Hiring a snow removal service feels like a low-stakes decision until it isn't. The time you find out your service is unreliable is when you're late for work, stuck behind an unplowed driveway, in January. Choose carefully upfront and you'll never deal with that stress.
What to look for
1. Proof of insurance, not just a claim
Any operator can say "we're insured." Ask for a Certificate of Insurance naming you (or at minimum showing General Liability coverage of at least $2 million). A plowing truck that damages your vehicle, your fence, or a pedestrian while working your property is your problem if the operator isn't properly insured.
2. Neighbourhood references
The best predictor of service quality is what current customers in your area say — specifically about the heavy storm nights, not just routine 5cm snowfalls. Ask for 2–3 references in your neighbourhood and actually call them. Ask: "Did they show up during the last big storm? How late? Did they damage anything?"
3. Written contract with trigger depth, start/end dates, and damage policy
A handshake deal is not a snow removal contract. Insist on written terms that specify: trigger depth (when do they come?), service start and end dates, what's included (driveway only? walkway? salting?), and what happens if they cause damage. No contract = no accountability.
4. How they handle back-to-back storms
One snowfall is manageable. Three consecutive nights of 8cm each is where routes fall apart. Ask explicitly: "What happens if we get multiple storms in one week? Do you guarantee service each time?" An honest operator will tell you that it may run a bit later on their second or third consecutive night — that's acceptable. An operator who promises perfection every time in every condition is not being truthful.
5. Communication during storms
Do they send a text when they're en route? Do they have a customer service number you can actually reach during a storm? The best services have text or app notifications so you always know your status. If the answer is "just call us" with a cell number that goes to voicemail during storms — that's a red flag.
Red flags to avoid
- No written contract
- Price significantly below market (often a sign of no insurance or bad service)
- Can't name references in your specific neighbourhood
- Cash only with no receipt
- No specification of what "driveway clearing" actually includes
- No damage policy or disputes handled "case by case"
Questions to ask before signing
- How many properties does each crew service in a route?
- What time will my driveway typically be cleared by on a standard snowfall night?
- What's your damage policy and how are claims handled?
- Is salting included, or is it an add-on?
- Can I see your Certificate of Insurance?