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Slip and Fall Liability Coverage for Snow Contractors

For a snow removal contractor, one slip and fall claim can outweigh an entire season of revenue. Injuries on ice can be serious, lawsuits often name both the property owner and the contractor, and claims can surface months after the storm.

That is why the slip and fall portion of your general liability policy deserves more attention than any other part of your insurance.

Why Snow Contractors Get Named in Slip and Fall Claims

When someone falls on a property, their lawyer will usually look at everyone who had responsibility for the condition of the surface. That includes the owner, the property manager, the tenant and the snow removal contractor. Even if the contractor did everything right, it can still be pulled into the claim and need a defence.

Contracts can make this worse. Many commercial snow contracts include hold harmless or indemnity clauses that require the contractor to defend and pay for claims against the owner. See snow removal contracts and insurance.

What to Check in Your Policy

Ask your broker to confirm these points in writing:

  • No snow and ice exclusion. Some general liability policies exclude or limit bodily injury caused by snow or ice. For a snow contractor that would remove the coverage you need most.
  • Completed operations included. Many falls happen after your crew has left and conditions change. Completed operations coverage is what responds.
  • Salting and sanding covered. If you apply de-icer, it should be declared. See salting and sanding insurance.
  • Contractual liability. If your contracts include indemnity clauses, check whether your policy covers the liability you have assumed.
  • Additional insured wording. Clients often need to be added to your policy. See certificates of insurance explained.
  • Limits that match your contracts. Many commercial contracts require $5 million or more, often reached with an umbrella policy.
  • Subcontractor conditions. Some policies require your subcontractors to carry their own insurance and name you. See snow removal subcontractors.

Provincial Differences

  • Ontario: Since January 29, 2021, a person injured by snow or ice on private property generally must serve written notice within 60 days to the occupier or the snow removal contractor. Read our full guide to the Ontario 60 day notice rule.
  • British Columbia: Occupier responsibilities are set out in BC's Occupiers Liability Act. See BC occupiers liability and snow contractors.
  • Alberta: Alberta has its own Occupiers' Liability Act. See Alberta occupiers' liability and snow contractors.
  • Saskatchewan: See Saskatchewan slip and fall liability for snow contractors.

Reduce Your Slip and Fall Risk

Insurers look favourably on contractors who can show strong risk management:

  1. Keep detailed, time stamped snow logs for every site visit.
  2. Photograph conditions before and after service.
  3. Document salt and sand applications, including quantities and times.
  4. Avoid signing zero tolerance contracts without understanding the risk. See zero tolerance snow contracts.
  5. Put clear service triggers and response times in writing.
  6. Report incidents to your broker promptly.

If a claim does arrive, read what to do when a snow removal claim hits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does general liability cover slip and fall claims for snow contractors?

It can, but some policies exclude or limit snow and ice injuries. A specialist broker can confirm your policy responds to these claims.

Can I be sued if someone falls on a property I plowed?

Yes. Snow contractors are commonly named in slip and fall lawsuits alongside property owners and managers.

How long after a fall can a claim be made?

It depends on the province and circumstances. In Ontario, written notice is generally required within 60 days for snow and ice injuries on private property, while the general limitation period for starting a lawsuit is usually two years. Speak with a lawyer for advice on a specific situation.