Ontario Construction Insurance
With every project in Ontario comes exposure to unique hazards like equipment damage, contractual obligations, and workplace safety concerns – construction insurance helps you manage those risks with confidence.
Build with confidence: Ontario construction insurance solutions
Running a construction business in Ontario comes with unique risks – from job site accidents to equipment damage and liability exposures. At Acera Insurance, we specialize in helping construction companies safeguard their operations with tailored insurance solutions.
Our experienced Ontario construction insurance brokers will work closely with you to understand your commercial insurance needs. We’ll then design a policy that offers the right protection while staying within your budget. Because Acera is an independent, employee-owned brokerage, we’re able to access a wide network of top Canadian insurers to secure competitive construction insurance quotes.
Whether you’re a general contractor, trade specialist, or managing large-scale builds, we’ll help you put the right coverage in place so you can focus on your projects with peace of mind.
Contact us today for your construction insurance quote or read on to learn more about this coverage.
Ontario construction insurance built for builders, contractors, and trades
If you’re a contractor, subcontractor, or own a construction business in Ontario, having the right insurance isn’t just smart – it’s often required by clients or contracts. Acera Insurance helps Ontario builders and trades protect their people, projects, and equipment with coverage designed for the realities of the construction industry.
What does construction insurance in Ontario include?
Every construction company faces unique risks depending on the type of work and scale of projects. Our Ontario construction insurance brokers will review your operations and budget to customize the right package of coverages, which may include:
- Commercial General Liability (CGL) – Protects you against accusations of third-party property damage or bodily injury on your office/shop premises, job sites or while visiting clients.
- Property Insurance – Covers your business assets, such as offices, storage facilities, equipment, inventory, and building materials.
- Course of Construction / Builder’s Risk – Provides protection for a project under construction, including the structure, materials, and labour costs in the event of damage or loss.
- Wrap-Up Liability – Blanket liability coverage for large-scale Ontario projects, protecting the project owner, contractors, and subcontractors under one policy.
- Business Interruption – Protects your business from financial instability by covering lost income in the event of a covered loss.
- Tools & Equipment Coverage – Protects your tools and equipment wherever they are, This includes if they are on-site, in storage, or in transit.
- Equipment Breakdown – Covers the cost to repair or replace permanently installed equipment in the event of sudden and accidental mechanical, electrical, or pressure breakdowns.
- Crime Coverage – Protection against losses due to fraud, theft, forgery, or employee dishonesty.
- Commercial Auto Insurance – If you use trucks, vans, or other vehicles for your business, commercial auto coverage is mandatory in Ontario. It typically includes liability, accident benefits, and direct compensation for property damage.
- Surety Bonds – Required for many government or large-scale projects, surety bonds demonstrate your financial reliability and ability to complete the work.
Construction insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Acera, our independent brokers compare policies from a wide range of insurers to deliver competitive quotes and tailored coverage that fits your business.
Our diverse experience.
Our teams have spent decades honing our expertise in construction insurance. We offer risk management solutions for major construction projects across Ontario and the country. Whatever you’re building, we’ve got the coverage for you.
Commercial, Industrial & Retail Developments
Community Amenities
Home Construction
Hospitality & Gaming
Multi-family Structures
Office & Residential High-rises
Public Infrastructure Works
Renovations
Understanding the basics of Ontario home construction insurance
If you’re planning to build or renovate a home in Ontario, your standard homeowner’s policy may not provide the protection you need. Construction projects bring additional risk – from fire and water damage to liability claims and theft – particularly if the property is vacant during the work. That’s why it’s essential to notify your insurance provider before construction begins.
In many cases, you’ll need specialized coverage such as builder’s risk insurance to protect the structure and materials, and possibly excess liability insurance to shield you from lawsuits. It’s equally important to ensure that all contractors working on your home carry their own insurance for liability, equipment, and materials. Understanding your coverage needs upfront helps safeguard your investment and keeps your project on track.
Do I need to notify my insurer if I’m renovating or rebuilding in Ontario?
Yes, you should always let your insurer know if you’re starting a major renovation or building a new home in Ontario. Here’s why:
- Increased risks: Construction raises the chances of damage, accidents, or liability claims if someone is injured on-site.
- Vacant properties: If your home is unoccupied during the project, the risks of theft, vandalism, or unnoticed damage are higher.
- Changing home value: Renovations or new builds affect your property’s replacement cost, which must be reflected in your policy.
Contact your insurer once permits are approved and before construction begins to confirm your coverage. You should also update your insurer when the project is finished so your policy reflects your home’s new value.
Home construction insurance in Ontario: Builder’s risk, liability and more
For new builds and major renovations, builder’s risk (course of construction) insurance is often required. This coverage protects the home under construction, materials, and labour against risks such as fire, wind, theft, and vandalism. For smaller updates, your insurer may extend coverage under your existing policy, but it’s best to confirm.
If you have significant assets, it may also be worth considering umbrella liability or excess liability insurance. With construction sites having higher accident potential, extra protection ensures you’re not financially exposed if you’re sued.
Finally, always verify that your contractors have proper insurance. This not only protects them, but also reduces your own exposure if an incident occurs.
How much does construction insurance cost in Ontario?
The price of construction insurance in Ontario can vary widely depending on the type of project and the risks involved. Insurers consider a number of factors when calculating premiums, including:
- Your claims and insurance history – A clean, claims-free record may lower costs, while frequent or recent claims can raise them.
- Project value or rebuild cost – Larger, more complex projects typically require higher coverage limits and therefore cost more.
- Location of the project – Areas with higher theft, vandalism, or severe weather risks (as well as distance from local fire services) can increase premiums.
- Tools, equipment, and materials stored on-site – The more valuable your assets, the greater the risk exposure.
Other factors such as project duration, the type of construction work, and the contractors involved can also influence your rate.
At Acera Insurance, our brokers work with multiple insurers to compare options and help Ontario contractors secure the right protection at a competitive price. Contact us today for a customized Ontario construction insurance quote that fits your budget and project needs.
Why work with Acera Insurance for your Ontario construction insurance?
For more than 60 years, Acera Insurance has been a trusted partner for contractors, builders, trades, and homeowners across Canada. As one of the country’s largest independent brokerages, we represent your best interests – not those of a single insurance company. This independence allows us to compare policies from multiple insurers and deliver competitive, customized construction insurance quotes for Ontario businesses and homeowners.
Our hands-on approach sets us apart. Our experienced brokers take the time to understand your projects, explain your coverage options, and ensure you’re not overpaying for protection. From risk management advice to claims advocacy, we’re here to guide you through every stage of the process so you can focus on building with confidence.
Whether you’re renovating your home or managing large-scale commercial projects across Ontario, Acera Insurance can help you secure the right construction insurance at the best value. Get your free quote online, by phone, or in person at one of our branches today.
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