If your business relies on vehicles to operate, you already know that winter in Ontario is more than a seasonal inconvenience. It is a real operational challenge. From icy parking lots in Mississauga to snow covered delivery routes in Barrie to highway whiteouts outside Kingston, commercial vehicles face risks that increase sharply as temperatures drop.
For companies that depend on steady transportation whether you are handling holiday season delivery spikes, transporting tools to job sites, or managing a fleet of service vehicles these winter months often bring a rise in commercial vehicle insurance claims. Knowing what types of incidents happen most often can help you prepare your team, strengthen your safety practices, and protect your bottom line.
Let’s walk through the most common winter related claims Ontario businesses experience, why they happen, and what you can do to stay ahead of them.
Increased Collision Claims from Icy Roads
It is no surprise that the number one winter insurance claim for commercial auto insurance is related to vehicle collisions. Snow, slush, and freezing rain turn even familiar routes into unpredictable hazards.
In Ontario, collisions spike after:
• Sudden temperature drops
• First snowfalls of the season
• Freeze thaw cycles that create black ice
• Heavy storms that limit visibility
For businesses that rely on daily driving such as couriers, tradespeople, and service fleets the risk intensifies in December due to increased traffic and holiday delivery spikes. Even well trained drivers can be caught off guard by another vehicle sliding or braking late.
Collision claims typically involve:
• Rear end impacts
• Intersections where vehicles cannot stop in time
• Sideswipes from sliding lanes
• Damage from snowbanks and unplowed areas
Good winter tires and safe driving practices help reduce risk, but they cannot eliminate it. This is why strong commercial vehicle insurance is essential during the winter season. Collision coverage, accident benefits, and liability protection work together to ensure your business can recover quickly if something goes wrong on the road.
Claims from Slide Offs and Single Vehicle Incidents
Many winter related claims do not even involve another driver. Ontario businesses often see single vehicle incidents that lead to expensive repairs or downtime.
These include:
• Sliding into a curb or guardrail
• Getting stuck in deep snow and damaging components
• Hitting hidden obstacles under snow piles
• Losing control on rural or lightly maintained roads
Because these incidents often happen at slower speeds, business owners sometimes underestimate the damage. Even a small collision with a curb can lead to suspension issues, alignment problems, or tire replacement.
Commercial auto insurance is designed to absorb these costs so your fleet can get back on the road quickly.
Windshield and Glass Damage
The constant temperature changes in Ontario winters are tough on vehicle glass. Windshields expand and contract, and when combined with flying salt, gravel, and debris, glass damage becomes one of the most common winter claims submitted by Ontario businesses.
Cracked or chipped windshields are more than a cosmetic problem. They can:
• Reduce driver visibility
• Interfere with advanced safety systems
• Lead to costly repairs if left untreated
Most commercial vehicle insurance policies offer optional glass coverage or full glass protection which can significantly reduce out of pocket expenses.
Claims from Snow and Ice Falling onto Vehicles
Ontario experiences conditions that many business owners do not fully anticipate until it happens to them. Heavy snow or ice falling from rooftops, awnings, trees, or larger vehicles can cause sudden damage.
This type of claim becomes more common during:
• Rapid warmups
• Rainfall on top of snow
• Times when buildings or parking lots are not cleared regularly
Unfortunately, falling snow or ice can lead to dents, broken mirrors, cracked windshields, and paint damage. Comprehensive coverage within your commercial auto insurance policy typically applies here.
Theft and Break In Claims During the Holiday Season
Winter and the holiday season create a surprising increase in theft related claims, especially in dense commercial areas and plazas where businesses leave vehicles unattended for part of the day.
Holiday delivery spikes often mean more packages, tools, or equipment stored inside business vehicles. Thieves know this and target vans, trucks, and delivery vehicles for quick smash and grab thefts.
Common winter theft claims involve:
• Stolen tools or merchandise
• Damaged locks and doors
• Theft of catalytic converters
• Entire vehicles being stolen
In Ontario, your commercial vehicle insurance may cover vehicle damage while commercial liability insurance or property coverage may apply to stolen equipment depending on where it is stored. A broker can help you determine which coverage responds in different scenarios.
Parking Lot Incidents and Low Speed Collisions
Ontario parking lots become unpredictable in winter. With snowbanks blocking visibility, slippery surfaces, and tight holiday season parking, low speed crashes happen frequently.
Common claims include:
• Backing incidents
• Minor bumper collisions
• Damage from sliding in crowded commercial areas
• Vehicles struck by snow removal equipment
While these incidents typically cause less severe damage, they still result in costs and delays. A small fender repair can easily reach several hundred dollars, and downtime for a business vehicle affects productivity.
Claims Related to Poor Visibility
Fog, blowing snow, and longer dark hours lead to increased visibility related incidents. Drivers may misjudge distances, fail to see obstacles, or struggle with sudden whiteout conditions.
Winter visibility claims often involve:
• Side impacts
• Missed turns
• Collisions with stationary objects
• Lane drifting
Clean windows, functioning wipers, and proper lighting go a long way, but visibility issues remain a constant winter challenge across Ontario highways and city streets.
Liability Claims from Winter Driving and Operations
Winter does not only create risks for your vehicles. It also increases your exposure to commercial liability insurance claims.
For example:
• A customer or contractor may be injured near your vehicle during winter unloading
• Snow from your vehicle may fall onto another car and cause damage
• Your driver may unintentionally cause harm due to sudden road conditions
Winter tends to magnify everyday risks, which is why having the right combination of commercial vehicle insurance and commercial liability insurance is so important for Ontario businesses.
How Ontario Businesses Can Reduce Winter Claims
While winter claims cannot be eliminated entirely, you can reduce your risk.
Consider:
• Equipping all vehicles with winter tires
• Scheduling maintenance before peak season
• Using telematics for safer driving habits
• Training drivers for winter specific conditions
• Parking in well lit, monitored, or indoor spaces
• Clearing snow from roofs and cargo areas
• Allowing extra time during holiday delivery peaks
Small steps can make a big difference in preventing claims and lowering your premium long term.
Winter in Ontario is demanding, and your business vehicles face more risks now than at any other point in the year. The right commercial vehicle insurance and commercial auto insurance can help you recover quickly from collisions, theft, weather damage, and visibility incidents. Pair that with proper commercial liability insurance and your business is protected from both vehicle related incidents and broader winter liabilities.
If you want a winter ready review of your coverage or want to compare options from top Canadian insurers, we are here to help.
Request your quote today and make sure your business is prepared for the season ahead.
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