Group Liability Insurance

Your membership in the OBA offers you peace of mind by protecting your assets.

Members may choose to purchase our unique Bee & Honey related $5 million General Liability Insurance.

The Ontario Beekeepers' Association offers a unique Liability Insurance policy for current OBA members who reside in Ontario. This policy is underwritten by the Co-operators General Insurance Company.

The insurance policy runs from January 1st to January 1st.

It should be noted that the following description represents a general overview of the policy, covering the important issues. Exact detail is provided in the policy wording. Please direct any questions to the OBA office.

OBA Group Insurance - What's Covered (And What's Not)

Operations/Risks Insured

All operations of beekeeping with respect to beekeeping, honey and hive product sales and demo hives displayed at schools, fairs and other similar locations. Note that commercial operations, such as manufacturing of candles, lip balms, mead, etc. are not covered under this policy,  and we would suggest that you consult your insurance professional regarding your insurance needs.

Limits of Liability:

  • Bodily Injury and Property Damage, each occurrence $5,000,000 (deductible $500 any one occurrence)
  • Products and Completed Operations, each occurrence $5,000,000 (any sales to the United States should be discussed with the OBA office)
  • Annual Aggregate $5,000,000
  • Personal Injury Liability, each occurrence $5,000,000
  • Medical Payments - provides voluntary payment of medical expenses
  • Non-owned Automobile Liability $2,000,000 (protects you against legal liability arising from the use or operation on your behalf of any automobile that you do not own. If the vehicle owner's policy had lapsed, or the limits proved inadequate, this would protect you.)
  • Broad Form Completed Operations included in limit

Deductibles

Property Damage Deductible - any one occurrence $500.

Special Extensions

It is hereby understood and agreed that the named insured shall include and cover only those members who pay for the insurance option according to the hive numbers and apiary locations registered with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at the time they apply.

Special Exclusions/Restricting Terms

It is understood and agreed that claims arising out of bodily injury caused by apitherapy or medical treatment using bees shall be excluded.

Policy covers liability claims on product (honey, pollen, propolis and royal jelly) related to beekeeping and incidences arising from beekeeping, such as bee stings. In addition, the insurer will defend suits brought against an insured member in these instances, even if the suit is groundless in nature.

Policy excludes the services of honey bee swarm removal offered as a free service or on a fee for service basis. 

Please remember that this policy is not intended to replace insurance on your home, farm, business or premises. For example, a slip and fall incident would not be insured under this policy. Instead, you must have a personal or business premises liability policy.

Additional Insureds

If you are asked by an individual, organization or municipality to be added as an Additional Insured to the OBA’s insurance policy, then a special, customized Confirmation of Insurance certificate will need to be produced by The Co-operators which includes full legal name and address of the additional insured and other details. This generally takes 7 – 10 business days, so please make sure you give us enough time to make this happen for you.

Once named on the OBA’s policy, an Additional Insured enjoys the benefits of being protected under the policy, the same as you do as a policy member. We are seeing an increase in requests from members for Additional Insureds.

2024 Prices

$158.80 per year (admin fee & taxes included) for small-scale beekeepers (49 or fewer colonies)

$191.20 per year (admin fee & taxes included) for commercial producers (50 or more colonies)

The policy runs on a calendar year basis. You may apply at any time but the price remains the same. It is not pro-rated when purchased at any time in the calendar year.

Note: In order to process your application, the OBA must receive your application filled out completely, including all names you operate your honey business under, residence location (if applicable), and full payment. You will be insured starting January 1st or upon receipt of your application by the OBA, if after January 1st.

Incomplete information may void your insurance coverage.

Certificate of Honey Bee Registration from OMAFRA

Please provide the OBA with a copy, when you receive it, of the current year's Certificate of Honey Bee Registration from OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs), which includes your Beekeeper ID number, to confirm that you are currently registered as a beekeeper in Ontario. You must be a currently registered beekeeper in Ontario for your insurance to be valid. You can email a pdf copy/scan of your certificate to memberservices@ontariobee.com.

Confirmation of Insurance

A Confirmation of Insurance, from the Co-operators General Insurance Company, will be mailed, or emailed to you as a PDF file. Feel free to provide copies to anyone asking for evidence that you have liability insurance.

Want to purchase OBA's Group Liability Insurance? 

You must be a current paid member to purchase Group Liability Insurance. If you have not renewed your membership, please do so first. When renewing, you will have the option to purchase the insurance as part of your renewal package. 

If you have already renewed, didn't purchase the insurance, and would now like to do so, please email memberservices@ontariobee.com for the direct link.