Why it matters
When you hire someone to work in your home, whether it is a contractor, handyman, cleaner, or maintenance worker, it’s easy to think only about the job itself. But behind every professional service are three things that protect you and them: insurance, WSIB, and bonding. If these are missing, you could be left exposed if something goes wrong.
If a worker is injured on your property, if something is damaged, or if a subcontractor turns out to be uninsured or even working without legal status, you might find yourself responsible in ways you never expected. Unfortunately, this happens more often than people realize in Toronto.
At Good Company, we take this seriously. We are fully insured, bonded, and registered with WSIB. We encourage every client to ask for proof and we provide documentation for your peace of mind.
Insurance
Liability insurance, often called commercial general liability or CGL, protects both you and the contractor if something goes wrong. It covers accidental damage to your home and injuries that may occur on your property during the work.
Without insurance, you may have to rely on your own homeowner’s policy or go to court to recover damages. Any professional who works in or around your home should be able to show you a certificate of insurance that lists their insurer, policy number, and coverage limits.
WSIB
WSIB stands for Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. In Ontario, it provides coverage for workers who are injured or become ill on the job. Most contractors, tradespeople, and subcontractors are required to have WSIB coverage and maintain what’s called a “clearance certificate.”
The clearance certificate confirms that their WSIB account is in good standing. If your contractor has employees or uses subcontractors, ask to see valid WSIB clearance certificates for each one. You can verify these directly on the WSIB website.
There is an exemption for some independent operators who work only on private homes and have no employees, but this does not apply if they use other workers or take on commercial projects. Even when exempt, a professional can still choose optional WSIB coverage. Asking about it shows that you care about safety and legal compliance.
Bonding
A bond is a form of protection that guarantees the contractor will fulfill their obligations. If they walk away from a job, perform work that fails inspection, or take payment and do not return, a bond may cover some of your costs to fix or complete the work.
Being bonded means a third-party bonding company has vetted and agreed to stand behind the contractor. Not every small company is bonded, but those that are can provide proof through a bond certificate or surety agreement.
Subcontractors
Many contractors rely on subcontractors for specialized work. This is common and not a problem when handled correctly. The issue arises when subcontractors are uninsured, unlicensed, or working informally.
If someone is injured or causes damage and they are not covered, it can affect both the homeowner and the main contractor. This is why you should always ask whether your contractor uses subcontractors and, if so, who they are and whether they have their own insurance and WSIB clearance.
In Toronto, it is not unusual for subcontractors to work without full coverage or legal status. This puts everyone at risk. The safest approach is to get these details in writing before work begins.
How to verify
Here is a simple process you can follow as a homeowner:
- Ask for a certificate of insurance. Check that it includes valid dates and sufficient coverage for your type of project.
- Ask for a WSIB clearance certificate and verify it online. Confirm that it is valid for the duration of your project.
- Ask whether the contractor is bonded. If yes, request the bond certificate.
- Get all agreements in writing. Your contract should list any subcontractors and confirm that they are insured and covered by WSIB.
- Follow up during the project if new people are brought in.
A professional company will not hesitate to provide these documents. In fact, they should encourage it.
A better way
Hiring someone to help around the house should make life easier, not more stressful. When you choose a company that is insured, bonded, and properly registered with WSIB, you are protecting yourself and the workers who come into your home.
Good Company has full insurance, WSIB coverage, and bonding. We document all of it and share it with our clients. We also require the same from any subcontractors we work with. This approach keeps everyone safe and builds trust from the start.
If you are ever unsure, ask for proof before the work begins. A reliable contractor will appreciate your care and will gladly show that they are qualified, covered, and legitimate.