Can I make an insurance claim in New Brunswick if a painter damages my floors or fixtures during an interior job?

This is a legal and insurance question that falls outside what Paint IQ can help with — but here's what you genuinely need to know before hiring a painter in NB.

We're a painting guidance service, not an insurance or legal advisor, so we can't walk you through the claims process or interpret your policy. For specific advice on making an insurance claim, contact your home insurance provider directly or speak with a licensed insurance broker in New Brunswick.

That said, the best time to think about this is before the painter starts work — not after something gets damaged. Here's what matters on the painting side of things.

Verify the painter carries liability insurance before anyone picks up a brush. A professional painting contractor should carry general liability insurance — typically $1-2 million in coverage — that protects your property if they damage floors, fixtures, cabinetry, or anything else during the job. Ask for a certificate of insurance before work begins. Any reputable contractor will provide this without hesitation. If they can't or won't, that's a serious red flag.

WorkSafeNB coverage is a separate but related concern. WorkSafeNB covers workers if they're injured on your property. If a painter is injured in your home and doesn't carry WorkSafeNB coverage, you could potentially face complications. Ask for confirmation of WorkSafeNB coverage alongside liability insurance — both matter.

Put the scope of work in writing. A written quote or contract that describes exactly what areas are being painted, what will be protected (floors, furniture, fixtures), and what prep work is included gives you a paper trail if something goes wrong. Verbal agreements are hard to act on after the fact.

On the practical side, professional painters should be protecting your floors and fixtures as a matter of course — canvas drop cloths on hardwood and tile, plastic sheeting over fixtures and cabinetry, painter's tape on hardware and trim. If a painter shows up without drop cloths or skips masking your floors, that's a sign of sloppy work habits that tend to lead to exactly the kind of damage you're worried about.

For the insurance and legal side of any actual dispute or claim, your home insurer and a licensed NB insurance broker are the right people to talk to. We're not able to go further than that.

If you're looking for a painter and want help finding someone local, New Brunswick Painting can match you with painting professionals in your area for free — browse the directory at newbrunswickconstructionnetwork.com/directory?trade=painting.