Zensurance is the right call for most Canadian carpenters. Carpentry is considered lower-risk than roofing or plumbing, so premiums are more competitive — their $48/month starting price for $2M CGL is one of the better values on this list. The self-serve portal gets you a quote and certificate of insurance in minutes. Tools coverage is important for carpenters given the value of saws and routers; make sure the limit covers your actual tool inventory.
Next Insurance is worth considering if you employ other carpenters and need Workers' Compensation bundled with your GL. Their WC offering is stronger than anything else we reviewed. US-based but fully licensed in Canada, with a self-serve portal that works well. For carpentry's lower risk profile the pricing difference vs Zensurance is narrower than for higher-risk trades.
Intact is the right fit for established carpentry companies doing commercial millwork, custom cabinetry shops, or institutional work requiring high CGL limits. Broker required — not the right choice if you need coverage this week. Worth the process if you're bidding on contracts that require $5M CGL or need surety bonds through their broker network.
BrokerLink is worth a call if your carpentry work is non-standard — heritage restoration, structural work, or prior claims. They can access markets that direct insurers won't write. For standard residential finish carpentry, Zensurance is faster, cheaper, and self-serve. Ranked fourth primarily because the broker process adds time with no clear advantage for most carpenters.
What insurance do carpenters actually need?
Commercial General Liability (CGL)
CGL is the foundation. A client trips over your sawhorses, your work damages a finished floor, a custom cabinet installation goes wrong and injures someone — CGL covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. Most GCs, developers, and commercial clients require $2M CGL before you start work.
Tools & Equipment
A good set of carpenter's tools represents thousands of dollars — table saws, routers, Festool systems, nail guns, clamps. Tools & equipment coverage pays out when your gear is stolen from a job site or your van, or damaged in transit. One break-in can cost you more than a year of premiums.
Commercial Auto
Hauling lumber, tools, and materials to job sites in your truck means your personal auto policy won't cover work-related claims. Commercial auto covers your vehicle for business use — including the tools and materials inside it when you're on the road.
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)
A custom staircase that fails inspection, a structural element that doesn't meet spec, a kitchen renovation that runs over budget due to measurement errors — E&O covers financial losses from mistakes in your work or advice. It's increasingly required on design-build and renovation contracts.
Frequently asked questions
How much does carpenter insurance cost in Canada?
Most solo carpenters pay between $57 and $110/month for a basic CGL policy. Full coverage including tools and commercial auto typically runs $110–$220/month. Finish carpenters and cabinetmakers generally pay less than framing or structural carpenters.
Do finish carpenters need the same insurance as framing carpenters?
The same types of coverage apply, but the risk profile — and therefore the premium — differs. Framing and structural work carries higher liability risk than finish carpentry or cabinetmaking. Make sure your policy accurately describes the work you actually do.
Can I get carpenter insurance online in Canada?
Yes. Zensurance lets you quote and bind online in under 10 minutes — no broker required. It's the fastest option for solo carpenters and small shops outside Quebec.
Does this page cover Quebec carpenters?
The providers listed serve most of Canada, but Zensurance's online quote-and-bind is not available in Quebec. Quebec carpenters should contact a local broker like BrokerLink or Intact directly.
Does carpenter insurance cover my tools inside my vehicle?
It depends on the policy. Some tools & equipment policies cover gear stored in a locked vehicle overnight; others exclude it or cap the payout. Read the exclusions carefully and ask your insurer specifically about overnight vehicle storage if that's how you operate.