Protect Your Business with Petley Hare’s Comprehensive Contractor Insurance
On a custom home build in Oshawa, a kitchen remodel in Port Perry, or running an electrical crew in Bowmanville? Then contractor insurance is the one tool you can’t afford to skip. Keep your work, team, and clients protected with an insurance product that ensures you are covered for liability, property coverage, and more.
What Is Contractor Insurance?
Contractor insurance is a customized insurance package that protects your construction business from risks like job site injuries, stolen tools, property damage, and legal liability. It helps you meet contract requirements, secure larger projects, and safeguard your crew, clients, and reputation.
For Ontario contractors, the right contractors’ insurance policy can include general contractor insurance, commercial general liability coverage, tools and equipment insurance, and errors or omissions liability. This type of liability insurance for contractors helps cover the cost of accidents, lawsuits, or damages, keeping your business protected and compliant.
Contractor Insurance in Ontario: Key Facts
If you’re working in construction, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Under Ontario law, most independent contractors are required to have WSIB coverage. You can review the full policy on compulsory WSIB coverage for construction directly from the WSIB.
- Many clients now expect a certificate of insurance before awarding contracts, especially for larger jobs or commercial work.
- Insurance costs have been rising alongside construction expenses—material and rebuild costs in Canada have jumped over 60% in recent years, putting pressure on premiums. The Insurance Bureau of Canada has highlighted these trends.
- While rates vary, contractor liability insurance in Ontario typically starts around $55–$67/month for $1–$2 million in coverage. KASE Insurance breaks down the cost here
Why Contractors Need Insurance
Ontario job sites come with real risks, property damage, bodily injury, theft, vehicle collisions, and even contract disputes. Clients and general contractors often require proof of insurance before work begins, and many contracts include specific contractor liability insurance requirements.
Without the right contractors’ insurance policy, even a minor issue can delay your timeline, disrupt cash flow, or put your business at legal risk. The right general contractor insurance coverage helps ensure you stay compliant, competitive, and protected from unexpected costs.
Contracts & Compliance
Many Ontario tenders require a certificate of insurance with $2M+ in coverage. WSIB coverage is also compulsory for many contractors under Bill 119. We help you stay compliant, so you're never caught off guard.
On the Job Site
Commercial general liability insurance addresses bodily injury and property damage arising from operations. General liability insurance may cover legal costs and settlements connected to incidents at a construction site.
Tools, Materials & Workspace
Guard gear with tools insurance and materials with installation floater insurance; protect your shop and contents with property insurance.
Vehicles & Transit
Keep crews moving with commercial auto insurance and the right auto coverage for trucks, vans, and trailers used for work.
Advice, Design & Coordination
Errors and omissions insurance (and professional liability insurance where required) supports you when guidance or documentation leads to a client loss.
Environmental Exposures
Add pollution liability and environmental liability when projects involve hazardous materials or sensitive sites.
A local broker like PetleyHare will help you align limits and endorsements so your insurance policy covers the jobs you take on, with options from trusted insurance providers and support when a claim happens.
Why Choose PetleyHare for Your Contractor Insurance?
Let’s be honest: you have options when it comes to liability insurance for contractors. But not all brokers are built the same.
Here’s why Ontario contractors have trusted PetleyHare for over 100 years:
- We’re Local – With offices in Oshawa and Port Perry, we know Durham Region inside and out. Our brokers live here, work here, and support trades across the region.
- We’re Experienced – We’ve been helping businesses navigate insurance since before the CN Tower was built. That history means we understand how the industry and your risks have changed.
- We’re Independent – We’re not tied to one insurance provider. Instead, we work with top-rated Canadian insurers like CAA, Intact, Gore Mutual, and Definity. That means you get more options, not more headaches.
- We’re Human – When you call PetleyHare, you talk to a real person. Someone who understands what you do and wants to help you protect it.
- We’ve Got Your Back – Our in-house claims team ensures fast, empathetic service when things go wrong. No call centres. No confusion. Just support.
Whether you’re a general contractor, drywall specialist, HVAC pro, or a one-person renovation crew, we’ll tailor coverage to your specific needs. No jargon, no fluff, just coverage that makes sense. Ontario has unique contractor insurance laws. Our brokers stay current with local regulations like WSIB’s compulsory coverage and liability certificate requirements for tenders.
Coverage Options for Contractors
Every construction business is different, and your insurance should reflect that. Here are the key coverage types that make up most general contractor insurance coverage packages:
General Liability Insurance
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage. Essential if a client trips on your extension cord or you accidentally damage their flooring.
Tools and Equipment Insurance
Power tools, ladders, trailers — if it’s essential to your trade, it needs protection. This covers loss, theft, and accidental damage both on and off the job site.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Whether it’s your truck, van, or trailer, commercial auto insurance covers your business vehicles for accidents, liability, and more.
Builder’s Risk Insurance
Covers structures under construction against damage from fire, theft, vandalism, and weather.
Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance
Covers mistakes or omissions that result in financial loss for a client — especially helpful for project managers, consultants, or designers.
Optional Add-Ons
Need pollution liability? Cyber liability? We can customize your policy based on your specific risks and industry.
Contractors in Ontario often wear multiple hats, and your insurance should be just as flexible. Start a quote today.
Already insured? Update your current policy to make sure it still covers everything you’ve worked hard to build.
How Our Claims Process Works
Even with the best safety measures, accidents happen. When they do, our claims process ensures you're not left navigating red tape alone. Here’s what to expect with contractor insurance claims at PetleyHare:
Step 1: Submit your details
Call us or use our online claim form. Include receipts, photos, or reports if possible.
Step 2: Adjuster assigned
Your insurer will assign an adjuster to review and evaluate the claim.
Step 3: Assessment + support
We help you through the process, especially in complex cases.
Step 4: Repair or replace
The insurer coordinates repairs or issues compensation.
Step 5: Ongoing help
Our team stays with you until the issue is resolved.
We’re not just your broker, we’re your advocate. And when things get tough, we show up for you.
Ready to Protect Your Business? Get a Quote Today
You're busy running job sites, managing crews, and keeping clients happy. Let us take care of protecting what you’ve built.
Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or just getting started, PetleyHare makes getting contractor insurance easy and stress-free.
- Fast, no-obligation quotes
- Licensed Ontario brokers who understand your industry
- Personalized coverage built around your trade
- Clear coverage options
- Quick proof of insurance
Contact one of our offices to get started:
Frequently Asked Questions About Contractor Insurance
What Does Contractor Insurance Cover in Ontario?
Contractor insurance typically includes general liability, tools & equipment, commercial auto, property, and builder’s risk. You can also add specialized options like pollution liability or errors & omissions.
How Much Does Contractor Insurance Cost?
It depends on your trade, business size, number of employees, and claims history. Most contractors can get comprehensive coverage for a reasonable monthly rate. Ask us for a personalized quote.
Is Contractor Insurance Mandatory in Ontario?
While not legally required for all contractors, many clients, especially in commercial construction, demand proof of insurance before signing contracts. It’s a must if you want to win bigger jobs.
Who Needs Contractor Insurance?
Anyone in the construction or trades industry, including general contractors, electricians, HVAC techs, painters, roofers, and subcontractors, should carry insurance.
Can I Bundle Contractor Insurance with Other Policies?
Yes! We often help clients bundle business, auto, and property insurance for better rates and fewer billing headaches. Let us help you customize your coverage.
How Do I File a Claim on My Contractor Insurance Policy?
Start by calling your broker or using the insurer’s online form. Include as many details as possible. You can also start a claim quickly through our website.
Protect your crew. Protect your tools. Protect your reputation.
Let’s build a better safety net around your business with contractor insurance that fits your trade and your future. Start a quote with a local broker for contractor insurance in Ontario that protects your projects, clients, and crew, so that you can finish every job with confidence.
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