If you live in Atlantic Canada, you know this winter has been extreme.
Heavy snow. Freezing rain. Ice pellets. Sudden thaws followed by deep freezes. The kind of winter mix that turns driveways into skating rinks overnight.
Across Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, we’ve seen storm after storm roll through — and with each one comes a risk many homeowners don’t immediately think about.
Slip-and-fall injuries.
And today, more than ever, we have people showing up at our doors every single day.
- Amazon deliveries.
- SkipTheDishes orders.
- Grocery drop-offs.
- Fuel delivery.
- Courier services.
With the increase in home delivery services, your walkway isn’t just for family and friends anymore. It’s a high-traffic area.
It Only Takes One Slip
You clear the snow in the morning. By afternoon, freezing rain moves in. Overnight, temperatures drop.
That thin layer of ice you barely notice? It’s enough.
A delivery driver is rushing to stay on schedule. A fuel technician carrying equipment. A courier navigating steps in low light.
Winter conditions in NS and NL change quickly — and homeowners have a responsibility to keep their property reasonably safe.
When Winter Weather Becomes Liability
If someone slips and falls on your property and is injured, you could be held legally responsible.
That could mean claims for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Legal costs
It’s not something anyone expects — but it’s a risk that can happen every winter across Atlantic Canada.
“Would My Insurance Cover That?”
This is one of the most common winter questions we receive at Munn Insurance.
Most homeowner’s policies include Personal Liability Coverage. If you are found legally responsible for someone’s injury on your property, your policy may respond by covering:
- Legal costs
- Settlement or court awards
- Associated medical expenses
That coverage is there to protect your financial well-being.
But insurance is designed for unexpected accidents — not preventable hazards.
With This Winter, Ongoing Maintenance Matters
With the freeze-thaw cycles and winter mix we’ve experienced this season, clearing once isn’t always enough.
A few simple steps can go a long way:
- Clear snow promptly after every storm
- Salt or sand after freezing rain
- Monitor shaded or north-facing areaa
- Keep steps and handrails accessible
- Make sure outdoor lighting is working
- Arrange snow clearing if you’re away
With Grocery delivery, Amazon and SkipTheDishes deliveries becoming part of daily life, your property may see more foot traffic than ever before — especially in the evenings when visibility is lower.
Protecting Your Community — And Yourself
Keeping your driveway and walkway safe protects:
- The delivery driver trying to complete a long shift
- The SkipTheDishes courier navigating icy steps
- The fuel technician working in tough conditions
- Emergency personnel who may need quick access
- Your own financial security
Winter storms are part of life in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador.
A liability claim doesn’t have to be.
We’re Here to Help
At Munn Insurance, we’re here to do more than issue policies. We’re here to provide guidance.
If you’re unsure about your liability limits, want to review your homeowners coverage, or simply want peace of mind after this season’s storms, our team is ready to help.
Winter is unpredictable.
Your protection shouldn’t be.
Stay safe. Stay prepared. Stay covered.
— The Team at Munn Insurance