Key facts
- Snow removal and salting must be declared. Some liability policies limit or exclude them if they are not.
- Slip-and-fall claims are a major risk in winter. Good records help defend them.
- Mowers, trailers and skid steers need equipment coverage. Auto policies do not cover them.
- Tree work is higher hazard and some insurers exclude it. Ask before you take jobs.
- Landscape and snow contracts often require certificates and additional insured status.
Risks landscapers and snow contractors face
- Damage to customer property. Irrigation lines, buried utilities, lawns, fences and vehicles.
- Slip and fall. Ice and snow on lots, sidewalks and driveways lead to injury claims.
- Equipment theft. Mowers, trimmers, trailers and attachments are popular targets.
- Vehicle accidents. Trucks with trailers and plows on winter roads.
- Chemicals. Fertilizer, herbicide and de-icing product use can cause damage or pollution claims.
- Crew injuries and subcontractors. Seasonal workers and subs increase exposure.
- Weather. Storms and heavy winters raise both work and claims.
Coverages to consider
- Commercial general liability. Covers injury and property damage claims and legal defence. Ask that snow removal and salting operations are named on the policy.
- Products and completed operations. Covers claims from finished work, such as retaining walls or interlocking.
- Mobile equipment and tools. Covers mowers, trimmers, skid steers, chippers and other equipment on the job, in trailers and in storage.
- Commercial auto. Covers trucks, trailers, plows and spreaders. See our commercial auto for trades page.
- Non-owned auto. Covers liability when crew members use their own vehicles.
- Pollution liability. Reviews spill and chemical exposures. If you apply pesticides, tell us, because licensing and coverage rules apply.
- Commercial property. Covers your yard, shop, stock and office contents.
- Business interruption and equipment breakdown. Helps when a covered loss stops work or a key machine fails.
- Umbrella liability. Adds limits above your liability and auto policies.
Snow removal: what to declare and what to record
- Declare every snow service you offer: plowing, shovelling, salting, sanding and hauling.
- Read contract clauses that shift risk to you, such as hold harmless and indemnity wording. Ask us to review them before you sign.
- Keep records of each visit: date, time, weather, work done and photos. These can be valuable if you are sued after a fall.
- Ask your customer for their own insurance certificate when the contract is with a property owner.
Summer and winter operations
| Comparison | Summer season | Winter season |
|---|---|---|
| Main work | Mowing, planting, hardscape, tree work | Plowing, shovelling, salting |
| Common claims | Property damage, equipment theft, injury | Slip and fall, vehicle damage, property damage |
| Equipment | Mowers, trimmers, skid steers | Plows, spreaders, snow blowers |
| Key coverage | Liability, equipment, commercial auto | Liability with snow declared, auto with plows |
| Records to keep | Job photos before and after | Visit logs with time, weather and photos |
Tree service and higher-hazard work
Tree removal and climbing work carry a much higher injury and property damage risk. Some insurers exclude it and some price it separately. If you do any tree work, tell us before you take jobs, so your policy matches what you actually do.
What insurers ask landscapers
- Split between residential and commercial customers
- Services offered, including snow, tree work and pesticide use
- Revenue, payroll, subcontractors and seasonal workers
- Equipment list with values
- Number of vehicles, trailers and plows
- Claims history
Example scenarios
FAQ
Questions Ontario clients ask
- Do I need special insurance for snow removal?
- You need liability coverage that includes snow removal. Some policies exclude or limit it unless you declare it, so make sure it is named.
- Are my mowers and trailers covered on my truck policy?
- Generally no. They need equipment and trailer coverage.
- How much does landscaping insurance cost in Ontario?
- It depends on revenue, payroll, services, equipment and claims history. We compare 20+ insurers to give you real numbers.
- Do I need insurance for a seasonal business?
- Yes. Claims can come in any season, and customers still ask for certificates. We help you match coverage to the months you operate.
- Can I hire subcontractors for snow removal?
- Yes, but collect their certificates and check the limits. If a sub has no insurance, you may end up responsible.
- Does my policy cover pesticide application?
- Not always. Tell us if you apply chemicals so we can check coverage and licensing requirements.
- Is tree work covered?
- Sometimes, at a higher price. Declare it up front.
AB
About the broker
Abhishek Bedwal · RIBO Certified Insurance Broker
Abhishek is a Registered Insurance Broker of Ontario (RIBO) licensed across the province, with local expertise across Durham Region, Ottawa, Niagara Falls, Brantford and Windsor. Coverage is placed through The Insurance Lab, a division of BrokerUnion, giving clients access to 20+ Canadian insurers so the policy fits the risk — not the other way around.
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