What happens if an uninsured contractor gets injured on my property?

If an uninsured contractor gets injured on your Ottawa property, you could face significant personal liability for their medical costs, lost wages, and other damages - potentially tens of thousands of dollars or more.

This is one of the biggest risks Ottawa homeowners face when hiring contractors, and it's completely avoidable with proper verification upfront.

Your Liability Exposure in Ontario

Without WSIB coverage, an injured contractor can sue you directly as the property owner. Ontario courts have consistently held homeowners liable for contractor injuries when proper insurance wasn't in place. You could be responsible for:

• Emergency medical treatment and ongoing healthcare costs
• Lost wages during recovery (potentially months or years)
• Permanent disability compensation
• Legal fees and court costs
• Pain and suffering damages

Even a simple fall from a ladder could result in a six-figure lawsuit against you personally.

How WSIB Protection Works

When contractors have valid WSIB coverage, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board handles all injury claims. The contractor cannot sue you - WSIB becomes their exclusive remedy. This protection costs you nothing but saves you from catastrophic financial exposure.

Verifying WSIB Coverage in Ottawa

Before any work begins, get a WSIB Clearance Certificate from every contractor and subcontractor. Visit wsib.ca/clearances and enter their account number. The certificate shows:

• Current coverage status
• Account number and business name
• Coverage dates
• Any outstanding balances

Don't accept expired certificates or promises to "get coverage tomorrow." No current clearance means no work starts.

Your Homeowner's Insurance Won't Help

Most homeowner policies in Ontario specifically exclude coverage for contractor injuries when the contractor lacks proper insurance. Your insurance company will likely deny the claim and leave you personally liable.

Additional Insurance Requirements

Beyond WSIB, contractors should carry:

• General liability insurance ($2 million minimum)
• Professional liability coverage
• Bonding for larger projects

Request certificates of insurance and verify them directly with the insurance company - fake certificates are common.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be especially wary of contractors who:

• Offer significantly lower prices (often because they're skipping insurance costs)


• Can't immediately provide WSIB clearance


• Suggest you can "save money" by not worrying about insurance


• Claim they're "independent contractors" so insurance isn't needed


• Want cash payments only

Protecting Yourself

Never let uninsured contractors start work, regardless of project size. Even simple jobs like installing a ceiling fan can result in serious falls. The few hundred dollars you might save upfront isn't worth the potential six-figure liability.

For contractor verification and insurance requirements specific to your project type, contact the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424. They can clarify what coverage is required for permitted work.

The bottom line: hiring uninsured contractors in Ottawa is essentially gambling your home's equity and your family's financial future. Always verify coverage before work begins - it's the most important step in the entire hiring process.