Business Insurance
Commercial Insurance for Canadian Small Businesses
From a sole proprietor working out of a home office to a growing company with employees, inventory, and vehicles, every Canadian business has its own mix of exposures. Commercial insurance is built from several coverage parts, and you choose the ones that fit how you actually operate.
Commercial general liability
Often called CGL, this is the foundation of most business policies. It responds to third party claims of bodily injury or property damage that come out of your operations. Many landlords, clients, and contracts require proof of CGL with specific limits before you start work.
Commercial property
Property coverage protects the building you own or improvements you have made to a leased space, plus your equipment, inventory, and tools. Business interruption coverage can replace lost income if a covered loss forces you to close temporarily.
Professional liability and errors and omissions
If your business gives advice or delivers professional services, professional liability protects you against claims that your work caused a financial loss to a client. This is common for consultants, accountants, designers, IT professionals, and many trades.
Cyber liability
Any business that handles customer data, accepts online payments, or relies on email and cloud tools can face significant costs from a privacy breach or ransomware event. Cyber coverage helps pay for incident response, recovery, and resulting liability.
Commercial auto
If you or your employees drive for work, including using a personal vehicle for business trips, commercial auto coverage may be needed. A broker can help separate personal use from business use and place the right policy.
Industry tailored packages
- Contractors with tools, equipment, and project coverage
- Retailers with liquor liability and product extensions
- Restaurants with food contamination and equipment breakdown
- Manufacturers with stock and product liability
- Home based businesses with light packages built around a personal policy
Starting or growing a business in Canada
Talk to a commercial broker who can map your operations to the right combination of coverage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum insurance a Canadian small business needs
It depends on your industry, contracts, and lease. Most businesses start with commercial general liability, then layer in property, professional, cyber, and commercial auto as needed.
My landlord asked for a certificate of insurance, what is that
A certificate of insurance is a one page summary that proves your policy is active and shows your limits. We prepare these for clients at no extra cost.
Does my home policy cover my home based business
Usually not, or only in a very limited way. A small commercial extension or standalone policy is often inexpensive and gives much broader protection.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personal advice from a licensed insurance professional. Coverage, eligibility, and pricing vary by carrier and policy. Always refer to your policy wording for exact terms.