Even with careful, experienced operators, accidents can happen during snow removal. A plow blade might catch an edge of interlocking stone, a sprinkler head hidden under snow could get damaged, or a mailbox post might take an unexpected hit. Knowing what's typically covered before this happens helps you know what to expect if it ever does.
Reputable snow removal companies carry liability insurance specifically to cover accidental property damage that occurs during normal service. This is a standard part of operating a professional snow removal business, and it's worth confirming your provider has this coverage before signing a contract, not after something goes wrong.
The claims process typically starts with reporting the damage promptly, ideally with photos taken as soon as you notice it. Clear documentation of what happened and when makes the process smoother for everyone involved, and most companies have a straightforward process for reviewing and resolving these situations.
Not everything falls under provider responsibility, though. Damage to items that weren't properly marked or disclosed, like an unmarked buried object the company had no reasonable way to know about, may fall into a grayer area depending on the specific circumstances and what a reasonable operator could have been expected to notice.
Prevention Comes First
Most plow damage happens where edges are hard to see: lawn edges, garden beds, curbs, low walls and drains. Marking those areas before the first snowfall is the single best way to avoid damage. Edges, steps and drains are marked before the season so crews can find them under fresh snow.
Document Everything
Take photos of your driveway, lawn edges and any existing cracks or damage before winter. If something happens, photos and dates make the conversation much simpler. Thames Valley Snow records every visit with timestamped photos, which helps show what was done and when.
How Insurance Fits In
Ask any contractor what liability insurance they carry and whether they have WSIB coverage for their workers. Thames Valley Snow carries $2,000,000 in liability coverage and WSIB, and a certificate of insurance is available on request.
What to Do If You Notice Damage
Report it as soon as you see it, ideally the same day, with photos and the location. Some issues, like turf scraped at the lawn edge, are common in winter and are easier to judge once the snow melts in spring, so note it early even if the full extent is not clear yet.
Common Types of Winter Damage
The most common issues are scraped turf along the driveway edge, gravel pushed onto the lawn, chipped curbs, and damage to interlock or decorative borders that sit flush with the driveway. Mailboxes and low fences near the end of the driveway can also be hit when the City windrow is being cleared. Knowing where these risks are on your property helps you mark the right spots.
Not every mark is caused by a plow. Freeze-thaw cycles crack older asphalt and lift pavers on their own, and City plows on the street can push heavy snow and debris onto the lawn near the road. Photos taken before winter help separate one cause from another. If you have new concrete or pavers, ask whether salt is a good idea on them in their first winter, and consider a gentler de-icer instead.
FAQ
Can I get a copy of the insurance certificate?
Yes. Certificates are available on request for residential and commercial clients.
How can I lower the risk of damage?
Mark edges, curbs and drains before the season, keep the driveway clear of objects, and take photos of existing damage before winter starts.
Want a fixed price for your property? Request a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read more about residential snow removal and commercial snow removal.
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.
Want it handled for you?
Seasonal snow removal from $650 + HST. Automatic at 5 cm, photo after every visit.
Get my free quote