Plumbers Insurance in Ontario
Comprehensive coverage for plumbing contractors and professionals. Protect your business from water damage claims, tool theft, and liability risks.
Why Plumbers Need Insurance
Plumbing is an essential trade with inherent risks. From water damage to tool theft, comprehensive insurance protects your business and livelihood.
High-Risk Work Environment
Working with water systems means one mistake can cause thousands of dollars in flooding and property damage.
Client Requirements
Most property owners and general contractors require proof of insurance before signing contracts or starting work.
Expensive Equipment
Specialized plumbing tools and equipment are costly to replace if stolen, damaged, or lost on job sites.
Pollution Risks
Working with waste disposal lines and water systems exposes you to pollution liability that standard policies don't cover.
Vehicle Dependency
Your business relies on vehicles to transport tools, equipment, and materials to multiple job sites daily.
Legal Protection
Even if you're not at fault, lawsuits can be costly and time-consuming. Insurance covers legal defense costs.
Comprehensive Coverage Options
Tailored insurance solutions designed specifically for plumbing contractors and professionals.
Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance
The most essential coverage for plumbers. Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. Covers legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments.
- Minimum $2M coverage recommended
- Covers water damage from burst pipes or flooding
- Protects against slip and fall accidents on job sites
Tools and Equipment Insurance
Protects your valuable tools and equipment against theft, damage, and loss. Essential for plumbers who carry expensive specialized equipment.
- Covers tools in vehicles, at job sites, and in storage
- Items over $1,500 classified as equipment
- Replacement cost coverage available
Pollution Liability Insurance
Critical for plumbers working with waste disposal lines and water systems. Most CGL policies exclude pollution-related claims.
- Covers environmental contamination incidents
- Protects against sewage backup claims
- Includes cleanup and remediation costs
Commercial Auto Insurance
Covers vehicles used for business purposes, including transporting tools, equipment, and materials to job sites.
- Covers company vehicles and employee-driven vehicles
- Includes trailers for hauling equipment
- Optional collision and comprehensive coverage
Installation Floater Insurance
Protects materials and fixtures stored at job sites before installation is complete, including pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing materials.
- Covers materials from delivery to installation completion
- Protects against theft, fire, and vandalism
Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance
Protects against claims of professional negligence, mistakes, or faulty advice that result in financial loss for clients.
- Covers incorrect installations or design flaws
- Protects against claims of inadequate work
Business Interruption Insurance
Compensates for lost income and ongoing expenses if your business operations are halted due to an insured loss.
- Covers lost revenue during downtime
- Helps pay ongoing expenses like rent and payroll
Real-World Claims Scenarios
See how plumbers insurance protects your business in common situations.
Accidental Fire from Soldering
While soldering copper pipes in a client's kitchen, a subcontractor accidentally starts a fire causing significant property damage. The client sues for repair costs.
Coverage Solution
Your Commercial General Liability Insurance covers legal defense costs and property repair expenses.
Tool Theft from Vehicle
While responding to an emergency call in the middle of the night, a thief steals $8,000 worth of specialized plumbing tools from your truck.
Coverage Solution
Your Tools and Equipment Insurance reimburses the replacement cost of your stolen tools.
Incorrect Installation Causes Flooding
An incorrectly installed pipe connection fails weeks after completion, causing extensive water damage to a client's basement and lower floors.
Coverage Solution
Your CGL Insurance covers completed operations, protecting you from claims after project completion.
Sewage Backup Contamination
While working on a sewer line, an error causes sewage to back up into a commercial property, requiring extensive cleanup and remediation.
Coverage Solution
Your Pollution Liability Insurance covers cleanup costs and third-party claims from environmental contamination.
Who Needs Plumbers Insurance?
Whether you're just starting out or running a full-scale plumbing operation, comprehensive insurance protects you from substantial financial losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is plumbers insurance legally required in Ontario?
Yes, Commercial General Liability insurance is legally required for plumbing contractors in Ontario. Additionally, most clients and general contractors require proof of insurance before signing contracts.
What's the difference between CGL and pollution liability?
Most Commercial General Liability policies exclude pollution-related claims. Since plumbers work with waste disposal lines and water systems, Pollution Liability Insurance is essential to cover environmental contamination incidents that CGL won't cover.
Does my personal auto insurance cover business use?
No. Personal auto insurance is not designed to cover vehicles used for business purposes, including transporting tools, equipment, and materials. You need Commercial Auto Insurance to be properly covered.
What factors affect my insurance premium?
Premiums vary based on years of experience, services offered, location, annual revenue, number of employees, coverage limits, and deductibles. Working with an experienced broker helps you find the best coverage at competitive rates.
Am I covered for work done by subcontractors?
Your CGL policy typically covers work performed by subcontractors on your behalf. However, it's important to ensure your subcontractors also carry their own insurance and provide certificates of insurance.
How quickly can I get a certificate of insurance?
Once your policy is active, certificates of insurance can typically be issued immediately. Many brokers offer online portals where you can access and download certificates 24/7.
Ready to Protect Your Plumbing Business?
Get a comprehensive plumbing insurance quote tailored to your specific needs and protect your business from water damage claims, tool theft, and liability risks.