurance for company vehicles
- Whether you have a shop or office that needs coverage
- How many employees you have
- The annual revenues of your business
- How many years of experience you and your employees have
- Whether you use subcontractors
- Whether you’ve had claims in the past
Do my subcontractors need their own insurance?
Yes. If you’re a general contractor, you need to insist that all your subcontractors carry their own liability insurance.
Most claims for general contractors arise as a result of work being done by subcontractors. If a fire, water damage or other loss occurs on a job site, your general contractor insurance will cover your legal costs, but most policies require that you take steps to ensure that all subcontractors have their own liability coverage too.
Here’s a list of trades that you may work with, along with whether they are low, medium or high risk to make a claim that might affect your insurance:
- Plumbers – high risk for water and fire damage
- Roofers – high risk for water and fire damage
- Carpenters – medium risk for water and fire damage
- HVAC technicians – medium risk for water damage and gas leaks
- Welders – medium risk for fire damage
- Bricklayers/masonry – low risk
- Drywallers/plasterers – low risk
- Electricians – low risk
- Floorers – low risk
- Painters – low risk
What if I operate my general contractor business from home?
If you’re running a home-based business, you won’t need separate commercial property coverage, which will help you save on your premiums. One thing to remember is that your home insurance policy doesn’t cover business-related tools, equipment and materials that you may store there. So it’s a good idea to talk to your insurance broker to make sure you have the right coverage to protect you and your company.
How much liability insurance is needed for my general contractor business?
We recommend a minimum of $2 million in commercial general liability coverage. One of our commercial insurance experts would be happy to advise you based on the specifics of your business.
Do general contractors need insurance?
Many contractors in Canada are legally required to carry contractor’s insurance. Exact insurance requirements may vary depending on the trade that general contractor operates in and who they work with, but generally they will be required to carry general liability insurance of some level.
Does general liability insurance cover independent contractors?
General liability insurance will cover independent contractors to an extent, so if you’re a business owner your independent contractors may have some level of coverage. However, that coverage is generally limited to the duration of that individual contract and typically won’t cover them after the work is done. It’s usually advised that contractors carry their own insurance as well.
Does general contractors insurance cover subcontractors?
No, typically subcontractors won’t be covered under a general contractor’s policy, unless that policy specifically named them as an additional insured. It’s not uncommon for contractors to expect or even require subcontractors to have their own insurance.
Your business is unique, so are your insurance options.
Being a brokerage for over 70 of Canada’s top insurers means we have access to a wide range of insurance solutions as unique as your business – at some of the best rates in Ontario. Want to learn more about the coverage options available to you? Here are a few of them: