Snow Removal and Insurance: What Every Property Owner Should Know

Winter maintenance has direct implications for your property insurance premiums and claims history — and your snow removal contractor's insurance matters too.

Snow Removal Services

Winter maintenance has direct implications for your property insurance premiums and claims history — and your snow removal contractor's insurance matters too.

A slip-and-fall on your property during winter can trigger a claim under your general liability or property insurance policy. In Ontario, occupier's liability claims related to snow and ice are common and can be expensive. Your insurer will look at whether reasonable winter maintenance steps were taken when assessing the claim.

Winter Preparedness Tips

Hiring an insured snow removal contractor is not optional — it's a basic risk management requirement. If a property is cleared by an uninsured contractor and a visitor is injured, liability may rest entirely with the property owner. Always request a certificate of insurance from your snow removal provider before work begins.

Documentation reduces your insurance exposure. A contractor who provides time-stamped service records, weather logs, and salt application records is giving you the paper trail that insurers look for. D&D Snow Services provides service documentation as a standard part of every commercial contract.

D&D Snow Services Coverage

Some insurers offer premium discounts for documented winter maintenance programs. If your property is actively managed under a formal snow removal contract with a qualified contractor, it may qualify for a reduced liability premium. Ask your broker about this before renewing.

Commercial property owners with a history of slip-and-fall claims often find their insurance becomes more expensive or difficult to obtain. Maintaining a clean claims history through effective winter maintenance is the best long-term strategy for managing insurance costs.

Devon Moore, Operations Lead Co-Founder & Operations Lead — D&D Snow Services

Devon Moore is the co-founder and Operations Lead at D&D Snow Services, providing reliable residential and commercial snow removal across Waterloo Region.