Is my contractor's vehicle insurance sufficient for deliveries?

Your contractor's standard vehicle insurance may not be sufficient for construction deliveries in Ottawa - you need to verify they have proper commercial coverage for materials transport.

Most contractors carry basic commercial auto insurance, but construction deliveries involve unique risks that require specific coverage. Here's what you need to verify with your Ottawa contractor:

Required Insurance Coverage in Ontario

Your contractor should have commercial vehicle insurance that specifically covers:

• Commercial use (not just personal vehicle insurance)


• Materials and equipment transport


• Liability for delivery-related damages to your property


• Cargo coverage for materials being delivered

Standard personal auto insurance explicitly excludes business use, and even basic commercial policies may not cover specialized construction deliveries.

What to Request from Your Contractor

Ask your contractor to provide a Certificate of Insurance that shows:

• Commercial vehicle insurance with minimum $1 million liability


• Coverage dates that span your project timeline


• Confirmation that materials delivery is covered


• Your property listed as additional insured (for delivery activities)

Contact their insurance broker directly if you have concerns - the phone number should be on their certificate.

WSIB and Additional Protection

In Ontario, contractors must also carry WSIB coverage (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board). Verify their clearance certificate at wsib.ca/clearances, as this covers worker injuries during deliveries to your site.

Your contractor should also carry general liability insurance (minimum $2 million) that covers property damage during material handling and delivery.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if your contractor:

• Uses personal vehicles for all deliveries


• Can't provide current insurance certificates


• Suggests you're covered by their "truck insurance" without specifics


• Wants to deliver expensive materials without proper coverage documentation

Protecting Yourself in Ottawa

Consider requiring your contractor to notify you 24 hours before major deliveries so you can:

• Document existing property conditions


• Ensure clear access routes


• Be present for valuable material deliveries

For disputes related to delivery damage, contact Ontario's Consumer Protection office at ontario.ca/consumer or 416-326-8800.

Remember: if materials are damaged or cause property damage during delivery, inadequate insurance coverage could leave you financially responsible. Always verify coverage before allowing deliveries to begin.