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 becomes your responsibility under Ontario law. You could be liable for:

• All medical expenses and rehabilitation costs


• Lost income during recovery (potentially months or years)


• Permanent disability compensation


• Legal fees if they sue


• Your homeowner's insurance may not cover contractor injuries

The financial exposure can easily reach $100,000+ for serious injuries, and unfortunately, construction work has higher injury rates than most occupations.

WSIB Protection - Your Shield

When you hire contractors with valid WSIB coverage in Ontario, you're protected. WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) covers their medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation - removing your liability. This is why legitimate contractors carry WSIB coverage and why you should never hire without verifying it.

How to Verify WSIB Coverage in Ottawa

Before any contractor starts work on your property:

Get a WSIB Clearance Certificate - Ask every contractor for their current WSIB Clearance Certificate. This document proves they're in good standing with WSIB and covers all workers on your job.

Verify online - Check the certificate authenticity at wsib.ca/clearances or call WSIB directly at 1-800-387-0750. Don't just accept a photocopy - verify it's current and legitimate.

No exceptions - Even for "small jobs" or "just one day" work. Injuries can happen anytime, and your liability doesn't decrease based on job size.

Red Flags That Should Stop You

Walk away immediately if a contractor:

• Says they don't need WSIB because they're "careful"


• Claims WSIB is "too expensive" so they work without it


• Offers a lower price because they don't carry insurance


• Can't produce a current WSIB Clearance Certificate


• Gets defensive when you ask about insurance

These are signs of either inexperienced contractors or those cutting corners at your expense.

Additional Insurance to Verify

Beyond WSIB, legitimate Ottawa contractors should also carry:

• General Liability Insurance ($2 million minimum) - protects against property damage


• Bonding - protects against contractor default on larger projects

What Legitimate Contractors Know

Professional contractors in Ottawa understand that WSIB coverage is part of doing business legally. They factor it into their pricing and readily provide clearance certificates. If a contractor balks at providing WSIB documentation, they're telling you they're not operating professionally.

Your Protection Strategy

Always verify WSIB coverage before signing any contract or allowing work to begin. It's free to check, takes minutes, and could save you from financial disaster. The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) can also provide guidance on contractor requirements for permitted work.

Don't let a contractor's lower price tempt you into accepting this massive risk - the potential costs far exceed any savings.