Municipal Insurance
Because Your Community Deserves The Best Protection
Western is a nationally recognized, award-winning insurance brokerage dedicated to protecting your municipality with tailored commercial insurance
solutions.
We partner with Canada’s top insurers to secure the best quotes and coverage options for your municipality. Let us simplify the process and save you time, so you can focus on serving
your community effectively.
What is Municipal Insurance?
The primary purpose of municipal insurance is to protect taxpayers' assets and ensure that municipalities can continue to provide essential services, even in the face of unexpected events or lawsuits.
Municipal insurance is a specialized form of insurance designed to protect municipalities (cities, towns, villages, etc.) from the unique risks and liabilities they face. These governmental entities have a wide range of responsibilities, and therefore, require comprehensive coverage.
Our insurance expertise will benefit your municipality?
With our expertise in municipal insurance, you gain access to tailored coverage that addresses the unique risks your municiaplity faces.
Municipalities are responsible for public infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, parks), public services (fire departments, police), and various other operations. This exposes them to a wide array
of potential liabilities. Municipal insurance addresses these unique risks, which might not be covered by standard insurance policies.
Our team understands your needs, offering a range of comprehensive municipal insurance packages, tailored to proactively safeguard your municipality.
What kind of risks does commercial general liability cover?
A significant portion of municipal insurance focuses on liability coverage.
Liability Coverage: This protects municipalities from claims of negligence, such as:
- Slip-and-fall accidents on public property.
- Damages caused by municipal vehicles.
- Lawsuits related to zoning or permitting decisions.
Property Coverage: Municipal insurance also covers damage to municipal property, including:
- Public buildings (city halls, libraries).
- Infrastructure (bridges, water treatment plants).
- Equipment (fire trucks, snowplows).
Other Coverage: Depending on the municipality's needs, coverage may also include:
- Cyber liability insurance (to protect against data breaches).
- Environmental liability insurance.
- Directors and officers liability insurance.
Why Choose Western?
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Over $9M donated since 2001 to strengthen communities.
FAQ's
What is municipal insurance?
Municipal insurance is a specialized set of insurance coverages that protect local governments (cities, towns, villages, regional districts) from a broad range of risks including property damage, liability claims, legal expenses, cyber threats, and more.
Why do municipalities need insurance?
Municipalities face unique exposures due to their public responsibilities, including:
- Operating public facilities (parks, libraries, arenas, etc.)
- Managing infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, etc.)
- Providing emergency and social services
- Employing staff and contractors
- Holding public events
- Dealing with public funds and data
Insurance protects against lawsuits, accidents, property damage, and other liabilities.
Are municipal officials personally liable for decisions?
Elected officials (mayors, councillors) can face legal action for decisions made in their official capacity. Public Officials Liability or D&O insurance protects them from personal financial exposure as long as they are acting within the scope of their duties.
Does municipal insurance cover volunteers and contractors?
Yes, but coverage must be clearly defined. Volunteers are often covered for liability while acting under municipal direction. Contractors should have their own insurance and name the municipality as additional insured on their policies.
Does municipal insurance include cyber coverage automatically?
Not always. Cyber liability is often an add-on policy and should be discussed separately with your broker. It’s increasingly recommended due to the rise in ransomware and data breach incidents targeting public entities.
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