Key facts
- Owners insure the building. Tenants usually insure their stock, equipment and improvements.
- Business interruption pays income and ongoing costs while you are closed after a covered loss.
- Replacement cost matters more than market value. Rebuilding can cost more than you expect.
- Older buildings, vacancy and certain trades raise the rating.
- Many landlords require tenants to show a certificate of insurance.
What commercial property covers
- The building. Structure, permanent fixtures and building systems.
- Contents and stock. Furniture, inventory, tools and equipment.
- Improvements and betterments. Upgrades a tenant makes to a rented space.
- Business interruption. Lost income and ongoing expenses after a covered loss.
- Equipment breakdown. Sudden failure of machinery, electronics and building systems.
- Glass and signs. Storefront glass and exterior signs.
- Water and sewer backup. Usually optional. Ask for it by name.
- Loss of rental income. For owners who lease space to others.
Who needs it in Oshawa
- Owners of plazas and multi-tenant buildings (see plaza insurance in Oshawa)
- Owners of mixed-use buildings with apartments above shops
- Shops, restaurants, salons and offices that rent their space
- Workshops, auto repair and light industrial owners
- Landlords with commercial units
- Owners of vacant commercial buildings
Owner versus tenant
| Comparison | Building owner | Business tenant |
|---|---|---|
| Insures | The building and landlord liability | Contents, stock, improvements and business liability |
| Also needs | Rent loss and equipment breakdown | Business interruption and equipment breakdown |
| Lease question | Who insures tenant improvements? | What must you insure under the lease? |
| Certificates | Collect from tenants | Provide to landlord |
What to have ready for a quote
- Address, year built and construction type
- Updates to the roof, wiring, plumbing and heating
- Alarms, sprinklers and distance to the fire hall
- Square footage and use of each unit
- Tenant list and what each does
- Value of stock, tools and equipment
- Claims history for the past several years
- Copy of your lease if you rent
Example scenarios
Questions Ontario clients ask
- How much does commercial property insurance cost in Oshawa?
- It depends on the building, use, tenants, claims history and limits. We compare 20+ insurers to give you real numbers.
- Do I need it if I rent my space?
- Usually yes, for your stock, equipment and improvements. Your landlord's policy covers the building, not your business contents.
- What is business interruption?
- Coverage for lost income and ongoing costs while a covered loss keeps you closed.
- Can you insure an older commercial building?
- Often yes, sometimes through specialty markets. Tell us about roof, wiring and heating updates.
- Can you insure a vacant commercial building?
- Yes, in the right market. Vacant buildings have special conditions, so tell us early.
Abhishek Bedwal · RIBO Certified Insurance Broker
Abhishek is a Registered Insurance Broker of Ontario (RIBO) licensed across the province, with local expertise across Durham Region, Ottawa, Niagara Falls, Brantford and Windsor. Coverage is placed through The Insurance Lab, a division of BrokerUnion, giving clients access to 20+ Canadian insurers so the policy fits the risk — not the other way around.
Get a free quote — no obligation
Tell us what you need and we will compare suitable Ontario markets for you.
We speak English, Hindi and Punjabi.
Coverage placed through The Insurance Lab · division of BrokerUnion
