Toronto's density means tight driveways, laneways, condo entrances and busy commercial sidewalks, often on the same route. Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991 to 2020 climate normals for the nearby Toronto Pearson Airport station record an average of about 114 cm of snowfall a year, with about 7 days a year bringing 5 cm or more of new snow. On every one of those properties, the biggest risk is usually not the truck. It is the person who slips on the lot or walkway you were hired to maintain.
We connect Toronto snow removal contractors with licensed Ontario brokers who write liability coverage for snow and ice work.
What Snow Removal Liability Insurance Covers
Snow removal liability insurance usually means a commercial general liability policy written for snow and ice work. Brokers look closely at:
- Slip and fall wording. Some general liability policies exclude or limit snow and ice operations. A policy for a snow contractor needs to fit the work. See slip and fall liability.
- Completed operations. Many claims arise after your crew has left the site. See completed operations coverage.
- Property damage to curbs, lawns, fences, garage doors and landscaping. See does snow removal insurance cover damaged lawns and curbs.
- Contract requirements such as specific limits, additional insured status and notice of cancellation. See insurance requirements for commercial snow contracts.
Ontario Law and Snow and Ice Claims
Two Ontario notice rules shape snow and ice claims. Under section 6.1 of the Occupiers' Liability Act, added by Bill 118 and in force since January 29, 2021, a person injured by snow or ice on private property generally must give written notice within 60 days, and that notice can be served on the occupier or the occupier's snow contractor. Claims involving municipal sidewalks and roads fall under the Municipal Act instead, with a 10 day notice to the municipal clerk. Read the Ontario 60 day notice guide.
Sidewalk and Snow Rules in Toronto
Municipal sidewalk rules decide who is expected to clear public walks next to your clients' properties, which can shape both your contracts and your exposure.
Sidewalks. Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 719 (s. 719-2) requires every owner or occupant of a building to clear snow and ice from the adjacent sidewalk within 12 hours after snowfall ends. In practice the City clears public sidewalks once snow is 2 cm deep and has stopped falling, so residents and businesses clear adjacent sidewalks when snowfall is under 2 cm. Private walks, steps, driveways, ramps and parking spaces must be cleared within 24 hours (s. 719-4.1).
Snow on the road. Section 719-5 bars any owner, occupant or other person from moving snow or ice from private property onto a highway, sidewalk or laneway, which applies to contractors clearing driveways and lots. The City cites a $500 fine plus a $110 victim surcharge.
Municipal rules change. Confirm the current bylaw with the City before relying on it.
Protect Yourself With Records
Time stamped logs, photos, weather notes and service records are often the difference between a claim that is defended and one that is paid. Read snow logs and site documentation and use our snow removal log template.
Related Coverage in Toronto
- Plow truck insurance in Toronto
- Salting and ice management insurance in Toronto
- Umbrella liability
- WSIB for snow removal
General information only, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage depends on your policy wording; a licensed broker can review your operation.
Sources: City of Toronto: Clearing snow and ice from your property; Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 719; City of Toronto: Salting and plowing roads; Environment and Climate Change Canada: Canadian Climate Normals
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
How much liability insurance do snow contractors in Toronto carry?
It varies by contract and property type. Commercial clients and municipalities often set minimum limits in their contracts, so check your contracts and review them with a licensed Ontario broker. See how much liability do snow contractors need.
Does general liability cover slip and fall claims for snow removal?
Not always. Some policies exclude or limit snow and ice work, so the wording matters. A broker who works with snow contractors can check it.
Can I get snow removal liability insurance with a past claim?
Often yes, though it can affect price and options. See insurance with past slip and fall claims.