Coverage for the people who build Manitoba.

Builders risk — also called Course of Construction — covers a building, renovation or addition while it is being built. It responds to fire, theft, vandalism, wind and water damage at the worksite, including materials stored on site or in transit. You need it the day site work begins. Most lenders financing a Winnipeg construction project will require proof of builders risk before they release draws.

CGL is one piece of a contractor's insurance package — the liability layer that protects against third-party injury and property damage. A complete contractor's program usually adds builders risk on active projects, equipment and tool coverage (Inland Marine), commercial auto for the trucks, and depending on the trade, professional liability for design or specification work. We build the package around the actual scope, not a template.

Yes. Most general contractors in Winnipeg now require subcontractors to carry their own CGL — typically $2 million per occurrence — and to name the GC as Additional Insured on the policy. WCB Manitoba clearance is also commonly required before a sub can step on site. We help subcontractors get the limits, endorsements and certificates of insurance the lead contractor will actually accept.

No. WCB Manitoba (Workers Compensation Board) covers your workers if they are injured on the job — it replaces an employee's ability to sue you for workplace injury. It does not respond to third-party property damage, third-party injury to non-employees, theft of tools, or fire on the site. WCB and a full contractor's insurance program are separate, and both are typically required.

Only if you have an Inland Marine endorsement or stand-alone contractor's equipment policy. A standard CGL does not cover the contractor's own tools, equipment, scaffolding or temporary structures if they are stolen, vandalized or destroyed. For a Winnipeg trades business, tool and equipment coverage is one of the most commonly under-bought lines we see — it pays off the first time a job-site break-in happens.

On a new build, builders risk runs from ground-break to substantial completion or first occupancy. On a renovation, the carrier needs to know whether the existing structure remains insured under the owner's policy or whether the contractor takes on the full property exposure during the work. The wording differs, the deductibles differ, and the gaps if it's set up wrong can be expensive. We coordinate with the owner's broker so coverage is continuous.

Yes — and the policy structure is different from a contractor's policy. Owner-builder coverage typically combines builders risk on the structure with personal liability for the worksite, since a contractor's CGL would not apply to your own project. We write owner-builder packages for Winnipeg and Manitoba clients doing custom homes, major additions or cottage builds.