For many owners, WSIB is the biggest insurance-type cost they pay. That makes it easy to assume it is the main insurance the business needs. This guide explains what changes in 2027, how your premium is worked out, who has to register, and the gaps WSIB was never designed to fill. If you’re new to the system, start with our explainer, Understanding WSIB: What It Is and How It Works in Ontario.

What are the WSIB premium rates for 2027?

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) published its 2027 premium rates on October 22, 2026. The key figures:

That is a drop of about 4% in the average rate. For context, the WSIB notes the average rate was $2.35 in 2018, and says Ontario’s 2027 average will be almost 30% below the national average. In announcing the change, the province said more than 80% of businesses will get a rate cut, as reported by HR Reporter.

Rates still vary widely by industry. The WSIB’s published 2027 class rates range from $0.15 to $3.43 per $100 of insurable earnings, depending on the type of work.

How do the 2027 WSIB premium rates affect my business?

The average is a headline, not your bill. Three things decide what you will actually pay:

1. Your class. Each class rate reflects the shared risk of businesses doing similar work.
2. Your own experience. Your individual rate reflects your claims history compared with others in your class. The WSIB set 2027 rates using claims and insurable earnings data as of April 30, 2026.
3. The risk-band limit. Rates move up or down by at most three risk bands a year (roughly 15%) until they reach your “projected rate.” This limit does not apply to non-profit organizations.

New businesses are assigned the class rate for their business activity.

Your 2027 rate statement shows your classification, your actual 2027 rate and your projected rate. The projected rate shows the direction your rate is heading if your experience stays the same. The WSIB says 2027 statements will be available only online, starting in November. If you don’t have a WSIB online services account yet, set one up now.

How is my WSIB premium calculated?

In simple terms, your premium is your rate multiplied by each $100 of insurable earnings. Insurable earnings for each worker are capped at the annual maximum ($126,700 in 2027).

Illustration only: a business with $400,000 of insurable payroll and a rate of $1.23 pays $4,920 a year. At $1.18, the same payroll costs $4,720, a saving of $200. Your real figures depend on your class, your rate statement and your payroll.

Two practical notes:

• A lower rate does not lower your premium if payroll grows faster. Budget on your rate statement and your 2027 payroll forecast.
• The WSIB runs a Health and Safety Excellence program that offers rebates to eligible businesses that improve workplace safety.

Do I need WSIB coverage in Ontario?

According to the WSIB’s registration guidance, most Ontario businesses with employees must register. That includes construction, restaurants and bars, sales and service, agriculture, manufacturing, and trucking or transportation. It also includes homeowners who hire domestic workers such as nannies. You have 10 calendar days from the day you hire your first employee to register.

Some businesses are not required to register but can choose coverage. Examples include banks, trust and insurance companies, private day cares, travel agencies, photography businesses, and barber shops and many hair salons.

Owners are a common blind spot. Outside construction, sole proprietors, partners and executive officers are not automatically covered, even when their employees are. They can apply for optional WSIB insurance for themselves once their employees are covered. Construction is different: independent operators, sole proprietors and some partners and executive officers in construction must have WSIB coverage.

What do Ontario contractors need to know about WSIB clearance certificates?

If you hire a contractor or subcontractor for construction work, the WSIB requires you to get a clearance certificate from them before work starts. The clearance must stay valid for the whole job. The WSIB clearance rules set out the details:

• A clearance is valid for up to 90 days, and most expire on February 20, May 20, August 20 or November 20. Longer jobs need a renewed clearance.
• Starting construction work without a valid clearance is an offence for both the hiring business and the contractor. The maximum fine under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act is $100,000.
• Keep clearance records for at least three years (WSIB policy 14-02-19).
• A valid clearance protects you from being held liable by the WSIB for that contractor’s unpaid premiums during its validity period.
• Homeowners who hire a contractor directly for renovation work on the home they live in are exempt.

With most clearances expiring on November 20, now is a good time to check the ones on file for any job that runs into winter. Clearances are free to request online.

What does WSIB not cover?

WSIB works as a trade-off. In exchange for benefits, workers of covered employers generally give up the right to sue those employers over a workplace injury. This is set out in sections 26 and 28 of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, as summarized in the WSIB’s policy on third-party rights of action. That protection is valuable, but it is narrow. It applies only to workplace injuries and occupational disease, and only to covered workers.

Two gaps deserve a closer look:

• Injured workers from other businesses. The WSIB’s policy says a worker may be able to sue a “third party” whose negligence caused the injury. A third party is someone other than the worker’s own employer who is not a Schedule 1 employer. If your business sits outside the WSIB system, a contractor’s employee hurt on your site may be able to sue you.
• Businesses that opted out. If your industry doesn’t require WSIB and you haven’t chosen coverage, the statutory bar on lawsuits doesn’t protect you in the same way. Many standard liability policies exclude injury to your own employees. Ask your broker whether you need employer’s liability coverage.

Slip-and-fall claims are a winter example of the first row. We cover the Occupiers’ Liability Act’s 60-day notice rule in our slip and fall liability guide. That post deals with customers and visitors. This one deals with your workers.

WSIB premium rates 2027 checklist: what to do before January 1

1. Open or log in to WSIB online services so you can see your 2027 rate statement when it posts in November.
2. Compare your actual and projected rates. If your projected rate is higher, safety work now can change the trend.
3. Confirm your classification. Check that the business activity on your statement matches what you actually do.
4. Update your payroll forecast using the $126,700 maximum insurable earnings per worker.
5. Decide on owner coverage. If you’re not in construction, choose between optional WSIB and private disability insurance.
6. Contractors: audit clearances ahead of the November 20 expiry date.
7. Review your private policies with a broker. Payroll, headcount and new kinds of work all affect your liability and auto premiums too.

WSIB and private insurance do different jobs. Most Ontario businesses need both. If you’d like a second look at how your small and medium business insurance fits around WSIB, our brokers can review your current policies. For a broader overview of coverage types, see our guide to business insurance coverage and costs. If you run a trade business, our contractors insurance page explains the liability, auto and equipment cover that sits alongside your WSIB account.

Request a business insurance review

Frequently asked questions

What is the WSIB average premium rate for 2027?

The average WSIB premium rate for 2027 is $1.18 per $100 of insurable earnings, down from $1.23 in 2026. The new rate takes effect January 1, 2027. Individual businesses pay their own rate, which depends on their industry class and claims history.

When will I get my 2027 WSIB rate statement?

The WSIB says 2027 rate statements will be available only online, starting in November 2026. You need a WSIB online services account to see yours. The statement shows your classification, your 2027 rate and your projected rate.

Will my WSIB premium go down in 2027?

Not necessarily. The province said more than 80% of businesses will get a rate cut, but your rate depends on your class and your own claims experience. Rates move by at most three risk bands a year (about 15%), and a growing payroll can raise your total premium even if your rate falls.

What are the maximum insurable earnings for WSIB in 2027?

The 2027 maximum insurable earnings are $126,700 per worker, up from $121,700 in 2026. Premiums are not charged on a worker’s earnings above that ceiling.

How soon do I need to register with WSIB after hiring?

You have 10 calendar days from the day you hire your first employee to register with the WSIB, if your business is in a mandatory industry. Most Ontario businesses with employees must register, including construction, restaurants and bars, sales and service, manufacturing and transportation.

Are business owners covered by WSIB?

Outside construction, sole proprietors, partners and executive officers are not automatically covered. They can apply for optional WSIB coverage once their employees are covered. In construction, independent operators, sole proprietors and some partners and executive officers must have coverage.

What is a WSIB clearance certificate?

A clearance certificate shows that a business is registered with the WSIB and up to date on its premiums. In construction, the business hiring a contractor must get one before work starts and keep it valid for the whole job. Clearances last up to 90 days, and working without one can lead to fines of up to $100,000.

Does WSIB cover injuries to customers or the public?

No. WSIB covers your workers’ workplace injuries and occupational diseases only. Injuries to customers, visitors or the public, and damage to other people’s property, are usually covered by commercial general liability insurance.

If I have WSIB, do I still need business insurance?

In most cases, yes. WSIB doesn’t cover your building or equipment, business vehicles, third-party injury claims, or employment practices claims such as wrongful dismissal. A broker can match private policies to the gaps WSIB leaves.

Can an injured worker sue my business?

Workers of WSIB-covered employers generally cannot sue a covered employer over a workplace injury. A worker may, however, be able to sue a negligent third party that is not a Schedule 1 employer. A business outside the WSIB system should ask its broker about employer’s liability coverage and get legal advice on its exposure.

Sources

• WSIB: 2027 premium rates
• WSIB: How to register your business
• WSIB: Can I choose to have WSIB insurance?
• WSIB: Expanded compulsory coverage in the construction industry
• WSIB: Questions and answers, clearances
• WSIB policy 14-02-19: Clearance Certificate in Construction
• WSIB policy: Third Party Rights of Action
• HR Reporter: WSIB cuts average premium rate for 2027 (October 22, 2026)

Information current as of October 28, 2026.

This article is general information about WSIB premiums and business insurance in Ontario as of October 28, 2026. It is not legal, accounting or insurance advice. WSIB rates, rules and your individual premium are set by the WSIB, so confirm your obligations with the WSIB or a qualified professional. Insurance coverage depends on the wording of your policy. Speak with a licensed broker about your situation.

The post WSIB Premium Rates 2027: What Ontario Employers Need to Know (and What WSIB Doesn’t Cover) appeared first on Aaxel.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month in Canada, and the federal government’s 2026 theme is “Your best defence is you.” This guide uses the new Statistics Canada figures and federal guidance to answer the questions Ontario business owners ask most about cyber coverage. It is general information, not advice on any specific policy.

What did Statistics Canada’s 2025 cybercrime survey find?

Statistics Canada surveyed businesses with 10 or more employees between January and March 2026 about incidents in 2025. One in six (16%) was affected by a cyber security incident, unchanged from 2023. Small businesses (10 to 49 employees) were affected at 15%, close to medium businesses at 21%.

Source: Statistics Canada, Impact of cybercrime on Canadian businesses, 2025 (The Daily, October 21, 2026).

Three points stand out for small business owners:

• Scams and fraud now dominate. They were involved in 55% of incidents at affected businesses, up from 44% in 2021. Ransomware fell to 8%.
• Insurance uptake is rising, but unevenly. 63% of large businesses had cyber risk insurance, against 34% of all businesses. Statistics Canada did not publish a small business figure in this release.
• Very few insured businesses claimed. The release does not explain why. Possible reasons include incidents falling below the deductible, being resolved internally, or not being covered, but the data doesn’t say.

The survey excludes businesses with fewer than 10 employees, so sole proprietors and micro-businesses aren’t captured. A separate Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) survey of firms with up to 500 employees, run in August 2025, found 22% carried cyber insurance and only 12% had a dedicated stand-alone policy.

Does my general liability or property policy already cover cyber attacks?

Usually not in any meaningful way. The federal Get Cyber Safe program notes that “most property or liability policies don’t clearly cover cyber risks,” which is why many businesses need a separate cyber policy. IBC’s small business cyber guide adds that traditional property and liability policies may include limited cyber coverage with low limits, and that endorsements can add, remove or exclude cyber coverage.

A commercial general liability policy is mainly built around bodily injury and property damage to others, not your own data, systems or breach costs. If you’re unsure what your current package includes, our overview of what business insurance covers explains how the main policies fit together. This article covers the cyber piece in detail.

What does small business cyber insurance in Ontario cover?

Wording varies from insurer to insurer, so treat this as a checklist to compare quotes, not a promise of coverage. IBC and the Government of Canada describe these as the main areas a cyber policy can address:

Two details matter when comparing quotes. First, IBC notes that the limits on add-on cyber coverage may not cover the full cost of a breach. Second, IBC describes a stand-alone policy as the most comprehensive option currently available in Canada. Our cyber liability insurance page outlines the options we can place.

Does small business cyber insurance in Ontario cover scams and fraud?

It depends on the policy, and this is the question most worth asking. With scams and fraud involved in 55% of incidents, the most likely loss for a small business is a convincing fake invoice, a spoofed supplier email asking you to change banking details, or an impersonated executive requesting an urgent transfer.

Neither IBC’s guide nor the Get Cyber Safe guidance says that a standard cyber policy covers money you were tricked into sending. Depending on the insurer, this kind of loss may sit in the cyber policy, in a separate crime policy, or nowhere at all; the wording decides. Before you buy, ask your broker three things:

1. Is social engineering or funds transfer fraud covered, and under which policy?
2. Is there a separate, lower limit for it?
3. Does the policy require a verification step, such as a call-back to a known number, before a payment change?

Whatever the answer, a call-back rule for any change in payment details is a cheap control that protects you either way.

What must an Ontario business do after a data breach?

Most private-sector businesses in Ontario that handle personal information in commercial activity fall under the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Only Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec have general private-sector privacy laws deemed substantially similar. Under PIPEDA, if it is reasonable to believe a breach creates a “real risk of significant harm,” you must:

1. Report the breach to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada as soon as feasible after you determine it happened.
2. Notify affected individuals directly, also as soon as feasible.
3. Notify other organizations that can reduce the harm, such as law enforcement or a payment processor.
4. Keep a record of every breach, including ones below the threshold, for two years.

Knowingly failing to report, notify or keep records is an offence under section 28 of PIPEDA, with fines of up to $10,000 on summary conviction and up to $100,000 on indictment.

Health care providers are different. Personal health information in Ontario falls under the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Health information custodians, such as clinics, also report annual breach statistics to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario by March 1 each year. If you run a clinic, confirm your obligations with the IPC and your legal adviser.

The breach response costs that cyber insurance can cover, such as forensic work, notification and credit monitoring, are the same steps these rules push you to take quickly.

Why do so few insured businesses make a cyber claim?

Statistics Canada’s 6% figure is a warning for anyone who assumes coverage kicks in on its own. A claim usually starts with a phone call, and the earlier you make it, the more help you are likely to get. IBC’s guide notes that insurers may connect you with approved forensic teams and keep lists of trusted service providers.

When something goes wrong:

1. Call your insurer or broker first, before hiring your own vendors, so the insurer can connect you with its approved response team and you can check what the policy requires. Report through our claims page if AAXEL placed your policy.
2. Change passwords and secure affected accounts, as IBC recommends.
3. Work out what data was affected so you can assess the PIPEDA threshold.
4. Report the crime. The RCMP and Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s national Report Cybercrime and Fraud system accepts reports from businesses. You should still contact local police as well.

What do insurers ask before quoting small business cyber insurance in Ontario?

Expect an application that asks about your security habits. IBC lists typical questions: written privacy and security plans, recent security audits, staff training, physical access controls, access controls for IT systems, and encryption, antivirus and firewalls.

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s baseline controls for small and medium organizations are a practical way to prepare. They include:

• A written incident response plan, with a printed copy
• Automatic patching and anti-malware
• Two-factor authentication wherever possible, and always for remote access and cloud admin accounts
• Regular backups that you test, with long-term backups stored offline
• Security awareness training for employees

The same guidance tells organizations to “consider purchasing a cyber security insurance policy” as part of incident response. Insurance supports these controls; it doesn’t replace them.

Choosing small business cyber insurance in Ontario with a broker

Cyber policies are less standardized than auto or home insurance, so side-by-side comparison matters. An independent broker can compare wording, limits and exclusions across the insurers it represents and flag gaps such as funds transfer fraud. [ORGANISATIONAL OBSERVATION: AAXEL to confirm or replace, e.g. “The question our commercial brokers hear most often is…”]

Cyber cover is one part of a wider commercial program, and the cost depends on your revenue, the data you hold and your controls. Our guide to what affects business insurance costs in Ontario explains the general factors, and our small and medium business insurance page shows how coverages can be bundled.

Ready to check your exposure? Request a commercial quote and a licensed AAXEL broker will review your current policies for cyber gaps.

FAQ

What is cyber insurance for a small business? It is a policy that pays for costs after a cyber incident, such as a data breach or ransomware attack. Depending on the wording, that can include forensic investigation, notifying customers, credit monitoring, data restoration, cyber extortion and legal claims. A stand-alone policy is usually broader than cyber cover added to a property or liability policy.

Does a commercial general liability policy cover cyber attacks? Not clearly. The Government of Canada’s Get Cyber Safe program says most property or liability policies don’t clearly cover cyber risks. Any cyber cover in a traditional package tends to have low limits, so check your wording with your broker.

How many Canadian businesses have cyber insurance? Statistics Canada reports that 34% of businesses with 10 or more employees had cyber risk insurance in 2025, up from 22% in 2023. Among large businesses the figure was 63%.

Does cyber insurance cover phishing scams and fake invoices? Not automatically. Money sent after a fraudulent request may be covered under a cyber policy, a crime policy, or neither, depending on the insurer. Ask whether social engineering or funds transfer fraud is covered and at what limit.

Does cyber insurance pay for ransomware? Many cyber policies include cyber extortion cover for demands backed by threats to your data, subject to the policy terms. Statistics Canada found ransomware affected 8% of businesses hit by an incident in 2025, down from 13% in 2023.

Do I have to report a data breach in Ontario? If your business is covered by PIPEDA and a breach creates a real risk of significant harm, you must report it to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and notify affected individuals as soon as feasible. You must keep a record of every breach for two years, whether or not it is reportable.

What are the penalties for not reporting a breach under PIPEDA? Knowingly failing to report, notify or keep breach records is an offence under section 28 of PIPEDA. Fines can reach $10,000 on summary conviction and $100,000 on indictment.

Where do I report cybercrime or fraud in Canada? Businesses can report through the national Report Cybercrime and Fraud system run by the RCMP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. You should also contact local police and, if you are insured, your insurer or broker.

What do insurers ask before offering cyber insurance? Applications typically ask about written privacy and security plans, recent audits, staff training, access controls, encryption, antivirus and firewalls. Following the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s baseline controls, such as two-factor authentication and tested offline backups, helps you answer well.

How much does small business cyber insurance cost in Ontario? There is no published standard rate. Premiums depend on factors such as your revenue, industry, the amount of personal data you hold and your security controls. A broker can compare quotes from several insurers.

Why should I tell my insurer about a cyber incident quickly? Insurers can connect you with approved forensic teams and service providers, and your policy sets out how and when to give notice. Statistics Canada found only 6% of insured businesses hit by an incident attempted a claim in 2025. The data doesn’t say why, but a policy can only help if you use it.

Sources

All pages were opened and read on October 21, 2026.

• Statistics Canada, The Daily: Impact of cybercrime on Canadian businesses, 2025 (released October 21, 2026): all 2023/2025 survey figures, business-size definitions, survey scope (10+ employees, collected January to March 2026).
• Statistics Canada, The Daily: Impact of cybercrime on Canadian businesses, 2023: earlier baseline (used for cross-checking 2023 values).
• Communications Security Establishment / Canadian Centre for Cyber Security: Cyber Security Awareness Month 2026: October campaign and 2026 theme.
• Get Cyber Safe (Government of Canada): How cyber insurance can help reduce the online risks of businesses of all sizes: what cyber insurance covers; property/liability policies don’t clearly cover cyber.
• Insurance Bureau of Canada: Cyber Savvy small business guide (PDF): policy types, covered events and costs, application questions, incident steps, insurer forensic panels.
• Insurance Bureau of Canada: Canadian small businesses are underprepared for cyber attacks, survey shows (October 1, 2025): 22% carry cyber insurance, 12% stand-alone.
• Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada: What you need to know about mandatory reporting of breaches of security safeguards: RROSH threshold, notification, two-year records.
• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, S.C. 2000, c. 5 (Justice Laws): sections 10.1, 10.3 and 28 (fine amounts).
• OPC: Provincial laws that may apply instead of PIPEDA: only Alberta, B.C. and Quebec have substantially similar general laws; Ontario’s PHIPA covers health information.
• Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario: Annual reporting of health privacy breach statistics: March 1 annual statistics deadline for health information custodians.
• RCMP: New national cybercrime and fraud reporting system (November 6, 2025): Report Cybercrime and Fraud system, open to businesses, co-run with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
• Canadian Centre for Cyber Security: Baseline cyber security controls for small and medium organizations: controls list and the recommendation to consider cyber insurance (BC.1.3).

Disclaimer

This article is general information about cyber insurance and privacy obligations for Ontario businesses as of October 2026. It is not legal advice or a statement of coverage under any policy. Coverage depends on the wording, limits, deductibles and exclusions of your own policy. For legal obligations after a breach, speak to a lawyer or the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada; for coverage questions, speak to a licensed insurance broker.

The post Small Business Cyber Insurance in Ontario: What Statistics Canada’s New 2025 Cybercrime Data Means for Your Coverage appeared first on Aaxel.

The rule comes from section 6.1 of the Occupiers’ Liability Act, added by Bill 118, the Occupiers’ Liability Amendment Act, 2020. It received Royal Assent on December 8, 2020 and came into force on January 29, 2021. Before that, there was no notice requirement, only the two-year limitation period. Mid-October is the right time to review this, before the first snowfall and before this season’s snow-removal contracts are signed.

What does the 60-day notice rule for slip and fall claims in Ontario require?

Section 6.1 says no action for personal injury caused by snow or ice can be brought against an occupier or its snow contractor unless written notice reaches at least one of them within 60 days. The main points:

• Who can receive it: an occupier of the premises, or an independent contractor the occupier hired to clear snow or ice there during that period.
• What it must say: the date, time and location of the occurrence.
• How it must be served: personally or by registered mail.
• Passing it on: an occupier that receives notice must serve a copy on any other occupiers and on its snow contractor. A contractor that receives notice must serve a copy on the occupier that hired it. The Act sets no deadline for passing it on, so do it right away.
• Once one gets it, it counts for all: proper notice to one occupier or contractor satisfies the rule for every defendant, even ones who never received it.

There are two exceptions. The deadline does not apply if the injured person died as a result of the injury. A judge can also allow a late or incomplete notice if there is a “reasonable excuse” and the defendant’s defence is not prejudiced. The Act does not define “reasonable excuse”, and LAWPRO notes that Ontario courts have read the same phrase in municipal cases broadly. Treat 60 days as a guide, not a guarantee that a late claim is dead.

Why the rule exists

The bill began in 2019 as a private member’s bill from then-MPP Norm Miller. It was framed as relief for snow-removal contractors whose liability premiums had risen sharply, partly because claims could surface up to two years after a fall, when it is hard to show what the site looked like. The bill first proposed a 10-day notice period. A legislative committee changed it to 60 days after lawyers raised concerns.

Who is liable for a slip and fall on ice at an Ontario business?

Under the Act, an “occupier” includes anyone in physical possession of the premises, or anyone with responsibility for and control over its condition, the activities there, or over who is allowed to enter. There can be more than one occupier of the same property. An occupier owes a duty to take reasonable care, in all the circumstances, that people and their property are reasonably safe while on the premises.

In practice, a single icy entrance can involve several parties:

A notice under section 6.1 does not prove anyone was careless. Liability still turns on whether the occupier took reasonable care in the circumstances. Clearing records, salting logs and photos are often what decide that.

Does the 60-day rule apply to public sidewalks?

Usually not. The Occupiers’ Liability Act does not apply to a municipality or the Crown as occupier of a public road or highway. Falls on municipal property are governed by other statutes, such as the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006, which generally require notice within 10 days.

In every case, the two-year limitation period under the Limitations Act, 2002 still applies to starting a lawsuit. Some municipalities also have by-laws requiring owners to clear the sidewalk in front of their property, so check your local by-law.

Does business insurance cover slip and fall claims in Ontario?

Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance is the policy that usually responds when a customer, visitor or delivery driver is injured on your premises. It typically pays for your legal defence and for damages you are found legally liable for, up to your limit. Our guide to commercial general liability insurance in Ontario explains how CGL works in general. This article covers the winter-specific steps.

Three points to check with your broker before winter:

1. Your limit. Consider whether your per-occurrence limit would cover a serious injury claim, including defence costs.
2. Your reporting condition. Liability policies generally require you to tell your insurer promptly about an occurrence or claim. A section 6.1 notice is a claim document. Send it to your broker or insurer the day it arrives, not after you have decided whether it has merit.
3. Who else is insured. If your lease or snow contract says another party must add you as an additional insured, get the certificate before the season starts.

Injuries to your own workers are different. If your business has WSIB coverage, the WSIB describes it as no-fault workplace insurance that protects employers from costly court settlements. That is a separate system from CGL. If you are not covered by WSIB, ask us about employer’s liability coverage.

What should Ontario businesses do before the first snowfall?

1. Read the snow clauses in your lease. Confirm who clears which areas, including parking, entrances, ramps and the public sidewalk, and who must insure what.
2. Put the snow contract in writing. Define the service area, the trigger (for example, a set snowfall depth), the salting standard and response times. Check whether a hold-harmless clause shifts liability to you or to the contractor.
3. Collect the contractor’s certificate of insurance. Confirm the CGL limit and policy dates, and ask to be named as an additional insured where the contract allows.
4. Keep a daily winter log. Record clearing and salting times, weather conditions and who did the work. Timestamped photos help. Landscape Ontario, the industry association for snow contractors, stresses that detailed records can decide the outcome of a claim.
5. Set up a notice procedure. Make sure staff know that a registered letter or hand-delivered notice about a fall goes straight to the owner or manager.
6. Report fast. Forward any notice to your broker or insurer, and serve copies on your landlord or other occupiers and your snow contractor, personally or by registered mail. Keep proof of service.
7. Keep records for at least two years. That matches the basic limitation period. Your insurer or lawyer may advise keeping them longer.

[AAXEL to confirm or replace: one real, anonymised example of a winter slip-and-fall claim AAXEL has helped a commercial client with, or delete this line.]

How AAXEL can help

AAXEL Insurance Brokers reviews CGL limits, lease insurance clauses and contractor certificates for businesses across Ontario. Contractors who clear snow can start with our contractors insurance page. Property owners can review commercial property insurance alongside liability. If you have received a notice, see our claims page or request a call back and a broker will walk you through next steps.

This article is general information about Ontario law and insurance as of October 14, 2026. It is not legal advice. If you have received a notice of claim or been injured, speak with a lawyer and your insurer.

FAQ

Publish under an H2 “Frequently asked questions”. Each answer is written to stand on its own.

How long do you have to report a slip and fall on ice in Ontario? For snow or ice on private property, written notice must reach the occupier or its snow contractor within 60 days of the injury, under section 6.1 of the Occupiers’ Liability Act. The notice must state the date, time and location and be served personally or by registered mail. A lawsuit must still be started within the two-year limitation period.

When did the 60-day snow and ice notice rule start? Bill 118, the Occupiers’ Liability Amendment Act, 2020, received Royal Assent on December 8, 2020 and came into force on January 29, 2021. Before then, Ontario had no notice requirement for these claims, only the two-year limitation period.

Can a slip and fall claim go ahead if notice is late? Sometimes. A judge can allow a late or incomplete notice if there is a reasonable excuse and the defendant’s defence is not prejudiced. The deadline also does not apply if the injured person died as a result of the injury.

Who is liable for a slip and fall in front of a business in Ontario? Any “occupier” can be: someone in possession of the property or with control over its condition or activities. A landlord, tenant, property manager and snow contractor can all be involved in one claim. The lease, snow contract and whether reasonable care was taken decide who pays.

Does the 60-day rule apply to a fall on a city sidewalk? Generally no. The Occupiers’ Liability Act does not apply to a municipality as occupier of a public road or highway. Falls on municipal property fall under statutes such as the Municipal Act, 2001, which generally require notice within 10 days.

Does commercial general liability insurance cover slip and fall claims? CGL is the policy that usually responds when a customer or visitor is injured on your premises, covering defence costs and damages up to your limit. Check your wording, limit and any exclusions with your broker. Report any notice of claim to your insurer promptly.

What should a business do if it receives a 60-day notice? Send it to your broker or insurer the same day. Serve copies on any other occupiers and on your snow contractor, personally or by registered mail, as section 6.1 requires. Preserve your snow logs, photos and contracts.

Do snow removal contractors in Ontario need liability insurance? Commercial clients commonly ask snow contractors for a certificate of insurance, and contractors can receive section 6.1 notices directly. A contractor should carry CGL with limits that match its contracts and review any hold-harmless clauses before signing.

Is an employee who slips on ice at work covered by CGL? Usually not. Workplace injuries to your own workers are generally handled through the WSIB, which describes its coverage as no-fault workplace insurance that protects employers from costly court settlements. Employers without WSIB coverage should ask a broker about employer’s liability insurance.

How long should a business keep snow clearing records? At least two years, to match Ontario’s basic limitation period for starting a lawsuit. Your insurer or lawyer may advise keeping them longer.

5. Sources

Sources (publish as a visible list under the article; all opened on October 14, 2026)

• Bill 118, Occupiers’ Liability Amendment Act, 2020, Legislative Assembly of Ontario: s. 6.1 text (60-day written notice, date/time/location, personal service or registered mail, forwarding duties, death and reasonable-excuse exceptions), third reading December 3, 2020, Royal Assent December 8, 2020.
• Occupiers’ Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.2, Ontario e-Laws: the official consolidated statute. Link this one in the published list. The page needs JavaScript, so the definitions of “occupier” (s. 1) and the duty of care (s. 3(1)) were read from the vLex consolidation from January 29, 2021, which also confirms the in-force date and amending Act (2020, c. 33).
• New 60 Day Notice Requirement in Occupiers’ Liability Act, LAWPRO practicePRO: in force January 29, 2021; no prior notice period; two-year limitation still applies; s. 10(2) public-highway exclusion; 10-day municipal notice periods; broad reading of “reasonable excuse”; no deadline for forwarding copies; advice to meet both deadlines where location is unclear.
• Bill 118 receives Royal Assent, Landscape Ontario: Norm Miller private member’s bill introduced in 2019; original 10-day proposal amended to 60 days in committee; insurance-cost background.
• Rising insurance rates racks snow and ice industry, Landscape Ontario: importance of detailed site records; contracts and hold-harmless clauses.
• Your Guide: services and responsibilities (business edition), WSIB: coverage described as “guaranteed no-fault workplace insurance that protects you from costly court settlements”.

Disclaimer

This article is general information about Ontario law and insurance as of October 14, 2026. It is not legal advice. Coverage depends on your policy wording, limits and exclusions. If you have received a notice of claim or been injured, speak with a lawyer and your insurer.

The post Slip and Fall Liability in Ontario: What the 60-Day Snow and Ice Rule Means for Your Business appeared first on Aaxel.

Commercial insurance helps protect businesses from the financial risks they face every day. From property damage and customer injuries to lawsuits, cyber incidents, equipment breakdowns, and business interruptions, unexpected events can create significant financial losses. The right insurance program can help protect your company’s property, income, operations, and liability exposures against covered losses.

What Is Commercial Insurance?

Business insurance is a collection of insurance coverages designed to protect a business against different financial risks.

Instead of relying on one policy to cover everything, businesses often use several types of commercial insurance coverage. For example, a business may need liability insurance, commercial property insurance, business interruption coverage, cyber insurance, equipment breakdown coverage, and commercial auto insurance.

A commercial insurance broker reviews the business and helps determine which coverages may be appropriate. The broker then works with insurance companies and underwriters to obtain terms based on the information provided.

The goal is to build an insurance program that matches the business’s actual exposures.

Why Does a Business Need Insurance?

Businesses need insurance because unexpected losses can happen even when owners take reasonable precautions.

For example, a customer could slip and fall on your premises. A fire could damage your building and equipment. A water leak could destroy inventory. A cyberattack could disrupt your operations. A product could allegedly cause injury or property damage.

Without appropriate insurance coverage, the business may have to pay for these losses directly.

Protecting Your Business Assets

Businesses can have significant investments in buildings, equipment, tools, computers, inventory, furniture, and other property.

Commercial property insurance can help protect eligible business property against covered causes of loss.

For a business that relies heavily on specialized equipment, additional coverage may also be required.

Protecting Against Liability Claims

Liability claims can become expensive because they may involve legal defence costs, settlements, judgments, or other expenses.

Commercial General Liability (CGL) is one of the most common business insurance coverages. Depending on the policy wording, it can provide protection for certain third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims arising from the insured’s business operations.

Protecting Business Income

A major loss does not always end when the physical damage is repaired.

For example, if a fire forces a business to close temporarily, the company could lose revenue while continuing to pay expenses such as rent, salaries, utilities, and financing costs.

Business interruption insurance may help replace certain lost income and continuing expenses following an insured loss, subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits, and applicable waiting periods.

Meeting Contract Requirements

Many landlords, lenders, customers, suppliers, and other organizations require businesses to carry specific insurance.

A commercial lease, construction contract, supplier agreement, or financing arrangement may require particular limits or coverage.

Your insurance broker can review contractual insurance requirements and help determine whether your existing policy meets those requirements.

What Information Do Brokers and Underwriters Need?

Insurance brokers and underwriters need accurate information to evaluate a business risk and determine whether they can offer coverage and on what terms.

The more complete the information, the easier it can be to understand the business and identify appropriate coverage.

The information required can vary significantly depending on the industry and the size and complexity of the business.

Business Information

Typically, an insurer may require basic information such as:

• Legal business name
• Operating name
• Business address
• Years in business
• Ownership structure
• Description of operations
• Website
• Number of employees
• Annual sales or revenue
• Payroll
• Locations
• Previous insurance information
• Current insurance limits
• Claims history

The description of operations is particularly important.

A simple statement such as “construction company” may not provide enough information for an underwriter. The insurer may need to understand exactly what the company does, where it operates, what type of work it performs, and who performs the work.

Financial Information

Depending on the business and the coverage requested, an underwriter may require financial information.

This can include:

• Annual gross sales
• Projected sales
• Payroll
• Operating expenses
• Gross profit
• Revenue by location
• Revenue by product or service
• Inventory values
• Accounts receivable
• Business interruption values

Accurate financial information is particularly important when determining business interruption and other income-related coverage.

Property Information

If the business owns or leases a building, the insurer may request detailed property information.

This can include:

• Building address
• Construction type
• Year built
• Building area
• Occupancy
• Replacement cost
• Roof age and construction
• Heating system
• Electrical system
• Plumbing
• Security systems
• Fire protection
• Sprinkler protection
• Distance to fire hydrant
• Distance to fire station
• Recent renovations

The insurer may also require information about business personal property, equipment, stock, furniture, computers, and other contents.

Operations Information

Underwriters need to understand how the business operates.

Depending on the industry, they may ask about:

• Products manufactured or sold
• Services provided
• Percentage of work subcontracted
• Use of subcontractors
• Work performed away from the premises
• Work performed at heights
• Use of heavy equipment
• Hot work
• Excavation
• Installation work
• Imports and exports
• Products sold outside Canada
• Work performed in the United States
• Contractual liability
• Professional services
• Transportation activities

This information helps the insurer evaluate the potential exposures associated with the business.

Claims History

Claims history is another important part of commercial insurance underwriting.

Insurers may request several years of claims information, depending on the type of coverage and the size of the account.

The information may include:

• Date of loss
• Type of loss
• Amount paid
• Outstanding reserves
• Cause of loss
• Corrective actions taken

A business with previous claims should provide accurate information and explain what has been done to reduce the possibility of similar losses.

What Coverage Does a Business Usually Need?

There is no single business insurance policy that is appropriate for every company.

However, many businesses consider several common commercial insurance coverages.

Commercial General Liability Insurance

Commercial General Liability, commonly called CGL insurance, is a fundamental coverage for many businesses.

It can respond to certain third-party claims involving bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury arising from covered business activities.

For example, a customer could be injured at a business location or a company’s operations could accidentally damage someone else’s property.

The appropriate liability limit depends on the nature of the business, its contracts, operations, and risk exposures.

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance can protect eligible business property against covered losses.

Depending on the policy, insured property may include:

• Buildings
• Business contents
• Equipment
• Furniture
• Inventory
• Computers
• Tools
• Machinery

Businesses should pay particular attention to accurate property values.

Underinsuring a building or its contents can create significant problems following a major loss.

Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance can help protect the financial income of a business after certain insured physical losses.

Coverage may help with eligible loss of income and continuing expenses while the business recovers, subject to the policy wording.

Businesses should work with their broker to determine appropriate business interruption values and the period of restoration they may require.

Equipment Breakdown Insurance

Modern businesses often depend on equipment to operate.

A mechanical or electrical breakdown can interrupt operations and create repair or replacement costs.

Equipment Breakdown insurance can provide coverage for certain sudden and accidental equipment breakdowns that may not be covered under a standard commercial property policy.

Cyber Insurance

Cyber risk has become an important consideration for businesses of all sizes.

Businesses may store customer information, employee information, financial records, payment information, passwords, and other sensitive data.

Cyber insurance can provide various coverages depending on the policy, potentially including certain first-party and third-party cyber exposures.

Businesses should also maintain strong cybersecurity controls because insurance is not a substitute for effective risk management.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Businesses that own, lease, or operate vehicles for commercial purposes may need commercial auto insurance.

Coverage requirements can depend on how vehicles are used, who drives them, where they operate, and the type of vehicles involved.

Businesses with multiple vehicles may also need to consider fleet insurance and appropriate fleet risk-management practices.

Crime Insurance

Businesses can face losses resulting from theft, employee dishonesty, fraud, forgery, or other crime-related events.

Commercial crime insurance can provide coverage for certain insured crime losses, depending on the policy wording.

Internal controls remain important. Businesses should use appropriate accounting procedures, authorization controls, segregation of duties, and regular financial reviews.

Directors and Officers Liability

Corporations and other organizations may face allegations against directors and officers arising from their management decisions.

Directors and Officers Liability (D&O) insurance can provide protection for certain claims against directors and officers, subject to the policy terms and exclusions.

This coverage can be particularly relevant for corporations, larger private companies, non-profit organizations, and businesses with outside investors or boards.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Some businesses provide professional advice, consulting, design, technology, accounting, or other professional services.

Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, can address certain claims alleging financial loss resulting from professional errors, omissions, or failures to perform professional services.

The appropriate coverage depends on the professional services provided.

Commercial Umbrella or Excess Liability

Some businesses require liability limits above those provided by their primary policies.

A commercial umbrella or excess liability policy can provide additional liability limits above certain underlying insurance policies, subject to the policy terms.

This can be important for businesses with significant assets, substantial contracts, higher-risk operations, or specific contractual insurance requirements.

How Do Insurance Brokers and Underwriters Determine Terms?

Commercial insurance pricing and terms are based on many factors.

An underwriter may consider:

• Industry
• Business operations
• Annual revenue
• Payroll
• Location
• Property values
• Construction
• Protection systems
• Claims history
• Experience
• Liability exposures
• Products
• Contractual requirements
• Geographic operations
• Vehicle exposure
• Risk-management controls
• Requested limits and deductibles

The insurer may also consider its own underwriting guidelines, capacity, appetite, reinsurance considerations, and current market conditions.

As a result, two businesses in the same industry may receive different insurance terms.

What Makes a Strong Commercial Insurance Submission?

A complete and well-organized submission can help an underwriter understand the risk.

A commercial insurance submission should clearly explain what the business does and identify the major exposures.

It may include:

1. Completed application
2. Detailed business description
3. Five-year claims history, where required
4. Property values
5. Revenue and payroll information
6. Vehicle information
7. Loss-control information
8. Photographs or inspection information
9. Current policy information
10. Contractual requirements
11. Financial information when required
12. Details of risk-management procedures

The broker should also highlight positive risk characteristics rather than simply forwarding an application without context.

For example, a broker may explain a company’s safety program, employee training, security systems, fire protection, claims improvements, or documented risk-management procedures.

Why Accurate Information Matters

Providing accurate information to your insurance broker is extremely important.

Insurance policies are issued based on information provided during the underwriting process. If important information changes, the insurer may need to be notified.

For example, a business may expand into a new operation, purchase additional equipment, move locations, acquire another company, begin importing products, hire more employees, or start operating vehicles.

These changes can affect the business insurance program.

Therefore, businesses should regularly review their insurance with their broker.

How Often Should a Business Review Its Insurance?

A business insurance review should not only happen when the policy is renewed.

Businesses change throughout the year.

A review may be appropriate when:

• Revenue increases significantly
• New locations are opened
• New products are introduced
• Equipment is purchased
• Vehicles are added
• Employees increase
• Operations change
• New contracts are signed
• The business acquires another company
• The business begins exporting
• Technology systems change
• Ownership changes

An annual commercial insurance review can help identify changes that may require adjustments to coverage.

Commercial Insurance Is About More Than Price

When comparing commercial insurance, price is important. However, it is not the only consideration.

Businesses should also understand:

• Coverage limits
• Deductibles
• Exclusions
• Conditions
• Policy wording
• Valuation methods
• Business interruption coverage
• Liability extensions
• Endorsements
• Claims service
• Insurer financial strength
• Broker service
• Risk-management support

A lower premium does not necessarily provide the same coverage as a higher premium.

Therefore, businesses should compare insurance programs based on both cost and coverage.

How Can a Commercial Insurance Broker Help?

A commercial insurance broker acts as an intermediary between the business and insurance companies.

The broker can help gather information, identify potential exposures, approach insurers, compare available terms, explain coverage, and assist with policy changes and claims.

For complex businesses, the broker may also work with specialized underwriters and insurance markets.

The relationship should continue after the policy is issued. As the business changes, the insurance program may need to change as well.

Final Thoughts on Commercial Insurance

Business insurance is an important part of managing commercial risk.

The right insurance program can help protect a company’s property, income, liability exposures, vehicles, equipment, employees, and financial interests from covered losses.

However, there is no one-size-fits-all business insurance policy.

The best starting point is a detailed discussion with a qualified commercial insurance broker. By providing accurate information about your operations, revenue, property, employees, vehicles, contracts, claims history, and risk-management practices, your broker and the insurance underwriter can better evaluate the business and determine appropriate insurance terms.

A regular insurance review is also important because your business can change long before your next renewal.

If your business has grown, added employees, purchased equipment, opened a new location, changed operations, or taken on new contracts, it may be time to review your commercial insurance program.

Aaxel Insurance Brokers can help businesses review their commercial insurance needs and explore available insurance solutions based on their individual circumstances.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Coverage varies by policy, insurer, and business circumstances. Please speak with a licensed insurance broker to determine the coverage appropriate for your business.

The post Business Insurance: Coverage, Costs & Why Businesses Need It appeared first on Aaxel.