Sometimes, but it depends on the insurer and the type of coverage. Many business policies are written for a full year, and some insurers offer shorter terms or ways to adjust coverage when trucks are parked. Before choosing a winter only policy, think about claims that arrive after the season ends. A broker can tell you which options are available for your operation.
Why Year Round Coverage Often Comes Up
Snow claims do not always arrive in winter. A person who fell in February may not file a claim until much later. Limitation periods for civil claims are generally two years in Ontario, BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan, with special rules in some situations. If a policy has ended when a claim arrives, how it responds depends on its wording. Ask your broker whether a claim made after a seasonal policy ends would be covered for work done while it was in force.
Completed operations coverage matters here too: it responds to claims arising from work already finished.
Where Seasonal Options Can Help
- Parked trucks. Plow trucks often sit for months. Ask how your auto policy treats vehicles in off season storage.
- Equipment. Blades and spreaders in storage still face theft and fire risk, so coverage may still be worthwhile.
- Landscapers. If you work year round in different trades, one policy covering all your operations may be simpler. See landscapers offering snow removal.
See seasonal snow plow insurance for more.
Questions to Ask Your Broker
- Is a short term liability policy available for my operation?
- How would a claim made after the policy ends be handled?
- Can auto coverage be reduced while trucks are stored?
- Will my clients accept a certificate with a winter only policy period?
Who Asks This Most
Part time plowers, new snow removal businesses and farmers who plow snow often want coverage only when they work. A broker can explain the tradeoffs. See also snow plow insurance.
General information only, not insurance advice.
Further reading: Insurance Bureau of Canada: Types of business insurance coverage; Insurance Bureau of Canada: Types of auto coverage
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are snow removal liability policies usually annual?
Many business policies are written for a year, but terms vary by insurer. A broker can tell you what is available.
Can I cancel my plow truck insurance in summer?
Ask your insurer or broker how off season storage is handled. The vehicle may still need some coverage while registered or stored.
What happens if a claim arrives after my seasonal policy ends?
It depends on the policy wording. Ask your broker before you buy.