Snow plow insurance is a package, not a single policy. Here is what each part usually covers, what it usually does not, and the gaps that catch contractors most often.
Typically Covered
Injuries to Other People
Through general liability. The most common example is a pedestrian who slips on a walkway you service and sues. Coverage for slip and fall claims depends on your policy having no snow and ice exclusion.
Damage to Other People's Property
Also through general liability. A blade that hits a garage door, fence, curb, light pole or landscaping, or snow piled against a building that causes damage.
Claims After You Leave
Through completed operations. Refreeze and meltwater claims often arise hours after service.
Accidents Involving Your Plow Truck
Through plow truck insurance. Liability if your truck hits a car or person, plus collision and comprehensive for your own truck if purchased.
Your Equipment
Through equipment insurance. Theft or damage to blades, spreaders, skid steers and loaders.
Higher Limits
Through an umbrella policy that sits above your liability and auto policies.
Typically Not Covered, or Only If Added
- Employee injuries: handled through workers compensation under provincial rules.
- Your own building and salt inventory: needs business property coverage.
- Lost income when equipment is down: may need business interruption coverage.
- Failing to perform a contract: a lost client or a contract dispute is generally not an insurance matter. Municipal tenders may require performance bonds.
- Mechanical breakdown: usually excluded from standard equipment coverage.
- Intentional acts and wear and tear: generally excluded.
The Gaps Contractors Miss Most Often
- Snow and ice exclusions buried in a general liability policy.
- Undeclared salting, which can lead to disputes. See salting and sanding insurance.
- Using a personal auto policy on a plow truck. See does personal auto insurance cover plowing.
- Uninsured subcontractors whose claims land on you. See hiring subcontractors safely.
- Contract requirements your policy does not meet, such as additional insured or waiver of subrogation wording. See snow removal contracts and insurance.
- Landscaping policies that do not extend to winter work. See landscapers adding snow removal.
- Roof work not contemplated by the policy. See roof snow removal insurance.
Get Your Coverage Reviewed
A specialist broker can review your current policy, your contracts and your services to find gaps before a claim does. Use our coverage checklist to prepare.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does snow plow insurance cover damage to lawns and curbs?
Property damage to a client's lawn, curb or interlock may be covered under general liability, depending on your policy. See does snow removal insurance cover damaged lawns and curbs.
Does snow plow insurance cover my employees if they get hurt?
Employee injuries are usually handled through provincial workers compensation, not general liability.
Does snow plow insurance cover subcontractors?
Not automatically. Many policies expect subcontractors to carry their own insurance. See does my policy cover subcontractors.