Business Insurance by Industry in Ontario

Trades work on other people's property, so liability, completed work and tools drive the policy. Most clients and general contractors ask for a certificate of insurance before work begins. Tools, equipment and work vehicles need their own coverage.

• General contractors

• Renovation and remodelling contractors

• Carpenters and framers

• Cabinet makers and finish carpenters

• Electricians

• Plumbers

• HVAC contractors (see our HVAC page)

• Roofers

• Painters and drywallers

• Flooring installers

• Tile setters

• Masons and bricklayers

• Concrete and foundation contractors

• Excavation and site preparation

• Demolition contractors

• Insulation installers

• Window and door installers

• Siding and eavestrough installers

• Welders and metal fabricators

• Fence and deck builders

• Home builders and developers

• Property restoration contractors

These businesses work inside customers' homes, so liability, bonding-style protection and vehicle coverage matter.

• Cleaning services and janitorial companies

• Handymen

• Pest control operators

• Pressure washing and window cleaning

• Locksmiths

• Appliance repair

• Home inspectors

• Movers and moving companies

• Junk removal

• Garage door installers

• Pool installers and pool service companies

• Chimney sweeps

Outdoor businesses face weather, equipment and slip-and-fall risks, and many run snow removal in winter. See our landscaping and snow removal page.

• Landscapers and lawn care

• Snow removal and salting contractors

• Tree service and arborists

• Irrigation installers

• Garden centres and nurseries

• Paving and interlocking contractors

• Outdoor lighting installers

Fire, food safety, liquor service and lost income after a closure are the main concerns.

• Restaurants and cafes

• Bakeries

• Food trucks and mobile vendors

• Catering companies

• Bars and pubs

• Hotels and motels (see our hotel and motel page)

• Bed and breakfasts

• Short-term rental hosts (see our short-term rental page)

• Banquet halls

Stock, theft, customer injuries and product claims are the core exposures.

• Retail stores and boutiques

• Convenience and grocery stores

• E-commerce sellers

• Wholesalers and distributors

• Import and export businesses

• Auto parts stores

• Pharmacies

• Furniture and home decor stores

• Vape and smoke shops

• Market and pop-up vendors

Advice-based businesses need professional liability, often with cyber coverage.

• Consultants

• Accountants and bookkeepers

• Lawyers and paralegals

• Real estate agents and brokers

• Mortgage professionals

• Engineers and architects

• Interior designers

• Marketing and design agencies

• Freelancers

• Staffing and recruitment firms

• Immigration consultants

• Tutors and training companies

Professional liability, treatment-related claims and equipment are the focus.

• Massage therapists

• Physiotherapists

• Chiropractors

• Dietitians and nutritionists

• Counsellors and coaches

• Personal trainers

• Yoga and fitness studios

• Hair salons and barbershops

• Estheticians and nail salons

• Tattoo and piercing studios

• Home health care providers

• Personal support workers

• Dog walkers and pet groomers

• Veterinary clinics

Vehicles, cargo and drivers drive the cost. See our commercial auto for trades page and our commercial auto and fleet page.

• Courier and delivery companies

• Taxi and limousine operators

• Trucking owner-operators

• Cube van and cargo van operators

• Towing companies

• Driving schools

• Auto repair shops and garages

• Car washes

• Used car dealers

• Parking operators

Fire hazards, stock, machinery and product liability are the key issues. See our woodworking, carpentry and artisan page.

• Woodworkers and furniture makers

• Metal shops and machine shops

• Small manufacturers

• Printing and sign companies

• Bakers and food producers

• Craft makers and artisans

• Jewelry makers

• Potters and glass artists

• Sewing and textile makers

• Custom fabricators

• Brewers and small-batch producers

Performers and event businesses need liability for venues, guests and equipment.

• Artists and galleries

• Photographers and videographers

• Musicians and DJs

• Performers and entertainers

• Event planners

• Trade show exhibitors

• Film and production crews

• Party rental companies

• Sports leagues and coaches

• Summer camps

Care and supervision of others bring special liability rules.

• Daycare centres and home daycares

• Private schools and tutoring centres

• Non-profits and charities

• Places of worship

• Community associations

• Condo corporations and property managers

• Co-ops and clubs

Owning and renting property has its own coverage. See our rented dwelling page, rental property page and commercial property page.

• Landlords and property investors

• Student housing owners (see our Windsor student rental page)

• Rooming house owners (see our Windsor rooming house page)

• Plaza and mixed-use building owners

• Vacant building owners

• Builders and developers

Data, contracts and intellectual property matter as much as equipment.

• Software and app developers

• IT consultants and managed service providers

• Web designers

• Content creators and influencers

• Podcast and video producers

• Online course creators

1. Call or send a short description. Tell us what you do, how long you have done it and where you work.

1. We map your exposures. We show you which coverages matter and which do not.

1. We compare insurers. We approach standard and specialty markets.

1. We set up your certificates. Once you choose, we can arrange certificates and endorsements that clients require.

1. We review each year. As your business changes, so should your policy.