Skip to main content

Alberta Construction Insurance

Construction insurance coverage you can build on.

If you run your own business in the construction industry, Acera Insurance can help protect your business with construction insurance. We offer a wide range of coverage and our construction insurance brokers will be able to help you determine your coverage needs and balance them with your budget. Because we’re an independent brokerage, we work with a large number of insurance companies and can deliver competitive construction insurance quotes.

Acera Insurance is affiliated with the Calgary Construction Association, the Alberta Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association, the Surety Association of Canada and the Alberta Ready-Mixed Concrete Association. As an industry member, you can trust you’re in good hands and we have the expertise to protect your business.

Contact us today for your construction insurance quote or read on to learn more about this coverage.

Construction insurance for businesses in Alberta

If you’re a contractor or operate a business in the construction industry, properly protecting your business is essential. You will also likely be required to have certain insurance by your contract.

What does construction insurance cover for Alberta companies?

There are many types of construction insurance and what you need will depend on your individual business and type of construction projects you’re involved in. Our experienced construction insurance brokers will work with you to balance your coverage needs and budget. Your protection can include:

  • Commercial General Liability – This can help cover injuries and property damage suffered by visitors to your premises, including legal expenses if you’re sued. Keep in mind that construction sites may not be included in this coverage and may require additional protection.
  • Property Insurance – This essential coverage protects your company’s physical assets, including the structure, equipment, tools, inventory, materials, furniture and more.
  • Builder’s Risk/Course of Construction – While the project is underway, this coverage will cover damage or loss to the building you’re working on. It also covers labour, equipment, and materials.
  • Wrap Up Liability – This is specialized coverage for large contracts or projects. It is a blanket liability coverage that protects the project’s owner, contractors and subcontractors. It may include general liability, builders risk, umbrella liability, umbrella liability, workers compensation, commercial auto, and property damage. Coverage may vary by your location, project, and individual policy.
  • Business or Income or Project Interruption – If you’re forced to stop construction due to an insured loss or a mandatory evacuation, would your business be able to keep paying its bills? This coverage helps you get through this tough situation by providing funds so you can pay the essentials while you wait to begin work again.
  • Equipment and Tools – This provides protection for your equipment and tools whether they’re at the job site, in transit, or at your premises. This ensures your property is covered no matter where it is.
  • Equipment Breakdown – In construction, there is often essential equipment to getting the job done. If this equipment breaks down, you’re not normally covered under property insurance. But with equipment breakdown insurance, your construction equipment will likely be covered for repairs or replacement if it breaks down.
  • Crime Coverage – This coverage protects you from business-related crime including fraud, embezzlement, forgery, misrepresentation, theft and other crimes.
  • Commercial Auto – As most construction contractors have work vehicles, commercial auto protection is a must. It is mandatory in Alberta to have, at a minimum, third-party liability, accident benefits and direct compensation property damage coverages. These can protect your business if you’re involved in a collision that results in property damage or injury. Learn more here.
  • Surety & Bond – If you’re bidding for a large project or government project, you may be required to purchase a surety bond. This demonstrates to the client that you’re serious about the bid and your company will be able to complete the work.

Of course, this is just a shortlist of construction insurance protection available. Your coverage is customizable and based on your needs and budget. Our experienced construction insurance brokers can advise you as well as take care of the shopping around for the best construction insurance quote.

Alberta home construction insurance

If you’re renovating or building a home, you’ll also need specialized home construction insurance.

In Alberta, do I need to notify my home insurance company if I’m renovating or rebuilding?

Yes, you should always inform your current insurer that you’ll be performing renovations or building new. Why? Here are three reasons:

  • Construction projects raise the likelihood of damage and increase the risk of a liability claim (someone getting hurt or having their stuff damaged while on your property).
  • If you’ve vacated your home, there’s also an increased risk of damage from vandalism or theft or a higher chance of damage going unnoticed.
  • These projects change the value of your home.

It’s a good idea to contact your insurer as soon as your permits have been approved but before construction begins to ensure you’re protected throughout the build or renovation.

You should also notify your home insurance company when the construction project is complete.

Construction insurance in Alberta: Builder’s risk, excess liability and more.

If you’re building a new home or undergoing a large renovation project, you’ll need a course of construction or builder’s risk coverage. This is specifically designed to protect homes under construction or going through renovations. For small projects, your insurer may not require you to have this coverage.

If you have a lot of assets, it may be a good idea to purchase extra liability protection such as an umbrella or excess liability insurance. Injuries are more likely to happen at a home under construction, and insurance can help you protect yourself if you’re involved in a lawsuit.

You should also ensure your construction contractors have the proper insurance, including liability protection and coverage for their tools and materials. This coverage will also help protect you!

How much does construction insurance cost in Alberta?

The cost of construction insurance depends on several factors, including:

  • Your insurance and claims history
  • The value of the project (or rebuilding cost)
  • Location of where you’re working, which indicates the frequency of natural disasters as well as the crime and claim rates of the area and the distance from fire services
  • The value of materials and tools stored on site

There may be other influences on the price of construction insurance – our brokers can help you find the best value of coverage for your money.

Working with Acera Insurance for your construction insurance

We’ve been trusted business and home construction insurance brokers in Alberta for over 60 years. As an independent brokerage, we work for you, not an insurance company. We have access to a large number of markets which means you’ll get truly competitive business and home insurance quotes and a choice in your coverage.

You’ll notice a difference with our hands-on, personalized approach. Our professional and experienced brokers are there to help you determine your insurance needs, find the best prices, advise you on anything risk-management and insurance-related, and advocate on your behalf if you have a claim.

Contact us today if you are building or renovating your home or have a business in the construction industry. We offer competitive construction insurance quotes online, by phone, or at our branches.

Ready to get your free quote?

Simply complete our online form to receive free, no obligation quotes and advice from an expert broker.