What GCs ask from subcontractors in Ontario, and how to have it ready

Before you set foot on a GC’s site, there’s paperwork. Most of it is about insurance, and most delays come from the same few gaps. Here’s what to expect and what to have ready.

What a GC will usually ask for

A certificate of insurance. Proof you carry commercial general liability at the limit their subcontract asks for. (See What is a certificate of insurance.)

Additional insured status. Many subcontracts require the GC, and sometimes the owner, to be added to your policy. That’s a change to the policy itself, not just the certificate. (See Additional insured explained.)

A specific limit. The limit is set in the GC’s contract, not by you. If the contract asks for more than you carry, the policy has to change before the certificate can show it.

WSIB paperwork. GCs often ask subcontractors for a WSIB clearance certificate as well. WSIB can tell you whether your business needs an account and how to get one.

Matching details. Your business name, the GC’s exact legal name and the job or contract reference all need to match across the contract, the policy and the certificate.

If you work in more than one trade

Plenty of contractors do more than one kind of work. When you get a quote, you choose a primary trade, the one that makes up most of your work or revenue, and then tell us about the other services you offer, so the quote reflects everything you do.

• Some trade categories exclude certain work. A category such as “Plumbing (no sprinkler work or gas fitting)” shows what isn’t part of it. If you do the excluded work, talk to a licensed broker before you finish your quote.
• Some work has its own category. Snow and ice management, for example, is separate from landscaping. If you do both, tell us about both.
• Not sure which trade is primary? A licensed broker can help you choose before you finish the quote.

If you hire subcontractors yourself

The same questions come back to you when you’re the one hiring. Have this ready for your quote:

• how many subcontractors you typically hire;
• which trades or services you subcontract;
• roughly what share of your work is subcontracted.

For some trades it matters whether work is done by your own forces (you and your employees) or by subs. Answer accurately: the quote has to reflect who is actually doing the work. And ask your own subs for the same proof a GC asks of you.

If your work changes

Added a service, dropped one, or started subcontracting more? Tell your broker so your policy keeps up with what you actually do. A policy that describes last year’s business is one of the most common reasons a claim gets complicated.

Getting the paperwork through Worksured

Once you’ve bought your policy, send us the GC’s requirements: the certificate holder, the limit and any additional insured wording. [TO CONFIRM] A certificate and any additional insured are arranged once a licensed broker confirms coverage. Coverage is not considered bound until you have received confirmation from a licensed broker.

Questions subcontractors ask

Will a GC accept my certificate if the limit is lower than their contract asks for?

Usually not. The policy limit has to meet the contract before the certificate can show it.

Is a certificate of insurance the same as being an additional insured?

No. A certificate shows a client you have coverage. Additional insured status adds them to your policy.

Do I need to tell my broker about work I subcontract?

Yes. Who does the work affects the quote and the cover.

All insurance policies have coverage limitations and should be reviewed. Coverage is subject to the terms of your policy.