Carpenter Insurance in Ontario

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Written by Nolan Wilson Updated on October 17, 2025 min read

Find the best rates on carpenter insurance

Protect and build your business the right way with carpenter insurance. Issues arise on the jobsite, and it only takes one mistake to put you at financial risk. While not mandatory, a business insurance policy designed specifically for carpenters will protect you against threats and liabilities. ThinkInsure will help you assess your coverage needs and compare carpenter insurance quotes.

Top things to know about carpenter insurance

Insurance for carpenters is not legally required, but protecting your business and securing new client projects is highly recommended.
Basic liability plans start as low as $500 annually.
Proof of insurancestrong> will help carpenters secure more projects, build trust and grow their business.

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What is carpenter insurance?

Carpenter insurance is a package of coverage created to financially protect carpentry professionals against the unique risks and liabilities associated with their trade. It includes protection against liability claims, tool theft, property damage, bodily injury, and other unforeseen events.

Why do carpenters need insurance?

Things don’t always go according to plan. Even if you are careful, costly mistakes can strain your business financially. Insurance gives you the peace of mind knowing you are covered when bad things happen on the jobsite.

There are also strong business cases for requiring insurance.

Potential clients may request to see your certificate of insurance (COI) before hiring you.
You may need proof of insurance before you rent a commercial space for your office, shop, or showroom.
You may require insurance to participate in tradeshows, events, or to be part of local business associations.
Insurance can protect you if you are falsely accused of a liable act.
Being licensed and insured can help you attract better talent when hiring.

What are the most common types of threats for carpenters?

Carpenters work in many different locations, conditions, and with all types of potentially dangerous tools and equipment. Here are common threats where insurance can help if things go wrong:

Stolen tools and equipment from the jobsite or work trucks
Causing damage to third-party properties
Water, electrical, and fire damage
Employee injuries
Trip and fall accidents

What types of carpenters should get insurance?

If you work in carpentry, you should protect yourself with insurance. Here’s a list of carpentry professionals who should get coverage:

Residential carpenters
Commercial carpenters
Journeyman carpenters
Cabinet makers
Framers
Joisters
Trim carpenter
Deck builders
Home remodelers
Cabinet installers
Flooring installers

What does a carpenter insurance policy cover?

Carpentry insurance packages typically include four key forms of coverage for you and your employees:

Property: Your office, shop, showroom, work vehicles.
Liability: Liability claims, advertising and reputation harm, bodily injury, lawsuits, and legal defense costs.
Damage to third-party property: Damage from your work on a customer’s property.
Tools and equipment: Tools of the trade, supplies, materials.

Additional coverage is also available to be added to your policy, at an extra cost.

Carpenter insurance claims examples

Example #1

An employee is framing a wall around the plumbing stack at a client's home. They accidentally hit the pipe with a nail gun, causing a water leak and $10,000 in damage. Your policy will help cover the costs to replace the plumbing stack and repair the damage.

Example #2

You arrive at the shop one morning to find out there has been a break-in. Tools, equipment, and building materials have been stolen and damaged. Your policy will help cover the cost of replacing the missing tools and equipment and replenishing supplies.

What type of coverage is included in carpenters insurance packages?

Carpenter working on wooden frame construction, carpenters insurance

Carpenter insurance policies can be customized to meet your specific business needs. Plans typically include the following types of coverage:

Commercial general liability insurance: This is the minimum requirement for carpenter insurance policies. It protects a variety of liability claims.
Tools and equipment protection: Get protection for loss, damage, or theft of your carpentry tools.
Errors and omissions insurance: Mistakes happen on the job. Be protected if you or an employee makes an error.
Installation floater insurance: Protect materials and supplies used for projects.
Surety bonds: Ensure you meet requirements to secure new projects.
Commercial property insurance: Protect your shop and storage locations.
Commercial auto insurance: Coverage for your work trucks. Get Fleet insurance if you have multiple vehicles.
Equipment breakdown insurance: Have coverage if your equipment unexpectedly requires repairs.

How much does carpenter insurance cost?

Carpenter insurance policies can start at $500 for a basic liability plan. However, it's highly recommended to have a more robust policy with increased limits and coverage. How much you pay for premiums is affected by:

The type of work you do
Tools, equipment, location, and number of vehicles.
Annual revenue
Number of employees
Years of experience, licensing, and certifications
Whether you have past claims

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Carpenters insurance FAQs

Is carpenter's insurance coverage legally required in Ontario?

Carpenters are not legally required to have insurance. However, if you have employees, you are legally required to have Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage. Also, most clients will require you to have liability coverage before they hire you for a project.

Do I need carpenter insurance if I am a sub-contractor?

You will need your own insurance coverage. The general contractor's policy will not cover you. Policies only apply to full-time employees.

What is not covered by carpenter insurance?

Exclusions are standard in all insurance policies. For carpentry professionals, common exclusions include wear and tear on tools, employee theft, faulty workmanship, and work performed by subcontractors. It is crucial to always verify the inclusions and exclusions of your specific coverage.

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Nolan Wilson

Content Marketing Manager

Nolan is a content marketing manager and writer at ThinkInsure. He has 15+ years of experience in the insurance industry, working with brokerages and direct insurers to create compelling insurance content, specializing in auto, home, and commercial.

Carpenters Insurance

Save on insurance for carpenters and protect your Ontario carpentry business against common threats.