Is Your Toronto Snow Removal Business Protected Against Lawsuits?
Slip-and-fall incidents are the most common and costly risks in snow removal. Even after snow is plowed, there can still be icy or slippery conditions and people may slip and fall on the cleared property. That can result in a lawsuit against your Toronto snow removal business.
Commercial general liability insurance is a key part of your Toronto snow removal insurance package to protect you from slip-and-fall lawsuits.
Western Financial Group, a 100% Canadian company, can help you navigate business, car, and home insurance during this period of economic uncertainty.
Wherever your small business is located in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), or elsewhere in Ontario, a Western Financial Group business insurance broker will get you commercial coverage that uniquely protects what you do.
Western is a trusted, national insurance brokerage that has partnered with Canada’s top insurance companies to provide commercial insurance. We work with our insurance partners to find the best business coverage at the best rate for you.
We make the process easy by getting insurance quotes for you to choose from and giving you policy coverage options that suit your Toronto business’s specific needs at the right price for you.
What is snow removal insurance?
Snow removal insurance protects your Toronto snow removal operations from liabilities, accidents, and mishaps associated with clearing snow. It’s a package of insurance coverages that protects you against lawsuits, property and equipment damage and theft, and collision damage, among other examples.
How does commercial general liability insurance protect Toronto snow removal contractors against lawsuits?
Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance protects you against third-party injuries and property damage as a Toronto snow removal contractor.
Commercial general liability insurance protects your Toronto snow removal business against claims of third-party bodily injury or property damage occurring as a result of your snow removal business’s operations. If a customer sues your snow removal business for bodily or property damage, CGL insurance would help cover the legal costs.
If you were sued, CGL insurance would help cover the legal costs to defend the claim against your Toronto snow removal company in court, as well as costs to cover damages to compensate third parties whether you win or lose your case.
Without CGL insurance, you will be responsible for paying all the costs related to third-party (member of the public/customers) damage to their property or injuries.
What does CGL insurance help cover?
- Injury to a third party who is not your employee
- Damage to someone’s property
- Damage to rented property
- Medical bills if someone is injured
- Legal costs and settlement costs of liability lawsuits filed against you
- Liability lawsuits related to slander and libel
How can Toronto snow removal operators save on their insurance with Western?
Western helps Toronto snow removal operators save on their insurance with the following:
- Bundle and save: You can combine snow removal insurance with other coverages such as landscaping, construction, or property insurance.
- Discounts: They’re available when you bundle liability, commercial auto, and property insurance.
- Cost: Depends on services provided, location and size, deductibles, properties service, vehicle and equipment values, and any past claims
- Multiple quotes to suit your needs: Western is a national insurance broker that partners with Canada’s leading insurers. We’ll get you multiple business insurance quotes to suit your needs and to help you save money.
Is snow removal insurance seasonal or all year for Toronto snow removal operators?
While snow removal operations are seasonal, snow removal insurance is generally written as a year-round policy.
Western business insurance advisors ensure you’re covered properly without paying for extras you don’t need.
What other insurance coverages does Western recommend for Toronto snow removal operators?
Commercial auto insurance
Toronto snow removal operators need commercial auto insurance because they use vehicles, including trucks, plows, and other equipment, while doing their work, often in blizzard or blizzard-like conditions.
Commercial auto insurance provides liability protection if the operator causes injury or property damage to others while operating a snow removal vehicle, such as hitting a parked car, mailbox, or building.
Contractor’s equipment insurance
It protects plows, loaders, and machinery against damage or theft. Contractor’s equipment insurance covers loss or damage to a contractor’s tools, machinery, and equipment, especially when these items are moved from one job site to another.
Contractor’s equipment insurance protects owned, rented, borrowed, or leased equipment. This coverage is essential for Toronto snow removal contractors who rely on expensive mobile equipment.
Commercial property insurance
It’s needed if you own or lease a shop, yard, or storage facility. Commercial property insurance protects your Toronto snow removal business against property losses, such as theft or vandalism. You can also add sewer backup or flood coverage extensions to protect your snow removal company’s headquarters.
Cyber liability insurance
Cyber liability insurance is recommended if you have digital contracts and payments.
Cyber liability insurance will help protect your Toronto snow removal business financially in case of a cyber-attack. Depending on the size of the data breach and the information that was taken, the customers who are affected can hold you liable and sue you for damages. That’s when cyber insurance can protect you financially.
How are subcontractors covered under snow removal insurance?
It’s important to know that subcontractors are not automatically covered by your Toronto snow removal insurance policy. Toronto subcontractors must carry their own liability insurance and often need to name you as an additional insured.
Did you know? Western helps structure snow removal insurance contracts so liability isn’t unfairly shifted back to you.
Does snow removal insurance cover equipment damage?
Yes, snow removal insurance covers equipment damage. Contractor’s equipment insurance protects plows, skid steers, loaders, and other tools against:
- Collision damage
- Fire
- Theft
- Vandalism
What deductibles does Western recommend for Toronto snow removal businesses?
It depends on the size of your Toronto snow removal operation and your risk tolerance:
- $1,000–$2,500 for liability claims (balances affordability with protection).
- Higher deductibles (e.g., $5,000+) for equipment if you’re comfortable handling smaller losses out of pocket.
Snow removal insurance protects you from significant financial risks if sued for accidents or if your equipment is stolen or damaged.
What do I do if I have a claim against my Toronto business?
Contact your broker immediately after any business-related mishap. Waiting to file a claim can confuse insurers about the severity of the damages to your business.
- Know your policy so that when you contact your broker you are familiar with what will be covered or not.
- Document the damage. Take photos right away and write down what happened.
- Do not throw away damaged goods after taking photos. Keep the physical evidence so that your adjustor can see it.
- Do not invite lawsuits. Don’t say anything that could be used against you, especially if you aren’t sure what happened.
- Be honest about what your damaged property is worth. Damaged commercial property is generally valued according to its actual cash value or replacement value.
Here’s a commercial insurance checklist
- Do you have the best Toronto business insurance rate that suits your work?
- Do you have the right amount for your deductible and regularly review it to make sure it’s the right amount for you?
- Are you or your employees using personal vehicles for work?
Western Financial Group has licensed BUSINESS INSURANCE EXPERTS to get you the right insurance coverage for your Toronto moving or storage company. Our experts are available now to help you navigate the business insurance journey to protect your Toronto business.
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5 FAQs
Why is snow removal insurance all year instead of seasonal?
The equipment and vehicles used for Toronto snow removal are still at risk of damage, theft, or vandalism while in storage or during off-season. Year-round insurance covers these risks. Vehicles used for snow removal typically require commercial auto insurance year-round if they are driven for personal or other business use after winter.
Is landscaping insurance also part of snow removal insurance?
Yes, landscaping insurance can be part of your Toronto snow removal insurance package. Many insurers provide combined coverage options designed specifically for businesses that operate in landscaping during the warmer months and snow removal during winter.
How important is commercial general liability insurance for Toronto snow removal businesses?
Commercial general liability (CGL) provides essential protection against the risks of third-party bodily injury and property damage that can happen during snow and ice removal and result in lawsuits.
How much CGL insurance do snow removal operators need?
For snow removal companies, the recommended coverage limits for commercial general liability insurance typically start at $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Many contractors choose higher limits ranging from $2 million to $10 million depending on the size of their operations, contracts, and client requirements. Speak to a Western Financial Group business insurance expert about how much CGL insurance you need.
Should a Toronto snow removal business hire insured subcontractors?
Yes, a snow removal business should only hire subcontractors who are properly insured with their own commercial general liability insurance. For example, if a subcontractor causes property damage or bodily injury, their insurance can cover claims, protecting your snow operation from being held financially responsible. Note that many clients require proof that subcontractors have commercial general liability insurance.