Zensurance is the right call for most Canadian plumbers doing residential or light commercial work. It's the only provider on this page where you can get a quote, buy a policy, and have a certificate of insurance before lunch — no broker call, no 3-day wait. Their $54/month starting price for $2M CGL is competitive, and their plumber-specific policies cover the risks that matter: water damage liability, tools theft, and completed operations. The main gap is surety bonds — if you're bidding on government contracts, you'll need to supplement with a full-service broker.
Next Insurance is worth a look specifically if you need Workers' Compensation coverage bundled with your general liability policy — their WC offering is stronger than anything else we reviewed. They're US-based but fully licensed in Canada, and the self-serve portal works well. Pricing is comparable to Zensurance but slightly higher for equivalent coverage. The main uncertainty is claims service in Canada given their US-first focus.
Intact is Canada's largest insurer and that scale matters when you need high limits or specialty coverage. Their contractor policies go up to $5M CGL which is necessary for large commercial projects, and they can arrange surety bonds through their broker network. The catch: you can't get a quote without a broker, which adds friction and time. Better suited to established plumbing contractors with employees than solo operators who want coverage this week.
BrokerLink is worth calling if your situation is non-standard — prior claims, specialty work like gas lines or hydronic systems, or if you've been declined elsewhere. As a full-service brokerage they can shop your risk across multiple carriers and find coverage that direct insurers won't write. Ranked fourth primarily because the process takes longer and pricing is opaque without a broker call. For standard residential plumbing work, Zensurance is faster and cheaper.
What insurance do plumbers actually need?
Commercial General Liability (CGL)
This is the non-negotiable. CGL covers you if a third party — a homeowner, a tenant, a GC — claims your work caused injury or property damage. Most clients won't let you on site without proof of $2M CGL. It's the foundation every other coverage builds on.
Tools & Equipment
Your van gets broken into. Your pipe camera gets dropped in a trench. Tools & equipment coverage replaces the gear you depend on — typically up to a set limit per item and per claim. If your tools walked out the door tomorrow, could you afford to replace them out of pocket?
Commercial Auto
Your personal auto policy won't pay out on a work-related claim. If you're driving to and from jobs, hauling equipment, or have your business name on the truck — you need commercial auto. This is one of the most common coverage gaps for solo tradespeople.
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)
A pipe you installed fails six months later and floods a finished basement. The homeowner sues. CGL covers physical damage, but E&O covers the financial loss from a mistake in your work or advice. Not every plumber needs it, but if you're doing design-build or complex residential jobs, it's worth adding.
Frequently asked questions
How much does plumber insurance cost in Canada?
Most solo plumbers pay between $45 and $100/month for a basic CGL policy. Add tools coverage, commercial auto, or E&O and you're typically looking at $100–$200/month. Rates vary by province, annual revenue, and claims history.
Is plumber insurance required by law in Canada?
There's no federal requirement, but most provinces require licensed plumbers to carry minimum liability coverage. More practically, virtually every GC, property manager, and commercial client will require a certificate of insurance before you step on site.
Can I get plumber insurance online in Canada?
Yes. Zensurance lets you quote, compare, and bind a policy online in under 10 minutes — no broker call required. It's the fastest option for solo plumbers and small shops outside Quebec.
Does this page cover Quebec plumbers?
The providers listed serve most of Canada, but Zensurance's online quote-and-bind is not available in Quebec. Quebec plumbers should contact a local broker like BrokerLink or Intact directly.
What's the difference between CGL and professional liability for plumbers?
CGL covers physical damage — someone gets hurt, something gets broken. Professional liability (E&O) covers financial losses from a mistake in your work or professional advice. You need both if you're doing complex installs or design-build work.