Commercial Auto vs. CGL: Ensuring Your Snow Plow Truck Is Properly Covered

Snow plow operations insurance can be tricky, particularly when it seems like two policies, commercial auto vs. CGL (commercial general liability), apply to the same truck. A lot of contractors think one policy covers all. It is that assumption on which gap coverage fees helplessly pile up.

Understanding how these policies work together, where they end, and what they exclude is a necessity if you want your snow plow truck to be properly covered in travels from driveway to job site, and even after you leave.

Commercial Auto vs. CGL: What Each Policy Actually Covers

In the simplest terms, Commercial Auto insurance protects you from vehicle-related hazards you encounter while your truck is out on public roads. This also covers accidents, third-party injury , and property damage while driving.

CGL, in contrast, looks at risks created by the way we do business. It covers claims that result from what you do with your snow-removing business, stuff like damage to property or injury associated with the service you provide, instead of the driving itself.

Neither policy replaces the other. They are intended to work in combination, but only if assembled properly.

Protect belongings, liability issues, and more with renters insurance!

The “On-Road” vs. “Operations” Gap: When Auto Ends and Liability Begins

Among the most confusing concepts in snow plowing is the on-road vs. operations gap.

Commercial Auto usually applies when your truck is on public roads. And once you pull into your parking lot, driveway, or private property and start plowing, a lot of auto policies reduce or eliminate coverage for “business” use.

This is supposed to be the slot for CGL, but only if your policy has been endorsed to provide coverage for snow plowing operations. In the absence of good synchronization between the two policies, contractors may be left with no protection just when their risk is greatest.

Here is where clear policy language matters. Ambiguity is not your friend.

Also, learn the purpose, coverage options, and how to choose the right tenants insurance!

Why Personal Auto Policies Exclude Snow Plowing (Don’t Risk It)

One of the biggest and riskiest mistakes that contractors make is using a personal auto policy for snow plowing.

You see, personal auto insurance is meant for everyday driving, not professional activity. Snow plowing is considered to be a very high-risk business, so most personal policies have an exclusion of snow removal.

For any plowing accident under a personal policy, the claim will probably be flat-out denied. And that denial isn’t limited to the event itself; it can result in policy rescission and long-term insurability problems.

If a vehicle is used in snow removal, it requires commercial coverage. There’s no safe workaround.

For real guidance, simply call Summit Insurance for unbiased information!

Covering Your Attachments: Are Your Blades and Salters Insured?

Snowplow trucks are more than just vehicles; they’re working machines. Plow blades, spreaders, and salters are expensive, and they’re not always automatically covered.

In many cases, attachments are either:

• Subject to low sub-limits
• Excluded unless scheduled
• Covered only while attached (not stored)

Understanding how your policy treats plow blades and salters matters just as much as insuring the truck itself. If an attachment is damaged or stolen, assuming coverage without verifying it can lead to unpleasant surprises.

If you're out of British Columbia, look into Summit Insurance Kelowna!

Completed Operations Coverage: Protection After You Leave the Site

One of the most overlooked aspects of snow removal insurance is completed operations coverage.

This part of a CGL policy protects you after the job is done, once you’ve left the site. Claims related to alleged improper snow removal, ice control, or service quality often arise hours or days later.

Without completed operations coverage, contractors may find themselves exposed to claims long after they thought the risk had passed. For snow removal, this coverage isn’t optional; it’s foundational. Also, get more information on Builder's Risk Insurance!

Bringing It All Together

Properly insuring a snow plow truck isn’t about choosing between Commercial Auto or CGL; it’s about understanding where each policy begins and ends.

From on-road driving to active plowing, from equipment attachments to post-service exposure, every phase of snow removal carries its own risk profile. When policies aren’t aligned, gaps appear, and those gaps are expensive.

Clear coverage structure, correct classifications, and attention to detail are what keep snow contractors protected season after season.