As a contractor in Guelph or the surrounding communities, your expertise and craftsmanship are the bedrock of your business. But what happens when an unforeseen accident threatens to undermine all your hard work? While your tool belt is essential for the job, a different kind of tool is just as crucial for your business’s long-term health: General Liability Insurance.
At Strong Roots Insurance, we believe in protecting what matters most—your livelihood, your reputation, and the peace of mind that comes from a job well done. We’re your neighbours, and we understand the unique challenges faced by contractors in Ontario, from St. Marys to Tavistock and beyond.
What is Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance?
Think of CGL insurance as a solid safety net. It’s designed to protect you and your business from financial ruin due to unexpected accidents that cause bodily injury or property damage to someone else’s property or person. While many things are under your control on the job site, accidents can happen in an instant, and without the right coverage, a single lawsuit could put you out of business.
This is a baseline requirement for many projects and is often requested by clients, project owners, and even municipalities before you can start work. Having a Certificate of Insurance isn’t just a formality—it’s a sign of your professionalism and a commitment to protecting everyone involved.
Real-World Scenarios Where CGL Protects You
Your work is precise, but human error is a reality. Here are a few common scenarios where General Liability Insurance acts as your strong foundation:
- Bodily Injury: You’re working on a renovation project in Stratford. A client, or perhaps a delivery person, trips over an extension cord you’ve laid out and suffers an injury. CGL insurance can help cover their medical expenses, legal fees, and any settlements if you are found liable. It protects you from having to pay these costs out of your own pocket.
- Property Damage: You’re hanging a light fixture in a home in St. Marys, and a tool slips, causing a large crack in a valuable countertop. Your CGL policy can cover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property.
- Completed Operations: The job is done, the client is happy, and you’ve moved on to the next project. Weeks later, a part of the roof you installed begins to leak, causing extensive water damage to the home’s interior. The “products and completed operations” part of your CGL policy would protect you from claims that arise after the work is finished.
More than Just Liability: A Broader Look at Your Coverage
While CGL is the cornerstone of your protection, a comprehensive insurance solution often includes other important coverages tailored to your specific trade. At Strong Roots, we work to build a policy that covers all your needs.
- Tools and Equipment: Your tools are your livelihood, but what happens if they’re stolen from a job site or your work truck? A separate policy or a “floater” can cover the repair or replacement costs for your valuable equipment.
- Commercial Auto: If you use your personal vehicle for business, your personal auto policy will not provide adequate coverage. Commercial auto insurance protects your vehicle, and the tools inside it, while you are on your way to or from a job.
- Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions): For contractors who provide consulting or design services, this coverage is essential. It protects you from claims of professional negligence, such as an error in a plan you designed that leads to financial loss for the client.
Building Your Strong Foundation with Us
Your business is about more than just a job; it’s about building relationships and serving your community. At Strong Roots Insurance, we share that value. We’re proud to be a local brokerage, and we’re committed to offering personalized, expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of insurance.
Don’t let an unexpected accident jeopardize your hard-earned success. Let us help you find the right insurance solution to protect your business. You focus on building, and we’ll focus on protecting what you’ve built. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s start building your strong foundation together.
