Snow Plowing Insurance from Massachusetts Specialists

Roger Keith & Sons

What is snow plowing insurance?

Snow removal can be a profitable seasonal business, but operating equipment in blizzard conditions comes with obvious risks. Snow plowing insurance can help Massachusetts businesses in this line of work protect themselves from many of the risks they face.

Snow plowing insurance offers specialized commercial coverage for snow removal businesses. Most policies come with coverages that protect against damage, accidents, lawsuits and more.

What Massachusetts businesses should purchase snow plow insurance?

Most businesses that offer snow removal services should have snow plow insurance. This includes everything from individuals who have a plow to large businesses that operate throughout Massachusetts.

Some specific examples of businesses that may want to purchase a snow plowing policy include:

• Pickup owners who plow a few driveways
• Local businesses offering residential snow removal
• Larger businesses that offer commercial snow removal
• Landscapers who use their equipment for snow removal

Moreover, businesses usually need a policy regardless of their official structure. Sole proprietors, limited liability corporations, limited liability partnerships and S/C corporations might have some legal protections, but any legal protections are likely different from what an insurance policy provides.

Do pickup truck owners need snow plow insurance when clearing neighbors’ driveways?

Whether a pickup owner needs a snow plow policy for clearing neighbors’ driveways normally hinges on if they’re paid for the service.

Truck owners usually don’t need insurance coverage if they clear neighbors, friends or family members’ driveways as an unpaid favor. In most cases, unpaid driving like this can be covered by a standard trick insurance policy that includes coverage for a plow.

Truck owners often do need snow plow insurance if they’re paid for clearing driveways, and whose driveways or how many driveways they clear normally doesn’t impact whether snow plow insurance is needed. Truck owners thus should consider the cost of insurance before charing neighbors for clearing their driveways.

An insurance agent who specializes in this type of insurance can help pickup owners determine whether they can use a basic truck policy or need a more robust snow plowing policy.

What coverages are available through snow plowing policies?

Snow plowing policies normally provide a combination of coverages that work together so businesses have robust protection. Some of the coverages that policies might purchase include:

• Commercial Auto Coverage, which may protect against damage to and accidents involving trucks or other vehicles
• Commercial Property Coverage, which may project buildings, salters, snowblowers and other equipment
• Inland Marine Coverage, which may protect salters, snowblowers and other equipment when it’s being transported
• General Liability Coverage, which may protect against accidents involving third-party injuries or property damage
• Commercial Umbrella Coverage, which may provide additional liability protection for expensive lawsuits
• Business Interruption Coverage, which may cover lost revenue if a natural disaster prevents working for a season

Can landscapers cover landscaping and plowing through a single insurance policy?

Insurance companies recognize that many Massachusetts businesses landscape during the warmer seasons and plow during winter. Policies that cover both landscaping and plowing are readily available, and a knowledgeable insurance agent can help landscapers who need coverage for both activities evaluate these policy options.

Do snow removal businesses need coverage during summer months?

Businesses that offer only snow removal services may not need as much protection during summer months when they aren’t plowing. Insurance usually shouldn’t be entirely canceled, however, as this could leave equipment unprotected against damage that occurs while it’s in storage.

A knowledgeable insurance agent can help snow removal businesses adjust their coverages in spring and fall, so they’re properly insured throughout the year without overpaying for unnecessary coverages.

How can snow removal businesses get snow plowing insurance?

If you need help insuring a snow removal business that operates in Massachusetts, contact the independent insurance agents at Roger Keith & Sons Insurance. Our agents are well versed in snow plowing insurance policies, and we’ll make sure your business is well protected.