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When it comes to clearing driveways, sidewalks and other areas during the winter, snow removers are ready to help. Snow remover insurance is an umbrella term for a range of policies designed to protect snow removal contractors from specific risks while on the job. For instance, if an accident occurs, such as damaging a client's driveway, snow removal insurance will help cover the costs.
Snow removal insurance typically includes general liability for accidents and coverage for tools and equipment. Many in the industry also choose to get additional protection for assets like their business vehicles.
Those in need of snow removal insurance include:
Snow removal insurance typically covers these three main areas:
Commercial general liability insurance: Commonly referred to as CGL, this coverage is mandatory in some provinces, such as Ontario. It provides businesses with financial protection when it comes to lawsuits arising from property damage or bodily injury. For example, if you are removing snow for a client and damage their house with your snowplow, this could lead to a lawsuit. CGL insurance would then help cover your legal fees and repair costs. When selecting your coverage limit, you can opt to apply the coverage to all employees collectively or per individual. The latter option will result in higher premiums.
*Do note that CGL does not cover employees who are injured on the job, only third parties who are not part of your company. Employees will be covered by the workers’ compensation board, which provides insurance and is mandatory in every province. *
Professional liability insurance: Also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, this covers claims related to professional errors or negligence. For instance, if while shoveling a sidewalk you forget to lay down salt on the cleared area and someone slips, professional liability protection will help cover costs resulting from a lawsuit.
Tools and equipment insurance: This is also called floater insurance and typically comes with a standard snow removal insurance package. It protects your tools, equipment and machinery from theft, loss or breakage.
*This does not cover your tools and equipment from natural wear and tear such as natural deterioration, corrosion, rust, and mechanical breakdown over time. *
Commercial auto insurance: This insurance will cover the vehicles you and your employees use for snow removal in case of accidents, theft or damage. For instance, if one of your plow trucks is involved in an accident while on a job, commercial auto insurance can help cover repair costs and liability claims.
Though these add-ons are not mandatory, they are popular inclusions for snow removal contractors and businesses in Canada:
Commercial property insurance: This will protect your business in the event your physical assets are damaged. For a snow removal business, this could be your office or storage facility where you store your equipment, machinery and supplies. It can also include vehicles that are not on the road.
Business interruption insurance: This insurance protects your snow removal business from lost income due to unexpected disruptions, such as natural disasters, equipment breakdowns or other incidents that can halt operations. It can also help cover fixed expenses, like employee salaries and rent, ensuring your business can recover and continue running after the disruption.
*Important note: business interruption insurance typically does not cover losses due to a lack of snow during the winter. This type of insurance only covers loss from specific, covered events that either cause direct physical damage to the business that force the business to close, like fires, storms or other natural disasters. A lack of snow during the winter is considered a business risk as part of the snow removal industry, which is why it is not covered. *
The cost of snow removal insurance in Canada can vary based on several factors, including the size of your business, the scope of services, your claims history and the type of coverage you choose. Here are some general guidelines:
Please note that the cost for snow removal insurance varies from business to business. To see how much it costs to address your specific needs, get an online quote.
The price of snow removal insurance in Canada depends on several different factors:
Business equipment and property: The value and type of equipment you use can affect your insurance costs. More expensive or specialized equipment, like snow blowers, snowplows, snow pushers and tractors with snow attachments, will increase your insurance premiums.
Deductible: This is the amount you choose to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance covers the rest, and it influences your premium. For example, if your snowplow needs repairs that cost $3,000, and your deductible is $1,000, you will provide the first $1,000 and your insurance will cover the remaining $2,000.
Years in Operation: If you are running an established business with a solid track record and minimal insurance claims, you will often qualify for lower premiums compared to someone who is just starting out.
Type of services offered: A snow removal professional who exclusively works on driveways and sidewalks - and who doesn't require a vehicle - will pay far less than someone who clears roads with a plow, and therefore needs commercial auto insurance for their vehicle(s).
Snow removal insurance offers financial protection against unforeseen incidents. When you submit a claim, your insurer evaluates the situation and, if it’s covered, compensates you for the related expenses up to your policy’s limits. This helps you manage losses and keep your business running smoothly.
To get the cheapest snow removal insurance quote in Canada, consider these steps:
Compare online quotes: Submitting information and receiving quotes from multiple insurance providers lets you compare the market and ensure you're getting the coverage you need for the lowest available price.
Increase your deductible: Choosing a higher deductible will lower your premium. Just make sure you can afford the deductible in case of a claim.
Maintain a good claims history: Insurers offer lower rates to businesses with fewer historical claims. You can implement different safety measures to reduce the likelihood of accidents that will result in claims that drive up premiums when it's time to renew your policy.
Ask about discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for things like paying annually instead of monthly, or for having a good safety record.
Not every peril a snow removal professional might encounter will be protected by a standard insurance policy. Common exclusions for snow removal insurance include:
Yes, snow removal insurance is still recommended even if you work exclusively on foot. Snow removal professionals who clear sidewalks and commercial and residential properties without the use of a vehicle are still advised to get snow removal insurance. That said, your policy will be considerably cheaper without the inclusion of commercial auto protection.
Common claims include:
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