What insurance should my contractor have in BC?

Your contractor should carry a minimum of $2 million in commercial general liability insurance, plus WorkSafeBC coverage and professional liability insurance for specialized trades. This protects both you and the contractor from accidents, property damage, and workplace injuries during your project.

Commercial General Liability Insurance is the foundation of contractor coverage in BC. This protects against property damage, bodily injury, and completed operations claims. Most reputable contractors carry $2-5 million in coverage, with many carrying even higher limits for larger projects. This insurance covers scenarios like accidentally damaging your neighbor's property, a worker being injured on-site, or defective work causing damage after completion. Always request a current certificate of insurance before work begins, and verify the policy is active by calling the insurance company directly.

WorkSafeBC coverage is mandatory for all contractors operating in British Columbia. This isn't optional insurance—it's required by law and provides workplace injury coverage for the contractor's employees. Contractors must provide proof of current WorkSafeBC registration and good standing. If a contractor claims they don't need WorkSafeBC because they're a sole proprietor, be cautious—even single-person operations often require coverage. You can verify a contractor's WorkSafeBC status online at worksafebc.com or by calling 604-231-8888.

Professional liability insurance becomes important for specialized trades like engineers, architects, or contractors doing complex technical work. This covers errors and omissions in professional services. Bonding provides additional protection—a bonded contractor has financial backing to complete your project or compensate you if they default. While not always required for smaller projects, bonding is valuable for major renovations over $50,000.

The Vancouver angle include strata requirements if you're renovating a condo or townhouse. Most strata corporations require contractors to provide proof of $2+ million liability insurance and name the strata corporation as an additional insured party. Many stratas also require a damage deposit ($500-$2,000) before work begins. Check your strata bylaws and get written approval from strata council before starting any renovation work.

Red flags to avoid: Never hire a contractor who can't provide current insurance certificates, claims insurance "isn't necessary" for small jobs, or asks you to add them to your homeowner's policy. Uninsured contractors put you at serious financial risk—if someone is injured or property is damaged, you could be held liable. Additionally, if you hire an uninsured contractor and they're injured, you might be considered their employer under WorkSafeBC regulations, making you responsible for workplace safety and potential claims.

Start by getting quotes from a few licensed contractors to understand what your specific project will cost.

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