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Is Snow Plow Insurance Required in BC?

No British Columbia law requires a specific product called "snow plow insurance." What is required: every vehicle must carry ICBC Basic insurance, which includes $200,000 in third party liability; most employers must have WorkSafeBC coverage; and in practice, most commercial and strata clients will not hire a snow contractor without proof of liability insurance.

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.

ICBC Basic Insurance Is Compulsory

ICBC says "your Basic insurance includes $200,000 in Third Party Liability (TPL) coverage." Optional Extended Third Party Liability can raise that "up to $5 million."

Rate class matters for plow trucks. ICBC's classes include pleasure, commuting and business, and pleasure use allows up to six days a month of commuting, business or delivery use. ICBC warns: "If you're in the wrong rate class, it could affect your coverage and leave you personally responsible for the cost of any claims." Tell your Autoplan broker that the truck is used for plowing. See ICBC plow truck insurance.

WorkSafeBC Coverage for Employers

WorkSafeBC says "all employers are legally required to have WorkSafeBC coverage unless the employer is exempt," and an employer includes someone who hires workers or unregistered subcontractors. Coverage is optional for self-employed people. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for Personal Coverage, but owners working for their own incorporated company are not eligible. Not registering when required "is against the law." See WorkSafeBC for snow removal.

Clients Expect Liability Coverage

Property managers, businesses and strata corporations commonly ask snow contractors for a certificate of insurance, often naming the strata or property manager as additional insured, plus a WorkSafeBC clearance letter. These are common practice, not law, and requirements vary by contract. See strata snow contracts and condo and strata snow contractors.

Strata corporations must themselves carry at least $2 million in liability insurance, according to the BC government. That is the strata's own policy, not a requirement placed on contractors, but it helps explain why stratas pay attention to their contractors' coverage.

Time Limits on Claims

BC's Limitation Act sets a basic two year limitation period for civil claims, with a 15 year ultimate limit. A slip and fall claim can arrive long after the snow is gone. See occupiers liability in BC.

Getting Covered

A broker can review how your trucks are rated with ICBC, arrange general liability and look at your contracts. See snow plow insurance in British Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is liability insurance legally required for snow removal in BC?

We are not aware of a provincial law requiring general liability for every snow contractor, but most commercial and strata clients require it in their contracts.

How much auto liability does ICBC Basic include?

ICBC Basic includes $200,000 in third party liability, and Extended Third Party Liability can raise coverage up to $5 million.

Do I need WorkSafeBC if I work alone?

WorkSafeBC coverage is optional for self-employed people. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for Personal Coverage. If you hire workers, coverage is generally required unless you are exempt.