How to Verify a Moving Company Is Licensed and Legit in Ontario

Every year, hundreds of Canadians fall victim to rogue movers — unlicensed operators who hold belongings hostage, inflate prices mid-move, or simply vanish with your furniture. In Ontario, the moving industry has minimal regulation compared to other provinces, which makes your own due diligence the

This guide gives you a concrete, step-by-step verification process that takes about 30 minutes and can save you thousands of dollars and months of frustration.

Want a mover you can verify right now? Get a free quote from UpMove — fully licensed, WSIB-covered, and insured. Ontario Business #1001225179.

The Problem: Ontario Doesn't License Movers

Unlike British Columbia (which requires movers to be licensed through Consumer Protection BC) or Quebec (which has CNESST and OPC requirements), Ontario has no mandatory licensing framework for moving companies. Anyone with a truck can advertise as a mover.

This means:
- There's no provincial registry of "approved" movers
- No government body audits moving companies
- Police involvement is rare unless theft occurs
- You must protect yourself through verification

The good news: legitimate movers want to be verified. They have nothing to hide and will provide documentation readily.

The 7-Point Verification Checklist

1. Check for a Valid Business Registration

Every legitimate Ontario business must be registered. Here's how to verify:

Ontario Business Registry — search at ontario.ca/page/ontario-business-registry
Corporation Canada — for federally incorporated companies at ised-isde.canada.ca
Ask directly — request their Ontario Business Number or Corporation Number

If a company can't provide a business registration number, walk away.

2. Verify WSIB Coverage

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) provides coverage for workplace injuries. If movers are injured in your home and don't have WSIB coverage, you could be held liable.

To verify:
1. Ask the moving company for their WSIB account number
2. Call WSIB at 1-800-387-0750 or check online at wsib.ca
3. Request a Clearance Certificate — this confirms the company is in good standing

For detailed information on WSIB and your liability, see our WSIB and liability guide.

3. Confirm Insurance Coverage

A legitimate mover carries three types of insurance:

Insurance TypeWhat It CoversHow to VerifyGeneral LiabilityDamage to your property (walls, floors, doors)Request Certificate of InsuranceCargo/Transit InsuranceDamage to your belongings during the moveAsk for policy details and coverage limitsAuto/Vehicle InsuranceAccidents involving the moving truckRequest proof of commercial vehicle insurance

Ask for the Certificate of Insurance by name. A professional company will email it to you within 24 hours. If they hesitate or say "we're covered, don't worry," that's a red flag.

For more on moving insurance, see why insurance matters when hiring movers.

4. Search Online Reviews — Properly

Don't just check one platform. Scammers can manipulate a single review site. Cross-reference:

Google Business Profile — check total review count and read recent 1–2-star reviews
Yelp — look for detailed reviews, not just star ratings
Better Business Bureau (BBB) — check complaint history and resolution patterns
HomeStars — popular in Ontario for home service reviews
Reddit — search r/ottawa for moving company recommendations

Warning signs in reviews:
- Multiple complaints about price increases on moving day
- Reports of held hostage belongings
- All reviews posted within a short time period (fake reviews)
- No response from the company to negative reviews

Our full guide on reading and comparing moving reviews covers advanced techniques.

5. Verify Physical Address

Legitimate movers have a physical location — even if it's a warehouse, not a storefront.

Google Maps — search the company address. Does it show a real location or a virtual office?
Drive by — if possible, verify the location exists and has trucks with the company name
Ask about their depot — where do they store trucks and equipment overnight?

Companies operating only from a cell phone number and a PO Box are high-risk.

6. Request a Written, Binding Estimate

Estimate TypeWhat It MeansRisk LevelBinding estimateThe price won't change (unless you add items)Low risk — you know the final costNon-binding estimatePrice can change after weighing/measuringMedium risk — could go upVerbal-only quote"It'll be about $X" with no paperworkHigh risk — no legal protection

Always demand a written estimate — ideally binding. If a company only gives verbal quotes, don't hire them. For tips on getting the best quote, see how to get an accurate moving quote.

Need a mover that passes every check? Request a free written estimate from UpMove — we provide our WSIB number, Certificate of Insurance, and binding quotes upfront.

7. Check for Red Flags on Moving Day

Even after verification, stay alert on the day itself:

Movers arrive in an unmarked truck — legitimate companies have branded vehicles
No uniforms or identification — professional crews wear company gear
They demand cash payment before unloading — this is a hostage tactic
The crew is different from who was described — subcontracting without disclosure is a red flag
No Bill of Lading — this is your legal inventory document; it's required

For a comprehensive list of warning signs, read our red flags when hiring movers guide.

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

If it's already happened:

Document everything — photos, texts, emails, the moving contract, any receipts
File a police report — especially if belongings are being held hostage
Contact the Ontario Consumer Protection Act office — file a complaint at ontario.ca/page/filing-consumer-complaint
Report to the BBB — even if they're not BBB-accredited, it creates a public record
Leave honest reviews — warn others on Google, Yelp, and Reddit
Contact your home insurance — some policies cover moving-related losses

For help with insurance claims, see our moving insurance claims guide.

Quick Verification Checklist

Use this before signing anything:

[ ] Business registration confirmed (Ontario Business Registry or Corporation Canada)
[ ] WSIB account number provided and verified
[ ] Certificate of Insurance received (general liability + cargo)
[ ] Reviews checked on 3+ platforms (Google, Yelp, BBB, Reddit)
[ ] Physical address verified (not just a PO Box)
[ ] Written binding estimate received
[ ] Contract includes company name, address, WSIB number, and cancellation terms
[ ] No red flags in communication (pressure tactics, cash-only demands, vague answers)

Gatineau / Quebec: Different Rules Apply

If you're hiring movers in Gatineau, Quebec has a separate regulatory framework:

CNESST replaces WSIB — verify the mover has CNESST coverage
Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) handles consumer complaints
Quebec Consumer Protection Act provides additional rights for consumers

If you're moving across the river, see our Ottawa–Gatineau cross-border moving guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a government list of approved movers in Ontario?

No. Ontario does not license or register moving companies as a specific category. You must verify business registration, WSIB coverage, and insurance independently.

What does WSIB coverage mean for me as a customer?

If a mover's employee is injured in your home and the company lacks WSIB coverage, you could face a liability claim. WSIB coverage protects both the workers and you.

How can I check if a moving company's reviews are fake?

Look for patterns: reviews posted on the same day, generic language ("great service, very professional"), and reviewers with only one review on their profile. Cross-reference multiple platforms.

Should I pay a deposit to a moving company?

Small deposits (10–20%) are common for booking confirmation. Be cautious of companies demanding more than 30% upfront, or those requiring full payment before the move begins.

What's the difference between WSIB and general liability insurance?

WSIB covers worker injuries — protecting you from liability if a mover gets hurt. General liability covers damage to your property (walls, floors, railings). You need your mover to carry both.

Can I verify a moving company's insurance myself?

Yes. Ask for the name of their insurance provider and policy number. You can call the insurance company directly to confirm the policy is active and covers moving operations.

Choose a mover you can trust. Get a free, transparent quote from UpMove — WSIB-covered, fully insured, and verified. Ontario Business #1001225179.