Ontario has the largest snow removal market in the country, from condo corridors in Toronto to rural routes in Northern Ontario. It also has some of the most specific rules affecting snow contractors, including a 60 day notice requirement for snow and ice injury claims.
We connect Ontario snow plow operators and snow removal companies with licensed Ontario brokers who write this business regularly.
What Makes Ontario Different for Snow Contractors
The 60 Day Notice Rule
Since January 29, 2021, Ontario's Occupiers' Liability Act generally requires a person injured by snow or ice on private property to serve written notice of their claim within 60 days. Notice can be served on an occupier or on the independent contractor hired to remove snow or ice. This change directly affects contractors, including what you do when a notice arrives. Read our full guide: Ontario's Occupiers' Liability Act and the 60 day notice rule.
Private Auto Insurance
Plow trucks in Ontario are insured through private insurers. Commercial use needs to be disclosed, and fleets are often placed on commercial policies. See Ontario commercial auto requirements for plow trucks.
WSIB
If you have workers, you need to understand whether WSIB coverage applies to your business classification. See WSIB for snow removal businesses in Ontario.
Municipal and Institutional Contracts
Municipalities, school boards and hospitals often require higher liability limits, specific certificate wording and sometimes bonds. See winning municipal snow contracts in Ontario.
Snow Removal Insurance Across Ontario Regions
- Greater Toronto Area
- Peel Region, York Region, Durham Region and Halton Region
- Golden Horseshoe and Niagara Region
- Ottawa Valley and Eastern Ontario
- Southwestern Ontario
- Simcoe County and Central Ontario and Cottage Country
- Northern Ontario
Top Ontario Cities
Toronto · Ottawa · Mississauga · Brampton · Hamilton · London · Markham · Vaughan · Kitchener · Barrie · Oakville · Burlington · Oshawa · Richmond Hill · Windsor · Sudbury · Thunder Bay · Kingston
Coverage Ontario Snow Contractors Commonly Ask About
- General liability with slip and fall and completed operations
- Plow truck insurance and commercial fleet coverage
- Salting and sanding insurance
- Umbrella liability for commercial contracts
- Equipment insurance
Ontario Guides
- How much is snow plow insurance in Ontario?
- Starting a snow removal business in Ontario
- Snow removal contract template
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
Is snow plow insurance mandatory in Ontario?
Auto insurance is mandatory for any vehicle on the road, and commercial use should be disclosed. Liability insurance is not required by law for all snow contractors, but most property owners and managers will not hire a contractor without it. See is snow plow insurance required in Ontario.
Does the Ontario 60 day notice rule protect snow contractors?
It gives contractors earlier warning of snow and ice claims on private property, which helps preserve evidence. It does not eliminate claims, and there are exceptions. Read the full guide.
Where in Ontario do you connect contractors with brokers?
Across the province, including the GTA, Ottawa, Southwestern Ontario, Simcoe County and Northern Ontario.