Painters insurance

Get reliable painters insurance coverage tailored for you by BrokerLink.

Painting may seem like a low-risk trade, but ask any seasoned pro: one wrong move with a paint sprayer or ladder can lead to costly damage, injuries, or legal trouble. That's why you need painters insurance.

Whether you specialize in residential interiors, commercial exteriors, or large-scale industrial projects, having the right insurance coverage helps protect your tools, your crew, and your reputation. From third-party liability and accidental spills to damaged equipment and worksite injuries, insurance can help you bounce back fast when things don’t go according to plan.

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

What is painters insurance?

Painters insurance is a specialized type of contractor insurance designed to protect painting professionals from the real-world risks that come with the job. Whether you’re refreshing residential interiors, spraying commercial buildings, or coating industrial machinery, you’re working around people, property, and equipment that can easily be damaged, or worse, lead to costly liability claims.

At its core, painters insurance, or painters liability insurance, is a general liability insurance policy customized for risks specific to painters. However, here at BrokerLink, our painters insurance package bundles together key business insurance coverages like general liability (for paint spills, property damage, or injuries), tools and equipment insurance (in case your sprayer, ladders, or scaffolding are lost or stolen), commercial auto (for your work van or truck), pollution liability (for oversprays or improper disposal), and more.

Who we help

Whether you're touching up baseboards in a family home, painting the exterior of a retail plaza, or tackling a high-volume industrial project, BrokerLink helps protect painting professionals across Canada with coverage tailored to how and where you work.

Spray painters
HVLP specialists
Decorative finishers
Painting subcontractors
Self-employed painters
Mural and artistic painters
Mobile painting units
Independent painting contractors
Interior and exterior painting specialists
Fine finishers and lacquering experts
Small, medium, and large painting businesses
Fireproofing and intumescent coating contractors
Residential, commercial, and industrial painting companies

Why do you need painters insurance?

In many provinces, almost anyone working in the construction industry is typically required, or at least strongly expected, to carry at a minimum liability insurance (and, in some provinces, workers' compensation), whether for licensing purposes or to qualify for contract bids.

But besides that, without proper coverage, one incident can threaten your reputation, your clients' trust, and your bottom line. In fact, painters must protect themselves and their businesses against many types of risks, including client injuries, tool theft, accidental damage, environmental claims, and more. Here are some examples:

A ladder slip injures a visitor, resulting in a liability claim for medical expenses.
An accidental paint spill ruins a homeowner’s hardwood floors, leading to costly repairs.
Overspray damages a neighbour’s car, triggering a third-party property damage claim.
Expensive spray equipment is stolen from a locked work van, delaying the job and requiring replacement tools.
Improper disposal of paint thinner contaminates nearby soil or drains, potentially leading to environmental cleanup costs and fines.

Overspray, spills, and slip-and-fall injuries happen more often than you'd think. In Canada, many painting businesses face liability lawsuits or environmental claims from paint overspray or improper disposal that can cost thousands to millions to resolve. Protect your painting business today with comprehensive insurance coverage from BrokerLink.

Types of coverage for painting contractors and businesses in Canada

Painters work in a world of unpredictable surfaces, job sites, and clients, so having the right coverage is essential. Whether you're working solo or running a full painting crew, the following coverages can help protect your business from a variety of costly surprises:

Mandatory

Optional

Commercial general liability insurance helps cover legal fees and medical costs if your work accidentally causes bodily injury to someone or damages their property.

If you use a van or truck to haul paint, ladders, and supplies to job sites, you'll need commercial auto insurance, as your personal auto insurance policy likely won’t cover you. Commercial auto can help protect your work vehicle(s) in the event of a collision, theft, or damage.

Paint sprayers, rollers, ladders, and scaffolding don’t come cheap. Whether they’re on the job, in your truck, or locked up at home, this coverage helps replace or repair stolen, lost, or damaged tools.

Some paint products contain hazardous materials that can pose environmental risks if mishandled. This coverage helps with cleanup costs and legal claims if you're responsible for accidental contamination or improper disposal.

Also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, this protects you if a client claims your advice or work caused them financial harm. It’s especially useful for painters involved in colour consulting or surface prep recommendations.

If a fire, flood, or another covered event forces you to temporarily shut down operations, this insurance helps cover lost income. It can also assist with ongoing expenses like rent, wages, and utility bills while you get back on your feet.

If you lease or own a studio, workshop, or storage space, this coverage protects the physical property and contents from risks like fire, theft, or vandalism.

Nowadays, most painters use digital tools to store quotes, invoices, and customer information. Cyber insurance helps protect you if your business is targeted by a cyberattack, phishing scam, or data breach.

Commercial general liability insurance helps cover legal fees and medical costs if your work accidentally causes bodily injury to someone or damages their property.

If you lease or own a studio, workshop, or storage space, this coverage protects the physical property and contents from risks like fire, theft, or vandalism.

Let us be your resource for all things painters insurance

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.

Our Reviews

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Greg Silver

Excellent service, rates and customer service. Highly recommended.
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Very easy to do business with this company. They handle all of my past, current and will be doing my future vehicles also. They listen and get you the insurance that you want and need.
Ian Roome

I've always had a great experience with their agents/brokers when I've had questions about my policy. Agents are always polite, professional and able to answer my questions.
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Honestly, they have the best advisors. Ones who take their time to understand your insurance needs.
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I have been with BrokerLink for over 5 years and have never been disappointed; my issues have been always solved promptly and efficiently, they even found me a cheaper motor insurance with same qualit...
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I find Brokerlink to be better priced than most of their competitors. I have received good, prompt advise and always deal with a live agent.
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Always a pleasure to communicate with. Awesome service as always. I would definitely recommend them! Thanks for being there to help when needed!
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The people I have dealt with are always very helpful and quick with answers to my questions and/or changes to my policy.
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I have been dealing with Doreen at Brokerlink for many years.Always great service and you can tell she really cares to get you the best policy for your needs.Thank you Doreen.
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Our numbers speak for themselves

Factors that affect the cost of painters insurance

Since every painting business is unique, so is your calculated insurance premium. Your rate depends on a handful of important factors that insurance companies consider. Plus, insurance companies all weigh these factors differently, which is why no two quotes are the same. Here’s an overview of some of the main factors that can raise or lower your rates:

Business size and annual revenue

If you're running a lean operation with a small roster of jobs, your premiums will likely be lower. But once you're managing a team, juggling contracts, and bringing in more revenue, insurance companies see more at stake, and your costs usually reflect that.

Business location

Urban painters often pay more than rural ones due to factors such as higher property values, denser foot traffic, higher crime rates, and sometimes stricter insurance or licensing rules.

Crew size

The more painters on your team, the more chances for accidents or claims. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be penalized for growing, it just means that insurance providers want to know how many people you’ve got on payroll and how well they’re trained.

Types of painting jobs

Not all paintwork is created equal. A residential repaint comes with very different risks than painting a commercial warehouse or multi-storey condo. Jobs that involve working at heights, handling hazardous materials, or using specialized gear usually cost more to insure.

Coverage limits and deductibles

Think of your coverage limit like a safety net. The bigger it is, the more protection you have, but the more you'll pay for it. On the other hand, raising your insurance deductible can lower your premium to balance it out, as long as you're comfortable covering a bit more out of pocket in a claim.

Claims history

A clean claims record tells insurance companies that you’re careful and low-risk, which helps keep your costs down. But a string of past claims, especially big ones, can bump up your rates. It’s another reason to prioritize safety on every job site.

Ways to save money on your painters insurance premiums

Running a painting business means juggling supplies, schedules, and safety, and insurance is one more line item that can add up fast. But, with a few strategic moves, you can keep your painters' insurance costs from climbing higher than your ladder. Here are some practical tips that can help you save without leaving your business exposed:

Bundle your coverages, like commercial auto and property insurance, to unlock multi-policy discounts
Choose realistic coverage limits that match your risk
Invest in secure storage or alarms to help prevent theft of tools and gear
Opt for a higher deductible if you can comfortably afford the out-of-pocket cost
Revisit your policy annually to make sure it still fits your business and budget
Use a licensed broker to shop around and compare multiple quotes
Tell your broker if you or your crew have completed safety or ladder training
Keep your claims history clean by staying ahead of risks on every job

Contact BrokerLink today

At BrokerLink, we get that painting isn’t just about brushes and buckets. It’s about running a business that comes with real risks. From accidental paint spills to stolen sprayers or unexpected liability claims, painters face more than just a splash of trouble. That's why we offer affordable insurance coverage tailored to the way you work. Our brokers will walk you through your coverage options, compare personalized quotes from top Canadian insurers, and make sure you’re protected where it matters most.

Looking to purchase a painters insurance policy in Canada? Contact BrokerLink today. You can call, email, or visit us in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool, which can provide you with a free painters insurance quote in minutes.

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Painters insurance FAQs

Do I need painters insurance to bid on painting jobs in Canada?

In most cases, yes. Many clients, especially commercial or government, won’t consider your bid unless you show proof of liability insurance. Some provinces may also require it for licensing. Having insurance not only protects you but also helps you win more work.

Does my painters insurance cover subcontractors?

Not automatically. Some policies exclude subcontractors or only cover them under specific terms. If you hire subcontractors, let your broker know so you’re not left exposed. You may need to list them as additional insured or require them to carry their own insurance.

Are interior and exterior painting jobs covered equally under a painting insurance policy?

Not always. Exterior work, especially on high ladders or commercial buildings, can carry more risk and may require different coverage or higher premiums. Let your broker know the type of jobs you take on so your policy reflects your real risk.

What’s the difference between general liability and painters liability insurance?

General liability is broad and covers basic third-party injury or property damage. While painters liability insurance includes that, it’s tailored to painting risks like paint spills, ladder accidents, or damage to client property.

Can I get a same-day certificate of insurance?

Yes! In many cases, you can get a certificate of insurance (COI) the same day, sometimes even within hours, but it depends on your insurance company and how complex your policy is. If you’re in a rush to meet a bid deadline, let your insurer know.

Do I need painters insurance to bid on painting jobs in Canada?

What’s the difference between general liability and painters liability insurance?

Does my painters insurance cover subcontractors?

Can I get a same-day certificate of insurance?

Are interior and exterior painting jobs covered equally under a painting insurance policy?

Vehicle Insurance

Property Insurance

Other Insurance

Painters insurance

What is painters insurance?

Who we help

Who needs painters insurance?

Why do you need painters insurance?

Types of coverage for painting contractors and businesses in Canada

Commercial general liability insurance

Commercial auto insurance

Tools and equipment coverage

Pollution liability insurance

Professional liability insurance

Business interruption coverage

Commercial property insurance

Cyber insurance

Commercial general liability insurance

Commercial auto insurance

Tools and equipment coverage

Pollution liability insurance

Professional liability insurance

Business interruption coverage

Commercial property insurance

Cyber 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