London's market runs from downtown storefronts and the university area to fast growing suburban neighbourhoods and industrial parks along Highway 401. Every storm puts plow trucks on the road in poor visibility, often before sunrise.
A pickup with a blade, a one ton with a spreader, or a dump truck hauling snow is a working vehicle. We connect London contractors with licensed Ontario brokers who insure plow trucks and fleets every season.
What Plow Truck Insurance Usually Involves
Plow truck insurance is commercial auto coverage written for a vehicle used in snow removal. Brokers typically look at:
- Liability for injuries and damage to other people's vehicles and property while the truck is being driven, including backing and plowing on a client's lot.
- Collision and comprehensive for damage to your own truck.
- The plow blade, spreader and other attachments. Some policies treat mounted equipment as part of the vehicle and others need it listed separately or covered under equipment insurance.
- Drivers. Who drives, their records, and whether employees or subcontractors use your trucks. See hired and non owned auto.
The key point: tell your insurer the truck is used for plowing. A personal policy written for commuting may not contemplate paid snow removal. See personal vs commercial auto for plowing.
Ontario Rules for Plow Trucks
Ontario's Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act requires insurance on every vehicle driven on public roads, with a legal minimum of $200,000 in third party liability. Heavier trucks bring extra rules: a Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR) is generally required for trucks with a registered gross weight over 4,500 kg, and those trucks need annual inspections. The personal use pickup exemption from CVOR only applies when the truck is not used for pay and has a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,500 kg or less, so it does not cover paid plowing. Read Ontario commercial auto requirements for plow trucks.
Local Rules That Affect Plow Trucks in London
Snow on the road. Streets By-law S-1, s. 8.2, states that no person shall deposit snow or ice on a sidewalk or roadway, which applies to contractors clearing driveways and lots; s. 8.3 also restricts moving snow from private land to the boulevard. The City states that moving snow from a driveway to the street or sidewalk is illegal.
City plowing. Salt trucks with plows go out on main roads at 5 cm or less, local streets are plowed after 10 cm and sidewalks after 8 cm.
For contractors. The City asks residents to respect the overnight parking ban and not to park at the end of driveways or on sidewalks during snow clearing.
Municipal rules change. Confirm the current bylaw with the City before relying on it.
Related Coverage for London Plow Operators
- Snow removal liability insurance in London
- Salting and ice management insurance in London
- Commercial auto and fleet insurance
- Snow hauling and dump truck insurance
- Insurance for pickup trucks with plows
General information only, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage depends on your policy wording; a licensed broker can review your operation.
Sources: City of London: Winter maintenance; City of London: Streets By-law S-1
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need commercial insurance to plow snow with my truck in London?
If you plow for pay, tell your insurer. A policy written for personal use may not contemplate business use, and a licensed Ontario broker can confirm how your truck should be insured.
Is my plow blade covered by my auto policy?
It depends on the insurer and policy. Some include mounted equipment and others need it scheduled separately or covered under an equipment floater, so ask your broker to confirm.
What happens if my plow damages a parked car in London?
Damage caused while operating a licensed truck is generally an auto insurance matter. Report it to your insurer or broker promptly. See what happens if your plow damages a car.