Contractors face real jobsite risks: property damage, injuries, stolen tools, and contract requirements. Morison Insurance helps Ontario contractors compare coverage from leading insurers so you can meet job requirements and protect your business.
Get a Contractor Insurance Quote
Whether you're bidding on your next project or need a certificate of insurance, Morison Insurance understands the urgency contractors face. As an independent broker, we don't work for one insurance company, we work for you. That means we compare coverage options across multiple leading business insurers to find the protection that fits your trade, your contracts, and your budget.
Our contractor-focused service goes beyond getting you a quote. Need to add a client as an additional insured? We handle it. Contract changed mid-project? We adjust your coverage. Filing a claim after jobsite damage? Our team guides you through every step.
As your business grows, whether that includes taking on bigger projects, hiring subcontractors, or expanding into new trades, your insurance needs will change too. We're here for the long term, not just the first policy.
Contractor insurance is a bundle of coverages designed to protect your contracting business from common risks like third-party claims, tool theft, jobsite damage, and vehicle-related losses. Instead of managing separate policies for every exposure, contractor insurance packages the protection you need into one comprehensive solution.
Most contractor policies include:
Not always. Ontario law doesn't mandate contractor insurance for every type of contracting work. Requirements depend on your specific operations and the coverages involved. If you operate commercial vehicles, commercial auto insurance is legally required.
Very often. While Ontario doesn't always legally require contractor insurance, most clients, general contractors, and property managers do. Before work begins, they typically ask for proof of coverage, especially liability insurance.
Any contractor or trade performing construction, repair, installation, or renovation work should consider contractor insurance. Whether you're working on residential homes, commercial buildings, or industrial sites, having the right coverage protects your business and helps you qualify for more contracts.
Don't see your trade? We can quote most contracting operations across Ontario. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.
Contractor insurance can be customized based on your trade, operations, and contract requirements. Here's a breakdown of the most common coverages available to Ontario contractors:
Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and legal defense costs. If a client trips over your equipment, or you accidentally damage a client's flooring during a renovation, CGL responds. This is often the first coverage clients ask about.
Covers your tools and equipment from theft or damage while on the jobsite, in storage, or in transit (depending on policy wording). Given the high cost of power tools, diagnostic equipment, and specialty trade tools, this coverage prevents significant out-of-pocket losses.
Covers the contents of your shop, warehouse, or office, including inventory, supplies, furniture, and business equipment. If you store materials or run administrative operations from a fixed location, this protects your physical assets.
Insures trucks, vans, and other vehicles used for business purposes. This includes coverage for transporting materials, tools, and employees to jobsites. Personal auto policies typically exclude business use, making commercial auto insurance essential for contractors.
Helps with claims alleging mistakes in your design, specifications, or professional advice. If a client claims your work recommendation led to project delays or additional costs, professional liability coverage can help with legal fees and settlements.
Project-based coverage that protects a building or renovation project while work is in progress. This is especially relevant for general contractors overseeing large builds or major renovations.
A common contractor add-on that covers materials and equipment while they're being transported to a jobsite or temporarily stored on-site. This fills gaps that may not be covered by your standard property or tools coverage.
Covers claims related to spills, contaminants, or environmental damage caused by your work. This is trade-dependent but particularly important for landscapers, excavators, painters, and HVAC contractors who work with fuels, refrigerants, or chemicals.
Provides extra liability protection above your existing CGL and commercial auto limits. If a major claim exceeds your primary coverage, umbrella liability acts as a safety net, protecting your business assets.
Coverage availability and terms vary by insurer, trade, and contracts. Your Morison Insurance broker will match coverage to your operations.
Even with comprehensive contractor insurance, certain situations fall outside standard coverage. Understanding these exclusions helps you avoid surprises and ensures you're taking the right precautions on every job.
Common exclusions include:
Ask your broker to review exclusions based on your trade and contract requirements. Understanding what's not covered is just as important as knowing what is.
Contractor insurance isn't just about protecting your own work, it also impacts how you manage subcontractors and meet client requirements.
Always request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from any subcontractor you bring onto a project. Confirm their liability limits meet your contract requirements and consider asking to be added as an Additional Insured on their policy. This protects you if their work leads to a claim, reducing your exposure to lawsuits or financial losses.
Carrying your own contractor insurance makes you a more attractive hire. General contractors often require proof of coverage before bringing subs onto a job. Beyond meeting contract requirements, your own policy protects you from personal liability if something goes wrong, even if you're working under someone else's contract.
Need a COI for a job? Talk to a broker: 1-800-463-8074
Contractor insurance costs vary widely based on your trade, business size, and risk profile. While exact pricing depends on your unique situation, most Ontario contractors can expect to pay between $650 and $2,500+ per year for coverage.
Contractor insurance is an investment in your business, but that doesn't mean you should overpay. Here are proven strategies to reduce your premiums without sacrificing protection:
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Not always legally required, but practically essential. While Ontario law doesn't mandate contractor insurance for every trade, most clients, general contractors, and property managers require proof of liability coverage before allowing work to begin. Without it, you risk losing contracts and facing personal financial liability for accidents or damages.
Contractor liability insurance (CGL) covers third-party bodily injury and property damage caused by your work. It also includes legal defense costs if you're sued. For example, if a client slips on your equipment and gets injured, or you accidentally damage a client's property during a job, your liability coverage responds.
Yes. Subcontractors should carry their own contractor insurance to protect themselves from liability and to meet general contractor requirements. If you're a general contractor hiring subs, always request a Certificate of Insurance and consider adding yourself as an Additional Insured on their policy to protect your business from claims arising from their work.
It depends on your contracts. Many clients require $2M in general liability coverage as a baseline. Larger projects, commercial work, or contracts with municipalities often require $5M or more. Your broker can help you choose limits that meet your contract requirements without overpaying for unnecessary coverage.
Yes. Contractor insurance policies can be written to cover multiple trades or operations. However, you must declare all work you perform when applying for coverage. Operating outside your declared trade class can result in denied claims. Be specific about all the services you offer to ensure complete protection.
Your premium is influenced by your trade, revenue, payroll, years in business, claims history, coverage limits, tools value, and whether you need commercial auto coverage. Higher-risk trades and larger operations typically pay more, while experienced contractors with clean claims history often receive better rates.
Yes. Standard tools and equipment coverage may only protect tools in storage or at your shop. If you regularly transport tools to jobsites or leave them on-site overnight, you need specific coverage for tools in transit and at job locations. Confirm with your broker that your policy includes these extensions.
At Morison Insurance, we can issue certificates of insurance quickly. If you have urgent contract requirements and need a COI to start work, contact your broker directly and we'll prioritize your request.
Get coverage that matches your trade, contracts, and jobsite risks without overpaying.
Morison brokers compare quotes from multiple insurers and help you secure the right coverage, limits, and certificates fast. Whether you're a new contractor protecting your first truck and toolset or an established general contractor managing multiple crews, we'll build a policy that fits. Get a Contractor Insurance Quote or call 1-800-463-8074 to speak with a broker. We are here to help!
