Mounting a blade on your truck and plowing for money changes how that truck needs to be insured. Insurers generally treat it as commercial use, and a personal auto policy may not respond to a claim that happens while you are working.
Why Your Personal Policy May Not Be Enough
Personal auto policies are built for commuting and personal driving. Plowing for payment is a business activity, and it involves hazards insurers rate differently: working in low visibility, operating in parking lots full of vehicles and pedestrians, and the added weight and width of the blade. If you have not told your insurer your truck is used for commercial plowing, you may be at risk of a denied claim. Read does personal auto insurance cover plowing.
What Plow Truck Insurance Typically Covers
- Third party liability for injury and property damage caused by the truck
- Collision and comprehensive for damage to your truck
- The plow and attachments, such as the blade, mounts and spreader, when properly declared
- Accident benefits as required in your province
Your broker should confirm how the blade is covered when it is mounted, when it is detached, and whether it needs to be scheduled on a separate equipment policy.
Plow Truck Insurance by Province
Auto insurance works very differently across the provinces we serve, which is one reason to use a broker licensed where you operate.
- Ontario: Auto insurance is sold by private insurers. See Ontario commercial auto requirements for plow trucks.
- British Columbia: Basic vehicle insurance is provided by ICBC. Optional coverage may be available from ICBC or private insurers. See ICBC and plow trucks.
- Alberta: Auto insurance is sold by private insurers. See Alberta commercial auto requirements for plow trucks.
- Saskatchewan: Basic plate insurance is provided through SGI, with additional coverage available separately. See SGI and plow trucks.
Single Truck or Fleet?
Owner operators with one truck can often insure it on an individual commercial policy. Once you are running several trucks, a commercial fleet policy can simplify renewals and adding vehicles. If employees drive their own trucks for your business, ask about hired and non owned auto coverage.
Other Vehicles and Machines
- Pickup trucks with plows
- One ton and heavy duty plow trucks
- Dump trucks
- Skid steers and wheel loaders
- ATV and UTV plows
Truck Insurance Is Only Part of the Picture
Auto insurance covers the truck. It usually does not cover a slip and fall on a lot you plowed hours earlier. For that you need general liability with slip and fall coverage. See the full snow plow insurance guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need commercial insurance to put a plow on my truck?
If you plow for payment, insurers generally consider it commercial use and you should tell your insurer. A broker can confirm the right coverage.
Is the snow plow blade covered by my auto insurance?
Sometimes, when mounted and declared. Coverage when detached or stored varies, and some contractors schedule blades on an equipment policy.
Can I insure my plow truck only for the winter?
Options vary by province and insurer. Ask your broker about seasonal arrangements and payment plans.