Protect Your Business with PetleyHare’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.

Core coverage typesGeneral liability, tools & equipment, commercial auto, builder's risk, errors & omissions. Varies by trade, revenue, and claims history.
Typical costStarting less than $100/month for $1–2M in general liability coverage. Varies by trade, revenue, and claims history.
Tender requirementsMost Ontario commercial tenders require a certificate of insurance with a minimum of $2M in coverage before work begins.

Contractor Insurance in Ontario: Key Facts

If you’re working in construction, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • 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.

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Tools, Materials & Workspace

    Guard gear with tools insurance and materials with installation floater insurance; protect your shop and contents with property insurance.

  4. Vehicles & Transit

    Keep crews moving with commercial auto insurance and the right auto coverage for trucks, vans, and trailers used for work.

  5. Advice, Design & Coordination

    Errors and omissions insurance (and professional liability insurance where required) supports you when guidance or documentation leads to a client loss.

  6. 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.

Coverage Options for Ontario Contractors

Every construction business is different. These are the key coverage types that make up most contractor insurance packages in Ontario.

Contractor Insurance

General Liability Insurance

Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage arising from your operations. If a client trips on your extension cord or you accidentally damage their hardwood floors, general liability is what responds. It's the foundation of most contractor insurance policies and the coverage most clients and tenders require.

Tools and Equipment Insurance

Power tools, ladders, generators, trailers — if it's essential to your trade, it needs protection. Tools and equipment coverage applies to theft, loss, and accidental damage whether the gear is on a job site, in your truck, or in storage.

Contractor Insurance
Contractor Insurance

Commercial Auto Insurance

Covers your business vehicles — trucks, vans, trailers — for accidents, liability, and damage. Commercial auto is separate from personal auto and is required any time a vehicle is used for work purposes. PetleyHare can help you get the right coverage whether your fleet is one pickup or several service vans.

Builder’s Risk Insurance

Covers structures under construction against fire, theft, vandalism, and weather damage during the build period. Builder's risk is often a requirement on larger residential or commercial projects and protects the investment while the project is still vulnerable.

Contractor Insurance
Contractor Insurance

Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance

Protects against financial losses a client claims resulted from mistakes or omissions in your work, advice, or documentation. Particularly relevant for project managers, design-build contractors, consultants, and trades that take on a coordination role.

Optional Add-Ons

Depending on your trade and the jobs you take on, your policy can be expanded with:

  • Pollution and environmental liability
  • Cyber liability Insurance
  • Installation floater for materials in transit
  • Equipment breakdown coverage
  • Course of construction coverage
Contractor Insurance

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.

Coverage Considerations by Trade

Contractors face different risks depending on their work, tools, and job sites. PetleyHare builds contractor insurance around the exposures that actually show up in your contracts and daily operations.

Roofing Contractors

Roofing carries higher-than-average injury exposure — working at height, on ladders, and on sloped surfaces. Wind damage, water intrusion claims from temporary openings, and tool theft from rooftops and trucks are common exposures. Coverage packages for roofers typically lean heavily on liability limits, tool protection, and clear contract wording.

Talk to a broker about roofing contractor insurance

Electrical Contractors

Fire risk linked to wiring and panel work, property damage claims after system failures, and the need for certificates on commercial sites are the main pressure points for electricians. General contractor insurance paired with E&O-style protection is often appropriate, particularly for contractors working on commercial or institutional projects.

Talk to a broker about electrical contractor insurance

HVAC Contractors

Refrigerant exposures, water damage after condensate line issues, service vans, and parts inventory on the road are common HVAC risks. Tool coverage and commercial auto tend to be the primary focus, along with adequate liability limits for residential and commercial service calls.

Talk to a broker about HVAC contractor insurance

Plumbing Contractors

Water damage claims can spread quickly and become expensive. Plumbers also deal with after-hours emergency calls, repeated site visits, and the need for fast certificates from property managers. Property damage limits and deductible choices are often the key decisions in building the right policy.

Talk to a broker about plumbing-contractor insurance

Renovation and Remodeling Contractors

Completed work disputes, jobsite slip hazards, high use of subcontractors, and materials stored on-site or in transit are typical renovation exposures. We often review sub-trade reporting requirements, contract obligations, and tool values carefully when building coverage for renovation contractors.

Talk to a broker about renovation contractor insurance

Concrete and Masonry Contractors

Heavy equipment, forms, and high replacement costs combined with jobsite vehicle movement and third-party property exposure make limits, equipment values, and transit coverage the main considerations. Seasonal scheduling and storage needs also play a role.

Talk to a broker about concrete and masonry insurance

Landscaping and Outdoor Contractors

Property damage to fences, patios, irrigation systems, and driveways, combined with trailer theft and equipment left on-site overnight, are common landscaping claims. Seasonal revenue swings also affect how policies are structured. Tool and equipment coverage with strong theft provisions is typically the core of a landscaping contractor's policy.

Talk to a broker about landscaping-contractor insurance

Why Ontario Contractors Choose PetleyHare

You have options when it comes to contractor insurance in Ontario. Here is why trades across Durham Region have trusted PetleyHare for over a century.

We're Local

Offices in Oshawa, Port Perry, and Coboconk. Our brokers live here, work here, and have been supporting trades across Durham Region for generations.

We're Independent

We're not tied to one insurer. We compare rates from Intact, CAA, Gore Mutual, Definity, and others, so you get the best fit, not just the first option.

We're Experienced

Over 100 years in business. We've seen how the construction industry and its risks have changed and how to build coverage that keeps up.

We're Human

When you call PetleyHare, you talk to a real person, a licensed broker who understands your trade and wants to help you protect it. No call centres.

We've Got Your Back

Our in-house claims team provides fast, straightforward support when things go wrong. We stay with you through the process, not just until the claim is filed.

Service Area: Contractor Insurance Across Ontario

Contractor insurance pricing and coverage needs can shift based on where you work — local job conditions, weather patterns, theft rates, and rebuild costs all affect how a policy is quoted and structured. PetleyHare's local team helps you compare options that fit your trade, your contracts, and the communities you serve.

Our Offices

Contractor Insurance
PetleyHare Port Perry

Oshawa (Primary Office)

Our Oshawa office serves contractors across the Durham Region, including general contractors, renovation crews, trades working on residential builds, and businesses supporting commercial and institutional projects throughout the region.

Port Perry (Office)

The Port Perry office supports contractors across Scugog, Uxbridge, and surrounding communities, including rural residential builds, agricultural properties, and contractors working in cottage country and Kawartha Lakes.

Coboconk (Office)

Our Coboconk location serves contractors working across Kawartha Lakes and northward, providing access to local broker support for trades in cottage and rural markets.

Communities We Serve

  • Oshawa

  • Port Perry

  • Whitby

  • Uxbridge

  • Ajax

  • Brooklin

  • Pickering

  • Kawartha Lakes

  • Bowmanville

  • Cobourg

  • Courtice

  • Peterborough

  • Newcastle

  • Province-wide

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:

Contractor Insurance

Step 1: Submit your details

Call us or use our online claim form. Include receipts, photos, or reports if possible.

Contractor Insurance

Step 2: Adjuster assigned

Your insurer will assign an adjuster to review and evaluate the claim.

Contractor Insurance

Step 3: Assessment + support

We help you through the process, especially in complex cases.

Contractor Insurance

Step 4: Repair or replace

The insurer coordinates repairs or issues compensation.

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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.

Claims Examples and Timelines for Contractors

Accidents can interrupt a job and put cash flow under pressure. Here are common contractor claims and the timelines contractors often see.

Common Contractor Claim Examples

  • Tool theft: stolen tools from a truck, trailer, or jobsite lockup
  • Third-party injury: a homeowner trips over materials, a visitor slips on debris
  • Property damage: water damage after plumbing work, a hole cut in the wrong place, damage to finished flooring
  • Vehicle incident: a work truck backs into a parked car, trailer damage on the road
  • Work interruption after loss: job paused while repairs and inspections happen

These are the situations that often trigger general contractor insurance coverage and related add-ons, based on how your policy is set up.

Typical Timeline After a Loss

Timelines depend on severity and documentation, but many contractor claims follow a pattern like this:

  • Same day to 48 hours: report the loss, document with photos, gather receipts, prevent further damage
  • 2 to 7 days: adjuster review, coverage confirmation, initial scope decisions
  • 1 to 3 weeks: estimates finalized, repairs or replacements approved, settlement steps begin
  • Longer for complex losses: larger property damage, injury claims, or disputed scopes can take more time

What Helps Move a Claim Faster

  • Photos of the scene, damaged items, and jobsite conditions
  • Tool lists with values, receipts, and serial numbers
  • Incident notes with dates, who was involved, and what happened
  • Contract or work order tied to the job
  • Police report number for theft or vandalism
  • A clear list of what needs replacement so work can continue security
  • Vehicles and trailers: owned or leased vehicles used for work, trailer details
  • Special exposures: design work, project management, hazardous materials, height work

PetleyHare arranges contractor insurance Ontario businesses use to meet job requirements.

What We Need to Quote Contractor Insurance

Getting a contractor insurance quote is faster when we have a clear picture of your trade, your job sites, and your team. This helps us match limits and add-ons so your policy fits contract requirements and day-to-day risks.

Quick Checklist for Your Quote

  • Business details: legal name, years in business, trade description, website (if you have one)
  • Work locations: main service area, typical job types, residential or commercial split
  • Revenue and payroll: annual revenue, payroll, and use of subcontractors
  • Insurance history: prior claims, current insurer, renewal date
  • Coverage needs: requested limits, certificate of insurance requirements

Tools and equipment values: total replacement value, storage method, jobsite We also place liability insurance for contractors with limits that fit the work you do and the clients you serve.

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:

Oshawa Office Port Perry Office Coboconk Office

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.

How Much Does Contractor Insurance Cost in Ontario?

For most trades in Ontario, general liability coverage of $1–$2M typically starts starts less than $100/month Your actual premium depends on your trade type, annual revenue, payroll, number of employees, claims history, and the specific limits and add-ons you carry. A roofing contractor will generally pay more than a landscaper due to higher injury exposure. PetleyHare will compare rates across multiple insurers to find the most competitive option for your situation.

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.

You Might Also Be Looking For

Contractor insurance is often one part of a broader business insurance strategy. PetleyHare can help you coordinate all of your coverage in one place.

Protect your crew. Protect your tools. Protect your reputation.

You're busy running job sites, managing crews, and keeping clients happy. Let PetleyHare take care of protecting what you've built.

Whether you're a seasoned contractor or just getting started, we make getting the right contractor insurance straightforward—no jargon, no unnecessary upsells, just coverage that fits your trade.

  • Fast, no-obligation quotes
  • Licensed Ontario brokers who understand your industry
  • Coverage built around your trade—not a generic package
  • Quick proof of insurance for tenders and clients
  • In-house claims support when you need it most

Contact One of Our Offices to Get Started:

Start a Quote Update Your Current Policy Start a Claim

Contractor Insurance Insights