Most small business owners in Ontario are underinsured in their commercial insurance Ontario policy — and don't find out until they file a claim. One business liability insurance claim can be catastrophic without the right coverage. PolicyRescue reviews your coverage for free and finds the gaps before they cost you.
From contractors needing commercial general liability Ontario coverage to consultants needing professional liability insurance Ontario — every business has unique needs. We know the difference and compare commercial insurance Ontario quotes from multiple carriers.
A customer slips in your store. A client claims your work caused damage. Without proper Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance Ontario, you're personally on the hook for legal defence and damages — which can run into the hundreds of thousands.
Consultants, designers, IT professionals, and other service providers in Ontario need professional liability insurance (Errors & Omissions). Your commercial general liability policy almost certainly doesn't include it — it's a separate coverage that protects against client claims your advice or service caused financial loss.
Running a home-based business in Ontario? Your home insurance explicitly excludes business activity, client visits, and business equipment. You need a commercial insurance Ontario rider or standalone home business policy. This is one of the most common coverage gaps we fix.
Using your personal vehicle for business deliveries or client visits? Your personal auto policy likely has a commercial exclusion clause.
Ontario small businesses typically need several types of insurance to be fully protected. A commercial general liability insurance Ontario policy is the foundation — but for most businesses, it's only the beginning. Here's what each coverage does and who needs it.
The cornerstone of any small business insurance Ontario policy. CGL insurance covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. Required by most commercial landlords, general contractors, and clients before you set foot on their property.
Typical cost: $500–$1,500/year for $2M coverage
Protects consultants, IT professionals, designers, accountants, and other service businesses against claims your advice or service caused a client financial loss. General liability does NOT cover this. Errors & Omissions coverage is an entirely separate policy.
Typical cost: $800–$3,000/year depending on profession and revenue
Contractors and trades need specific contractor insurance Ontario coverage. Most general contractors require subcontractors to carry $2M CGL minimum before they can work on-site. Contractor liability insurance Ontario often includes tools & equipment coverage and completed operations coverage.
Typical cost: $900–$2,500/year for trades contractors
Covers your business equipment, inventory, and physical location against fire, theft, and water damage. If you operate from a commercial space, your landlord's policy covers the building — not your contents. Separate commercial property coverage protects your business assets.
Typical cost: $600–$2,000/year depending on value of contents
If you use your vehicle to visit clients, make deliveries, or transport tools, your personal auto insurance Ontario policy explicitly excludes commercial use. A commercial auto endorsement or standalone commercial vehicle policy is required to be covered while working.
Typical additional cost: $40–$120/month added to personal policy
A Business Owner's Policy (BOP) bundles CGL and commercial property into one policy at a discounted rate. Ideal for retail, restaurant, and small office businesses in Ontario. PolicyRescue compares BOP quotes from multiple commercial insurance Ontario carriers to find the best value.
Typical cost: $1,200–$3,000/year for bundled BOP
Small business insurance Ontario typically starts around $500–$1,500 per year for basic commercial general liability coverage. A full package including professional liability insurance Ontario, commercial property, and commercial auto can range from $2,000–$6,000+ annually depending on your industry, revenue, number of employees, and specific risk factors. The only way to know your actual cost is to get a free business insurance quote — which PolicyRescue provides at no charge across multiple Ontario commercial insurers.
Tell us about your business and we'll identify any gaps and find the right coverage. No jargon, no pressure.
Most Ontario small businesses need at minimum Commercial General Liability (CGL) to cover third-party injury or property damage. Depending on your industry, you may also need Professional Liability (E&O), Commercial Property, Commercial Auto, and Cyber Liability. PolicyRescue can assess your specific needs for free.
No. Standard home insurance in Ontario explicitly excludes business activities. If a client is injured at your home, or business equipment is damaged, your home policy will not cover it. A separate home-based business endorsement or commercial policy is required.
Small business insurance in Ontario typically starts around $500–$1,500 per year for basic general liability, depending on your industry, revenue, and number of employees. PolicyRescue compares quotes from multiple commercial insurers to find the best rate for your business.
Yes. Most general contractors and clients in Ontario require subcontractors to carry their own CGL insurance with minimum $2 million in coverage. Without it, you may be turned away from job sites. PolicyRescue can get contractors insured quickly — call 647-657-0517.
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