How do I check if a contractor is insured?

Always verify that your contractor carries both liability insurance and WSIB coverage before any work begins - this protects you from significant financial liability if someone gets injured on your property or if damage occurs during construction.

Liability Insurance Verification
Ask your contractor to provide a Certificate of Insurance directly from their insurance company, not just a photocopy of their policy. This certificate should show current coverage (typically $1-2 million minimum for residential work) and list you as an "additional insured" for the project duration. The certificate should come directly from the insurer or broker, not the contractor themselves, as this prevents fraudulent documents. Most reputable contractors will provide this without hesitation - if they refuse or make excuses, consider this a red flag.

WSIB Coverage Requirements
In Ontario, contractors with employees must carry WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) coverage. You can verify this instantly at wsib.ca/clearances using the contractor's business name or account number. This free service shows their coverage status and any outstanding premiums. If a contractor doesn't have employees (sole proprietor), WSIB isn't mandatory, but many carry optional coverage anyway. However, if they have workers on your job who aren't covered, you could become liable for workplace injuries.

Ottawa-Specific Considerations
The City of Ottawa requires proof of insurance for most building permits, so licensed contractors working on permitted projects should already have current coverage. For ESA-licensed electricians, you can verify their credentials at esasafe.com/contractor-locator, though this doesn't confirm insurance status. TSSA-certified gas technicians can be verified at tssa.org, but again, separate insurance verification is needed.

Professional Guidance
Never accept expired certificates or allow work to begin without confirmed coverage. Reputable contractors understand this requirement and often provide insurance information upfront in their quotes. If hiring for smaller jobs that don't require permits, insurance becomes even more critical since there's less regulatory oversight. Consider requiring contractors to provide updated certificates for projects lasting more than 30 days, as policies can lapse mid-project.

Next Steps
Request insurance documentation during the quoting process, before signing any contracts. Contact the insurance company directly if you have doubts about a certificate's authenticity. For additional peace of mind, verify that your own homeowner's insurance covers contractor-related incidents, though this shouldn't replace requiring proper contractor coverage.