Calgary Contractor Insurance
Contractor insurance solutions built for Calgary’s builders and trades
If you’re a contractor in Calgary, protecting your business is essential. Whether you’re an independent tradesperson, managing crews, or running a multi-project contracting firm, Acera Insurance offers tailored contractor insurance solutions designed to fit your unique risks and budget.
Our experienced contractor insurance brokers will help you:
- Identify your risks and coverage needs based on your trade and scope of work
- Compare quotes from multiple insurers to secure competitive pricing
- Provide expert guidance as your contracting business grows and evolves
As an independent, employee-owned brokerage, we work for you – not the insurance companies. This independence gives us access to a wide network of insurance providers, allowing us to deliver flexible, competitive insurance solutions for contractors.
We’re proud members of the Calgary Construction Association, Alberta Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association, Surety Association of Canada, and Alberta Ready-Mixed Concrete Association—so you can trust that we understand your industry and its challenges.
Contact us today for your free insurance quote and find out how we can help protect your business, your tools, and your reputation.
Competitive and comprehensive contractor insurance options in Calgary
Every contracting business is unique, and the type of work you do – whether residential, commercial, or industrial – impacts your required coverages. You can count on our Calgary contractor insurance brokers to work with you when developing a protection plan that aligns with your specific work, risks and budget.
Common Calgary contractor insurance coverages include:
- Commercial General Liability (CGL) – Shields you against accusations of third-party property damage or bodily injury on your office premises, job sites or while visiting clients.
- Property Insurance – Covers your physical business assets such as tools, materials, office equipment, and storage facilities against risks like fire, theft, or vandalism.
- Builder’s Risk (Course of Construction) – Essential for contractors managing active construction projects, this covers loss or damage to structures under construction, including labour, equipment, and materials.
- Wrap-Up Liability – Often used for larger projects, this blanket liability coverage protects the project owner, general contractor, and subcontractors under a single policy.
- Equipment & Tools Coverage – Protects your valuable tools and equipment whether they are on-site, in transit, or at your shop.
- Equipment Breakdown Insurance – Protects fixed, permanently installed equipment (such as boilers, pressure vessels, HVAC, or electrical systems) against sudden and accidental mechanical, electrical, or pressure breakdowns.
- Crime Coverage – Helps protect your contracting business from losses caused by employee theft, fraud, forgery, and other dishonest acts.
- Commercial Auto Insurance – Offers auto insurance coverage for vehicles your business owns, leases or registers in the company’s name, such as delivery vans, service trucks and company cars.
- Non-Owned Auto Insurance – Provides auto insurance coverage for vehicles your company does not own, but that are used for business purposes. For example, a subcontractor using their own vehicle on behalf of your business.
- Directors & Officers Liability (D&O) – This coverage protects directors and officers by helping with financial losses and defence costs in the event legal action is taken for alleged wrongful acts or a breach of duty.
- Employment Practices Liability (EPL) – Provides the necessary resources to defend your company against a suit or to pay a claim. It is used to mitigate risks of common employment-related lawsuits.
- Cyber Liability Insurance – This helps you respond and recover in the aftermath of a cyberattack. It provides coverage for data recovery, customer notification, lost income and ongoing expenses during downtime, crisis management and more.
- Surety & Bonds – Many Calgary contractors bidding on large or government projects need surety bonds. Bonds show clients you have the financial strength and commitment to complete the work as promised.
Whether you’re a general contractor, specialty trade, or independent contractor, we’ll design an insurance program that supports your work and helps you avoid financial setbacks.
Calgary contractor insurance coverage for every trade
If you work in Calgary’s trades sector, contractor insurance is essential to protect you, your employees, your equipment, and your clients. Whether you operate independently or manage a team, insurance helps reduce financial risk from accidents, property damage, lawsuits, or job site interruptions.
Examples of professionals and businesses that need contractor insurance include:
- General Contractors – Manage full construction projects and coordinate multiple trades.
- Residential Home Builders & Renovators – Build and remodel homes throughout Calgary’s neighbourhoods.
- Commercial Contractors – Oversee office, retail, institutional and industrial projects.
- Specialty Trade Contractors – Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, roofers, drywallers, framers, landscapers, and so many more.
- Concrete, Paving & Asphalt Contractors – Responsible for foundation work, driveways, roads, and paving projects.
- Excavation & Earthmoving Contractors – Perform site preparation and grading work.
- Demolition Contractors – Specialize in safe building teardown and site clearance.
- Structural Steel & Scaffolding Contractors – Support commercial, institutional, and industrial construction projects.
- Heavy Equipment Operators – Supply and operate cranes, loaders, and other heavy machinery.
- Hazardous Materials & Remediation Contractors – Identify, remove, transport, and dispose of hazardous substances.
- Independent or Self-Employed Contractors – Even small one-person operations need protection from liability and equipment loss.
If your work involves construction sites, client properties, subcontractors, or specialized tools and vehicles, contractor insurance is critical. It safeguards your business, helps you meet contract requirements, and gives your clients confidence in your services.
Acera Insurance works with Calgary contractors of all sizes to deliver tailored insurance solutions that fit your trade and budget.
Calgary contractor insurance claims examples
Tool theft from vehicle
A contractor’s van is broken into, and thousands of dollars’ worth of power tools are stolen. Contractor tools and equipment insurance allows for the rental of replacement tools to minimize disruption. It also provides replacement costs to acquire new equipment..
Vehicle accident
A contractor’s work truck rear-ends another vehicle while traveling on the Deerfoot between job sites. Commercial auto insurance helps cover vehicle repairs and liability claims.
Cyber liability incident
A small Calgary contracting business has its invoicing and project management system hacked, exposing private client data and client payment information. Cyber liability insurance helps cover notification costs, data recovery, and potential regulatory fines.
How much does contractor insurance cost in Calgary?
The cost of contractor insurance in Calgary depends on the nature of your work, the size of your operation, and the risks involved in your projects.
For example, independent tradespeople or small crews can often secure robust coverage starting at around $1,500 per year, providing solid protection against a broad range of risks.
By comparison, mid-sized contracting companies typically see premiums beginning in the $5,000 to $7,500 range annually, reflecting the wider scope of their operations.
Meanwhile, larger firms handling multiple commercial or industrial projects should expect higher premiums. This is because their work usually requires several lines of coverage to properly safeguard them against the greater level and complexity of risk they face.
What factors influence how contractor insurance rates are calculated?
Key factors that influence contractor insurance costs include:
- Your insurance and claims history
- The type of work you do
- Credentials, tickets, education and years of experience
- Project values and equipment costs
- Annual revenue
- Number of employees or whether you use subcontractors
- Job site location(s) or number of projects
- Coverage limits and policy options
There may be other factors based on your unique contracting business. That’s why working with a broker who understands the Calgary construction industry is essential.
Our contractor insurance brokers will shop multiple insurers to find competitive pricing and help you choose coverage that fits your budget while fully protecting your business.
Get a free insurance quote today and see how much you could save.
Why Calgary contractors trust Acera Insurance to develop strong foundations
For more than 60 years, Acera Insurance has been supporting Calgary’s contractors with expert guidance, competitive premiums, and personalized service.
As an independent brokerage, you are our top priority – we work for you, not the insurance companies. This independence gives us access to a wide network of insurers and markets, allowing us to deliver competitive quotes and coverage options tailored specifically to your contracting business.
Here’s why contractors depend on Acera Insurance:
- Local expertise you can rely on – We understand Calgary’s contracting industry, from independent trades to large general contractors, and the unique risks you face on every job site.
- Selection and customization – With access to several different insurance companies, we find the right coverage at the best value for your specific trade and project needs.
- Hands-on service – Our brokers take the time to assess your risks, explain your options, and help you make confident, informed insurance decisions.
- Claims support when you need it most – If something goes wrong, we act as your advocate, helping you navigate claims quickly and effectively so you can get back to work.
- Proactive risk management guidance – Beyond insurance, we help you identify potential risks and implement strategies to minimize them, protecting your business long-term.
Whether you’re an independent contractor, a specialty trade, or a general contractor managing multiple crews, Acera Insurance is the trusted partner Calgary contractors count on to keep their businesses protected.
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