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What Happens If Your Plow Damages a Car?

It happens in the dark, in blowing snow, with cars parked where they should not be: a blade clips a bumper, or a windrow buries a car and something cracks. What happens next depends on what you were driving, where the car was, and what your policies say.

This is a general explanation of how these situations are usually handled. Your own policies and your broker have the final word.

First, the Practical Steps

  1. Stop and make sure no one is hurt.
  2. Take photos of the vehicle, the scene, snow conditions, your equipment and any signage or markers.
  3. Record details: time, location, plate number, owner or property manager contact, and any witnesses.
  4. Leave contact information if the owner is not there, and follow any rules that apply in your province for collisions with unattended vehicles.
  5. Note it in your log for that site. See site logs and documentation.
  6. Report it to your insurer or broker promptly, even if you think it is minor.

It is usually wise not to promise to pay or accept responsibility on the spot before you have spoken with your broker. Fault may be shared, and how you handle it can affect your coverage.

Which Policy Responds?

Two different policies can be involved, and the dividing line matters.

Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is mandatory across Canada. The Insurance Bureau of Canada describes the mandatory coverage as protecting against liability for bodily injury or death of a person, or damage to property, arising from use of the vehicle. When a licensed plow truck damages another car while plowing, the claim is generally an auto liability matter.

That is why the way your truck is insured matters. IBC notes that commercial auto coverage is needed for personal vehicles used for business. In BC, ICBC warns that if you are in the wrong rate class, "it could affect your coverage and leave you personally responsible for the cost of any claims." See plow truck insurance and personal vs commercial auto for plowing.

General Liability

IBC lists commercial general liability (CGL) as a separate policy from commercial vehicle insurance. Equipment that is not a licensed vehicle, such as some skid steers, loaders or snow blowers, may fall under the CGL instead of an auto policy. How each unit is classified depends on the equipment, provincial law and the policy, so a broker should confirm it for every machine you run. See general liability, skid steers and wheel loaders.

Your Own Equipment

Damage to your own blade or truck is a separate question, handled by the physical damage coverage on your auto policy or by equipment insurance.

Should You Just Pay for Small Damage Yourself?

Some contractors are tempted to settle a scratched bumper in cash. Before you do, talk to your broker. Policies generally require you to report incidents, and a claim that seems small can grow once repair estimates come in or an injury is reported later. Your broker can explain how your deductible and reporting obligations work.

Preventing the Next One

  • Walk sites before the season and mark hazards.
  • Put vehicle rules in your contracts, such as when lots must be empty.
  • Take before and after photos on high risk sites.
  • Train drivers on low visibility plowing and backing.

Read more in does snow removal insurance cover property damage and our snow removal claims guide.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is plow damage to a car covered by my auto or my liability policy?

Damage caused while operating a licensed plow truck is generally an auto liability matter. Equipment that is not a licensed vehicle may fall under your general liability policy. A broker should confirm how each unit is classified.

Do I have to report a small scrape to my insurer?

Policies generally require incidents to be reported promptly. Talk to your broker before deciding to handle damage yourself.

Will my personal auto policy cover damage while plowing for pay?

Personal policies are priced on declared use. Plowing for pay is something to disclose to your insurer or broker, and the wrong rating can put a claim at risk.