What is Boardwalk Insurance?
Founded in March 2021, Boardwalk Insurance is an independent commercial property and casualty insurance brokerage—a division of Oracle RMS—that shops 30+ Canadian insurers to place liability, property, cyber, professional lines, surety bonds, and related coverage for businesses, with about 13 professionals based in Vaughan. In Ontario it is registered under RIBO brokerage licence 3612, and it serves commercial clients in every Canadian province and territory except Quebec.
How can I verify Boardwalk Insurance's brokerage licence?
In Ontario, Boardwalk is registered with RIBO as licence 3612; step-by-step brokerage verification is at https://www.myboardwalk.ca/licenses/verify/ribo. To verify an individual broker in RIBO Broker Search, use https://www.myboardwalk.ca/licenses/verify/broker_ribo. For other provinces and territories, use the interactive licence map and listings at https://www.myboardwalk.ca/verify-license.
How does the quoting process work at Boardwalk?
Boardwalk's quoting process is three steps: you submit basic information about your business online or by phone; a Boardwalk advisor reviews your operations and shops 30+ carriers; then we send clear, comparable quotes with no jargon and no pressure. Most clients get quotes within one business day.
What is the difference between commercial general liability and professional liability insurance?
Commercial general liability (CGL) covers third-party bodily injury and property damage—for example, a visitor hurt at your premises or physical damage caused by your work. Professional liability (errors and omissions) covers financial losses a client suffers from a mistake or omission in your professional services. Many Ontario businesses need both; CGL and professional liability can often be combined in a single packaged policy.
Which insurance carriers does Boardwalk work with?
Boardwalk works with 30+ of Canada's leading commercial insurers, including Intact, Aviva, Economical, Northbridge, Wawanesa, Chubb, Travelers, CNA, Gore Mutual, and Unica. We are an independent broker, not tied to any single insurer, so we compare the market for you and find the best mix of coverage and price for your business.
What is a surety bond and does my contracting business need one?
A surety bond is a three-party guarantee that a contractor will fulfill contractual obligations; if the contractor defaults, the surety can compensate the project owner up to the bond limit. In Ontario, bid bonds, performance bonds, and labour and material payment bonds are often required on public sector projects and many private construction contracts. Surety is available for contractors across a wide range of contract sizes, from small jobs to large bonded projects.
Is Boardwalk Insurance licensed to operate across Canada?
Yes. Boardwalk Insurance is a RIBO-licensed broker (licence 3612) and a division of Oracle RMS, and we serve businesses in all Canadian provinces and territories except the Province of Quebec. Our advisors know the coverage and regulatory rules for each province, whether your business is in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, or elsewhere. Provincial licence numbers and verification links are summarized at https://www.myboardwalk.ca/verify-license.
How much does commercial insurance cost in Ontario?
Commercial insurance in Ontario is priced from your industry, revenue, payroll, and risk factors—there is no single list price. CGL for small businesses often starts around $500-$2,500 per year, while construction and higher-risk industries may pay $3,000-$10,000+ depending on exposure. Comparing quotes from multiple carriers helps align premium and coverage with your industry, revenue, and risk factors.
What insurance does a contractor need to work in Ontario?
Ontario contractors typically need commercial general liability (often $2M for commercial projects), commercial auto, contractors equipment coverage, and WSIB where employees are involved. Many project owners also require builder's risk, umbrella liability, and surety bonds depending on contract size. Once coverage is bound, certificates of insurance can usually be issued the same business day.
What is directors and officers (D&O) insurance and who needs it in Canada?
Directors and officers (D&O) insurance covers the personal liability of company executives and board members for decisions made in their corporate roles. In Canada, D&O is typically required by investors, lenders, and boards as a condition of serving as a director or officer. It covers defence costs, settlements, and judgments arising from allegations of mismanagement, breach of fiduciary duty, or regulatory non-compliance. It does not cover fraud or intentional illegal acts.
What does cyber liability insurance cover for Canadian businesses?
Cyber liability insurance covers costs arising from a data breach or cyberattack, including forensic investigation, breach notification to affected individuals, credit monitoring, regulatory fines, legal defence, and third-party claims from clients whose data was compromised. In Canada, businesses subject to PIPEDA or provincial privacy legislation face mandatory breach reporting obligations, making cyber coverage particularly relevant for companies handling personal or financial data.
What is errors and omissions (E&O) insurance and which professions need it in Ontario?
Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, also called professional liability insurance, covers claims that a professional's advice, design, or service caused a client financial loss. In Ontario, E&O is commonly required for engineers, architects, consultants, IT service providers, accountants, insurance brokers, and real estate professionals. Some regulated professions require it by law; others require it as a condition of contracts with clients or government bodies.
Do construction and contracting businesses need commercial insurance in Canada?
Yes. Nearly all construction and trade contractors need commercial insurance: commercial general liability (CGL) is standard for third-party injury and property damage, commercial auto applies to work vehicles, and equipment and builder's risk cover tools, materials, and projects in progress. Many owners and general contractors require proof of insurance and surety bonds before awarding work. Boardwalk places construction and contractor programs across Canada (except Quebec). See https://www.myboardwalk.ca/construction-insurance and https://www.myboardwalk.ca/contractor-insurance for line-specific guidance.
Does my technology, SaaS, or software company need commercial insurance?
Yes. Technology and SaaS firms usually need at least cyber liability (breach response, regulatory fines, and liability to clients), professional liability or errors and omissions (E&O) for implementation or service mistakes, and often commercial general liability for offices, events, or contractual requirements. Directors and officers (D&O) coverage becomes relevant once you take investment or form a formal board. Programs are tailored to revenue, data handled, and contract terms. Learn more at https://www.myboardwalk.ca/technology-saas-insurance.
Do healthcare clinics, medical offices, and allied health practices need commercial insurance in Canada?
Yes. Beyond regulated professional malpractice programs where they apply, clinics typically need commercial general liability for slips and falls, commercial property for contents and leasehold improvements, cyber liability for patient records (PHI), and business interruption if operations must pause. Commercial auto and crime coverage may apply depending on how you operate. Boardwalk helps clinics compare carriers for appropriate limits and certificates. Start at https://www.myboardwalk.ca/healthcare-clinics-insurance.
Do manufacturing businesses need commercial insurance in Canada?
Yes. Manufacturers generally carry commercial general liability for products and completed operations, commercial property including equipment breakdown or machinery coverage where relevant, commercial auto for fleet, pollution or environmental cover for certain exposures, and business interruption for income loss after a covered event. Cross-border sales, recall exposure, and supply chain terms shape programs. See https://www.myboardwalk.ca/manufacturing-insurance for industry-specific broker notes.
Do retail stores and e-commerce businesses need commercial insurance?
Yes. Retailers and online sellers typically need commercial general liability (including products liability), commercial property or inland marine for stock and equipment, cyber for payment and customer data, and cargo or stock throughput if you import or distribute. Landlords and marketplaces often require proof of insurance with prescribed limits. Explore coverage patterns at https://www.myboardwalk.ca/retail-ecommerce-insurance.
