If you live in New Brunswick you know it can get cold in the wintertime. In addition, many parts of the province get more than 100 inches of snow each year on average. This is a good place to have a snow removal service and you will want to make sure you have sufficient snow plow insurance for your business. When there is a lot of snow on the ground, everything is coated in beautiful shade of white. However, this beauty hides a great deal of hazards as you will see in our example story.
As a child, Joe T loved to get out and play in the snow. He and his brothers would spend hours making snowmen, having snowball fights, and riding their sleds all over the frozen countryside. In fact, as Joe grew up, he never lost his love of winter, winter sports, and starting up a snow removal business was a dream come true. For several years, Joe ran a tow service and a snow removal service would be the perfect addition to his business. Of course he didn’t think much about snow plowing insurance.
Joe figured his towing service insurance would cover his needs, except for insurance on his snow removal equipment and vehicles. However, Joe didn’t realize what could happen and didn’t seriously consider all the risks of the business he was about to enter.
Joe’s business grew fast because he cut expenses to the bone to undersell the competition. This also meant cutting costs on snow removal insurance and this turned out to be a big mistake.
A month after Joe was in business there was a huge snowstorm and he was very busy. He also provided snow removal for sidewalks and driveways and had several men working with snow machines during this time. One of his men was clearing off a driveway which was right next to a neighbour’s fence. The machine threw so much snow over the fence that is collapsed the fence and the above ground pool nearby.
Unfortunately, Joe cut costs so much he didn’t have any coverage for the damages and this caused him a major financial setback which could have easily been avoided.
What is Snow Plow Insurance?
Snow plow coverage is insurance to protect a business that removes snow. It can be for commercial or residential customers. This kind of policy covers legal issues as well as damage to equipment and the property of others.
Who Should Have Snow Plowing Insurance?
If you are in the snow removal business you need special insurance. This includes businesses charging customers to come out and clear walkways and sidewalks. Like the example story with Joe, you never know what might happen and it’s best to be prepared.
What is Standard Snow Removal Insurance?
Because you run a business you should consider a standard business owner policy which can include:
- Commercial property insurance
- General liability
- Equipment insurance – this can include your plows, snow blower machines, and tools specific to your operations.
- Commercial auto insurance – for the trucks pushing the plows. If you have a commercial contract you also may have special trucks for spreading salt or sand and they need insurance.
Options for Snow Plow Insurance
Because it doesn’t snow all year round in New Brunswick your business is seasonal and some equipment may sit for better than half the year. You can insure this equipment for the time it is needed. However, you will want to keep your comprehensive insurance in force in case something happens to your equipment while in storage. You also may need these insurance options:
- Increased 3rd party liability limits
- Office equipment insurance
- Flood damage
Determining Your Coverage Limits
You may need more than standard coverage limits and you should take these factors into account when determining your needs:
- How many drivers do you employ?
- How many plows do you own?
- Do you have significant assets or financial reserves?
- Can you absorb financial losses?
Your insurance broker is the best person to talk to about these things and this is why you should consider an experienced insurance professional from Vienneau Insurance.
Shopping for Snow Plowing Insurance without Hassles
There are many business and financial factors to consider when you shop for insurance. Plus, you should check with many different companies to see what they have to offer. This can take up a lot of your time and resources and there is a better option. Come to Vienneau Insurance.
Your Independent Insurance Professionals
Why put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to insurance? This is what happens when you have an insurance company agent who only represents one company. He can only give you a limited amount of options and you either pay the premiums or go elsewhere.
Your independent broker from Vienneau Insurance does not work for an insurance company. This person works for you and has several insurance partners with excellent snow removal insurance options. This will get you the best coverage and most affordable premiums.
Don’t leave your snow removal service vulnerable. Get a free insurance quote today from Vienneau Insurance.
