What to Look for in a Snow Removal Service Agreement

3 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

A snow removal service agreement might look like a simple one-page document, but the details inside it determine how smoothly your entire winter goes. Before signing anything, it's worth reading closely for a handful of specific elements that separate a solid agreement from a vague one that leaves too much open to interpretation.

Look for a clearly stated trigger depth and response time window, spelled out in actual numbers rather than general language like "promptly" or "as needed." A agreement that says service begins once a set depth of snow accumulates, with completion within a defined window, gives you something concrete to hold the company to if service ever falls short.

Check what's explicitly included versus what counts as an add-on. Driveway clearing, walkway clearing, and salting are sometimes bundled together and sometimes priced separately, and a vague agreement can leave you assuming something is covered when it isn't. Get specifics on square footage covered too, especially if your property has unusual features like a long driveway or multiple parking areas.

Cancellation and refund terms matter more than most homeowners think to check. Understand what happens if you need to cancel mid-season, whether partial refunds are available, and what the process looks like if you're unsatisfied with service quality partway through the winter.

The Trigger Depth Should Be a Number

The trigger is the amount of snow that sends a crew to your property. It should be written as a number, not as a phrase like "after a significant snowfall." At Thames Valley Snow the trigger is 5 cm: once 5 cm has fallen, your property is on the route automatically, and you never have to call to ask for a visit. If an agreement you are reviewing has no number at all, ask for one before signing.

Know Exactly What Is Included

A seasonal plan should list what the crew clears on every visit and what costs extra. Common add-ons are worth pricing out on paper so there are no surprises in January. As an example, our residential add-ons are listed with fixed prices:

• Seasonal salting, including freezing rain and refreeze visits: $175
• City sidewalk clearing along your frontage: $90
• Walkway plus up to 6 steps: $175
• Pet-safe de-icer instead of rock salt: $120
• November or April extension coverage: $95

If the agreement you are looking at says "salting available" with no price, you do not yet know what your winter will cost.

Insurance and Proof of Service

Ask for proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage, and make sure the agreement says you can get a certificate of insurance on request. Thames Valley Snow carries $2,000,000 in liability coverage and WSIB, and provides a certificate of insurance to any client who asks. It also helps when the company documents its work. We take timestamped photos on visits, which gives you a clear record if a question ever comes up about when a property was cleared.

Seasonal Plan or Pay Per Visit

Some agreements are seasonal and some charge per visit. A seasonal plan gives you a fixed cost for the winter, while per-visit pricing means you pay only when the crew comes. For a typical London driveway, our seasonal plan starts at $650 and a single visit is $70, so a winter with more than about nine plowable snowfalls favours the seasonal plan. Whichever you choose, the agreement should state the price and the dates the plan covers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a snow removal quote take?

It depends on the company. Thames Valley Snow sends written quotes within 2 business days of a request, so you have time to read the terms before winter starts.

Are there discounts on seasonal agreements?

Some companies offer them. We give a 5% discount to seniors and front-line workers on seasonal plans. Ask any company you are comparing whether a discount applies to you.

Want a written quote with every term spelled out? Request a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also see our snow removal prices or read about residential snow removal.