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Learn how to request, verify, and evaluate a contractor's Certificate of Insurance (COI) in Ontario. Ensure liability and coverage compliance before hiring.
Before you hire a contractor or subcontractor for any business project in Ontario, one of the most critical steps is confirming they carry valid insurance. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is your proof that a contractor is protected—and by extension, so are you. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to requesting and verifying a COI for your next project.
Understand what a COI is and why it's a crucial document for confirming contractor liability coverage.
A Certificate of Insurance is a formal document issued by an insurer that confirms a contractor has active liability insurance. It typically includes:
The COI acts as evidence that your contractor has Commercial General Liability (CGL) and possibly Errors & Omissions (E&O), Workers' Compensation, or Builder’s Risk insurance.
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a formal document issued by an insurance provider that verifies a contractor holds active liability coverage. It outlines key policy details such as coverage types, limits, effective dates, and the insurer’s contact information.
This document provides peace of mind to clients and project owners, ensuring that the contractor is financially protected in case of accidents, property damage, or third-party injury. Requiring a COI helps manage risk and confirms that the contractor meets insurance obligations before any work begins.
Requesting and verifying a COI protects you from legal and financial exposure. Without proper coverage:
A valid COI helps ensure that your contractor meets your legal and contractual requirements.
Discover the right time to request a Certificate of Insurance from your contractor for maximum protection.
You should request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before any work begins, ideally during the contract negotiation phase, to ensure the contractor has valid and sufficient coverage. This protects you from potential liability if accidents, damage, or injuries occur during the project, and allows time to verify the policy details or request additional coverage if needed.
You should request a Certificate of Insurance:
Always make it a condition of the contract.
Use these best practices to ensure your contractor provides a valid and complete COI every time.
Most reputable contractors expect this request and can forward the COI from their broker.
Include COI requirements in your bid documents or contract language. Specify the minimum coverage levels (e.g., $2M CGL, $1M E&O).
Request to be named as an “additional insured.” This extends their liability coverage to include your business.
Follow this checklist to confirm your contractor’s insurance is real, current, and compliant.
Ensure the policy is active for the full duration of your project.
Look for Commercial General Liability, Errors & Omissions, WSIB, and Builder’s Risk if relevant. Check for adequate limits.
Call the insurer or broker listed on the COI to verify that the policy is real and current.
Ensure the name on the COI matches your contractor’s legal business name or corporate registration.
Stay alert to common signs that a COI may be outdated, fake, or insufficient for your project’s risk.
Always follow up with the issuing broker if something seems off.
Understand the standard and enhanced insurance expectations for local construction and contracting work.
Local regulations or clients may require:
Municipal projects often have stricter COI requirements. Verify with the City of St. Thomas if needed.
A simple COI request can save your business thousands in legal fees, fines, or project delays. Whether you’re a business owner, project manager, or general contractor, verifying insurance upfront is the smart, risk-aware move.
If you need help reviewing a contractor’s coverage or setting up your own business liability protection, contact us today to speak with a Reith & Associates advisor.
A COI proves that a contractor or vendor holds valid insurance. It helps protect your business from third-party claims, injuries, or uninsured property damage during a project.
While not mandated by law, many municipalities and clients require it as a best practice and contractual condition to manage liability.
You should see Commercial General Liability, Errors & Omissions (if applicable), WSIB, and possibly Builder’s Risk coverage depending on the scope of work.
No. Make sure the COI remains valid throughout the project timeline. Request an updated version if the expiration date falls before project completion.
It means your business is also protected under the contractor’s policy. This provides direct access to their liability coverage if a claim arises.
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