Insurance & Bonds
Commercial general liability, builders risk, bonds, commercial auto, tool and equipment cover, theft, and what your policy will not pay out.
10 guides in this section
In partnership with Stolen Tools UK
Campaigning for better protection and real consequences
Tool theft costs UK tradespeople millions every year. This section has been put together in partnership with Frankie and the team at Stolen Tools UK. Whether you've been hit or you want to make sure you're not next, start here.
I'm a tradesman and the founder of Stolen Tools UK, a platform dedicated to raising awareness about tool theft. After losing $4,000 worth of tools in 2022 - an experience that impacted my business and my livelihood - I made it my mission to help other tradespeople protect themselves. Through Stolen Tools UK, I share practical advice on van security, build community support and campaign for change at both local and national levels. I now speak at events across the UK, giving tradespeople a voice and leading the fight against tool theft.
- Frankie Williams, Founder of Stolen Tools UK / The Window Restorer
Insurance Basics for Canadian Trades
The four cover layers every self-employed Canadian tradesperson needs: CGL, a tool and equipment floater, commercial auto and provincial workers compensation, in plain English.
Commercial General Liability (CGL), Explained
What CGL covers and, critically, what it does not: the $2M per-occurrence norm, the endorsements contracts demand, and why CGL never covers your own tools.
Builders Risk and Surety Bonds
Course-of-construction insurance versus surety bonds: bid, performance and L&M payment bonds, the three C's, and when Ontario public work demands bonding.
Tool and Equipment Insurance (Inland Marine)
The equipment floater (inland marine) that replaces stolen tools: replacement cost versus ACV, single-item limits, and the overnight-in-vehicle exclusion that denies claims.
New Home Warranty Programs by Province
Mandatory new-home warranty in ON (Tarion), BC (2-5-10), QC (GCR) and AB (ANHWP) versus the voluntary SK, MB and Atlantic programs, with coverage layers and limits.
Protecting Your Tools from Theft
How Canadian tradespeople stop tool and van theft, recover stolen gear via police reports, serial numbers and CPIC, and how the insurance floater actually pays out.
Surety Bonds Explained
How surety bonds differ from insurance: the bid, performance and L&M payment bonds, the three C's, and when Ontario public work makes bonding mandatory.
Van and Vehicle Insurance for Trades
Why a work van needs commercial auto not a personal policy, what it covers and does not, and why your loose tools in transit need a separate equipment floater.
Builders Risk and Course of Construction
What builders risk / course-of-construction insurance covers, who buys it, wrap-up OCIP and CCIP programs, and the vacancy, hot-work and heat claim traps.
WCB Versus Private Disability Cover
How mandatory provincial WCB differs from private disability cover, the gap WCB leaves a self-employed owner, and why a private policy is no substitute.