Ontariocontractor insurance & bonding requirements
Updated April 2026 · Source: HCRA + Tarion New Home Warranty Program
Minimum requirements
- General liability
- $2,000,000
- Auto liability
- $2,000,000
- Workers' comp
- Required for crews
Licensed general contractors in Ontariocarry 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.
Mandatory HCRA licence for new-home builders. Renovation contractors NOT provincially licensed — electrical/plumbing/HVAC via ESA/TSSA.
Common questions
What insurance does a Ontario general contractor need?
A Ontario general contractor needs at minimum $2,000,000 general liability coverage plus $2,000,000 auto liability. Workers' compensation insurance is required for crews. Per HCRA + Tarion New Home Warranty Program.
How much is the surety bond for Ontario contractors?
Ontario does not require a state-level surety bond for general contractors. Mandatory HCRA licence for new-home builders. Renovation contractors NOT provincially licensed — electrical/plumbing/HVAC via ESA/TSSA.
Who is the licensing authority in Ontario?
HCRA + Tarion New Home Warranty Program is the authority for Ontario contractor oversight. Public license lookup is available at https://www.hcraontario.ca/.
How does AskBaily verify contractors in Ontario?
AskBaily runs automated verification against HCRA + Tarion New Home Warranty Program 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 Ontario can lose the right to mechanic's lien protection, may be held liable for on-site injuries, and forfeits protection under HCRA + Tarion New Home Warranty Program. That's why AskBaily's policy is to match only verified pros.
Nearby jurisdictions
AskBaily cities in Ontario
Homeowners in these cities can chat with Baily today; matched pros must meet the requirements above.
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