Municipal work in Alberta typically requires commercial general liability at $2 million to $5 million per occurrence, automobile liability, and sometimes umbrella or professional liability for design-build. Certificates must name the municipality as additional insured and match the bidding legal entity. 'How much insurance do I need' is answered by the RFP — not by a generic forum post.
Typical insurance limits on municipal tenders
$2M CGL is common on smaller maintenance packages. $5M appears on construction, roads, and higher-risk sites. Auto $2M is frequent if vehicles are on municipal property. Wrap-up or project-specific policies show up on larger builds. Always read the insurance schedule in that tender.
What wording fails the screen?
Certificate not naming the owner as additional insured, missing waiver of subrogation when required, expiry before close, or insured name that does not match the bidder. Brokers can reissue quickly — if you ask before close.
Is $2M enough for City of Calgary construction?
Often not on larger construction ITTs. Calgary and Edmonton packages state the limit. Guessing from last year's snow contract is how people get disqualified.
Insurance vs bonding vs WCB
Insurance pays covered claims. Bonds guarantee performance and payment. WCB covers workers. Municipal RFPs ask for all three as separate attachments. An insurance broker is not a surety underwriter.
Do I need contractors' pollution or builders' risk?
When the RFP says so — underground, fuel, or building work often adds lines. Do not omit a scheduled policy because 'we never needed it on residential.'
How NorthCited helps
The bid-readiness audit maps your certificates to typical municipal schedules and lists gaps. We do not sell insurance.