Construction & Contractors Insurance

Strategic Risk Management for Every Project

Whether it’s navigating regulatory complexities or mitigating on-site risks, we bring the expertise and strategic support you need to confidently win contracts, maintain project feasibility, and fuel sustainable growth.

With over 100 years of combined experience, our construction insurance team offers unparalleled guidance, helping clients manage risks on projects of every scale. From multi-billion-dollar developments to independent contractors, we understand the unique challenges of construction and deliver tailored solutions that evolve with the industry’s demands.

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Leading our Construction Practice

We understand how to provide service in the fast pace environment in which our clients work. Our clients get an insurance advisor that goes with them every step of the way on the road to success.

Roland Waldmeier
Senior Vice President, National Practice Leader
Construction & Real Estate

Developers

Developers play a pivotal role in the construction industry, spearheading projects from conception through to completion. At Axis Insurance, our seasoned team of professionals, with decades of combined experience, offers tailored insurance solutions that support developers in managing complex projects. Our deep understanding of the intricacies of project development ensures comprehensive coverage that aligns with the unique risks and high stakes of large-scale construction.

Our insurance for developers not only covers traditional risks associated with construction but also extends to include critical aspects of construction lender requirements as well as contractual insurance language. With a dedicated team of experts, Axis Insurance equips developers with the knowledge and protection necessary to navigate the challenges of the construction world, ensuring that each project is a testament to safety, efficiency, and excellence.

Contractors

The construction landscape is ever-changing and complex, requiring attention from many stakeholders. Axis helps you stay focused on business operations by providing tailor-made services beyond transactional insurance solutions. We offer advice and guidance on risk management, considering all aspects that may affect your business. Our services include meticulous contract reviews to prevent surprises and thorough analysis of insurance policies to ensure you get the best product at the best price. With Axis Insurance, general contractors and sub trades can concentrate on building, confident that their operations are well-protected against potential risks and liabilities.

Our team, boasting decades of combined experience in the construction insurance sector, understands the complexities involved in managing both small-scale and billion-dollar projects. We ensure that our coverage supports the broad spectrum of responsibilities shouldered by general contractors, from hiring subcontractors to managing timelines and budgets.

Sub-Contractors

Sub-Contractors are integral to the construction industry, focusing on specific areas of expertise such as plumbing, electrical, and roofing within larger projects. At Axis Insurance, we understand the distinct risks that sub-contractors face, from on-site injuries to unforeseen delays and disruptions. Our tailored insurance solutions are designed to address these specific challenges, providing robust coverage that encompasses liability, equipment damage, and job site accidents. Our team of experienced brokers ensures that sub-contractors are equipped with the necessary protections to operate safely and efficiently.

Our insurance policies for sub-contractors also consider the critical need for flexibility and responsiveness in a fast-paced industry. We provide coverage that adapts to the changing demands and varying scales of projects that sub-contractors typically handle. Whether working on a local residential build or a major commercial development, Axis Insurance offers comprehensive support that allows sub-contractors to focus on their craftsmanship and service delivery without the burden of risk management overheads.

Essential Coverage

Tailored insurance solutions safeguarding every aspect of your construction operations.

Wrap-up Liability Insurance

Wrap-up liability insurance is a cornerstone of protection for construction firms, covering incidents that result in bodily injury or property damage to third parties. This coverage is crucial for mitigating the high-risk nature of construction sites where accidents can easily occur. It also handles legal fees and settlements, which can be substantial in the event of lawsuits.

This insurance not only safeguards the company against financial losses but also enhances its reputation by demonstrating a commitment to third-party safety. Whether a visitor is injured on-site or property is damaged due to construction activities, wrap-up liability insurance ensures that the firm can continue operations without the burden of unexpected liabilities.

Course of Construction

Course of Construction (also known as builders risk) insurance provides specific coverage for buildings under construction, including materials, fixtures, and equipment on-site. This insurance is essential as it protects the financial investment from the start of construction until the project is completed. It covers losses due to fires, storms, water damage, vandalism, and other covered events.

The coverage can be tailored to include soft costs or expenses that arise from delays, such as additional loan interest or lost sales. It’s an indispensable asset for construction projects, ensuring that unforeseen events do not lead to financial ruin but are instead managed with adequate financial support.

The course of construction policy is an efficient coverage that covers all parties on site.

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers’ Compensation Insurance is mandatory in Canada and provides coverage for employees who are injured or fall ill due to their work. This insurance is crucial in the construction industry, known for its high risk of workplace accidents. It covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages while helping employers fulfill their legal obligations.

In Canada, each province and territory has its own Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), which administers a no-fault system where workers give up their right to sue their employers in exchange for compensation benefits. This system helps streamline the process and ensure that injured workers receive immediate assistance.

Environmental Liability Insurance

Environmental Liability Insurance is essential for construction firms to manage the risks of environmental damage, such as pollution and contamination. These incidents can occur unexpectedly and lead to significant remediation costs. This insurance provides coverage for cleaning up pollutants and handling third-party claims for environmental damage.

The policy is particularly relevant for projects that involve land development or large-scale construction, where the potential for significant environmental impact is higher. It helps firms comply with environmental regulations and avoid hefty fines and penalties associated with non-compliance.

Commercial Automobile Insurance

Commercial Auto Insurance covers vehicles and mobile equipment used in construction, essential for protecting against damages from road accidents or collisions in Canada. Given the harsh weather conditions and extensive road use in many Canadian regions, this insurance is crucial for construction fleets. It covers vehicle repairs and medical costs for injuries, ensuring that operations can continue smoothly despite accidents.

This coverage also includes liability insurance, which is vital if a company vehicle causes damage to third parties. For construction companies with a fleet of vehicles ranging from trucks to mobile cranes, having comprehensive commercial auto insurance is fundamental to managing fleet-related risks effectively.

Surety Bonds

Contract Surety Bonds are a type of financial security, posted by a Surety Company of behalf of a Client, that can be used in lieu of other financial guarantees such as cash, certified cheques, or a letter of credit. A Surety Bond protects a Project Owner or Obligee against losses, up to the limit of the bond, that result from the Client’s failure to perform its obligation or undertaking.

This type of financial security is beneficial, not only to the Project Owner or Obligee, but also for any construction company that is able to secure bond support. The ability to post contract bonds can enable a contractor to qualify for projects they may otherwise have to post their own collateral for, or be unable to secure.

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Partnerships & Associations

The Surety Association of Canada (SAC) is the national trade advocacy association that represents the interests of the surety industry across Canada.

The Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario is the largest association in Ontario representing those who own, manage, build and finance residential rental properties.

The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) is the voice of the home building, residential and non-residential land development and professional renovation industries in the Greater Toronto Area.