No Alberta law requires a specific product called "snow plow insurance." But basic auto insurance is required by law on every vehicle, with a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability; most employers must have WCB-Alberta coverage, and clearing sidewalks and parking lots is classed in a compulsory industry; and most commercial and municipal contracts require liability coverage.
General information only, not legal or insurance advice. Rules change; confirm with the regulator or agency named on this page, a lawyer for your specific situation, and your broker.
Auto Insurance Is Required by Law
The Government of Alberta says: "In Alberta, basic automobile insurance (accident benefits and third party liability) is required by law." The Insurance Bureau of Canada lists the minimum third party liability as $200,000. The Medicine Hat Legal Help Centre reports a fine of no less than $2,500 for a first offence of driving uninsured.
Tell your insurer or broker the truck is used for plowing. See Alberta commercial auto requirements and plow truck insurance.
WCB-Alberta Coverage for Employers
WCB-Alberta says "most employers in Alberta are required by law to have workers' compensation insurance for their paid and unpaid workers." In a compulsory industry, you must open an account within 15 days of hiring your first worker.
WCB has no industry code only for snow removal. Its Landscaping industry (02100), which is compulsory, says "clearing sidewalks and parking lots of snow in winter months is part of this industry." Clearing streets and highways with heavy equipment falls under Mobile Equipment Operation (40604), also compulsory. WCB makes the final classification.
Personal coverage for owners is optional, but WCB notes it "is a requirement of some contracts." See WCB Alberta for snow removal.
Contracts Require Liability Coverage
Commercial clients and municipalities usually ask for proof of general liability. For example, the Town of Slave Lake's 2020 to 2023 Government Centre snow tender required bidders to name the Town as additional insured and show $5,000,000 in general liability plus $2,000,000 in auto liability. Requirements vary by tender. See Alberta municipal snow contracts.
Business Licences
Licensing is municipal. The City of Calgary's contractor licence page lists snow removal among businesses that do not need a contractor licence. Other municipalities set their own rules, so check before you start. See starting a snow removal business in Alberta.
Getting Covered
A broker can review your auto rating, liability limits and contract requirements. See snow plow insurance in Alberta and occupiers liability in Alberta.
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.
Sources
- Alberta: Automobile insurance
- IBC: Mandatory auto insurance requirements
- Medicine Hat Legal Help Centre: Required motor vehicle insurance
- WCB-Alberta: Worker coverage
- WCB-Alberta: Landscaping industry 02100
- Town of Slave Lake snow removal bid package (2020)
- City of Calgary: Builders and contractors licences
Frequently Asked Questions
Is liability insurance legally required for snow removal in Alberta?
We are not aware of a provincial law requiring general liability for every snow contractor, but most commercial and municipal contracts require it.
What is the minimum auto insurance in Alberta?
Basic auto insurance is required by law, and the minimum third party liability is $200,000.
Is snow removal a compulsory industry for WCB-Alberta?
WCB's Landscaping industry, which includes clearing sidewalks and parking lots of snow, is listed as compulsory. Confirm your classification with WCB.