Commercial Property & Liability Insurance

We offer commercial property and liability insurance products that meet the unique requirements of commercial, non-profit, and municipal organizations. At the Ostic Group, we will take the time to understand your organization’s specific requirements, in order to develop a commercial insurance program that is tailored to protect you from the potential losses associated with your specific activities.

See below for information about the different types of businesses covered, your options for commercial property and general liability coverage, as well as discounts and additional coverage available.

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Business Types

We have, or can, develop commercial insurance programs designed to meet the insurance needs of the following types of businesses including, but not limited, to:

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Auto Body Repair
Auto Glass Repair & Replacement
Auto Mechanic
Auto Transmission Repair
Auto Tire Repair & Replacement
Auto Sales (new & used)
Bed & Breakfast
Blacksmith
Brick and Stone Mason
Commercial Building & Apartment Building Owner
Cabinetmaker
Brick and Stone Mason
Cargo Distribution & Delivery
Cement (Concrete) Finisher
Communications Systems & Data Wiring Installation
Draftsperson
Drywall, Acoustic, and Lathing
Electrician
Excavation
Farm Equipment Sales & Service
Farm Drainage
Fence Builder
Floor Covering Installer
Framer
General Carpenter
General Handyman
Grocery Store
Hairstylists & Barbers
Heavy Equipment Operator
Home Builders
Ironworker
Jewellers
Landscaper & Lawn Maintenance
Locksmith
Large Manufacturers
Midsize Manufacturers
Small Manufacturers
Motorhome & Vacation Trailer Sales & Service
Municipality & Related Organizations
Non-Profit Organizations & Clubs
Office Painter and Decorator
Plumber
Pool Sales & Installation
Professional Services (Accountants, Architects, Consultants, Dentists, Doctors & Lawyers)
Real Estate Development & Management
Recreational Facilities (Campgrounds, Curling Clubs, Ball Hockey Rinks, Golf Courses, Tennis Clubs)
Recreational Vehicle Sales & Service
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic
Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic
Restaurants & Catering
Retail Stores
Roofer
Snowmobile Sales & Service
Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer
Steamfitter
Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter
Tool & Die
Trailer Parks
Transportation Services
Watercraft Sales & Service
Water Well Driller
Web Site Development
Welder
Wholesalers

Coverage

A commercial insurance policy can provide insurance coverage to protect the business owner against:

  • Damage or loss to property or assets owned by the business
  • Resulting financial loss caused a disruption of the business activity due to damage to property or assets
  • Acts of crime that results in damage to property or the loss of assets
  • Financial loss should you be sued because of property damage, injuries, or death caused by your services, products, business operations, or your employees.

Commercial Property Coverage

Below is a general description of the property and coverage generally offered on a commercial insurance policy. Depending on the nature of your business you will find that you will be able to purchase an insurance package policy that will include some, if not all, of the coverage types described below but it is always wise to fully discuss your coverage requirements with your insurance broker.

Call us for a review of your Commercial Property insurance coverage needs.

Building

This includes structures listed on the policy document, including any additions and extensions attached to the building, permanent fittings, and fixtures attached to and forming part of the building. Also included are materials, equipment and supplies on the premises for maintenance, normal repairs and minor alterations to the building. These same materials used for building services that are also used for growing plants, trees, shrubs or flowers inside the building used for decorative purposes when the you are the owner of the building, are also covered.

Equipment & Contents

This includes all contents usual to the insured’s business including furniture, furnishings, fittings, fixtures, machinery, tools, utensils and appliances other than property defined as stock or as a building.

Stock

This includes completed product or merchandise of every description usual to the insured’s business, including packing, wrapping and advertising materials.

Tenants Improvements

This is defined as building improvements, alterations and betterments made at the your expense to a building occupied by your business and which are not otherwise insured, provided that you are not the owner of the building.

Accounts Receivable

Should your accounts receivable records be damaged or destroyed by a peril covered by your policy and you are unable to effect collection of the amounts due directly because of the destruction of those records, then you can recover the amount due from your insurance company. This includes interest charges on any loan to offset impaired collections pending repayment of such sums made uncollectible by such loss or damage, collection expense in excess of normal collection cost made necessary because of such loss or damage, other expenses, when reasonably incurred by the insured in re-establishing records of accounts receivable following such loss or damage.

Bailee Customers Goods

This includes the property of others in your custody for cleaning, servicing or repair. Coverage applies while the property is in your possession, while located in the premises shown on the policy, and while being transported to or from your customers’ premises (only if shipped via your vehicles, messengers, or contract carriers within Canada and the continental United States of America).

Contractor Equipment Floater

This includes equipment that is incidental to your business operations, which is typically used away from your business premises. Usually the items of equipment are scheduled with a limit of coverage assigned to each based on the Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost of the Item (subject to conditions). Blanket limits can also be purchased for miscellaneous small tools of lower value. The coverage is usually provided within Canada and the continental United States.

Electronics Data Processing Equipment

This is coverage specifically designed to cover computer equipment, data systems, and media. Loss of income and extra expense due to these losses can also be included. Computer systems breakdown coverage can also be part of this protection in the event of a sudden and accidental breakdown of the equipment.

Exhibition Floater

This includes property usual, or incidental, to the exhibit of your property with coverage provided while in transit to and from, and while at a trade show.

Fine Arts Floater

This includes antiques, paintings, statuary, and other objects of art that are your property or the similar property of others in your custody or control. These items are usually scheduled with a value assigned to them for insurance purposes verified by a qualified appraiser.

Glass

This policy provides coverage for plate glass, lettering, frames, and ornamentation for doors and windows of the building on your premises.

Installation Floater

If you have materials in transit, at a customer location, or at a temporary location they are not covered for loss unless you have an Installation Floater on your policy. An installation floater is an insurance policy that covers personal property installed, fabricated, or erected by a contractor. It covers the property until the installation work is accepted by the purchaser or when the contractor interest in the property installed ceases.

Mobile Tool Floater

This policy provides a broad coverage for all tools and equipment usual to your trade or business that are used on or off premises. This policy also contains a locked-vehicle warranty so it is designed to protect smaller mobile tools and equipment that can be kept under lock when not in use.

Motor Truck Cargo

This policy provides coverage against the risks of direct physical loss to cargo while in transit and loading or unloading. It can cover property while at a terminal or dock awaiting final distribution. The coverage can be amended to cover the exposure presented by the cargo type or mode of transportation.

Contractor Equipment Floater

This includes equipment that is incidental to your business operations, which is typically used away from your business premises. Usually the items of equipment are scheduled with a limit of coverage assigned to each based on the Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost of the Item (subject to conditions). Blanket limits can also be purchased for miscellaneous small tools of lower value. The coverage is usually provided within Canada and the continental United States.

Office Contents Floater

This coverage type is designed to protect you from the cost to repair or replace office furniture, fixtures and equipment, machines, supplies, records, Tenants Improvements and all other office contents on your premises when they have been damaged by an peril covered by the policy.

Sign Floater

This coverage type is designed to protect you from the cost of repair or replacement any signs either attached or not to any building on your premises when they have been damaged by an peril covered by the policy.

Transit

This coverage type is designed to protect the shipment of goods you make by car, truck, rail, or air from the time they leave your business location to the time they are delivered to your customer.

Transportation Floater

This policy provides coverage for your property while in transit to you, or while being delivered to your customer by common carrier.

Business Interruption

This coverage is designed to pay for the costs to reconstruct original source materials, including records, deeds, manuscripts, films, drawings, or other valuable papers or records that have been lost due to an insured peril.

Earnings Form

Benefits are paid only to the point your business is able to resume operation. This form will usually have a time limit for benefit payout and a limit on the amount that can be paid in any one month. This is typically the less expensive version of business interruption coverage.

Profits Form

Benefits are paid until your business profits are back to the level they were at prior to your insurance loss subject to a maximum period of indemnity. This form will be more costly then the earnings form as the benefits paid will usually be greater once the claim is finalized.

Valuable Papers

This coverage is designed to pay for the costs to reconstruct original source materials, including records, deeds, manuscripts, films, drawings, or other valuable papers or records that have been lost due to an insured peril.

Earnings Form

Benefits are paid only to the point your business is able to resume operation. This form will usually have a time limit for benefit payout and a limit on the amount that can be paid in any one month. This is typically the less expensive version of business interruption coverage.

Profits Form

Benefits are paid until your business profits are back to the level they were at prior to your insurance loss subject to a maximum period of indemnity. This form will be more costly then the earnings form as the benefits paid will usually be greater once the claim is finalized.

Benefit Period

You can define a specific time period for the payment of your business interruption coverage but it is also possible to obtain a policy that offers a coverage limit based on your actual loss sustained. The limitation would then be based on the coverage form you purchased.

Loss Of Rental Income

Coverage can be purchased to protect against the loss of rental income because your building is unsuitable for occupancy after an insured loss occurs. This coverage can be purchased with a pre-defined limit or with the actual loss sustained clause applied. The choice of benefit limit would be determined by variability of your rental income from your premises.

Extra Expense Coverage

This coverage is designed for businesses that must remain operational during the period affected by damage caused by the insured loss. Extra expenses may be incurred if you have to carry on business at another location (e.g., telephone, advertising, rentals, moving to other premises or outsourcing of your work).

Call us for a review of your business interruption insurance coverage needs.

Boiler & Machinery – Equipment Breakdown Insurance

All Commercial Property Insurance policies contain the following exclusions that are removed if a Boiler & Machinery/Equipment Breakdown coverage is added to your policy:

  • Loss or Damage to or caused pressure vessels operating at 15psi and above
  • Mechanical Breakdown of machines including rupture or bursting caused by centrifugal force
  • Loss to Electrical Equipment caused by electrical currents artificially generated.

This policy will pay for damage to the pressure vessel, machine, or electrical equipment that is compromised, and the resulting damage to other property is direct result of the failure. The limit of coverage you should purchase for this protection should be no less then the limit of fire insurance coverage purchased for the property exposed to the pressure vessel.

Also as with a fire loss, you will experience a potential loss of income and extra expenses because of the damage to your property should such an event occur. Therefore you should also consider adding business interruption coverage for a Boiler & Machinery or Equipment Breakdown to your insurance policy. Again, the limits of this coverage should mirror that of your fire insurance policy.

Call us for a review of your Boiler & Machinery – Equipment Breakdown insurance coverage needs.

Crime Insurance

Commercial insurance policies can provide your business with a comprehensive menu of choices for crime insurance coverage. Below is a brief description of the coverage options, with each option having a separate limit of coverage.

Money & Securities

Protects against the loss of money & securities from almost any type of hazard, except forgery or employee dishonesty.

Inside & Outside Robbery

Protection against robbery of cash or property either on or off your premises. Robbery is defined as a theft with a form of violence or threat of violence used to deprive someone of their property.

Money Orders & Counterfeit Forgery

Provides your business with coverage against someone paying for purchases with counterfeit cash, money orders, or forged cheques.

Depositors Forgery

Provides protection against the forgery or alteration of instruments such as checks, drafts, or promissory notes, purported to have been written by the insured.

Burglary

This is coverage against theft of property from your premises during the which the burglar made a forcible entry to your locked building or safe. Additional protection can be purchased to cover the damages caused to your premises because of the forcible entry.

Employee Dishonesty

This is coverage to insure against loss of money, securities or other property belonging to you, or for which you are liable, that is caused by employee theft.

Commercial General Liability Insurance

Commercial general liability insurance protects your business from financial loss should you be sued because of property damage, injuries, or death caused by your services, your business operations, your products, your employees or that occurred on your premises. This policy will usually cover the cost of your legal defence and will pay any damages levied against you if you are found liable up to the limits of your policy.

Deciding what your commercial general liability insurance coverage limit should be is one of the most important decisions you must make when deciding on your insurance program. It is important that your insurance broker is aware of all your business activities so that we can ensure that you have the proper limit of coverage, and that all of your potential exposures to loss are known and protected against by your policy.

Below is a brief description of the components of a Commercial General Liability policy:

Bodily Injury & Property Damage

Protects your business from financial loss should you be sued because of property damage, injuries, or death caused by your services, your business operations, your employees or that occurred on your premises.

Products & Completed Operations

Protects manufacturers’ and distributors’ exposure to liability for bodily injury or property damage caused by the negligent manufacturing of your product. Also will protect you against your liability exposure because of negligent workmanship that caused a product to fail resulting in damage caused to persons or property.

Personal Injury and Advertising Liability

Personal injury is an injury other than bodily injury arising out of defined causes which usually include false arrest or detention, malicious prosecution, wrongful entry or eviction, libel, slander, or violation of a person’s right to privacy other than in the course of advertising, broadcasting, television, publishing. Advertising injury relates to damages caused by slander, libel, privacy violations, copyright infringement, and disparagement of goods, products or services of other companies that arises from your advertising or marketing activity.

Employee Benefits Liability

Protects you against injuries sustained by employees that fall under common-law liability. This should not be confused with workers’ compensation liability, which is liability as defined by workers’ compensation law.

Tenants Legal Liability

As a tenant, if you cause property damage to the landlord’s property because of your business operations, you could be held legally responsible. If there is an incident your tenants’ liability coverage will defend you against any action to cover the costs to repair the damages. This coverage only applies to property damage to premises owned by others rented to you or occupied by you. The limit of coverage required for this protection will depend on the replacement value of the premises that you rent for your business. Please be sure to advise your insurance broker of all properties you rent for your business activity so that we can ensure your coverage limit is adequate for your needs.

Medical Payments

This type of coverage is designed to pay for a third party’s minor medical expenses that arise from an accident on your company’s premises, or as a result of your company’s operations.

Standard Non-Owned Automobile (SPF 6)

The non-owned auto policy provides coverage for you for loss or damage arising from the use or operation of any automobile not owned in whole or in part by or licensed in your name. The purpose of the non-owned automobile policy is to protect an employer when employees operate vehicles not owned by the employer on behalf of the employer. All employers should buy a non-owned automobile policy, since they could be sued whenever an employee has an automobile accident while on company business in any non-owned vehicle.

Legal Liability for Damage to Hired Automobiles

This endorsement is used when the insurance is to be extended to cover your legal liability for damage to hired automobiles arising from all-perils or from collision and/or comprehensive/specified perils coverage. This coverage is ideal when you need to rent a vehicle for your business use for a short term, as it saves you from paying the rental company their daily rate for physical damage insurance protection to the vehicle you are renting.

Pollution Liability

Standard general liability policies include an exclusion for loss arising out of pollution. This coverage can be secured through an endorsement to your Commercial General Liability Insurance Policy by adding the pollution liability extension endorsement. It negates the exclusion for bodily injury and property damage under the policy but keeps the clean-up costs exclusion. The reason companies need pollution insurance is because no other insurance policies will cover damage and remediation costs resulting from pollutants you use during your business operations. Lots of companies use pollutants but some have a lot more pollution liability risk including general and artisan contractors, dry cleaners, abatement contractors, manufacturers, automotive companies, etc. Please contact us to discuss your insurance needs for Pollution Liability Insurance.

Umbrella Liability Insurance

This is a special form of liability policy designed to protect the you for certain unknown contingencies over and above the normal coverages and to provide excess insurance. This policy will only usually respond if your primary commercial general liability policy limit is insufficient to pay the judgment, or the policy does not provide protection for the action you are being sued for. Please contact us to review your policy limits and potential liability exposures and your possible need for an umbrella liability insurance policy.

Directors & Officers Liability Insurance

This will provide coverage for members of boards of directors against wrongful acts, which may include actual or alleged errors, omissions, misleading statements, and neglect or breach of duty on the part of the board of directors of any type of organization. Please contact us to discuss your liability exposure and your possible need for a directors & officers liability insurance policy to fill any gap in your coverage.

Professional (Errors & Omissions) Liability Insurance

This protects professionals against liability for damages and cost of defence based upon their alleged or real professional errors and omissions or mistakes (e.g., architects, engineers, medical malpractice, attorneys, etc.). Please contact us to discuss your liability exposure and your possible need for a professional liability insurance policy to fill any gap in your coverage.

What Our Customers Have to Say

My family and I have used the Ostic Group for years now and its been a great experience!Never difficult to speak with someone when I have a question and they are always looking for ways to save us money.Love seeing them give back to the community too!
Matt McQuade
Matt McQuade
18:03 26 Aug 20
When it comes to insurance, it doesn't get any better than these folks. Super responsive, very friendly, always trying to help, and unbelievable rates. They insure everything for my family and my business and they are awesome. Local, real people, no call centre's, just good old fashioned customer service with a smile! Keep it up. Ostic Group, seriously, you never cease to amaze. Oh ya and Dana is amazing!!!!
Rob Murray
Rob Murray
21:45 11 Jan 20
I have dealt with OSTIC for years. They never miss a beat. Good old, fast, friendly, professional service. 🙂
Stefan Wiesen
Stefan Wiesen
16:54 05 Nov 20
I have used The ostic group over 10 years. I find they are very knowledgeable and there to help. I will stay with them for years to come.
Linda Goodyear
Linda Goodyear
12:42 17 Jan 21
I recently purchased my first car and needed insurance. My friend referred me to The Ostic Group and I am so happy they did. Jessica Dewey was so helpful and went out of her way to get insurance for me, even offering to stay late on a Friday to get the paperwork filled out! Being a first time car owner, I didn't know where to start or what was the best plan for me. Jessica was very informative and made me feel very comfortable throughout the application process. Highly recommend!
Melanie Bartlett
Melanie Bartlett
14:34 26 Oct 16
I've recently received home & life insurance from The Ostic Group and have been very pleased. I'll be completely open on this review in saying that they are a client of where I work, but this did not sway my decision.Jessica Flanjak and The Ostic Group team were helpful while presenting my options. Jessica made it a simple and delightful process. I feel very good about my decision and will be switching my auto insurance over to The Ostic Group as well.
James Burgie
James Burgie
14:05 17 May 17
This whole team is incredible to work with. They not only have a massive focus on giving back to the community, but they are all passionate about insurance and making sure their clients have the right coverage. The Ostic Group insures my business, my house, and my car and in every interaction they always go above and beyond. Keep up the amazing work, we are lucky to have a business like yours in our community!
Paul Demarco
Paul Demarco
01:51 28 Oct 16
The team at the Ostic Group are all amazing to work with! Quick responses, fair quotes and a friendly staff that know their stuff, the Ostic Group should be considered by all when looking at Insurance needs. Jessica Flanjak was a huge help when I was looking for home and auto insurance and her willingness to help in any way possible made my experience with them too-notch! Keep up the great work - would highly recommend.
Ryan Vielma
Ryan Vielma
17:11 25 Oct 18
After meeting Jessica Dewey on a happenstance years ago, I have always turned to her for insurance advice as I know she has always had her client's best interests in mind. When I switched brokers to Ostic Insurance, it was the best decision I have made as Jessica always notifies me of changes in my policy, and works dilligently to get me the best insurance coverage at the best rate possible. She is always there to answer any questions I have in a pleasant, professional manner, and I am delighted to not only refer to her as my insurance broker but also as a friend.
Allison Mammoliti
Allison Mammoliti
13:14 20 Mar 23
I am very satisfied and happy with my broker at the Ostic. Very professional.
michael Park
michael Park
15:34 20 Mar 23
Jessica Dewey has provided excellent service for my home, auto and travel insurance needs. I highly recommend her and the team at Ostic!
D Drake
D Drake
19:03 17 Mar 23
Jessica Dewey has always been a great help with all of my insurance needs. Thanks for all the great work!
cullen202
cullen202
13:35 17 Mar 23
Always had great experience with our broker, Jess! She's found us the cheapest rates every year for over a decade! Will never use another insurance broker
Simon Ko
Simon Ko
01:25 18 Mar 23
Hello,Jessica Dewey most definitely deserves five stars. My wife Nancy and I recently purchased a home in the Village by the Arboretum. When we contacted Jessica to obtain insurance coverage she was extremely helpful in every way. She provided mutiple options and thoroughly explained all of the need-to-know details. Jessica clearly cares about her clients and it shows in her professional, efficient and friendly manner. It is a pleasure to know and work with Jessica..............thanks!☺Ron and Nancy Hansen
Ron Hansen
Ron Hansen
18:48 17 Mar 23
Very friendly. Quick turn around for responses to any questions you may have. Always finding the best insurance and cost for your needs. Highly recommend this company and to deal with Lisa Robertson.
Nicole Self
Nicole Self
20:10 17 Mar 23
I have been a customer of Ostic Group Insurance for several years now, and I have nothing but great things to say about them. As a local company, they really care about their customers and go above and beyond to make sure they find the best insurance product for your needs.Working with Lisa Robertson has been an absolute pleasure. She is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to ensuring that her customers are satisfied. I have always felt valued as a customer, and I appreciate the personalized attention that I have received.Overall, I highly recommend Ostic Group Insurance to anyone looking for excellent service and great insurance options. Thank you for all that you do!
Robert Mitchell
Robert Mitchell
01:12 27 Mar 23
I have received amazing customer service with Ostic Insurance for over 10 years. Jessica Dewey has always done a great job finding me the best rates. She is always cheerful and a pleasure to chat with. I highly recommend Ostic to my friends and family.
Steven Keenan
Steven Keenan
20:55 27 Mar 23
Our family has been dealing with OSTIC insurance for nearly 35 years. When we had the misfortune of experiencing a car accident a number of years ago, our agent Lisa, was exceptionally courteous, helpful, knowledgeable, and prompt in dealing with our many questions and eventual car replacement. If Lisa doesn’t have a “quick answer” to any of our questions, she is very thorough in her investigation, and usually responds within 24 hours! Hats off to Lisa, and the other wonderful staff, at OSTIC insurance in Guelph.
Mary Bickley
Mary Bickley
15:15 04 Apr 23
My experience with The Ostic Group Insurance was and continues to be an outstanding service to my insurance needs. Jessica Dewey gave my business and home needs the utmost care as she packaged everything together in a professional way. I am very happy with the continued communication from her team. Thank you Jessica!
Barry Bauman
Barry Bauman
18:38 17 Mar 23
Been a customer for almost 35 years now (Guess that alone ages me!!)Never a problem with any of the staff really. The odd thing is missed or is incorrect. However, they are quick to fix anything you need.My regular agent went off on maternity if my memory serves me correctly, and lately, I have been working with James. He has gone above and beyond and is relatively quick at resolving inconsistencies.We would and have recommended Ostic to others.Take care everyone at Ostic!R. LOWE
Rebecca Lowe
Rebecca Lowe
19:40 02 May 23
The greatest experience and best decision I’ve ever made when my husband and I switched to Ostic Group in 2016. I directly deal with Lisa Robertson. She always has our best interest at heart, and she is always so wonderful and friendly to deal with!! Thanks again Lisa for the amazing customer Service!
Natalie Brimblecombe
Natalie Brimblecombe
21:36 17 Mar 23
I have used the Ostic Group for a while now and recently got assigned to Mikayla. What can I say, she makes insurance easy! Yes you heard me, insurance and easy in the same sentance. I would never go back to a traditional insurance company again, go see Ostic and hope you get the awesome Mikayla.
J Robinson
J Robinson
18:52 26 Jul 23
I have been with Ostic Group insurance for quite a few years for both my personal and business needs. Lisa, Julie and anyone else I’ve dealt with have always been great, prompt in responses and very knowledgeable in their industry. Would highly recommend!! Thumbs up to a great team! Thanks gals!
Diana Gatto
Diana Gatto
17:18 23 Mar 23
Jessica D. and everyone at the Ostic Group has been phenomenal to work with over the past 6 years. I have never, not for a moment, worried about whether I have the best car and home insurance coverage! Highly recommend!
Cassandra Hammond
Cassandra Hammond
02:33 03 Apr 23
We’ve been dealing with Ostic for about 10 years now. In fact, we’ve recently moved our house insurance over to them also, because they are so great to deal with! Thank you, Jessica Dewey, for always answering our questions promptly and professionally. This is very much appreciated!
Mary Piper
Mary Piper
16:01 17 Mar 23