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Why do I need a clearance letter?

When it comes to protecting yourself from liability, it is critical to know if a business or contractor you plan to hire is registered with us and in good standing.

If you hire a registered subcontractor who is not making required payments to WorkSafeBC, you could be liable for insurance premiums relating to the work or service they provided to you.

To protect your business from additional insurance premiums, always get a clearance letter before and after you receive services from a subcontractor. A clearance letter confirms a business is registered with us and paying its premiums. In order to be absolved of any potential liability related to your subcontractor’s unpaid premiums, you must have a clearance letter from WorkSafeBC, addressed to you, confirming that your subcontractor was "active and in good standing" for the entire period of your contract.

Learn more about coverage needs for contractors and subcontractors here, or browse the other pages in this section to learn more about clearance letters.