Insurance Checklist for Foundation Work
Two separate questions: is the contractor covered, and what does your own policy say? Only your insurer can answer the second one.
The contractor's coverage
- Ask for a certificate of liability insurance. Check the company name, the amount and the expiry date.
- Get a workers' compensation clearance before you pay. Several provincial boards say a hirer can be held responsible for a contractor's unpaid premiums.
- If subcontractors will do part of the work, ask how they are covered.
- In Quebec, you can also check the contractor's RBQ licence. RBQ licence check
Workers' compensation clearances by province
- Ontario
WSIB (Ontario): Clearances - Quebec
CNESST (Quebec): Compliance verification services (French) - British Columbia
WorkSafeBC: Homeowners - Alberta
WCB Alberta: Clearance letters - Manitoba
WCB Manitoba: Clearances - Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan WCB: Clearance letters - New Brunswick
WorkSafeNB: Residential construction and renovation projects - Nova Scotia
WCB Nova Scotia: Clearance letters
Other provinces and territories: see the list of workers' compensation boards from the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada.
Your home insurance
The Insurance Bureau of Canada explains that a standard home policy usually covers sudden water damage from indoor plumbing, but not sewer backup or overland flooding, which are optional add-ons (water damage and flood protection). The Government of Canada also explains overland flood insurance.
Policies differ. Ask your insurer or broker what your policy covers before you assume anything about a repair.
- Call your insurer before repairs start if you think you may make a claim.
- Photograph the damage and list damaged items. The Insurance Bureau of Canada advises reporting a claim as soon as possible (flooding and insurance).
- Be wary of anyone who promises your insurance will pay for a repair.
- Read the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's guide to insurance for unexpected events.