Carpenter insurance

Get reliable contractors coverage tailored for you by BrokerLink.

Carpenter insurance is built to protect your tools, cover liability claims, insure your commercial vehicle, and keep your business running if something unexpected sidelines you. Whether you’re a solo cabinetmaker, a finish carpenter on luxury homes, or leading a framing crew on large builds, having the right coverage helps protect your business and your reputation.

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BrokerLink compares rates from a wide range of providers, ensuring you get the best deals available.

What is carpenter insurance?

Carpenter insurance is a contractor-specific insurance policy crafted to cover the unique risks carpentry professionals face across Canada. From powered saws and heavy beams to busy job sites and client interactions, your trade involves tools, heights, and hazards where a slip or accidental damage can quickly become a costly liability.

A well-designed carpenter insurance policy typically provides financial coverage for things like:

Third-party bodily injury and property damage
Lost, stolen or damaged tools and equipment
Your work vehicle(s)
Your materials while in transit or stored on-site
And more

Who we help

Running a business is hard work, but BrokerLink simplifies insurance, letting you focus on your business with coverage tailored for any size or industry. Secure your business with us today.

From solo cabinetmakers crafting one‑of‑a‑kind pieces to multi‑crew framing contractors working on large construction projects, BrokerLink works with carpenters across Canada to make sure they’re protected at every stage of their work.

Mobile carpenters
Finish carpenters
Framing contractors
Renovation specialists
Deck and fence builders
Independent carpenters
Carpentry subcontractors
Commercial carpentry crews
Cabinetmakers and millworkers
Home improvement contractors

Why do you need carpenter insurance?

Carpentry isn’t just a craft; it’s also your business. In Canada, there were roughly 132,000 carpenters employed nationally in 2023, and the Canadian Occupational Projections System (COPS) projects a strong risk of shortage, with an estimate of 44,700 job openings between 2024 and 2033.

But no matter how steady the work is, the risks are just as real. From a misplaced screw hitting a pipe or a homeowner tripping over your extension cord, painters face many types of risks that can lead to expensive repairs and lawsuits. Plus, we can't forget about the possibility of theft and vandalism of tools and materials needed to complete the job.

That's why, in some provinces, insurance is often required. In Ontario, for instance, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act makes coverage mandatory for most construction contractors. And good luck landing a contract or pulling a permit without proof of at least general liability insurance. Simply put: no coverage, no job.

Types of insurance for carpenters in Canada

As a carpenter, you’re juggling high-value tools, detailed blueprints, and someone else’s home or business, so there’s a lot on the line. That’s why you need a comprehensive insurance policy that includes both essential and additional coverage to help protect you from costly surprises. Here are some types of coverage we recommend to help you build a well-rounded carpenter insurance policy:

Recommended

Additional

Commercial general liability insurance covers third‑party injury or property damage caused by your work. Many provinces or project owners require contractors to carry at least $2 million in coverage.

If you use a truck, van, or other vehicle for your carpentry business, personal auto insurance won’t cover you for business‑related accidents. Instead, you'll need commercial auto insurance, which covers liability and medical costs, and sometimes collision and theft, depending on your coverage.

Tools and equipment insurance helps protect your tools and equipment against theft, loss, or damage, whether in your shop, vehicle, or at a job site.

Commercial property insurance protects your workshop, office, or storage space, along with the contents inside, from covered risks like fire, theft, vandalism, and weather damage.

Business interruption insurance keeps your income flowing if your operations are temporarily shut down due to an insured loss.

Installation floater insurance covers building materials from the moment they’re in your care until they’re installed and the project is complete.

Pollution liability insurance covers accidental pollution caused by your work, such as improper disposal of hazardous materials like stains, solvents, or adhesives.

Also known as errors & omissions (E&O) insurance, this coverage protects you and your business against claims that your design, advice, or work didn’t meet specifications.

Cyber insurance helps cover financial losses from things like data breaches, hacking, or ransomware. This is important if you store client contracts online or process digital payments.

Umbrella insurance adds extra liability protection beyond your existing policy limits. It’s useful for large‑scale projects or high‑value contracts where claims could exceed your standard coverage.

Tools and equipment insurance helps protect your tools and equipment against theft, loss, or damage, whether in your shop, vehicle, or at a job site.

Commercial property insurance protects your workshop, office, or storage space, along with the contents inside, from covered risks like fire, theft, vandalism, and weather damage.

Business interruption insurance keeps your income flowing if your operations are temporarily shut down due to an insured loss.

Installation floater insurance covers building materials from the moment they’re in your care until they’re installed and the project is complete.

Pollution liability insurance covers accidental pollution caused by your work, such as improper disposal of hazardous materials like stains, solvents, or adhesives.

Also known as errors & omissions (E&O) insurance, this coverage protects you and your business against claims that your design, advice, or work didn’t meet specifications.

Cyber insurance helps cover financial losses from things like data breaches, hacking, or ransomware. This is important if you store client contracts online or process digital payments.

Let us be your resource for all things contractor insurance

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Why BrokerLink

Discover what sets BrokerLink apart. Our commitment to personalized service, expert advice, and comprehensive coverage options ensures you get the best protection tailored to your needs.

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Factors that affect the cost of carpenter insurance

Since no two carpentry businesses are exactly alike, there's no one generalized quote for carpenter insurance. Instead, your rate depends on factors such as how, where, and what you work on, as well as the value of your tools, your crew size, and your coverage choices. Here are the main factors insurance companies consider when calculating your insurance premiums:

Location

Where you work influences both your exposure to risk and your premium. Urban areas often have higher theft rates, more expensive property values, and greater foot traffic, leading to potentially larger claims. Rural areas may see lower theft risks but can face higher travel‑related exposures. For example, a carpenter in downtown Victoria might pay more than one in rural Manitoba due to the higher cost of theft claims and urban property repairs.

Type of carpentry work

Not all carpentry projects carry the same risk. Custom cabinetmaking in a controlled shop environment usually has lower exposure than framing multi‑storey buildings or working on high‑value heritage restorations. As such, a framing contractor working on steep‑roofed houses will likely have a higher premium than a carpenter making bookshelves in a small workshop.

Annual revenue

A higher annual revenue often means more jobs, more client interactions, and more potential for claims. Insurance providers also view higher income as a sign that potential claims could be financially larger. This means that a contractor handling $2 million worth of projects each year will likely pay more than a one‑person woodworking business bringing in $150,000 annually.

Years in business

Carpenters with more years in business and a strong track record are often rewarded with lower rates because they’re seen as lower risk. This means that a carpenter with 20 years of safe, successful projects behind them will generally pay less than someone in their first year of operation, even if they both take on similar work.

Chosen coverage and limits

The types of coverage and the limits you select directly affect your premium. Higher coverage limits provide stronger financial protection but cost more, and adding recommended coverages like pollution liability, cyber insurance, or umbrella insurance will also increase your premium.

Claims history

Your past claims are one of the strongest predictors of your future risk. A spotless claims record can help keep premiums lower, while frequent or costly claims suggest you’re more likely to file again, driving up your rates as a precaution.

What to do in the event of an insurance claim

Whether it’s a stolen set of tools, a job site injury, or unexpected property damage, accidents can and will happen. When they do, knowing how to respond can make all the difference. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you file a carpentry insurance claim:

Make sure everyone’s safe and call emergency services if there are injuries.
If it involves theft or vandalism, you'll need to notify the authorities to file a police report.
Document everything by taking clear photos or videos of the damage, loss, or incident site.
Contact your BrokerLink advisor, and we’ll walk you through the claims process and help you gather the right information.
Submit any supporting documents for your claim, such as receipts, contracts, or witness statements.
Stay in touch. We’ll keep you updated on the claim's process and advocate for you with the insurance provider.

Remember, the sooner you report an incident, the sooner the BrokerLink team can help.

Contact BrokerLink today

At BrokerLink, we understand the risks carpenters face every day, from stolen tools to accidental property damage to costly liability claims and more. We also know that no two carpentry businesses are alike. That’s why we'll build a carpentry insurance package tailored specifically to you and your business.

No matter the size or specialty of your carpentry business, we’ll walk you through the best coverage options, compare quotes from leading insurance providers nationwide, and make sure you’re fully protected to meet regulations, secure contracts, and protect your livelihood.

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Carpenter insurance FAQs

Have questions? Our FAQ section has the answers you're looking for. Find helpful information to guide you through your options.

Is carpenter insurance mandatory in Canada?

While business insurance isn’t legally required everywhere in Canada, contractor insurance or carpenter liability insurance is often mandatory to meet provincial licensing regulations, union standards, or client contract terms. It also protects you from costly risks like injuries, property damage, or legal claims.

Do I still need carpenter insurance if I only do small jobs?

Absolutely. Liability insurance for carpenters is essential even for small projects. One accident, like damaging a client’s property or causing injury, can lead to expensive claims, no matter the size of the job.

Can I insure the tools I have stored at home?

Yes, tools and equipment insurance may cover your gear even if it's stored at home. This will be insured under your business policy and not your homeowner’s insurance. Just make sure to disclose storage details to your provider so your policy reflects your actual risk.

Is carpenter insurance mandatory in Canada?

Can I insure the tools I have stored at home?

Do I still need carpenter insurance if I only do small jobs?

Vehicle Insurance

Property Insurance

Other Insurance

Carpenter insurance

What is carpenter insurance?

Who we help

Who needs carpenter insurance?

Why do you need carpenter insurance?

Types of insurance for carpenters in Canada

Commercial general liability insurance

Commercial auto insurance

Tools and equipment insurance

Commercial property insurance

Business interruption insurance

Installation floater insurance

Pollution liability insurance

Professional liability insurance

Cyber insurance

Umbrella insurance

Commercial general liability insurance

Commercial auto insurance

Tools and equipment insurance

Commercial property insurance

Business interruption insurance

Installation floater insurance

Pollution liability insurance

Professional liability insurance

Cyber insurance

Umbrella insurance

Why BrokerLink

Our reviews

Greg Silver

Andy Rohansingh

Ian Roome

Clara Furlano

Joyce Kivuyo-Kisamo

Terry Mason

Sandi G

DANI L

Anne Langevin

Peter Ayo

Chris Gelowitz

Digital Evolution

renee king

Andrea Case

Dan Hayes

Rana Najar

Mark Houston

Katherine Bedea

Jessie hansra

Ifedapo Adeniyi

David Ford

Michelle Hawgood

Trevor Hildebrand

Morgan Adekeye

Tyler Frisby

Steven Melowsky

Steve Payne

Matt & Sav Weetman

Brooklyn Seweryn

Craig Gillis

Cheryl Trush

Jinene Shinnicks

Geoff Aiken

Tony Hynes

Christine Fedrau

amanda

Lori Coffey

Our numbers speak for themselves

Factors that affect the cost of carpenter insurance

Location

Type of carpentry work

Annual revenue

Years in business

Chosen coverage and limits

Claims history

What to do in the event of an insurance claim

Contact BrokerLink today

Resources

Carpenter insurance FAQs