News Snow & Ice
Expensive insurance premiums driving up costs of private snow removal services

Ontario’s cottage owners can expect to pay high prices again this winter for snow removal services.

The cost of wages, fuel and vehicle expenses remains high, but costly insurance premiums continue to be the main reason for the high cost of snow removal.

Bob Barnhart, co-owner of Barnhart Sand and Gravel in Dwight, Ont., told Cottage Life that his yearly premium can be as high as $15,000 above and beyond general liability insurance.

Adding to the problem of private snow removal is that some insurance companies don’t want snow contractors among their customers. Slip-and-fall injury claims are the leading driver of escalating insurance costs.

Smaller snow removal operators are opting out of the business because it’s no longer affordable for them.