How do I check liability insurance on my Vancouver deck contractor?

Always verify that your deck contractor carries adequate liability insurance before work begins — this protects both you and your property if accidents occur during construction. In British Columbia, deck contractors should carry a minimum of $2 million in general liability insurance, though many carry $5 million or more for larger projects.

Request a Certificate of Insurance directly from the contractor's insurance broker. This is the most reliable verification method. The certificate should show current coverage dates, policy limits, and specifically name general liability coverage. Don't accept a photocopy of an insurance card or policy document — these can be easily altered. The certificate should come directly from the insurance company or broker on their letterhead with contact information.

Verify the insurance company is legitimate and the policy is active. Call the insurance company directly using the phone number on the certificate (not one provided by the contractor) to confirm the policy is current and covers the work being performed on your property. Ask specifically about coverage for property damage, bodily injury, and completed operations. Some policies exclude certain types of work or have coverage gaps that could affect your project.

Understand what liability insurance covers and what it doesn't. General liability insurance protects against property damage (if the contractor damages your house, landscaping, or neighboring property) and bodily injury (if someone is hurt on your property during construction). However, it typically doesn't cover defective workmanship — that's covered by the contractor's workmanship warranty and your legal remedies. Liability insurance also doesn't cover the contractor's materials or tools if they're stolen from your property.

WorkSafeBC coverage is separate but equally important. In British Columbia, any contractor with employees must carry WorkSafeBC coverage. You can verify this online at worksafebc.com using the contractor's business name or account number. If a contractor doesn't have WorkSafeBC coverage and a worker is injured on your property, you could be held liable for medical costs and compensation. This is especially critical for deck construction, which involves elevated work, power tools, and heavy materials.

For strata properties, additional insurance considerations apply. Many strata corporations require contractors to add the strata corporation as an additional insured party on their liability policy. Check your strata bylaws and inform your contractor of any specific insurance requirements before work begins. Some stratas also require proof of completed operations coverage, which protects against claims that arise after the work is finished.

Red flags that should concern you: A contractor who can't provide current insurance documentation, offers to "add insurance to the quote" (suggesting they don't currently carry it), provides only a business card with an insurance company name, or becomes evasive when you request verification. Professional deck contractors understand that insurance verification is standard practice and will provide documentation promptly.

Document everything for your records. Keep copies of the insurance certificate, WorkSafeBC verification, and any correspondence with the insurance company. If a claim arises during or after construction, you'll need this documentation. Also photograph the certificate and save the insurance company's contact information separately.

For elevated decks, second-storey construction, or projects involving structural modifications to your home, consider requiring higher liability limits ($5 million) due to the increased risk and potential damage costs. A deck collapse or structural failure can cause extensive damage to your home and neighboring properties.

Need help finding properly insured deck contractors? Vancouver Deck Contractors can match you with experienced professionals from the Vancouver Construction Network who carry appropriate insurance coverage for Metro Vancouver deck projects.