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. On every one of those properties, the biggest risk is usually not the truck. It is the person who slips on the lot or walkway you were hired to maintain.
We connect Vancouver snow removal contractors with licensed BC brokers who write liability coverage for snow and ice work.
What Snow Removal Liability Insurance Covers
Snow removal liability insurance usually means a commercial general liability policy written for snow and ice work. Brokers look closely at:
- Slip and fall wording. Some general liability policies exclude or limit snow and ice operations. A policy for a snow contractor needs to fit the work. See slip and fall liability.
- Completed operations. Many claims arise after your crew has left the site. See completed operations coverage.
- Property damage to curbs, lawns, fences, garage doors and landscaping. See does snow removal insurance cover damaged lawns and curbs.
- Contract requirements such as specific limits, additional insured status and notice of cancellation. See insurance requirements for commercial snow contracts.
British Columbia Law and Snow and Ice Claims
In BC, property owners and occupiers owe visitors a duty of care under the Occupiers Liability Act, and contractors can face claims too. The Limitation Act sets a basic two year period to start most claims, which is one reason good records matter long after the snow melts. Read BC occupiers liability and snow contractors.
Sidewalk and Snow Rules in Vancouver
Municipal sidewalk rules decide who is expected to clear public walks next to your clients' properties, which can shape both your contracts and your exposure.
Sidewalks. The City of Vancouver requires residential and commercial property owners and occupants to remove all snow and ice from the full width of the sidewalk in front of their property, and alongside it on corner lots, by 10 a.m. each day when there is snow on sidewalks or freezing temperatures (Street and Traffic By-law 2849, s. 76). The City states a $250 fine for not clearing by 10 a.m., rising to $750 if snow remains more than 24 hours.
Snow on the road. The City directs residents to shovel snow onto their own property, away from the road and sidewalk.
Municipal rules change. Confirm the current bylaw with the City before relying on it.
Protect Yourself With Records
Time stamped logs, photos, weather notes and service records are often the difference between a claim that is defended and one that is paid. Read snow logs and site documentation and use our snow removal log template.
Related Coverage in Vancouver
- Plow truck insurance in Vancouver
- Salting and ice management insurance in Vancouver
- Umbrella liability
- WorkSafeBC for snow removal
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
How much liability insurance do snow contractors in Vancouver carry?
It varies by contract and property type. Commercial clients and municipalities often set minimum limits in their contracts, so check your contracts and review them with a licensed BC broker. See how much liability do snow contractors need.
Does general liability cover slip and fall claims for snow removal?
Not always. Some policies exclude or limit snow and ice work, so the wording matters. A broker who works with snow contractors can check it.
Can I get snow removal liability insurance with a past claim?
Often yes, though it can affect price and options. See insurance with past slip and fall claims.