No matter what job you’re doing, we’ll make sure you’re covered
Whether you do fence repairs, light plumbing, pool maintenance, yard work, junk removal, gutter or duct cleaning, furniture assembly or something else, we’ll make sure you’re protected with a package of insurance coverage that’s as broad as the list of things you do. Call us for a no-obligation quote today.
Get a free quote and save on handyman insurance
As a jack-of-all-trades or a jill-of-all-trades, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Let us sweat all the insurance details for you, so you can focus on wowing your clients with top-notch work. Being an outlet for over 70 of Canada’s top insurers means we do the comparison shopping and find the perfect policy for you at the best possible price.
What does handyman insurance include?
Handyman insurance packages usually include general liability and coverage for your tools, vehicle, shop and more. Here are the basics:
Commercial general liability
No matter what job you’re tackling, this protects your handyman business if your work causes property damage or leads to an injury. It includes coverage for legal bills and court-awarded costs.
Commercial auto
Covers accidents, theft and property damage if you have a company vehicle. Protection can also be extended if you use your own personal vehicle to transport tools and supplies to worksites.
Tools and equipment
Essential for your handyman business, this covers your saws, hammers, ladders and more from damage or theft. It also pays for short-term rentals so that you can keep working after a claim.
Commercial property
If you run your handyman business from home, you’ll need this coverage for any business supplies, tools or materials you keep there. If you have a shop, the building is also covered for fire and other damage.
Other coverages to consider
Every handyman business is different, and we offer insurance packages to suit the kind of work you do and the risks you face. In addition to liability, auto, property and tools coverage, you might want to think about the following:
Installation floater
Materials like flooring and drywall aren’t covered under your client’s homeowners policy until they’re installed. This protects these items while they are in your shop, home or at a worksite awaiting installation.
Cyber insurance
If your business has a website or stores customer payment and other personal data on a computer or in the cloud, cyber coverage is a wise investment to protect your company and its reputation.
Pollution liability
If you do a repair or installation that exposes your clients to harmful molds or bacteria, or if your work causes environmental issues from oil or a chemical leak, this covers you for cleanup costs.
Builder’s risk
If you do renovations that include structural changes to a building, Builder’s Risk is something that should be considered. Our commercial experts can advise you on the right coverage for your business needs.
Good to know: Common questions about handyman insurance
How much is handyman insurance in Ontario?
The cost of handyman insurance in Ontario can start as low as $80 a month. The exact price depends on a number of factors, including:
- Exactly what kind of work you do
- Where you are located
- What the annual revenues of your business are
- Whether you have company vehicles
- Whether you have employees
- How much experience you and your employees have
- Your claims history
- How large your web presence is, and how much customer data you have saved
If cost is a concern, you may be able to reduce your premiums by opting for lower limits and increasing your deductible.
As a handyman, do I need to have insurance?
Handy-people in Ontario are not legally mandated to carry insurance, but it is highly recommended. There may be several situations where you are required to have insurance, such as:
- You are a subcontractor and need to show proof of insurance to acquire work from a general contractor
- A client may require proof of insurance
- You require a business loan and your bank needs proof of insurance
Are my tools covered by handyman insurance?
Tools and equipment insurance is part of most handyman policies and can pay to replace your tools if they are lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen. It also covers short-term rental costs after a claim so that you can keep your business running.
Do subcontractors need to carry separate insurance policies?
If you are a handyman working as a subcontractor, the main contractor will almost always ask to see proof of insurance. Usually, you’ll need at least $1 or $2 million in liability coverage.
Is my personal work truck/van covered by my handyman insurance?
A lot of handy-people use their own personal van or pickup as their work vehicle. You should be aware, though, that there are a number of situations that might leave you exposed to major losses. For instance, if you told your personal auto insurer that you don’t use your vehicle for work, but it has a company logo, website or phone number listed on the door, that could void your insurance if you get in an accident. The same thing could happen if your tools are stolen from the vehicle. There are ways to cover a personal vehicle for business use, and there’s usually very little difference in price. Our commercial experts can advise and help make sure you and your business are properly insured.
Your business is unique, so are your insurance options.
Being an outlet for over 70 of Canada’s top insurers means we have access to a wide range of insurance solutions as unique as your business – at some of the best rates in Ontario. Want to learn more about the coverage options available to you? Here are a few of them.
