Prince George has a long winter season, with industrial yards, commercial lots and residential routes spread across the city. Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991 to 2020 climate normals for the Prince George station record an average of about 204 cm of snowfall a year, with about 14 days a year bringing 5 cm or more of new snow. Every storm puts plow trucks on the road in poor visibility, often before sunrise.
A pickup with a blade, a one ton with a spreader, or a dump truck hauling snow is a working vehicle. We connect Prince George contractors with licensed BC brokers who insure plow trucks and fleets every season.
What Plow Truck Insurance Usually Involves
Plow truck insurance is commercial auto coverage written for a vehicle used in snow removal. Brokers typically look at:
- Liability for injuries and damage to other people's vehicles and property while the truck is being driven, including backing and plowing on a client's lot.
- Collision and comprehensive for damage to your own truck.
- The plow blade, spreader and other attachments. Some policies treat mounted equipment as part of the vehicle and others need it listed separately or covered under equipment insurance.
- Drivers. Who drives, their records, and whether employees or subcontractors use your trucks. See hired and non owned auto.
The key point: tell your insurer the truck is used for plowing. A personal policy written for commuting may not contemplate paid snow removal. See personal vs commercial auto for plowing.
British Columbia Rules for Plow Trucks
In BC, Basic auto insurance comes from ICBC and includes $200,000 in third party liability, and ICBC offers extended third party liability up to $5 million. ICBC warns that using the wrong rate class can affect your coverage, so tell ICBC and your broker that the truck is used for plowing. Commercial vehicles over 5,000 kg fall under the National Safety Code, and commercial vehicle inspections apply over 8,200 kg. Read ICBC and plow trucks.
Local Rules That Affect Plow Trucks in Prince George
Snow on the road. Highways Bylaw No. 8065, s. 3.01(d) makes it an offence to place, or permit to be placed, any ice or snow upon a highway.
City plowing. Priority 1 covers arterial roads, curb-adjacent sidewalks, the downtown Central Business District and the Hospital District. Priority 2 covers collectors, priority hills and commercial and industrial roads, and Priority 3 covers residential roads, laneways and designated sidewalks.
For contractors. Winter parking restrictions apply from October 15 to April 15, with prohibited hours that vary by area (priority roads, downtown and residential).
Municipal rules change. Confirm the current bylaw with the City before relying on it.
Related Coverage for Prince George Plow Operators
- Snow removal liability insurance in Prince George
- Salting and ice management insurance in Prince George
- Commercial auto and fleet insurance
- Snow hauling and dump truck insurance
- Insurance for pickup trucks with plows
General information only, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage depends on your policy wording; a licensed broker can review your operation.
Sources: City of Prince George: Snow clearing; City of Prince George: Highways Bylaw No. 8065; City of Prince George: Good neighbour guide; Environment and Climate Change Canada: Canadian Climate Normals
SnowPlowInsurance.ca is an independent referral service, not an insurance company or broker. We connect you with licensed brokers who provide quotes and advice. How this site works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need commercial insurance to plow snow with my truck in Prince George?
If you plow for pay, tell your insurer. A policy written for personal use may not contemplate business use, and a licensed BC broker can confirm how your truck should be insured.
Is my plow blade covered by my auto policy?
It depends on the insurer and policy. Some include mounted equipment and others need it scheduled separately or covered under an equipment floater, so ask your broker to confirm.
What happens if my plow damages a parked car in Prince George?
Damage caused while operating a licensed truck is generally an auto insurance matter. Report it to your insurer or broker promptly. See what happens if your plow damages a car.