General Contractors Insurance – Nova Scotia
Coordinating and bringing a project to life is a complex, to say the least. From the initial planning stages to obtaining permits, project management, and the finishing touches, there’s a lot that goes on in between. Any time during the planning and building process, the unexpected can happen. Through a comprehensive review of your business operations, our team can help define your insurance protection program and maximize the effectiveness of your insurance spend by connecting you to the products that will matter most.
As your local insurance experts, we know that each business in Nova Scotia is unique in its own way. From industrial contractors with large-scale projects in Halifax to marine contractors working along the East Coast and every general contractor project in between, we’ve got you covered. With all it has to offer, it’s not hard to understand why so many people decide to set up shop in Nova Scotia.
We understand it’s vital to protect what’s most important to you and your business. Our expert insurance advisors are here to ensure you’re protected and provide peace of mind so you can focus on nurturing your business for the future.
Why Choose Westland?
We know that your business insurance needs to match your goals, your business and your budget. Our expert business insurance advisors get to know you and your business, so that they can tailor a policy to your exact needs. We’ll work with you to build a risk management solution, ensuring coverages line up with your business needs.
Insurance can be complex sometimes. Let our expert insurance advisors do the heavy lifting! We’ll help you find a policy that you feel is the best fit and provides peace of mind. To learn more about the benefits of being a Westland client, click here.
Contractors & General Contractors Insurance
Not many others on a large project have more responsibility than a general contractor, from coordinating permits to supervising and inspecting all stages of the build. To ensure that the project is completed on time, there are many moving parts to consider. Contractors insurance isn’t just for the finished project; it’s for all aspects, from securing funds to providing the final finishing touches.
No matter the industry, our business insurance advisors can help you find the right coverage to ensure your business is covered if there’s a loss during the many responsibilities of the contractor’s process.
What Types of Insurance Are Available to Contractors?
Business liability provides coverage for liability claims alleging from bodily injury and property damage to others arising out of your operations. Such third party losses and subsequent legal liability claims can be triggered by operations performed by employees or subtrades, product failure, or from completed work hazards. To learn more about commercial liability, click here.
Tools insurance covers your hand tools and portable tools when at a jobsite, in transit or while locked in a vehicle or storage. Examples of tools covered include:
- Saws
- Screw Drivers
- Socket Sets
- Drills
- Nail Guns
- Belt Sanders
- Hammers
- Compressors
Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) Insurance can provide liability protection for contractors against the environmental liability claims not covered by standard commercial general liability insurance policy due the industry-standard pollution liability exclusions and clauses.
Limits of liability, coverage type and policy format vary depending one’s specific operations, risk exposures and requirements. Our business insurance advisors can help you find the right coverage for your business.
- Installation Floaters
- Project Broad Form Property Insurance
- Project “Wrap-up” Liability Insurance
- Project Equipment Breakdown Insurance
- Contractors Errors & Omissions Insurance
- Faulty Workmanship/Rip and Tear
- Forest Fire Fighting Expense Insurance
You may not think of your work as ‘specialty’, but your insurance company might disagree. Whether it’s marine, aerospace, industrial, or mining, high-rise, and high-rise work as well as municipal or provincial infrastructure, connect with us to see if your policy covers the nature of your business. Anything besides standard commercial and residential buildings should trigger a ‘specialty’ focus when it comes to a contractor’s policy.
CCDC (Canadian Construction Documents Committee) is a standardized set of contract documents that are meant to give certainty to owners and contractors. Specific insurance requirements are included, and every sub-trade must carry the right types and amounts of coverage if they are working under CCDC.
A business liability policy covers property damage or bodily injury resulting from the physical work you do. However, suppose someone claims they suffered economic damages because of alleged negligent performance of professional services you made in the design (with respect to design build services, project management services), material choice, etc. In that case, you need the right errors and omissions coverage to defend your business.
Pollution insurance is most definitely important for many contractors. Standard insurance policies exclude loss or damage caused by “pollution”. The definition of a pollutant is broader than what you may think. Everything from coolant to diesel can be considered a pollutant, and you need specialized coverage to pay in the event of a cleanup.
Your business liability policy isn’t designed to provide coverage if your business is sued for breach of contract or if you need to pursue a client who is withholding payment. It also isn’t meant to pay for regulatory or tax disputes.
- Marine Contractors
- Aerospace Contractors
- Industrial Contractors
- Small Contractors & Subcontractors
- Mining and Oil & Gas Industry Contractors (including Wellhead contractors)
- General Contractors
- Electrical Contractors
- Framing Contractors
- Roofing Contractors
- Finishing Contractors
- Mechanical Contractors
- Concrete Contractors
- Remediation Contractors
We can help with your auto insurance needs too! Connect with us today to ensure you’re covered out on the road.
How Much Does Contractors & General Contractors Insurance Cost in Nova Scotia?
Just as businesses differ across Nova Scotia, so do the risks and exposures which impact the cost. The following factors will impact the cost of your construction and development insurance coverage:
- Experience
- Location
- Equipment
- Scale of Project
Review Your Insurance and Get a Quote with Westland
Ready to discuss your insurance needs? Our expert advisors are here to review your current insurance policies, discuss your unique risks and operations, and find the perfect insurance policy for your business. Whether it’s over email, the phone or in person we are ready to help! To get started on a quote now and see price estimates for your business coverage, click the button below. Our advisors will contact you right away and help navigate your risk management needs. Of course, we are always available to talk over the phone or in person. Check out our locations page to connect with an office closest to you!
Claims Example
Liability is one of the most common claims we see when it comes to contractors. For example, there are workers on site, and they hit a sprinkler and don’t know how to stop the water source. There can be immense damage resulting from their operations. The right contractors’ insurance policy will help mitigate these risks and get you back to your normal as quickly as possible.
Our goal is to find the best coverage for your business so you can focus on what’s important. To learn more about being a Westland client, click here.
10 Nova Scotia Business Facts
- With all the surrounding beauty, the tourism industry is a large sector in Nova Scotia. In fact, more than 1.2 million visitors were welcomed in 2019.
- When you think of the East Coast, what comes to mind? Lobster fishing of course! The commercial fishing industry is a cornerstone of the province with exports of lobster totalling $570 million in 2014.
- With 75% of Nova Scotia covered with Acadian forest, the forestry industry is an economic anchor in the province. It attributed to over $2.1 billion in economic impact as well as 11,500 jobs.
- Downtown Halifax is the heart of Atlantic Canada’s big city. It features more than 400 retailers, restaurants, pubs and services.
- A popular attraction for visitors and residents alike is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Located in downtown Halifax, it’s the oldest maritime museum in Canada and features over 30,000 artifacts.
- Nova Scotia’s agriculture sector is heavily focused on dairy and poultry. Dairy production exceeds 206 million litres of milk as well as over 17 million dozen eggs annually.
- Halifax nurtures a large IT, gaming and digital media sector. Video game production has a home in Nova Scotia for companies such as Ubisoft Halifax, RedMeat Games and Silverback Games!
- With its location along the east coast, ocean technology is prominent in Nova Scotia. Technology includes acoustics, instrumentation and sensors in addition to ocean observation and defence and security.
- Nova Scotia is also known as the global gateway to the world, leading to a sophisticated transportation and logistics industry. By utilizing sea, rail, air and road Halifax is known as the transload hub when it comes to imports destined for central Canada and the US.
- With all of the fresh seafood, the restaurant industry in Nova Scotia features some of the best dishes. There are over 1,700 businesses employing over 30,000 employees across the province. Although not seafood, the official food of Halifax is the donair.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re looking for insurance for your first home or wanting to discuss your existing policy, our team is ready to help. Connect with us today.
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