Should I ask a Calgary contractor for proof of liability insurance?

Absolutely yes — always ask for proof of liability insurance before hiring any contractor in Calgary. This is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself as a homeowner, and any reputable contractor will have it ready without hesitation.

Why it matters for you as a homeowner. If a contractor damages your property — say, a pipe bursts during a renovation, a wall gets damaged, or equipment falls through your deck — their liability insurance covers the repair costs. Without it, you could be left chasing the contractor personally for compensation, which is expensive, stressful, and often unsuccessful. General liability insurance for contractors typically covers property damage and third-party bodily injury. A standard policy for a Calgary trades contractor runs $2 million in coverage, which is the minimum most homeowners should accept. Larger projects or condo buildings often require $5 million.

What to ask for specifically. Request a Certificate of Insurance (also called a COI) directly from the contractor. This one-page document shows the insurer's name, policy number, coverage amounts, and — critically — the policy expiry date. Make sure the policy is current and won't expire mid-project. You can also ask to be listed as an "additional insured" on the certificate for the duration of your project, which gives you direct protection under their policy. A legitimate contractor won't balk at this request.

WCB Alberta coverage is equally important. Beyond liability insurance, ask for a WCB Alberta clearance letter confirming the contractor has Workers' Compensation Board coverage for their employees. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn't have WCB Alberta coverage, you could face liability as the property owner. You can verify a contractor's WCB Alberta status directly at wcb.ab.ca — it takes about two minutes and is well worth doing.

Red flags to watch for. Be cautious if a contractor is vague about their insurance, says they're "in the process of renewing," or asks you to just trust them. Door-to-door contractors offering unusually low prices are a common source of insurance problems in Calgary. Under Alberta's Consumer Protection Act, you also have the right to cancel door-to-door contracts within 10 days — another reason to slow down and verify credentials before signing anything.

For condo renovations specifically, most Calgary condo corporations require your contractor to provide proof of $2 million+ liability insurance before they'll even allow work to begin — so this step is often mandatory, not just recommended.

Your next step is simple: before signing any contract or paying a deposit, ask the contractor to email you their Certificate of Insurance and WCB Alberta clearance letter. If they're professional and legitimate, you'll have both documents in your inbox the same day. Browse verified local contractors in the Calgary Construction Network directory to find professionals who meet these standards.