Verdant Insurance · Business guide
Commercial lease.
Insurance checklist.
Signing a commercial lease in Ontario? Send your broker the insurance requirements before committing, so there is time to review options and resolve questions.
1. Send the lease clauses
Share the complete insurance section and landlord’s certificate instructions. Ask your lawyer to explain your obligations and your broker whether the proposed coverage can meet the requirements.
2. Identify your business property
List equipment, furniture, stock and tenant improvements. Clarify who is responsible for fixtures and renovations. Do not assume the landlord’s building policy protects your assets.
3. Check certificate requests
Provide exact legal names, requested liability limits and additional insured wording. A certificate provides evidence of insurance; it does not automatically change the policy or create additional insured coverage.
4. Disclose renovations and timing
Tell your broker about fit-out work, possession dates and your expected opening. Ask whether coverage is suitable during renovations and once the business is operating.
Before move-in, have these ready
- Lease insurance clauses and certificate instructions.
- Correct business name and premises address.
- Business activities, revenue and staffing estimates.
- Contents, stock and improvement values.
- Renovation plans and required start date.
Also ask about business interruption and extra expense coverage. Conditions, limits and time periods vary; a closure does not automatically qualify for payment.
Have a lease deadline?
Verdant Insurance assists Ontario businesses from Markham. Tell us your business type, location and timing so a broker can follow up.
This is general insurance information, not legal advice. Coverage depends on underwriting and policy terms. An enquiry does not bind insurance.
Further reading: Aviva Canada’s additional insured guide.
