Insurance for construction contractors

Frequently asked questions — Construction contractors insurance

What insurance is mandatory for a construction contractor in Quebec?
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) requires a financial guarantee and a minimum civil liability insurance to obtain and maintain a licence. The minimum amount varies according to the subclass of licence (general contractor, specialized contractor) and the scope of the work: generally $1 million to $2 million for residential contractors, $2 million to $5 million for commercial and industrial contractors.
How much does insurance cost for a construction contractor?
In Quebec in 2026, expect to pay between $800 and $5,000 per year for standard coverage for a sole proprietor. The price varies according to the turnover, the number of employees, the subcategories of work (roofing, excavation, electrical, plumbing), the value of the equipment and the history of claims. Larger businesses can pay $10,000 to $50,000+.
Does the RBQ require liability insurance?
Yes. To obtain and maintain your RBQ licence, you must demonstrate that you have civil liability insurance in force that meets the requirements of your category. The RBQ may suspend your licence if the proof of insurance is not up to date. Your partner firm can issue a certificate directly to the RBQ.
What work is covered by construction company insurance?
A construction company policy generally covers: work on site (damage to third parties, injuries), equipment and tools (theft, vandalism, breakage), material in transit, completion guarantee (depending on options), and professional liability for design or coordination errors.
Subcontractor: do you need different insurance from a general contractor?
Yes. A subcontractor must have its own liability insurance (often $1 million minimum), because the general contractor’s insurance does not systematically cover its subcontractors. In addition, many general contractors require a certificate of insurance from the subcontractor before the work begins.
Are my tools and equipment covered on job sites?
Yes, with specific “tools and mobile equipment” coverage. This warranty protects against theft, vandalism, fire, and certain accidental damage, even outside your vehicle or premises. The standard limit ranges from $25,000 to $250,000 depending on the declared value. Document your equipment with photos, invoices and serial numbers.
What exactly does contractor liability cover?
It covers bodily injury and property damage caused to third parties during or after the work: a fall by a passer-by, water damage to a customer’s home, a fire caused by poorly executed work, or an injury to a visitor on the construction site. It also includes legal fees. Important: Construction defects on the structure itself often require a separate guarantee of completion .
How long does it take to get a construction insurance quote?
For an SME in construction (1 to 10 employees): 3 to 5 business days for 3 comparative quotes. For more complex companies (multiple subcategories, public contracts, high turnover): 7 to 14 days. The brokers of our partner firms manage all the collection of documents (financial statements, RBQ certificates, claims file) and present your best options.

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En tant qu’entrepreneur en construction, vous faites face à des risques quotidiens : accidents sur le chantier, dommages matériels, vols d’équipement… Ne laissez rien au hasard! Une assurance adaptée est essentielle pour protéger vos projets, votre équipe et votre entreprise.

Avec notre comparateur d’assurance, obtenez rapidement plusieurs soumissions pas chères des meilleurs assureurs spécialisés en construction.

Construction site contractor quote

At a glance

Construction projects

Many risks are incurred by contractors during the execution of each project, the intensity of which varies according to the size and nature of each of them. The particularity of each case requires the use of tailor-made solutions. A situation that presents some difficulties for brokers who help their clients find products that are suitable for construction professionals. And that’s where the insurance company for construction contractors comes in, which offers adequate protection for special requirements.

How to properly insure yourself with construction insurance?

For a contractor specializing in construction, in addition to civil liability protection, he can take out other guarantees. These are mainly liability for errors and omissions by contractors during the execution of projects, protection of penalties for breach of contract, faulty workmanship insurance and commercial general liability insurance. In addition to the replacement cost of equipment and materials, the warranty for off-site tools or portable equipment, installation risks, transportation property, as well as general contractors, and road builders. Specialized brokers have the skills and know-how to assist construction companies in insuring the various risks by offering products adapted to their needs and expectations.

What does construction contractor insurance cover?

Insurance for construction contractors covers building work, machinery, tools and site protection. By calling on specialists from construction companies, the contractor protects himself against the various disasters likely to affect his structure and business, which gives him a head start on the competition.

Personalized protection for every activity


For companies that carry out general or specialized work and that take charge of residential, commercial or industrial sites, they have particular expectations in terms of coverage. This is why they need tailor-made insurance adapted to each type of mandate or project. And this is where Assur360 comes in, which has accumulated many years of experience and real know-how in commercial insurance. As an insurance broker, this brand presents solutions that are well thought out and that adapt to the expectations and requirements of each construction contractor with regular updates throughout the year. Whether it’s for a new project, new risks or new equipment, Assur360 offers personalized service to each customer. A broker intervenes quickly and efficiently in the event of an incident, especially since he or she can be reached in the different regions of Quebec.

Les partenaires d’Assur360 proposent une large gamme de produits destinés à chacun de ses clients. À ce propos, elle offre l’assurance construction pour entrepreneurs en travaux de maçonnerie. Dans ce cadre, l’enseigne met à leur disposition des garanties supplémentaires qui viennent compléter leur assurance de base pour une couverture plus complète. Elle couvre également les entrepreneurs en peinture et tapisserie en proposant, en plus de l’assurance responsabilité civile des protections complémentaires.


Assur360’s offer extends to insurance for specialized contractors, with guarantees that protect property as well as civil liability and company vehicles.

The protection offered by Assur360 covers construction sites and projects of various types such as hospitals, factories, highways, warehouses, bridges and tunnels, among other commercial, industrial or even infrastructure projects. The warranties also cover sewer installations, aqueducts, mechanical and electrical infrastructure, plumbing, heating and air conditioning work, among others.

This type of insurance covers categories related to commercial building contractors, commercial or industrial plumbing, commercial, residential or industrial heating, cement or concrete work, excavation, roads and sidewalks, commercial or industrial electrical, in addition to industrial facilities. It is essential to entrust your needs to specialists in construction companies to get a head start on the competition.

Why take out protection for construction companies?

Le secteur de la construction est sujet à de nombreux incidents et sinistres qui peuvent avoir lieu sur les chantiers en plus des autres risques liés à cette activité. Un accident peut rapidement arriver sur un chantier avec les machines, les outils, les travailleurs, entre autres facteurs présents sur les lieux. Un incident peut vite se transformer en catastrophe avec des conséquences désastreuses. Situation qui se révèle périlleuse pour l’entreprise et son business. C’est pourquoi il devient nécessaire de contracter une assurance adéquate afin de travailler sur ses projets en toute quiétude.

Managing risks on a construction site

Faire appel à des courtiers professionnels qui maîtrisent parfaitement ce type d’activité et ses particularités est à même de proposer les solutions adéquates à chaque cas. Ils disposent des connaissances et du savoir-faire pour conseiller les clients et les aider à mieux gérer les risques sur un chantier de construction. Ils collaborent avec des assureurs de haut niveau qui proposent des protections complètes aux assurés. C’est l’occasion aussi d’être parfaitement épaulé par une équipe qualifiée pour le cautionnement.

Some examples of the activities we provide:

  • General Contractor
  • Electrician
  • Sprinkler Installer
  • Signaller
  • Interior system, plasterer, gypsum installer, insulation
  • Roof, except membrane
  • Tinsmith
  • Heating, air conditioning

To find out more about construction insurance, you should contact a specialist broker.

Leading property and casualty insurers recognized for offering construction and builder’s risk insurance in Quebec

RankInsurance CompanyConstruction Valuation (★)StrengthsWeaknesses
1Intact Insurance★★★★★Wide range of construction and surety productsHigh premiums for small entrepreneurs
2Aviva Canada★★★★☆Excellent site expertise and major projectsLess flexible for small businesses
3Travelers Canada★★★★☆Strong in surety and liabilityMore rigid administrative process
4Economical Insurance★★★★☆Good prices for construction SMEsLimited offer for large, complex projects
5Lloyd’s of London★★★★☆Flexibility on special and international risksLess accessible without a specialized broker
6Northbridge Insurance★★★★☆Good site expertise and specialized insuranceLonger analysis time for large risks
7Chubb Canada★★★★☆High-end products and complex projectsHigher price, niche market
8L’Unique General Insurance★★★1/2☆Good solution for small regional entrepreneursLimited offer for large construction sites
9Promutuel Insurance★★★1/2☆Regional solution suitable for small construction sitesNot suitable for major commercial projects

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