Contractors and Trades Insurance
As a contractor or tradesperson in Canada, you have several unique risks related to your work, such as potential liability and extreme weather. In addition to these challenges, you face provincial regulations that may influence your coverage decisions.
At The Shepherd Group, we specialize in identifying coverage for several industries, including contractors. Our in-depth knowledge enables us to pinpoint the unique risks you face and find coverage that meets your needs.
Canadian Insurance Solutions Built for Your Contracting Business
Our niche expertise in the Canadian construction industry enables us to provide several benefits to contractors seeking insurance:
Comprehensive Protection
We can help you get coverage for your crucial assets like tools, equipment, and job materials in the event of theft or damage, while also mitigating the financial risks of unforeseen accidents with tailored third-party liability coverage.
Regulatory & Trade Compliance
Our expertise includes the specific requirements set by licensing bodies for various trades, and we are aware of the different regulations across provinces and territories that may influence your coverage needs.
Diverse & Scalable Options
Whether you’re an independent contractor or operate a construction firm, we can help you find a scalable solution that is tailored to your unique needs.
Our Core Solutions for Contractor Insurance in Canada
The Shepherd Group helps clarify and simplify the insurance process so you can get the protection you need. We have the expertise to serve the Canadian construction industry and can work with you to find the insurance types that best suit you.
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Commercial General Liability Insurance for Canadian Contractors
Commercial general liability insurance is highly recommended for Canadian contractors. It protects against third-party claims for bodily injury and property damage arising from your business operations. We can identify solutions that protect you during work and even after you finish, with completed operations liability. We understand the typical coverage limits and the requirements often set by Canadian construction contracts, enabling us to tailor policies to meet your demands.
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Tools and Equipment Insurance for Canadian Trades
Protect the equipment you need to do your job with insurance solutions. Depending on the type of work you do, your equipment may range from hand tools to heavy machinery. We can identify insurance options that may provide financial protection against theft or damage. Get coverage for all your equipment, from owned to rented or leased tools.
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Commercial Auto Insurance for Canadian Contractors
Vehicles are a big part of your work as a contractor. You use them to get to your jobs and carry all the necessary tools and equipment. We can help you protect them with coverage for work trucks throughout the Canadian provinces. Whether you need to cover a single vehicle or an entire fleet, we’ll identify solutions that suit you.
We also ensure protection aligns with auto insurance regulations so your vehicles are road-legal and covered for commercial use. Your insurance can provide coverage in the event of accidents, liability claims and vehicle damage.
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Builder's Risk/Course of Construction Insurance in Canada
Builder’s risk, or course-of-construction insurance, provides you with protection during ongoing construction projects. It covers structures that are under construction from perils like fire, vandalism and extreme weather. The coverage also extends to materials and equipment you store on-site during construction. We can help you get coverage that meets your needs.
Other Insurance Solutions for Contractors
Here are some other types of coverage we offer that you may want as a commercial contractor:
Commercial Coverage
With our reliable and comprehensive insurance solutions, you can have peace of mind knowing that your business is protected against unexpected events.
Business Interruption
Covers loss of income if your operations are disrupted by a covered peril.
Legal Expense
Access cost-effective legal support and coverage for legal expenses.
Life & Health Coverage
Safeguard Your Future with Expert Life & Health Insurance Solutions
Bonding
Project managers, contractors, and builders in the construction industry should consider obtaining bonding insurance.
Critical Illness
A serious illness may not be avoidable, but you can protect yourself from it consuming your life.
Group & Individual Benefits
Part of cultivating a company culture is what you can offer your team as an employer.
Specialized Coverage for Your Canadian Trade
Each trade has its own unique risks and insurance requirements. We understand these nuances and can offer specialized solutions to match. Here are some of the types of contractors we commonly work with.
General Contractor Insurance
We help you meet provincial standards and contract requirements, manage subcontractor insurance, and get long-term protection for completed builds.
Electrical Contractor Insurance
We provide specialized coverage compliant with the Canadian Electrical Code, including protection against fire-related liability and coverage for your sensitive testing equipment.
Plumber Insurance in Ontario and Beyond
For plumbers, we offer tailored protection against water damage liability and comprehensive coverage for essential equipment like pipe cameras and welding tools.
Common Questions About Trade Insurance in Canada
Here are the answers to some questions contractors often ask us.
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How Much Does Contractor Insurance Cost in Canada/Ontario?
The price you pay for contractor insurance in Ontario or other locations in Canada may vary based on numerous factors, including:
- Your trade and its unique risks
- Business size
- Annual revenue
- Claims history
- Types of coverage chosen
- Business location and service area
Your best option is to discuss your needs with our insurance team. We can provide a tailored quote, so you know what to expect.
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Do You Need Insurance as an Independent Contractor in Canada?
Provinces may require contractors to carry commercial general liability insurance as a condition of their license. Some municipalities also require contractors to hold specific coverage to work in their jurisdiction. Besides legal requirements, many contracts mandate coverage, which means you may need it to get jobs. Overall, insurance indicates your professionalism and qualifications. It can also provide you with financial protection and peace of mind.
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Are Your Subcontractors Covered Under Your Canadian Insurance Policy?
Subcontractors are generally not covered under a general contractor’s insurance. As a general contractor, you should ensure that your subcontractors have their own policies. You can ask for a Certificate of Insurance to confirm their coverage and protect yourself from vicarious liability.
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What Coverage Limits Do Most Canadian Construction Contracts Require?
The coverage limits may vary by contract, but $2 million in commercial general liability is a common baseline. Contracts may also require limits for other coverage, like automobile, builder’s risk and more. Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) also sets coverage limits for large projects in accordance with the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) standards.
Protect Your Canadian Contracting Business
Our experience working with contractors enables us to expertly assemble plans to get you the necessary insurance for contractors and trades. Contact us online or call 1-866-565-6955 to discuss your needs. We can answer your questions, talk about the necessary coverage and offer a quote.
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