Business Insurance

Business Insurance in Ontario

Every Ontario business has its own mix of property, people, contracts and operations to protect. BrokerUnion designs commercial insurance programs that match the way you actually operate, with coverage from leading Canadian commercial carriers and specialty markets.

  • CGL & professional liability
  • Commercial property & BI
  • Cyber & E&O
  • Contractors, retail, manufacturing

A licensed RIBO broker will follow up within one business day.

Coverage

What this can include

A business insurance policy can be built from several coverage parts. Your broker will explain what is required, what is optional and what makes sense for your situation.

Commercial general liability

Protection for third party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from your operations.

Commercial property

Coverage for buildings, equipment, inventory and improvements at your business location.

Professional liability and errors and omissions

Coverage for claims of negligence, errors or omissions in the professional services you provide.

Cyber liability

Coverage for privacy breaches, ransomware, business interruption and incident response costs.

Commercial auto

Coverage for vehicles used in your business, including light commercial and fleets.

Contractors

Liability, tools, equipment and project based coverage for trades and construction businesses.

Retail, offices and restaurants

Industry tailored packages with liquor liability, food contamination and other relevant extensions.

Small business packages

Bundled coverage designed for startups, home based businesses and growing companies.

Who this is for

  • Sole proprietors, partnerships and incorporated businesses
  • Contractors and skilled trades
  • Retailers, restaurants and hospitality operators
  • Professional service firms
  • Manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors

How BrokerUnion helps

  • Review your operations, contracts and exposures
  • Recommend coverage limits and structures that fit your industry
  • Compare quotes from commercial markets and specialty MGAs
  • Issue certificates of insurance for landlords, clients and contracts
  • Support renewals, mid term changes and claims

FAQ

Common questions about business insurance

What insurance does a small business in Ontario need?

Most Ontario businesses start with commercial general liability and property coverage. Additional coverages such as professional liability, cyber or commercial auto depend on your industry and contracts.

Do landlords or clients require a certificate of insurance?

Yes. Many leases and service contracts require proof of insurance with specific limits and additional insureds. We prepare certificates for you at no extra cost.

Is cyber coverage really necessary?

Any business that handles customer data, accepts online payments or relies on digital systems can face significant costs from a breach or ransomware incident. Cyber coverage helps with response, recovery and liability.

Can you help if my business is new or has unusual exposures?

Yes. We work with both standard and specialty markets and can place coverage for startups, niche industries and complex risks.

What insurance is legally required for a small business in Ontario?

Ontario law requires commercial auto insurance for any vehicle used for business purposes, and most regulated professions (lawyers, engineers, accountants, real estate agents) must carry professional liability insurance as a condition of licensing. Businesses with employees must register with WSIB. Beyond these requirements, your contracts with landlords, clients, and government bodies typically require specific liability limits. BrokerUnion reviews your full regulatory environment and compares coverage from 50+ carriers.

How much does small business insurance cost in Ontario?

A $2 million commercial general liability (CGL) policy for a low-risk Ontario service business typically starts at $500 to $1,500 per year. Professional liability (E&O) starts at $800 to $2,500 per year. Most Ontario small businesses pay $2,000 to $8,000 per year for a basic commercial package. BrokerUnion compares quotes across 50+ carriers to find the most competitive rate for your business profile.

What is a certificate of insurance and how do I get one from BrokerUnion?

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document summarizing your coverage that confirms you meet a contract's insurance requirements. To get one, contact your BrokerUnion broker with the specific requirements from your contract. BrokerUnion can typically issue a COI within one business day at no charge.

Does my Ontario small business need cyber liability insurance?

Any Ontario business that stores customer data faces significant cyber risk. Canada's PIPEDA Breach of Security Safeguards Regulations require mandatory breach reporting. Cyber liability insurance covers breach response costs, legal fees, and regulatory fines. BrokerUnion compares cyber coverage from multiple carriers for Ontario small businesses.

Can I get a commercial insurance quote online from BrokerUnion?

For commercial insurance, a BrokerUnion broker will follow up within one business day to compare options across 50+ carriers for your specific business type and risk profile. Start your request at brokerunion.ca/quote or call (905) 492-7070. There is no broker fee, BrokerUnion is paid by the carrier you choose.

Coverage availability and terms vary by carrier, industry and jurisdiction. Policy wordings govern in all cases.

Guides

Learn more before you decide

Ready to talk business insurance?

A licensed RIBO broker will review your situation and walk you through the options. No pressure, no jargon.

Auto, property, business, travel and VIP client services are property and casualty products placed by brokers licensed by the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO). Coverage, eligibility and pricing vary by insurer; policy wording governs in all cases.

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