How Do You Know If a Snow Company Is Insured?

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Insurance is one of the most important things to check before hiring a snow removal company in London, Ontario, yet it's often the last question homeowners and businesses think to ask.

A legitimate snow removal company should carry liability insurance that covers property damage and injuries that happen during their work, whether that's a plow scraping a curb or de-icer damaging a walkway surface.

The easiest way to confirm coverage is to ask directly for a certificate of insurance before signing a contract. A company confident in its coverage will provide this without hesitation.

For commercial properties especially, insurance matters even more since a slip-and-fall claim on a large parking lot can be costly, and you want to know the snow removal company's policy, not just your own, would respond first.

At Thames Valley Snow, we carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance, we are WSIB registered, and we are a member of the London Property Management Association (LPMA). We are happy to provide proof of coverage to any customer in London who asks.

What a Certificate of Insurance Should Show

A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one or two page summary issued by the insurer or broker. Check that the business name on the certificate matches the name on your contract and invoice, that the policy dates cover the whole winter (for most seasonal contracts, December 1 to March 31), and that the commercial general liability limit is clearly stated. Look for the broker contact details so you can call and confirm the policy is active. Commercial clients will often ask to be named as an additional insured; a legitimate contractor can arrange that through their broker.

Why WSIB Registration Matters Too

Liability insurance covers damage and injuries to others. Workers on your property are a separate question. In Ontario, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) covers workers hurt on the job. If an uninsured, unregistered crew member slips on your driveway, you may be drawn into the dispute. Ask for a WSIB clearance certificate, which you can also verify yourself through the WSIB online clearance lookup. Property managers usually require it before a contractor sets foot on site.

Red Flags When Hiring a Snow Contractor

A professional company should also tell you how service is documented. We send a timestamped photo after every visit, which gives you a record of when your property was cleared, and we mark edges, steps and drains before the season so the crew avoids damage in the first place.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Beyond the paperwork, ask who actually does the work: employees or subcontractors, and whether those subcontractors carry their own coverage. Ask what happens if a plow scuffs a curb, lawn edge or decorative surface, and how a claim would be reported. A clear, confident answer is a good sign.

FAQ

Is a homeowner liable if an uninsured snow contractor damages a neighbour's property?

It can get complicated, which is exactly why you want a contractor whose own liability policy responds first. Ask your home insurer for specifics on your situation.

Can I see proof of insurance before I pay a deposit?

Yes. Ask before signing. Our seasonal contracts take a 30% deposit with the balance due before December 1, and you are welcome to see our coverage first.

Ready to stop worrying about winter? Get a free quote (we measure from City of London maps and aerial imagery and reply within 1 business day), or call or text (548) 888-8702. Learn more about our residential snow removal or see how it works.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.