Handyman Insurance in Ontario
Small jobs still carry real risk. A slipped drill can crack a countertop, and a ladder can mark a floor. We connect Ontario handymen and small repair businesses with licensed brokers who can put affordable coverage in place quickly.
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Service & Support:
- Follow-up from a licensed broker within 24 hours
- Policy Review and Comparison
- Risk Assessment
- Help with certificates of insurance, policy changes and contract reviews
- Renewal planning well before your policy expires
Quick answer
What insurance does a handyman need in Ontario?
Most Ontario handymen need commercial general liability, typically $1 million to $2 million, plus tools and equipment coverage. If you drive to jobs with tools, you need your vehicle insured for business use. Licensed trades such as electrical and gas work need proper licensing and are usually excluded from handyman policies.
Affordable coverage for small jobs
Handyman businesses are usually among the lowest cost trades to insure, but only if the policy matches the work. Insurers price a handyman policy on the understanding that you do small repairs, assembly, painting and maintenance, not licensed or structural work.
If you take on electrical, gas, plumbing, roofing or structural jobs, those typically need licensed trades and are often excluded from handyman policies. Be clear about what you do so the policy responds when you need it.
Connect NowHow CommercialInsurance.ca works
We are not an insurer or a broker. We find you the right one.
Matched by industry
We connect you with a broker who works with businesses like yours, not a generic call centre.
Licensed Ontario brokers
Insurance brokers in Ontario are licensed by the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO).
Fast follow up
Once we receive your information, a professional in our network will connect with you within 24 hours.
No cost to be matched
Our referral service is free for businesses. You deal directly with the broker for quotes and coverage.
What coverage does a handyman need?
Most handyman programs are simple.
Commercial general liability
Covers damage to a client's property and injuries caused by your work, such as a picture falling or a guest tripping over tools. Property managers often require $2 million and ask to be named as an additional insured.
- $1 million to $2 million is typical
- Property manager and condo certificates
- Covers legal defence costs
Tools and equipment
Covers your drills, saws and ladders on the job, in the vehicle and at home against theft and damage.
- Theft from vehicles
- Tools on site
- Low deductibles available
Business use of your vehicle
If you drive to jobs, your auto policy must reflect business use. Using a personal policy for work without telling your insurer can put a claim at risk.
- Declare business use
- Commercial auto for work trucks
- See commercial auto
What does handyman insurance cost in Ontario?
As a general guide, many Ontario handymans running as an owner operator or small crew see roughly $700 to $2,000 a year for $2 million in general liability plus tools and equipment coverage. WSIB and commercial auto are priced separately. These are estimates only. See our contractor insurance cost guide.
Raises the price
- Work at heights
- Commercial or property management contracts
- Past claims
- Many employees
Helps lower it
- Small residential repairs only
- Clean claims history
- Owner operator
- Clear written job descriptions
Budget separately
- WSIB premiums, based on insurable earnings
- Commercial auto for work vehicles
- Surety bonds for bonded contracts
Get covered and get to work
Tell us about your handyman business and we will connect you with a licensed Ontario broker who can set up affordable liability and tools coverage, often within a day.
Taking on bigger jobs? See renovation contractor insurance.
Connect NowHandyman Insurance FAQs
How much does handyman insurance cost in Ontario?
Many owner operator handymen see roughly $700 to $2,000 a year for liability and tools coverage. That is an estimate; your work types, revenue and claims history change the price.
Can a handyman do electrical or plumbing work?
Electrical and plumbing are regulated, compulsory trades in Ontario. They generally require licensed trades and are often excluded from handyman policies.
Do property managers require insurance from handymen?
Almost always. Expect to provide a certificate showing $2 million in liability, often naming the property manager or condo corporation as an additional insured.
Do I need WSIB as a contractor in Ontario?
Most people who own or run a construction business in Ontario must have WSIB coverage, including sole proprietors, partners and executive officers, whether or not they have employees. There is an exemption for independent operators who only do home renovation work hired directly by the homeowner, and one non working executive officer or partner per company can be exempt. Read our WSIB clearance certificate guide.
What happens after you request commercial insurance?
1Discovery Call
(30 to 45 min)Understand operations, contracts, assets, and loss history.
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We will request your
expiring policies and loss runs.
2Risk Mapping
(1 to 3 days)Document exposures, limits, sublimits, deductibles, and endorsements that fit your contracts.
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3Market Placement
(2 to 5 days)Approach the right markets
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and negotiate terms, exclusions, and deductibles.
4Proposal & Bind
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Side-by-side options in clear wording, so you can choose with confidence.
Protect your team too
Offer health, dental and life benefits your employees will value.
We also connect Ontario businesses with licensed benefits advisors, from two person teams to growing companies.
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