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Plow Truck Insurance in Vancouver

Vancouver gets less snow than most Canadian cities, which means many properties are not set up for it and a single storm can create a surge of calls. Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991 to 2020 climate normals for the nearby Vancouver International Airport station record an average of about 37 cm of snowfall a year, with about 3 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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver

Snow on the road. The City directs residents to shovel snow onto their own property, away from the road and sidewalk.

City plowing. The City prioritizes major roads and bus routes, emergency access routes to hospitals, bridges, viaducts and staircases, school routes, key seawall and greenway paths, the most used bike routes, and arterial bus stops and corner ramps. Residential side streets and laneways are not included.

Municipal rules change. Confirm the current bylaw with the City before relying on it.

General information only, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage depends on your policy wording; a licensed broker can review your operation.

Sources: City of Vancouver: Snow removal from city streets; 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 Vancouver?

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 Vancouver?

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.