No Ontario law requires a specific product called "snow plow insurance." But several pieces are required or close to it: auto insurance on every vehicle is compulsory, with a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability; WSIB registration is mandatory for most businesses with employees; some municipalities require insurance to get a snow plow contractor licence; and most commercial clients will not hire you without proof of 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 Compulsory
Every vehicle on Ontario roads must be insured. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) says the minimum third party liability is $200,000.
The question for a plow truck is whether the policy fits the use. Plowing for pay is a use to disclose to your insurer or broker. Heavier trucks may also need a CVOR. See Ontario commercial auto requirements and plow truck insurance.
WSIB Is Mandatory for Most Employers
WSIB says "most Ontario businesses that have employees (including family members and sub-contractors) must register." Snow removal and landscaping are not on WSIB's list of industries where registration is optional. You have 10 calendar days to register after hiring your first employee. Independent operators outside construction can apply for optional coverage for themselves. See WSIB for snow removal.
Some Municipalities Require Insurance for a Licence
Licensing is set city by city. Ottawa requires snow plow contractors clearing private property with mechanical equipment to hold an annual licence, and in 2024 raised the minimum insurance for that licence from $1 million to $2 million. Vaughan also requires snow plow contractors to be licensed. Check your own municipality. See starting a snow removal business in Ontario.
Clients Require Liability Coverage
Most property managers, condo corporations, businesses and public bodies ask for a certificate showing general liability, and many set minimum limits. Published examples we reviewed include $2,000,000 per occurrence in a Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board template and $5,000,000 per occurrence for the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan. See $2M vs $5M liability.
Why Liability Coverage Matters in Ontario
Ontario's Occupiers' Liability Act includes a 60 day written notice rule for snow and ice injury claims on private property, and snow contractors hired by the occupier are among those who can receive the notice. Contractors can be named in claims. See the 60 day notice rule and snow plow insurance in Ontario.
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
- FSRA: The standard auto insurance policy
- WSIB: How to register
- City of Ottawa: Snow plow contractor licensing review
- Vaughan: Snowplow contractors must have a licence
- Ontario: CVOR
Frequently Asked Questions
Is liability insurance legally required to plow snow in Ontario?
We are not aware of a provincial law requiring general liability for every snow contractor, but some municipal licences do, such as Ottawa's, and most commercial contracts require it.
What is the minimum auto insurance for a plow truck in Ontario?
FSRA says the legal minimum third party liability is $200,000. Contracts often require higher limits.
Do I need WSIB for my snow removal crew?
Most Ontario businesses with employees must register with WSIB, and snow removal is not on the optional list. Confirm your situation with WSIB.