Insurance for construction contractors and building owners in Quebec

Wrap-up insurance, also known as wrap-up civil liability, can provide liability coverage under one project-specific policy for designated participants in a construction project, such as the project owner, general contractor, subcontractors, and other insured parties.

It is particularly useful on larger projects involving multiple subcontractors or specific contractual requirements. Some public or institutional project owners may require it before work begins. In the event of a covered claim, it can help reduce coverage disputes between participants, depending on the policy wording.

A broker can assess whether your project may warrant this type of coverage or whether your individual civil liability policy may be sufficient.

In most cases, yes. A subcontractor who causes bodily injury or property damage to a third party may face a claim under their own civil liability policy. If they are not insured, the general contractor who hired them may still be drawn into the claim.

Requiring proof of insurance from your subcontractors prior to mobilization is a common and strongly recommended practice. Some contracts and project owners explicitly require it.

If your worksite is covered by wrap-up insurance, some subcontractors may be included under that policy. Confirm the insured parties, conditions, limits, and exclusions with your broker before assuming they are covered.

It may be necessary, depending on the nature of your work. Standard general liability policies often limit or exclude certain pollution or contamination losses. Excavation, asbestos abatement, blasting, and work near sensitive sites can create exposures that require a specific environmental liability review.

Environmental liability may help with cleanup costs, third-party claims, and related expenses following an insured pollution incident. Coverage often depends on whether the incident is sudden and accidental, gradual, known, excluded, or otherwise addressed by the policy wording.

If your activities carry a contamination or pollution exposure, ask your broker to review whether your current policy responds and whether a dedicated environmental liability solution should be considered.

An insurer offers its own products. A broker can help you compare available options from different insurers and understand which coverage approach may fit your type of activity, project scale, contractual obligations, and risk profile.

In the construction sector, needs vary considerably from one contractor to another. An electrician, a roofer, and a general contractor do not face the same risks or the same coverage requirements.

A specialized broker understands the realities of the construction sector. They can help identify potential coverage gaps, review insurer requirements, prepare your file, and support you through the claims process. At La Turquoise, our commercial lines brokers can review your situation and help you make informed insurance decisions.

Using part of a building before the project is fully complete can affect how course of construction or builder’s risk insurance applies. For example, if a storage room, office area, unit, or section of the building is already being used, the insurer may consider that partial occupancy or partial use has begun.

This does not automatically mean coverage ends, but it should be declared and reviewed before use begins. Depending on the policy wording and insurer requirements, partial use may require insurer approval, an adjustment to the course of construction policy, or a transition toward permanent property insurance.

To request a quote, contact a broker by phone, email, or online form. Prepare key information about your business, including the nature of your work, annual revenue, years of experience, main equipment, subcontractor use, project types, and any contractual insurance requirements.

If you have a current policy, have the name of your insurer and the expiry date of your contract available. For certain specialties, your RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence number will also be required.

A broker reviews your file and presents available options based on your operations, insurer eligibility, coverage needs, and budget.