British Columbiacontractor insurance & bonding requirements
Updated April 2026 · Source: BC Housing Licensing + Homeowner Protection Act
Minimum requirements
- General liability
- $2,000,000
- Auto liability
- $1,000,000
- Workers' comp
- Required for crews
Licensed general contractors in British Columbiacarry commercial insurance so that if a crew member gets injured on-site, a homeowner's appliance is damaged during demo, or a neighboring property suffers an impact from construction, the contractor's policy (not the homeowner's) pays the claim. AskBaily does not match homeowners to contractors below these minimums.
Licensed Residential Builder enrollment + 2-5-10 new home warranty. Renovations exempt from licensing but must carry insurance.
Common questions
What insurance does a British Columbia general contractor need?
A British Columbia general contractor needs at minimum $2,000,000 general liability coverage plus $1,000,000 auto liability. Workers' compensation insurance is required for crews. Per BC Housing Licensing + Homeowner Protection Act.
How much is the surety bond for British Columbia contractors?
British Columbia does not require a state-level surety bond for general contractors. Licensed Residential Builder enrollment + 2-5-10 new home warranty. Renovations exempt from licensing but must carry insurance.
Who is the licensing authority in British Columbia?
BC Housing Licensing + Homeowner Protection Act is the authority for British Columbia contractor oversight. Public license lookup is available at https://www.bchousing.org/licensing-consumer-services.
How does AskBaily verify contractors in British Columbia?
AskBaily runs automated verification against BC Housing Licensing + Homeowner Protection Act before a contractor is matched to a homeowner project. The pro's license number is validated live at signup.
What happens if a contractor doesn't carry the required insurance?
Underinsured contractors are removed from the AskBaily match pool immediately. A homeowner who hires an unlicensed or underinsured contractor in British Columbia can lose the right to mechanic's lien protection, may be held liable for on-site injuries, and forfeits protection under BC Housing Licensing + Homeowner Protection Act. That's why AskBaily's policy is to match only verified pros.
Nearby jurisdictions
AskBaily cities in British Columbia
Homeowners in these cities can chat with Baily today; matched pros must meet the requirements above.
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