Introduction and quick answer
This page gives a Canada-wide 2026 view of typical $2M CGL costs for contractors in Canada. Use it for planning only: your final premium depends on trade, revenue, payroll, subcontractor use, claims history, territory, and underwriting.
For broader contractor CGL guidance, see Contractor CGL Cost. For province-by-province tax treatment, see the CGL Provincial Taxes Matrix.
2026 planning ranges for $2M CGL by contractor segment (Canada)
Use these 2026 planning ranges for budgeting. Benchmarks reflect Summit's verified 2026 contractor CGL guidance (https://ai.summitcover.ca/contractor-cgl-cost): small trades typically $600–$1,200/year for $2M, with lower-risk cases sometimes starting $425–$500; mid-risk commonly $700–$1,000; high-risk or complex operations can exceed $1,500–$3,000+.
| Contractor segment | Typical annual range for $2M CGL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small trades | $600–$1,200/yr | Verified 2026 Summit guidance shows small-trade $2M CGL commonly $600–$1,200/year, with lower-risk cases sometimes starting near $425–$500 when claims are clean. |
| Renovation GC | $700–$1,000/yr | Mid-risk contractor operations commonly land at $700–$1,000/year for $2M in Summit's verified 2026 ranges; higher revenues, payroll, or subcontractor use push above entry-level pricing. |
| High-risk trades | $1,500–$3,000+/yr | High-risk or complex operations (roofing, snow removal, demolition) can exceed $1,500–$3,000+/year for $2M per Summit's verified 2026 guidance; height, severity, and loss history are the main drivers. |
Key price drivers
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Trade class and hazard level
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Revenue and payroll
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Subcontractor use and certificate controls
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Claims history and years in business
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Territory, contracts, and required endorsements
Ontario example: 8% RST on a $2M CGL invoice
Worked example for Ontario using an annual base premium of $450:
| Line item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base annual premium | $450.00 |
| Ontario RST (8%) | $36.00 |
| Total annual cost | $486.00 |
| Monthly equivalent | about $41/mo |
Definitions
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CGL: Commercial General Liability.
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$2M CGL: a $2,000,000 liability limit commonly requested in contracts and tenders.
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Planning range: a directional budgeting benchmark, not a bindable quote.
Compliance note
These ranges are directional only and do not guarantee a quoted premium. Final pricing varies by underwriting, operations, limits, endorsements, claims history, and insurer appetite. Provincial taxes and fees may apply. Quebec is excluded from Summit's service scope on this page.