Snow Plowing Insurance in Massachusetts
Snow plowing insurance policies are specialized commercial policies that have been specifically crafted to meet the needs of snow removal businesses. Moving snow from walkways, public areas, driveways and parking lots can be lucrative, but the work comes with inherent risks.
Businesses offering residential plowing and snow removal
Businesses offering commercial plowing and snow removal
Landscaping businesses that plow on the side during winter
General Liability Coverage
Commercial Auto Coverage
Commercial Property Coverage
Business Interruption Coverage
What is Snow Plowing Insurance?
Moving snow from walkways, public areas, driveways and parking lots can be lucrative, but the work comes with inherent risks. Snow plowing insurance helps protect snow removal businesses in Massachusetts from many of the risks they face.
Snow plowing insurance policies are specialized commercial policies that have been specifically crafted to meet the needs of snow removal businesses. These policies are typically written as package policies that come with multiple coverage options, and businesses can usually select the coverages which make the most sense for them.
What Coverages Are Available Through Snow Plowing Policies?
The coverages that snow plowing policies make available protect against property, liability and other risks. Some of the more commonly offered protections are:
- General Liability Coverage, which might protect against some common accidents
- Commercial Auto Coverage, which might protect company-owned vehicles
- Commercial Property Coverage, which might protect company-owned facilities and equipment
- Business Interruption Coverage, which might protect against sustained revenue losses following a covered incident
- Commercial Umbrella Coverage, which might afford extra liability protection
While every coverage is worthy of attention, the auto coverage included in a policy is particularly important. Plowing often sends drivers out in difficult driving conditions when accidents are more likely. Many businesses choose to purchase robust auto coverage because of the increased likelihood of an accident.
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What Business in Massachusetts Need Snow Plow Insurance?
Most businesses that offer snow removal services in Massachusetts should have snow plow insurance. This generally includes (but may not be limited to) the following types of businesses:
- Businesses offering residential plowing and snow removal
- Businesses offering commercial plowing and snow removal
- Landscaping businesses that plow on the side during winter
- Pickup truck owners who offer plowing by themselves
In most cases, it doesn’t matter if snow removal services are offered on a part- or full-time basis. Because just one accident can have devastating consequences, both insurance is usually appropriate regardless of how many hours a person or business spends plowing.
Do Pickup Owners Need Snow Plow Insurance for Plowing Neighbors’ Driveways?
Generally speaking, whether snow plow insurance is necessary depends on whether money (or other compensation) is exchanged for plowing services.
Pickup owners who plow their family members, friends and neighbors’ driveways without accepting compensation for doing so may not need a commercial insurance policy. A personal policy might cover such activity since the plowing is done for personal reasons.
Pickup owners who are paid for plowing their neighbors’ driveway usually do need to purchase a snow plow policy. Once money changes hands, the activity is normally considered a commercial activity. Most personal policies won’t cover commercial activity, potentially leaving these owners with a major coverage gap if they’re in an accident while plowing.
While this is broadly true, there may be exceptions. Pickup owners can seek advice that’s more specific to their particular situation by speaking with an insurance agent who specializes in snow plow policies. A knowledgeable agent will be able to explain how a given policy defines commercial activity and help apply that definition to an owner’s scenario.
How Can Massachusetts Snow Removal Businesses Get Snow Plowing Insurance?
For help finding snow plowing insurance, contact the independent insurance agents at Scotti Insurance Agency. Our agents have worked with many snow removal businesses in Massachusetts, and they have the expertise necessary to help you find the right policy for your business. Since all of our agents are independent, they’re able to recommend the best policy options irrespective of what insurance company offers them.
