Is your security installer covered?
Before anyone works on your building, make sure they carry proper insurance, workers’ compensation clearance and manufacturer certifications. Here’s what to ask for, and why it matters.
Did you know?
A large and concerning number of security installers carry little or no insurance, and some have no workers’ compensation coverage at all. If someone is hurt on your property, or your building is damaged during the install, you could be the one left paying.
What can go wrong with an uncovered installer
The risks land on the building owner, not the installer.
Injury on your property
If an installer’s worker is hurt on your site and their company isn’t in good standing with WCB or WorkSafeBC, the building owner or the company that hired them can be left exposed.
Damage to your building
Without liability insurance, damage from drilling, cabling or a ceiling fall-through can end up on your insurance, or your budget.
Voided warranties
Equipment installed by untrained installers may not be supported by the manufacturer, leaving you to pay for fixes that should have been covered.
Failed inspections
Locks and door hardware tied into fire alarms have to meet code. Shortcuts can fail inspection or, worse, fail in an emergency.
The coverage checklist
Six things to get in writing before you sign anything.
- Certificate of insurance
Commercial general liability insurance. Ask for the certificate, check the expiry date and limits, and ask to be named as an additional insured.
- WCB or WorkSafeBC clearance letter
Proof the installer’s workers’ compensation account is in good standing in Alberta (WCB) or BC (WorkSafeBC). Get one before work starts and again before final payment.
- Manufacturer certifications
Training on the exact brands being installed, such as Avigilon, Genetec, Kantech or ButterflyMX. It protects your warranty and your system.
- Licences and permits
Any provincial licences the work requires, and permits pulled where they’re needed. Ask who is responsible for them.
- A safety program
Many property managers and general contractors require a safety certification, such as a Certificate of Recognition (COR) in Alberta.
- Ownership in writing
A written commitment that you’ll get admin access and full documentation, so you’re never locked out of your own system.
Red flags to watch for
If you see any of these, ask more questions before you sign.
- They can’t or won’t send a certificate of insurance
- No WCB or WorkSafeBC clearance letter
- “Certified” but can’t say by which manufacturer
- Cash-only pricing or no written quote
- They keep the admin passwords
- Every crew is a different subcontractor
How Hightower handles it
We don’t ask you to take our word for it. Ask for our certificate of insurance, WCB clearance and manufacturer training details with your quote, and we’ll send them before any work starts.
Every project also ends with admin access and full documentation handed over to you. And if you’ve already been let down by an installer, our system rescue team can make it right.
Stuck with a system nobody will fix?
We repair and take over cameras, access control, intercoms and alarms installed by other companies, when your current provider has fallen short.
Installer coverage questions
What is a WCB clearance letter?
It’s a letter from WCB Alberta (or WorkSafeBC in BC) confirming a contractor’s workers’ compensation account is in good standing. Getting one before work starts helps protect you if a worker is injured on your site.
Why does manufacturer certification matter?
Certified installers are trained on how the equipment should be installed and programmed. It helps the system work as designed and keeps warranty and manufacturer support on your side.
How much insurance should an installer carry?
It depends on the size of the project and your building’s requirements. Many property managers and general contractors set minimum limits in their contracts, so check those, and make sure the certificate covers the full project.
Can I ask Hightower for proof of coverage?
Yes. Ask with your quote and we’ll send our certificate of insurance, WCB clearance and manufacturer training details before work starts.
What if my current installer isn’t covered?
Talk to your insurer or property manager about the risk. If the system needs to be taken over or fixed, our system rescue service can help.
What should we ask a video monitoring provider?
Ask who watches the cameras and when, what happens when an alert comes in, whether they can talk down through speakers, who they call, and how you get reports. Get the monthly cost and the contract length in writing.
More answers: System rescue questionsGlossary: system takeovercontroller
Ask for our documents
Request a quote and ask for our certificate of insurance, WCB clearance and certifications. We’ll send them up front.
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