Renovation Contractor Insurance in Ontario
Renovations happen in people's homes, often while they live there. That means their floors, belongings and families are part of your job site. We connect Ontario renovators with licensed brokers who build coverage for occupied homes and the contracts homeowners now expect.
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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 renovation contractor need in Ontario?
Ontario renovation contractors usually need commercial general liability with completed operations, tools and equipment coverage, commercial auto and, for larger projects, builder's risk or installation floater coverage for the work in progress. WSIB applies to most construction businesses, with an exemption for independent operators doing home renovation work directly for homeowners. Toronto also requires a building renovator licence.
Working in occupied homes changes the risk
Renovation claims often involve damage to the parts of the home you were not working on: a water line nicked while opening a wall, dust through the HVAC system, or a fire from hot work. Homeowners and their insurers expect you to carry the right coverage, and many will ask to see it before signing.
In Toronto, businesses that repair or renovate buildings, including those that advertise renovation services, need a City of Toronto building renovator licence. WSIB rules also matter: independent operators doing home renovation work hired directly by the homeowner are exempt from mandatory coverage, but anyone with workers must register.
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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).
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What coverage does a renovation contractor need?
These are the coverages a broker will usually build into a renovator's program.
General liability with completed operations
Covers damage to the client's home and belongings and injuries to anyone on site, plus claims that arise after completion, such as a leak from a new bathroom.
- Damage to existing structure and contents
- Completed operations after handover
- Certificates for homeowners and condo boards
Builder's risk or installation floater
On larger renovations, the new work and materials can be damaged by fire, theft or weather before completion. Homeowner policies may not cover it, so an installation floater or renovation builder's risk policy fills the gap.
- Materials on site before installation
- Work in progress
- Coordinate with the homeowner's insurer
Tools and equipment
Tools and trailers are frequent theft targets at renovation sites. Coverage should follow them on site, in transit and in storage.
- Tools and trailers
- Rented equipment
- Theft from vehicles
Renovation risks worth planning for
Kitchens and bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms combine plumbing, electrical and finishes in small spaces. Use licensed trades for plumbing and electrical, pull permits when required and document every stage with photos.
- Licensed subs for plumbing and electrical
- Permits and inspections
- Photos before closing walls
Condo renovations
Condo boards usually require a certificate of insurance with the corporation named as an additional insured, plus rules on working hours, elevators and water shut offs. Water damage in a condo can reach several units.
- Condo corporation as additional insured
- Follow building rules and shut off procedures
- Disclose condo work to your insurer
What does renovation contractor insurance cost in Ontario?
As a general guide, many Ontario renovation contractors running as an owner operator or small crew see roughly $1,500 to $6,000 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
- Structural and additions work
- Condo renovations
- Heavy subcontracting
- Past water or fire claims
Helps lower it
- Licensed subs with certificates
- Permits and documentation
- Clean claims history
- Several years in business
Budget separately
- WSIB premiums, based on insurable earnings
- Commercial auto for work vehicles
- Surety bonds for bonded contracts
Give homeowners proof and protect your business
Tell us about your renovation business and we will connect you with a licensed Ontario broker who understands occupied home and condo work and can issue certificates for your next client quickly.
Smaller repair jobs? See handyman insurance.
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Renovation Contractor Insurance FAQs
Do I need a licence to be a renovator in Toronto?
Yes. The City of Toronto requires a building renovator licence for businesses that repair or renovate buildings, including those that advertise renovation services. It involves an application, fees and an oral trade exam.
Does renovation insurance cover damage to the client's home?
Commercial general liability covers damage you cause to the client's property, but not the cost of redoing your own faulty work. Check how your policy handles damage to the part of the home you were working on.
Do renovators need WSIB?
Most construction businesses must have WSIB. Independent operators who only do home renovation work hired directly by homeowners are exempt, but if you have workers you must register.
Who insures the renovation work before it is finished?
The homeowner's policy may not. An installation floater or renovation builder's risk policy protects materials and work in progress. Agree who is responsible in your contract.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance for a new job?
A broker who works with contractors can usually issue a certificate of insurance the same day, including additional insured wording for the general contractor or property owner. See our certificate of insurance 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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