General Liability Insurance in Ontario
From about $42/month in standard markets.¹
¹ Based on The Insurance Lab's standard-market minimum of $500–$1,500/year, Ontario, 2026. Actual premiums depend on trade, revenue, limits and claims history.
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What Is Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance?
Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance pays for claims when your business injures someone or damages their property, legal defence, settlements and medical costs. In Ontario it is the policy landlords, general contractors and municipalities ask to see before you sign a lease or start a job.
How Much Does General Liability Insurance Cost in Ontario?
| Commercial type | Typical annual premium | Approx. monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Standard-market small business | $500–$1,500 | $42–$125 |
| Solo contractor | $1,500–$3,000 | $125–$250 |
| Restaurant / café (package including CGL) | $900–$2,000 | $75–$167 |
Source: The Insurance Lab placement data, Ontario, 2026. Last updated November 2026.
The café range is the existing package premium, including property and food spoilage, not a standalone CGL quote.
What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?
- Third-party bodily injury: Customer and visitor injury claims.
- Third-party property damage: Damage to someone else's property.
- Legal defence costs: Defence of covered liability claims.
- Products & completed operations: Covered claims arising from products or completed work.
- Personal & advertising injury: Specified offences, subject to exclusions.
- Tenant's legal liability: Covered damage to rented premises, subject to limits.
What Does General Liability Insurance Not Cover?
- Your own employees' injuries, WSIB
- Your own tools and property
- Professional errors
- Vehicles
- Intentional acts
Real-World General Liability Claim Examples
Illustrative scenarios, not reported client claims; coverage depends on policy terms.
- Whitby: Problem: a contractor's ladder damages a client's hardwood floor. Outcome: CGL may cover third-party repair costs and legal defence.
- Mississauga: Problem: a customer slips at a café. Outcome: CGL may respond to the injury claim and defence costs.
- Toronto: Problem: a shop's display falls on a shopper. Outcome: CGL may cover an eligible injury settlement.
Who Needs General Liability Insurance in Ontario?
General Liability Insurance FAQs
How much general liability coverage do I need in Ontario?
Many landlords and contracts ask for $2 million CGL; larger construction contracts may ask for $5 million. Match the limit and additional-insured requirements to your actual lease or contract.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Ontario?
Standard-market small-business CGL starts at $500–$1,500 per year, about $42–$125 per month. Solo contractors typically pay $1,500–$3,000 per year. Actual premiums depend on the operation, limits and claims history.
What does general liability insurance not cover?
CGL does not cover your own employees' injuries, your own tools and property, professional errors, vehicle liability or intentional acts. These risks need separate coverage where available.
Who needs general liability insurance?
Contractors, restaurants, retailers and other operations that interact with customers or work on someone else's property commonly need CGL. Leases and client contracts often require a certificate.
Do I need general liability insurance if I work from home?
Working from home does not remove Commercial liability exposures. Home insurance may exclude Commercial activities. Tell your broker about client visits, products and off-site work to identify suitable coverage.
Does general liability insurance cover personal use?
Commercial general liability applies to the insured Commercial operations, not ordinary personal activities. Personal liability is usually addressed by home, tenant or personal umbrella coverage, subject to its terms.