Introduction

E‑bike couriers operating in Ontario are commonly asked for two proofs of risk control: (1) WSIB coverage status and (2) a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that meets specific contract wording. This explainer outlines what typically satisfies those requests, why $2M–$5M liability limits are common, and how to add Additional Insured, Primary & Non‑Contributory (PNC), and Waiver of Subrogation to your policies.

WSIB: when you must register, optional coverage, and clearances

• Who must register: In Ontario, employers with workers must register with the WSIB. Independent operators/sole proprietors outside the construction industry are not automatically covered but can apply for optional WSIB insurance.

• Independent operator status: When a principal asks if you need WSIB coverage, WSIB can issue a worker/independent operator status decision. Independent operators can choose optional insurance for injury/illness coverage.

• Clearance Certificates: A WSIB clearance shows a registered business is up‑to‑date on reporting and premiums; it protects the principal from liability for the contractor’s unpaid WSIB amounts during the certificate’s validity. Clearances are typically valid up to 90 days and are available only to registered accounts in good standing.

• Practical takeaways for e‑bike couriers:

• If you have employees, register and keep your clearance current for contracts that require it.

• If you operate alone outside construction, you may (a) provide a WSIB optional insurance certificate if you choose to buy it, or (b) provide a WSIB status ruling letter confirming independent‑operator status if requested by the principal.

COIs: the proof most platforms and venues request

• What a COI is: A COI (commonly ACORD 25) is proof of coverage at a point in time; it does not grant rights by itself—rights flow from policy endorsements. Many requestors therefore require copies of the underlying endorsements (e.g., Additional Insured, Waiver).

• Typical coverages shown for e‑bike couriers:

• Commercial General Liability (CGL) on an occurrence basis.

• Non‑Owned Auto Liability (only if you sometimes use carshare/rented vehicles for deliveries).

• Umbrella/Excess Liability (when higher limits are required by contract).

• Typical limits: $2,000,000 per occurrence is common for municipalities/venues; some events and large venues require $5,000,000. Examples: City of Toronto filming permits require $2M CGL and Additional Insured; The Buildings Show (Toronto) lists $5M CGL for exhibitors. Requirements vary by contract.

Adding contract wording: Additional Insured, PNC, and Waiver

• Additional Insured (AI): Extends your liability policy to protect the platform/venue for claims arising out of your operations. Added by endorsement (blanket or scheduled).

• Primary & Non‑Contributory (PNC): States your policy responds first and the additional insured’s policy won’t contribute until yours is exhausted. Commonly requested alongside AI.

• Waiver of Subrogation: Your insurer waives its right to recover from the additional insured for covered losses—often required in venue/platform contracts.

• Why endorsements matter: A COI alone doesn’t create AI/PNC/Waiver rights; those must exist on the policy. Some requestors also ask for copies of the actual endorsements.

E‑bikes and auto insurance in Ontario

• Legal e‑bikes (power‑assisted bicycles that meet provincial specs) do not require motor vehicle insurance; if pedals are removed or power/speed exceed limits, the bike may be considered a motor vehicle and then licensing and insurance requirements apply. For COIs, this means CGL—not auto—is typically the relevant liability coverage for e‑bike courier work.

How to satisfy a COI request (step‑by‑step)

1) Send the exact insurance clause from your contract to your broker, including: required limits, AI wording, PNC, Waiver, notice of cancellation, and any specific entities/addresses. 2) Provide the certificate holder’s legal name and address exactly as written in the contract. 3) Confirm whether the request requires copies of endorsements (not just the COI). 4) If you sometimes rent/use a vehicle, ask whether Non‑Owned Auto Liability must be shown on the COI. 5) Ask for digital delivery direct from broker to the requester; avoid altering COIs yourself. If terms exceed current policy, your broker will add endorsements or adjust limits before issuing.

Typical platform/venue requests (what they mean)

WSIB vs. COIs: what principals actually look for

• If they ask for WSIB: provide your current WSIB clearance (if registered) or a WSIB status ruling/optional insurance certificate (if an independent operator outside construction), per the contract.

• If they ask for a COI: provide an ACORD 25 showing CGL limits, and ensure endorsements for AI/PNC/Waiver are actually on your policy (and attach them if requested).

Summit resources for required coverages

• Commercial General Liability: CGL for Canadian businesses (resource link previously provided)

• Commercial Auto (for non‑owned/rented vehicles if applicable): Commercial Auto Insurance (resource link previously provided)

Quick compliance checklist for e‑bike courier contracts

• Confirm whether WSIB registration applies to you; secure a clearance or a status ruling/optional insurance as needed.

• Share the exact contract insurance clause with your broker.

• Maintain at least $2M CGL per occurrence (consider $5M if the platform/venue requires it).

• Add AI, PNC, and Waiver endorsements to the policy; don’t rely on the COI alone.

• Keep COIs and endorsement copies ready; renew before expiry/renewal dates.

FAQs

• Do I need auto insurance for an e‑bike in Ontario?

• Not if your e‑bike meets the province’s power‑assisted bicycle rules; otherwise it may be considered a motor vehicle and require licensing/insurance.

• I’m a solo courier with no employees—do I need WSIB?

• Outside construction, independent operators are not automatically covered; you can apply for WSIB optional insurance or obtain a status ruling to show you are an independent operator.

• How long is a WSIB clearance valid?

• Typically up to 90 days; renewals are issued when the account remains in good standing.

• Why do venues demand Additional Insured, PNC, and Waiver?

• AI shares your liability protection with them; PNC makes your policy respond first; Waiver prevents your insurer from pursuing them after paying a claim. These are standard contract risk‑transfer tools.

• Is a COI enough to prove those rights?

• No. A COI is informational; rights come from endorsements. Some requestors ask for the endorsement copies.

Legal notice

This page is general information for Ontario e‑bike couriers and is not legal advice. Always follow your contract and consult your broker and WSIB for case‑specific requirements. Current as of November 6, 2025.

Do Ontario e‑bike couriers need auto insurance?

No, if the e‑bike qualifies as a power‑assisted bicycle. If it exceeds power/speed limits or lacks pedals, it may be treated as a motor vehicle and require licensing/insurance.

What WSIB proof do principals usually want?

A current WSIB clearance if you’re registered, or a WSIB status ruling/optional insurance certificate if you’re an independent operator outside construction.

What CGL limit should my COI show?

Many Ontario venues and events require at least $2M per occurrence; some large events/venues require $5M. Check your contract.

How do I add Additional Insured, PNC, and Waiver?

Ask your broker to add the endorsements to your CGL (and Non‑Owned Auto if applicable). The COI will reference those endorsements for the certificate holder.