Contractor insurance in Quebec 2026 | AccesDirect

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Construction contractors · Quebec

General and specialized contractor insurance in Quebec 2026

RBQ, commercial liability, construction site property, surety bonds, equipment: compare multiple carriers for your construction business via our partner brokerages and brokers. AccesDirect is an independent comparator.

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$300K
Minimum RBQ liability
15+
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2 min
For the request

The 3 key coverages for a construction contractor

Whether you are a general contractor, electrician, plumber, carpenter, excavator or roofer, your insurance program typically combines three pillars. A partner brokerage of AccesDirect helps you calibrate the limits based on your construction sites, revenue and project owner requirements.

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Commercial civil liability

Required by the RBQ (min $300,000, often $2M recommended). Covers bodily and property damage caused to third parties during and after your work.

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Construction site property and equipment

Construction site insurance (builders risk), tools, machinery, materials in transit or stored. Protection against fire, theft, vandalism, weather.

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Surety bonds

RBQ, bid, performance, labour and material payment surety bonds — essential for large public and institutional contracts.

Optional coverages often recommended

Replacement cost on buildings

Replacement at today’s value, no depreciation.

Equipment breakdown

Mechanical, electrical, hydraulic breakdown.

Flood and sewer backup

On construction sites or in your buildings.

Earthquake

Recommended based on seismic zone.

Model homes and off-site property

Coverage specific to builders.

Business continuity expenses

Income maintained during interruption.

Embezzlement and money theft

Protection against internal fraud and robbery.

Contractor auto insurance

Truck, van, coordinated commercial fleet.

Are contractors required to have insurance?

Yes, in most cases. In Quebec, any contractor holding a license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) must provide proof of civil liability of at least 300 000 $. This requirement is renewed annually with each license renewal. Beyond this legal obligation, most project owners — financial institutions, municipalities, professional orders, developers — impose higher limits ($1M to $5M) and often require a performance bond before contract signing.

Depending on your specialty — electrical, plumbing, carpentry, roofing, excavation, concrete, cement work, joinery — your risks differ, and your insurance limits should be calibrated accordingly. A partner brokerage specialized in construction analyzes your standard contracts and construction sites to propose a tailored program.

Typical requirements by project type

Project type Recommended liability Other requirements
Light residential (renovation) $1M RBQ license + GCR warranty if new construction
New residential (homes + condos) $2M License + GCR + construction site insurance
Commercial (office, retail) $2M to $5M Bid + performance surety bonds
Institutional (school, hospital) $5M+ Full surety bonds + professional liability insurance
Industrial or infrastructure $5M to $10M Environmental + heavy machinery + Wrap-Up

Indicative limits. Actual requirements vary by project owner and contract.

How to get your quote in 4 steps

1

Describe your business

Specialty (general, electrical, plumbing, etc.), revenue, number of employees and subcontractors, type of construction sites (residential/commercial/industrial).

2

We forward to our partner brokerages

Your request is forwarded to one or more partner brokerages specialized in construction.

3

A partner broker contacts you

The broker analyzes your RBQ requirements and those of your project owners, shops with several construction-specialized carriers and presents you with the best options.

4

You choose

Compare limits, deductibles, optional endorsements (surety bond, construction site, machinery), then select the program that matches your profile. No commitment.

💡 AccesDirect tip

Always verify your subcontractors’ certificates

If an uninsured subcontractor causes damage on your construction site, you could be held jointly liable as the general contractor. Require an up-to-date certificate of insurance for each subcontractor BEFORE work begins and keep them in your project file. This is your first line of defense against cascading claims.

⚠️ Insufficient coverage can destroy your business

A single uncovered loss — civil liability lawsuit, construction site fire, equipment theft, serious injury — can represent hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Make sure your limits match the reality of your construction sites.

Why AccesDirect

An independent comparator serving Quebec contractors

AccesDirect is an independent insurance comparator, operated by the brokerage AccesDirect. We forward your request to partner brokerages specialized in construction risks.

✓ Partner brokerages

All quotes are handled by brokerages and brokers duly registered with the applicable regulator.

✓ Overseen by the applicable regulator

Representatives comply with the code of ethics and standards of Quebec’s applicable regulator.

✓ Independent comparator

AccesDirect is not tied to any particular carrier. You get multiple offers and decide freely.

Frequently asked questions — Quebec construction contractor insurance

Is civil liability insurance mandatory to obtain an RBQ license?
Yes. The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) requires proof of civil liability insurance ofat least $300,000 to issue or renew a construction contractor license. However, most carriers and project owners recommend $1M to $2M minimum to adequately cover the risks of modern construction sites.
What is construction site insurance (builders risk) and when do I need it?
Construction site insurance covers physical damage to work in progress — fire, vandalism, storm, material theft — during the construction period. It is often required by project owners and financial institutions financing the project. It can be taken out by the general contractor or the owner — clarify this responsibility in your contract before starting.
Do the subcontractors I hire need to have their own insurance?
Absolutely. Each subcontractor must hold their own civil liability insurance and provide you with a certificate of insurance before starting work. If an uninsured subcontractor causes damage on your construction site, you could be held jointly liable as the general contractor.
What happens if a client or passerby is injured on my construction site?
Your commercial civil liability insurance covers claims for bodily injuries caused to third parties. Report the incident to your broker immediately. Document the scene, witnesses and circumstances. Do not admit fault before consulting your carrier. Construction sites must be secured according to CNESST standards to prevent the carrier from invoking negligence.
Does my insurance cover property damage caused by my work at a client’s premises?
Yes, commercial civil liability covers accidental damage caused to a client’s property during your work. The Completed Operations coverage handles claims that arise after work is completed, for defects related to your execution.
Are tools and equipment stolen on a construction site covered?
Yes, with the right coverage.Contractor equipment insurance (sometimes called Inland Marine or Equipment Floater) covers tools and equipment on the construction site, in transit and in storage. It is separate from construction site insurance. Maintain an up-to-date inventory with serial numbers.
Do construction site vehicles — trucks, heavy machinery — need to be insured separately?
Yes. Vehicles driven on public roads must be insured in accordance with the Highway Safety Code. Construction machines (excavators, cranes, telehandlers) that do not travel on the road are insured differently — under a machinery or mobile equipment policy.
How does the deductible work in construction contractor insurance?
The deductible is the amount you assume for each loss before your carrier steps in. In construction, typical deductibles range from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on coverage. A higher deductible reduces your annual premium — relevant if you rarely have low-value claims.
Should my insurance change depending on whether I work in residential or commercial?
Yes, the risks and requirements differ. Commercial work often involves public or institutional project owners who require higher coverage limits ($2M to $5M) and may require surety bonds. Residential projects are subject to the new home warranty (GCR) if you build new homes.
Does construction site insurance cover a single project or the entire year?
Both formats exist. A per-project policy covers a specific construction site from start to finish. A blanket annual policy covers all your construction sites in progress simultaneously up to a certain value cap — better suited to active contractors with multiple projects in parallel.

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